The UK and India have agreed to recognise each other’s higher education qualifications, a move that will make it easier for students to progress into further study and jobs.
The governments signed the memorandum of understanding on 21 July, sealing an agreement that could make it easier to attract more international students to the UK. The deal covers A-levels and their level 3 equivalents, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Last year’s figures show a surge in Indian students accepting places at UK universities.
The deal means Indian students who graduate from British universities can apply for postgraduate qualifications and apply to government roles in their home country.
Education secretary James Cleverly said: “This agreement builds on our UK-India partnership and removes barriers so even more of the best and brightest students from India can study here, boosting our economy and enriching our campuses and communities.
“It creates more opportunities for UK students to study in India, and paves the way for our world-beating universities to deliver more degree programmes in one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic nations on earth.”
Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK International (UUKi), said: “This is a landmark, historic agreement which has been many years in the making. Qualifications students receive will be recognised on both sides, making it easier for students to progress in education and move into jobs.
The recognition of UK [master’s degrees] is a particularly important development. It means that Indian graduates of the UK’s outstanding universities will receive formal recognition of their outstanding achievements and full access to jobs in the public sector in India.”
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