Strict English Test for foreign students in Britain

Students, who want to study in Britain, from Indian or European region are to face stricter English-language test and will be banned from bringing over dependents if they are studying short courses, the government announced on Sunday. British Home Minister Alan Johnson described that the norms set will be enforced with immediate effect and will also restrict the number of hours foreign students can work in Britain.

The English language test will be upgraded from the current beginners' English to the intermediate level, the equivalent of a British GCSE foreign language qualification. Students coming to Britain for courses that are under six months in duration will not be allowed to bring in any dependents. The dependent will be allowed to accompany the student pursuing courses that are over six months in duration but not a three-year higher education degree course, but the dependents will not be allowed to work. In addition, the number of hours a foreign student is allowed to work in Britain is being cut down from the current 20 hours a week.