British universities urged to sign up to immigration system
London: British universities and colleges were on Tuesday warned to sign up now to a new points-based immigration system if they want to teach international students. Universities, colleges and schools who want to sponsor international students have until Feb 2 to apply under the student tier of Britain's tough new points system. The points-based system was created to 'manage' the number of people coming to Britain to work and study. The introduction of the student tier - Tier 4 - by the end of March will complete the rollout of the system. So far more than 800 universities, colleges and schools have signed up, the UK Border Agency said on Tuesday. Under the new rules schools, colleges and universities must pledge to take responsibility for any students they bring to Britain from outside Europe and have a licence to do so. The new system will be rolled out over the next 12 months. The Border Agency said the new system will "weed out bogus colleges who abuse the system