Applications Open for the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme on February 18

The United Kingdom is set to welcome a new wave of young Indian professionals through the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) 2025. This initiative offers 3,000 Indian nationals, aged between 18 and 30, the opportunity to live, work, study, and travel in the UK for up to two years. The application ballot will be open from February 18 to February 20, 2025, on the official UK government website.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the YPS, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Educational Qualification: Possess a degree equivalent to a UK bachelor’s or higher.
• Financial Stability: Demonstrate savings of at least £2,530 (approximately $3,126.86).
• Age: Be between 18 and 30 years old.
• Nationality: Hold Indian citizenship.

Application Process

1. Ballot Entry: Interested candidates must enter the ballot during the specified dates. It’s important to note that entering the ballot is free, and applicants should be cautious of fraudulent agents.
2. Notification: Selected applicants will be informed within two weeks after the ballot closes.
3. Visa Application: Once notified, candidates have 90 days to:

•     Submit a visa application.
•     Provide biometric information.
•     Pay the visa application fee.
•     Settle the immigration health surcharge.

Program Highlights

Launched in 2023, the YPS is a reciprocal initiative designed to strengthen UK-India relations by allowing young professionals from both nations to gain international experience. In its inaugural year, over 2,100 YPS visas were granted to Indian nationals. Participants are required to return to India upon completing the two-year period.

Official Endorsements

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, emphasized the scheme’s significance in bolstering bilateral ties. She stated,
“The Young Professionals Scheme is an excellent programme which helps build a modern understanding of our countries among Brits and Indians alike. I strongly encourage people from all corners of the country to apply – from Itanagar to Coimbatore, from Leh to Surat, and from Bhubaneshwar to Indore.”

Important Considerations

• Avoid Fraud: The British High Commission has issued warnings against fraudulent agents and clarified that entering the ballot is free.
• Return Requirement: Participants must return to India after completing the two-year period.