It has introduced a new Undergraduate and Vocational Scholarships Scheme (UVSS) with 300 scholarships, bursaries and fee reductions worth more than 700,000 specifically for Indian students. The scheme is in operation already, with awards tenable from October 2000. New visa and work permit regulations are in place too.

There are 180 institutions offering degree courses in Britain, over 500 further educational establishments and more than 600 boarding schools. Around a hundred Chevening scholarships for postgraduate study are awarded annually by the British Government.

The new measures were announced on April 30 at an event hosted by Robert Frost, director of The British Council-West India. And because part of the aim was to shed the staid image that country has acquired, the venue chosen was the Taj Mahal Hotel's happening discotheque, Beyond 1900s. Among the high-profile guests who attended were those who had studied or are studying in Britain: former Miss World Diana Hayden, who is studying at the Drama Studio in London, designer Suneet Varma, columnist Anil Dharkar, neurologist Dr N H Wadia and actor Aly Khan.

British high commissioner in India, Sir Rob Young, welcomed the initiative saying, "This is the most significant step taken in the last decade to increase the number of Indian students going to the UK and to make Britain the first choice for those considering an overseas education."

Sixty British universities and colleges have come together for the first time in support of this initiative and to make British education more accessible and affordable. "In addition to the Chevening postgraduate scholarship scheme, the UK's doors are now wide open at the vocational and undergraduate levels as well as for Indians seeking to advance their international education and their careers," Sir Rob said.

The new Education@UK identity includes the following measures:

* Streamlining the process of applying for student visas and extending their duration
* Making changes in the rules to allow international students to work 20 hours a week in term time and full time during vacations
* Expansion of the Training and Work Experience programme to allow students to take paid employment after graduation in vocational areas requiring practical experience
* Improved campus and welfare facilities
* Launching a new portfolio of information materials, websites and e-recruitment services providing the best possible advice on the courses available.