The British High Commission in Colombo is taking steps to ensure that Sri Lankan students will not be duped by “bogus colleges” based in the UK with the introduction of the Trusted Partner (TP) Student Agent programme.
According to British High Commission officials, the programme will screen all agencies that are recruiting Sri Lankan students seeking a higher education in Britain. Only selected agents who have been independently verified by an international due diligence firm as being bona fide and have completed the British Council Education UK Accreditation course will be permitted to advertise for local students.
The programme will offer advisory services free of charge, including guidance in applying for student visas. A British High Commission spokesman said the process would be streamlined, fast and professional.
The British High Commission will be launching a series of seminars on visa processing, with visa officers on hand to explain procedures. There will also be a website where students can talk to visa officers through web chat.
Since January 1, 2005, some 300 non-accredited colleges have been removed from the Department for Universities and Skills Register of Education and Training Providers in the UK.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka High Commission in Singapore advises Sri Lankan students wishing to study in Singapore to exercise caution when applying for places for higher education and considering job offers in Singapore. There have been numerous complaints of Singapore-based agents making false promises to Sri Lankan students. | 
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