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America's top 10 universities in 2024
For the second consecutive year, Princeton University has topped Forbes' list of America's leading colleges and universities, excelling across all 14 metrics used to evaluate educational quality, financial support, and career outcomes. Notably, Princeton boasts a 97% six-year graduation rate for low-income students. The list also saw Rice University make a significant leap, debuting in the top ten at #9, thanks to its low student debt levels.
Studying Abroad? Insurers go the extra mile to cover risks
Insurance companies are adapting their products to meet the needs of the growing number of Indian students studying abroad. This year, 1.33 million Indians are pursuing higher studies overseas. Increased geopolitical risks and healthcare costs have led insurers like HDFC Ergo, Tata AIG, and ICICI Lombard to offer customized and comprehensive insurance plans. Flexible policies now cover medical expenses, accommodation, and return travel costs, aiming to rival university policies often at a lower cost.
US issues new guidelines on OPT eligibility, grace periods, and study abroad for international STEM students
The USCIS has issued new guidelines for F and M nonimmigrant students regarding STEM OPT extensions. The revisions cover online study allowances, school transfers, grace periods, and study abroad programs. Effective immediately, these updates apply to all pending and future requests, clarifying several essential rules for international students.
International students struggling with poor English still earning master’s degrees in UK: Report
A blog by two anonymous professors claims many international students at British universities lack essential English language skills but still obtain degrees. They highlight issues in master's programs, citing poor class engagement and reliance on translation apps. This problem risks UK's higher education standing.
How Canadian dream has turned into a gamble for Indian students
Canada's pathway to permanent residency for international students and temporary foreign workers, especially from Punjab, is facing disruptions due to unemployment and economic issues. Protests have erupted as the government caps foreign worker numbers, affecting students and workers seeking permanent residency.
7 top-ranked Australian Universities for international students
Australia has attracted international students with its top-notch education system, post-study opportunities, and strong faculty support. Notable universities include the University of Melbourne, UNSW, University of Sydney, ANU, Monash University, University of Queensland, and UWA, all part of the prestigious Group of Eight. These universities offer diverse programs, research initiatives, and excellent career prospects.
Australia will only accept 270,000 international student enrollments in 2025
Australia will cap international student enrollments at 270,000 in 2025 to tackle record migration levels impacting home rental prices. Reforms aim for sustainability in the international student sector, following measures to phase out COVID-era concessions. The country saw a 60% surge in net immigration, fueling housing market pressures.
This Canadian province has paused colleges from launching new international programs
The Ontario government has imposed a ban on colleges and universities entering new contracts or agreements to offer post-secondary programs abroad. Outgoing Minister of Colleges and Universities, Jill Dunlop, announced the moratorium in a memo, emphasizing the need for institutions to concentrate on their primary mission of serving Ontarians and supporting local communities.
Visa figures reveal Indian students being put off applying to UK universities
India tops UK's student visa grants tally, despite a 23% decline amid tighter migration curbs. Indian students remain the largest group on the Graduate Route visa, but curbs on bringing dependents affect numbers. UK's education sector faces challenges, while Indian travel and work visa trends also see changes.
UK, Canada & Australia losing popularity among international students
Studyportals' recent research reveals a growing shift among prospective international students away from Australia, Canada, and the UK, largely due to restrictive immigration policies in these countries. Interest in on-campus programs in Canada and the UK saw an initial rise in January 2024 but then dropped sharply from February to July 2024, particularly for Canada.
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UK's clampdown on international students has exposed how much universities depend on foreign money
Britain's university funding model is in turmoil as many institutions report deficits. The crisis intensified after a drop in international students, prompted by stricter visa rules. Labour suggested addressing the issue but lacked specifics. Proposed solutions include adjusting tuition fees, easing visa restrictions, and seeking alternative income streams to ensure long-term viability.
Working in the US as a student: On-campus jobs, OPT, CPT, and visa rules explained
Working in the United States as a student offers financial benefits and practical skill development, but requires careful navigation of visa regulations. F1 visa holders can work on-campus without USCIS approval, but must ensure jobs align with their visa status and academic goals. Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows for off-campus work related to a student's major, while Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is for work integral to their academic program.
Visa restrictions on international students remain set in stone under UK's new Labour government
The UK's ruling Labour Party has confirmed it will not reverse the Conservative government's restrictive student visa policies. Labour's education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, stated that the government does not plan to lift the visa restrictions on international students. She acknowledged the significant contribution of international students but criticized the previous Conservative administration for its approach to higher education.
Poland tightens visa rules for international students to prevent abuse
Poland has changed its visa rules to require international students to have high school diplomas, aiming to curb the misuse of student visas for illegal work in the EU. This decision follows a scandal involving foreigners obtaining visas without meeting university requirements and using them for work.
Heading to Singapore to study? You can bring your mum, dad, or even your grandmother along
Singapore's policies let international students to bring along parents or grandparents during studies. According to new rules, male guardians, including fathers and grandfathers, can now apply for long-term visit passes.
From Golden Goose to Sitting Ducks: International students are caught in immigration crosshairs
The UK, Netherlands, Canada, and Australia have all imposed tougher restrictions on international students to curb immigration, impacting university finances and local economies. These policy shifts occur amid rising domestic opposition to immigration, with the US emerging as a potential beneficiary due to increased international student enrollments.
