On 18 July UKBA (UK Border Agency) published the proposed criteria to become a Highly Trusted Sponsor under Tier 4 and invited comments. On this the education sector has given the feedback and as per that they have published new guidance which covers:

• Highly Trusted Sponsorship, including the date by which Tier 4 sponsors who are not already highly trusted need to apply for HTS by; what will happen to existing Tier 4 sponsors who do not apply for HTS by the deadline or who do apply and fail; and details of transitional arrangements for sponsors who are not already highly trusted.
• Educational oversight, confirming the previously announced detail of the new approach, including a reminder of the date by which applications should be made and to which oversight body; and information Tier 4 sponsors who either do not apply by the specified deadline or who apply and fail to obtain it.

There will also be changes to Tier 4 sponsor ratings. In future they will have 2 ratings only: 'A' rating and Highly Trusted.

These changes are being made as part of the government's reforms of the immigration system to tackle abuse and bring net migration down to sustainable levels. The changes to the student visa system will create a system where every student coming to the UK attends a legitimate course at a legitimate institution. UKBA is also reforming the work route, and change is being planned for the settlement and family routes.

• UK universities/institutions and the Government offers an extensive range of scholarships and assistance for the international students. It is open for all the prospective students pursuing full-time study program irrespective of any stream, at most levels. There are various sources of financial aid for international students that provide great opportunity to purse your education in UK.
• Students in UK will be offered scholarships from the respective universities as deduction in their tuition fee. Other than this, students will be awarded other forms of aid/scholarships based on their academic excellence and background. These scholarship programmes and other funding will be managed by the British Council and other associated organizations.
• Apart from University support, there are also relatively some public and private scholarships programmes, which intend to provide financial support for the international students.