Query MSc. Computer Science from India to Kayalami, Chess

Hi Kayalami, Chess and other moderator/senior members,

I am planning to apply for HSMP soon as I see a potential offer coming my way in the UK. I have a Bsc (3 years duration) and Msc (2 years duration) in Computer Science from University of Pune, India. I was wondering whether I should claim 15 points for this or 25. The total duration of my eductaion comes to 17 (12 + 5) years of education. Would the HSMP team consider this as equivalent to the UK Msc equivalent? What do the moderators recommend in this case? I checked up with the Local British Council office and they suggested that an Indian Msc is generally considered to be equivalent to a UK Msc, however, I have not verified this from NARIC. I have read on this forum that an Msc from Pakistan is not considered as eqvuivalent to a UK Msc, but have not yet read about the status of Indian Msc. (Please note that my University is a very respected and reputed university in India and I am very confident that it is considered to be an accredited institute by HSMP/NARIC).

Another question is regarding PAST earnings evidence. Would it be reasonable to not furnish tax documents but show past 12 months pay slips (endorsed by employer) and a letter from employer confirming the past 12 months earnings backed by bank account statements? I am unable to procure tax documents at the moment as my employer will be issuing the same only next month. I ask this question as the HSMP guidelines say that the tax documents are considered to be the most appropriate evidence- though the guidelines further say that other evidence will also be acceptable if figures are consistent- I am slightly apprehensive of this though.

I have prepared a detailed a experience letter and my employer is willing to endorse this- Before that, however, I needed some expert opinions on the same : Kayalami/ Chess/any senior member/moderator-is it ok if I send this by private mail so that I can get some feedback from you guys on this?

Thanks.

If you dont submitt tax dox then supply following things in your case:

Salary slips (clearly showing tax deductions)
Letter from employer (showing past 12 months earnings and tax deductions)
Bank statement to back up

I am pretty sure, it will be sufficent in this case to get points for income.

Yes, Pakistani MSc is given 15 points only... dont know abt Indian MSc.

rizwan567,

Thanks for your inputs! I do have exactly the same documents for Past Income evidence.

If anyone has concrete knowledege about UK Msc equivalence with Msc from India, please share the same with me.

Hi,

Don't think anyone but an alumni from Univ. of Pune who has applied for HSMP will be able to tell you for sure whether your PG degree will fecth you 15 points or 25.

My wife has an MD from India and when I asked the same question to people on similar forums when she wa sapplying for HSMP, some people responsed that it was worth 15 points only but some responded that it was definitely worth 25 !!

What I would suggest is that you get a verification of your MSc degree done from NARIC http://www.naric.org.uk. It will cost you approx. GBP 30-40 depending on how you make the payment. They will certify what your PG degree is equivalent to - a British Bachelors or British Masters. The good thing is that HSMP caseworkers also refer to NARIC database to evaluate equivalence of overseas degrees with UK degrees. Hence, if NARIC confirms that your PG degree is equivalent to UK Masters, HSMP caseworker will definitely grant you 25 points for that !!

Hope this info. helps !!

regrads