Actions from PGR International Student Town Hall – 29 November 2023

Introduction from Lindsay and Kevin.

Thanks to International PGRs for their important contribution to The OU community.  We recognise the following issues:

• UKVI
• Quiet campus
• Cost of living
• Separation from support networks in your home country.

1. Late questions: PGRS advised that some questions which came in close to the session may not get an answer on the day, but will be followed up later.  Action Graduate School. Update: Q&A document sent out 11 December to International PGRs.

2. Attendance monitoring forms - The OU is different to other Universities because PGRS are the only students on visas.  Action GS to clarify what is a UKVI requirement and what is an OU requirement. Update: Legal team to provide written report to Graduate School in March.

3. The 6 hour rule – The 6 hour rule is in the Regulations in order to state an intention.

Action PGRS to note that there is the possibility to apply for a waiver.  No-one has ever been turned down.  Any requests for paid work over six hours per week must be considered by the Progress Board

A PGR believes that Oxford and Cambridge universities permit 40 hours between submission and viva.  Action: Shakeel Chohan to check and clarify. Update: We will clarify rules on working hours after we have the written report from the legal team                              

4. Care Fund - International student did not receive Carers’ Fund bursary.  Action GS to clarify. Update: PGRs on a Student Route are not ineligible for a bursary payment under the current terms https://www5.open.ac.uk/students/research/system/files/documents/PGR%20Carers%20Support%20Fund%20application%20form.docx

5. Financial challenges – for example: outlay of getting to the UK, money for conferences, visa fees, health fees, deposit, rent.  A PGR needs £4000 to £5000 up front.  Could The OU provide an interest-free loan?  Action: GS to signpost guidance and resources available. Update: The Graduate School worked with the Payments team to ensure new PGRs received their stipend in as timely fashion as possible. 

6.       Wellbeing - We need a wellbeing person to provide guidance to International PGRS on getting to the UK and to help with cultural differences and problems getting accommodation

Action: Graduate School to consider. Update: we have made a case for this in our Unit budget for 2024/2025; tbc.

7. Application process needs to be clarified.  Everything is very last-minute, funding is late, then the need to apply for a visa.  Action: Graduate School to consider how the process can be made clearer.

8. Please clarify the requirement to be in UK 6 months in any 12 month period.  Action: PGRS to speak to Shakeel Chohan (Immigration Manager) if they have any queries [email protected]

9. Action PGRS to note that the UKCISA website https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/ is a good resource, with a good community of people and helpful information regarding visa issues. 

10. Duolingo English test – UKVI accepts that IELTS isn’t available in all countries and is very expensive.  Action: PGRS to note there is another organisation BUILA – for information on the post-study work visa.  https://www.buila.ac.uk/