TIRUCHI: Students aspiring to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom were apprised of the procedures involved at a programme conducted here on Thursday by CampusUK, Overseas Education Consultants.

Fatima Ann Marie, Senior Education Counsellor, CampusUK, Tiruchi, made a presentation on Application and UK Visa Procedures. Ms. Fatima dwelt on the durations of foundation, bachelor, masters and research degree programmes; the likely expenditure for each; availability of bank loans for tuition fee and living expenses; the popular programmes; and the earning potential in part-time jobs. The advantages of CampusUK services included guidance for swift visa approval, expert advice, pre-departure briefing and continual assistance, she said.

Fly high: Fatima Ann Marie, Senior Education Counsellor, Campus-UK, speaking at a seminar in Tiruchi.

In his talk on 'Study Abroad Bank Loan Procedures,' Rajendran, Branch Manager, State Bank of India, Melachinthamani Branch, said students pursuing studies abroad were eligible for loans up to Rs. 20 lakh. Mr. Rajendran also briefed the audience on the norms involved in releasing higher amounts and on the repayment schedule.

Speaking on Foreign Exchange Services, A. Sheetal, Assistant Manager, Thomas Cook India Limited, Madurai, explained the advantages in U-Special, a product the company had customised for students. Foreign currency draft/wire transfers were available in nine currencies including US Dollar, Great Britain Pound, Euro and Japanese Yen. The company with 110 offices in 52 cities would start an office in Tiruchi during the first week of December, Ms. Sheetal said.