MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday discouraged Filipinos from obtaining student visas in the United Kingdom when they actually intend to gain employment in the European state.

The DFA said that in recent months, a high number of Filipinos went to the UK primarily to seek part-time or full-time employment under a student visa.

The DFA noted that many schools where Filipinos are supposedly studying in UK are not accredited to grant academic degrees.

Working while studying is not prohibited in the UK, the DFA explained, but most Filipinos end up not finishing their courses as the wages they earn from their part-time jobs are not sufficient for their tuition and living expenses in the UK.

The cost of tuition for an academic year in these schools is said to be between £6,000 and £15,000 (or about P420,000 to P1 million).

A monthly expense of around £750 (or P52,500) covers board and lodging, exclusive of personal expenses like mobile phone and internet fees, daily transportation fare, and medical health necessities, among others.

“It is noted that only reputable UK institutions of higher learning recruit students from the Philippines to enrol with them without inappropriately enticing them that they can work while studying or that they are assured of employment in the UK upon completion of their academic studies,” the DFA said.

The Philippine Embassy in London encourages all Filipino students wishing to pursue graduate and post-graduate academic degrees in the country to transact directly with academic institutions of higher learning whose reputation is at least equal to that of leading Philippine universities.

“It is not necessary to deal with travel agencies, immigration consultants or third-party agents as reputable academic institutions would be able to provide the necessary guidance and assistance at minimal or no extra cost,” the embassy said.

“It is suggested that students should concentrate on their studies and refrain from seeking part-time or full-time employment,” it added. (PNA)

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