The unfortunate case of TASMAC in London

INSTANCES of foreign institutions closing shop leaving Indian students stranded are becoming all too common in India. Could this be a natural, unfortunate, consequence of the craze for foreign degrees in our country?

It is regrettable that TASMAC has had to close down the London campus of their business school last week. I have known about them ever since the late ‘90s when I was heading British Council’s education promotion wing in east India. This is definitely NOT another Tri-Valley. Rather, an example of how Indian institutions need to exercise caution when planning their overseas ventures.

Needless to say, the TASMAC decision has jeopardised prospects of over 600 Indian students in London. The Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the situation. In a statement, a foreign ministry spokesperson said, "The decision to shut down the campus is believed to be related to the UK's efforts to tighten norms in respect of Tier 4 student visas."

The MEA said the Indian high commission in London has made contact with the TASMAC authorities. "Our high commission in London has established immediate contact with TASMAC, which has conveyed that it is working with the University of Wales to transfer the students to other educational institutions so that their studies are not disrupted." The Indian mission has set up an advisory for students on its website, but the ministry said no Indian student had contacted them for any assistance yet.

Earlier this year, the UK instituted several changes in student visa regime which are as follows: From April 2012, any institution wanting to sponsor students will need to be classed as a Highly Trusted sponsor, and should be accredited by a statutory education inspection body by the end of next year. The current system doesn't require this, and has allowed too many second and third rung colleges to become sponsors.

With the University of Wales in a spot over the “cash-for-certificates” scam, how much assistance they would be able to provide these stranded students remains to be seen.