?Our strategy is to diversify the intake of foreign students?

?University of Stirling has seen a 65% increase in applications from India this year compared to the same period last year,? says Beata Dosa, international recruitment manager, University of Stirling. She is part of a team that undertakes recruitment and business development in Asia & the Middle East. While in New Delhi to talk about scholarships, educational courses and study opportunities in Scotland, she met Vikram Chaudhary of FE to discuss why Scottish universities make sense for Indian students, the range of courses one can find in the UK and about the University of Stirling. Excerpts:

University of Stirling is a relatively new university. How does it match up to other British varsities?

Founded by the Royal Charter, the University of Stirling was set up in 1967; so, it is relatively new as compared to Edinburgh and Glasgow universities. When Stirling was set up, there was a call for research-led universities. Ever since, University of Stirling has been differentiating itself as a research-led university. We are different because while most UK universities are city-based, we are campus-based, and campus life promotes cohesiveness and inter-personal skills. Students know the lecturers and lecturers know their students by name. Additionally, our niche programmes make us different. We are not historically bound and can quickly respond to market needs and bring out new relevant courses that may not be available in other universities in the UK.

A good number (15-20%) of your students come from abroad. Which region contributes the most?

University of Stirling?s strategy is to diversify its foreign students and so we have students from about 85 countries?from the US, Canada, Europe and Africa. In Asia, we have students from India, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and China. We keep a healthy balance between the UK and international students.

What is so special about studying in the UK?

One of the attractive things about studying in the UK is that post-graduation is generally a one-year intensive course; while in many other countries, it is two years. So, doing a PG in the UK comes out to be less costly than many other places if you chip in your living and other costs. Secondly, the sheer choice of courses in the UK is staggering. Most students who come to the UK do so because they have a choice to study very specific subjects that may not be available in their own or some other countries.

Moreover, UK degrees (degrees of the state-funded universities) are respected around the world, yet another reason to study there. The UK has been receiving students for about 600-700 years; so there is a strong tradition of scholars coming to this country and studying, doing research and going into academics. Content of programmes in the UK is also quite internationalised.

Does a university work as a corporate body? For instance, looking at emerging markets and trying to get more international students from those places?

Sort of, you can say. Scottish universities work very closely with the British Council, which has offices in over 110 countries. Although they promote culture, a large part of their work is related to education. Working closely with these councils, we find that if there is any need (for some important global course that is not available in a particular country or if there aren?t many resources) or a market opportunity in any country, we respond to that. Apart from that, we look at partnerships with various universities.

Have you also thought about setting up campuses abroad?

At the moment, we are not considering this option. When you have to set up a campus abroad you need to have human as well as financial resources and you need to justify your decision. So, right now we are looking at joint programmes with some universities and promoting student exchange programmes, something like a double-degree advantage.

What has been the trend on the applications this year from India?

The university has seen a 65% increase in applications from India this year compared to the same period last year.

What about scholarship programmes for Indian students?

University of Stirling recently announced over 50 postgraduate research studentships commencing in session 2010-11 for students undertaking research leading to PhD. Our studentships offer full tuition fees at UK/EU rates, an annual stipend at the UK research council rates (currently ?13,489) and research expenses of ?750 per year.

They will be awarded through an open competition to full-time PhD students commencing their research programme in session 2010-11.

Why is Stirling attractive for Indian students?

University of Stirling has seen a steady growth in the number of applications and enrolments from India. In the past five years a variety of programmes?especially the portfolio of the Stirling Management School?has been enjoying a three-fold increase in enquiries and enrolments from India. Apart from master of business administration, Indian students are targeting Stirling?s courses in business, management, finance, marketing, media/PR and sports.

What steps are you taking to promote the university in India?

The plans are that we visit India more often and introduce students to a range of niche programmes and specialist streams within those programmes that will give Indian students an advantage in the global job market.