Prospects Postgrad UK 2007/2008 - (Page 34) 34 ADVICE AND INFORMATION www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK SPONSORED BY INTHEUK AS PART OF A NEW GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE, INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CAN NOW STAY AND WORK IN THE UK. WORKING International students studying in the UK contribute a staggering £3billion to the economy every year. No wonder then that in June 2005 Scotland decided to set up a scheme to retain some of these students after they graduated. TWO YEARS IN SCOTLAND One of the key benefits of the original and ongoing FT:WiSS scheme, however, is that successful applicants who intend to stay and work in Scotland are granted two years’ leave to remain - not one as with the new IGS scheme. ‘We consider the two years to be a great benefit,’ FRESH TALENT Ian notes. ‘It’s seldom immediate that people walk into the Ian Kernohan is Head of the Fresh Talent Initiative, which job they are looking for. Quite often there will be a allows international students - ‘the brightest and the best’ transitional period. People might be looking for as he puts it - to gain valuable work experience in employment for some months or they might find a job but Scotland. ‘The Fresh Talent Initiative,’ Ian explains, ‘is not at the right level at first. As a result, the longer twodesigned to attract people to Scotland to study, work and year period is more attractive. It gives Scotland a live in order to help our falling population and competitive edge.’ fundamentally to boost our economy.’ This two-year period also gives you longer to try to And the scheme has made a good start in meeting the secure a more permanent role. If at any time while you are aims. International students interested in this opportunity on the IGS or FT:WiSS scheme you get such an offer your who have graduated from a Scottish higher or further employer can apply for a work permit to extend the amount education institution apply under the Fresh Talent: of time you can stay in the UK. ‘The advantage of moving Working in Scotland Scheme (FT:WiSS). Since it was across to work permit employment,’ Ian explains, ‘is that it launched two years ago, there have been over 4,500 then counts towards your ultimate settlement if you want successful applications from around 100 different countries. to stay in the UK on a permanent basis.’ In fact, it has been so successful that a similar model has In addition to the two year visa, the Scottish Fresh now been rolled out to the rest of the UK. Talent Initiative combines a number of other schemes to As of 1 May 2007, international students with a attract and advise international graduates. These include bachelors or postgraduate qualification from a British the Scottish International Scholarship Programme which university or college will be able to apply to stay on to work offers 22 Masters Scholarships per year and the Relocation in the UK for a year. Graduates will apply under the Advisory Service. The Fresh Talent team also supports International Graduates Scheme (IGS) through the Home Scottish Networks International, a work placement Office of the UK government. Like the original scheme scheme for international postgraduates with professional operating in Scotland, IGS offers people from non-EEA or business experience, arranging positions in the financial countries special leave to remain and you do not have to services, food and drink, engineering, tourism and other industries. have secured a job before you apply. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
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