Switching from Student Visa

[stud_uk]

Hi,

I'm doing my masters in UK and eligible for HSMP based on point criteria.

Can I apply while am still a student or do I need to go back apply from my home country (I get a feeling that getting a FLR approved from UK is somewat difficult). What do you folkz say ? Suggestions Plz.

[SKUK]

This is what HO guidelines say:

You can also change to the HSMP if you are a student providing:

you have obtained your degree qualification during your current period of leave in the United Kingdom; and
you studied on a recognised degree course at either a United Kingdom publicly funded further or higher education institution or a United Kingdom private education institution which maintains satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance; and
you have the written consent of your official sponsor to remain as a highly skilled migrant if you are on a government or international scholarship agency sponsorship that is either ongoing or has recently come to an end.

[stud_uk]

Got an answer , posting for verification :

"Students can not now switch to HSMP unless they have completed the Graduate or Masters Degree for which they were granted initial student visa."