Student Visa Extension Prices Doubled
The cost of student visas has soared for international students applying from within the UK. The charge for postal applications has increased from £155 to £250, whilst the charge for the one day appointment service has doubled from £250 to £500. All non-EU students will be affected by the changes, which came into force on April 1st. Foreign students are already required to pay full tuition fees for their course which range from £8,540 for Theology to £20, 820 for Clinical medicine.
They are also required to pay an additional college fee of around £4,300. Amanda Loiacono, a first year from New York studying History of Art at St Peter’s, told The Oxford Student: “It seems a little harsh considering how much foreigners already have to pay to study here.” Student Union vice president for access and academic affairs Linsey Cole said OUSU was opposed to the introduction of the higher charges. She pointed out international students are already paying higher living costs.
The news comes at a time when the university is attempting to increase the number of international students, outlined in the recent Green Paper on Academic Strategy. Foreign students are being advised to apply for leave to remain from their home country through the British Consulate, where the average cost is £45.
21st Apr 2005