Industry News

V-cs prioritise fee hike and graduate visa in pre-election asks

Universities UK’s requests of an incoming government also include a review of the maintenance support package offered to students Source

Nordic countries in the global competition for international students

Nordic countries are not only attractive travel destinations but also popular study destinations for foreign students. Favourable economic conditions, Source

Canada’s tighter rules for international students mean another back door to permanent residency is closing

An unrealistic image of life lures overseas students to come to Canada — even if it means enrolling in an educational institution of questionable reputation — so that one day they can get Canadian citizenship through the back door. Source

Canada clarifies on exemptions to study permit cap and access to PGWP

An IRCC town hall held for Canadian institutions underlined plans to reduce any visa surge in April, and student cap exemption rules were explained Source

Australian unis brace for risk assessment as visa rejections continue – ICEF Monitor

Australia’s education providers continue to grapple with a significant spike in visa rejections. As many as 1 in 5 international students had their visa applications rejected in the last two quarters of 2023, with rejection rates trending even higher for students from key South Asian sending markets such as India, Pakistan, and Nepal. Over the… Source

Former edtech unicorn’s stock price plunges as universities take DIY approach to online learning – ICEF Monitor

The edtech giant 2U is experiencing market and financial pressures severe enough that earlier this month it warned investors that there was “substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern” if it could not secure more capital or reduce its debt. This represents a significant reversal of fortune. Four years after 2U… Source

How to fix the international student debacle

The government needs to retain global interest in UK universities, before it is too late Source

Australia: Visa rejection rates spike as some institutions withdraw admissions offers under new migration settings – ICEF Monitor

Australia’s new migration strategy – announced in late 2023 and in effect now – has led to significant confusion and disruption in the international education sector as it is disproportionately affecting prospective students from key sending markets. From sharply increased visa rejection rates to slow visa processing to – in some cases – rescinded offers… Source

Regional councillor calls living situation ‘inhumane’ for Conestoga College’s international students

A Waterloo Region councillor is criticizing Conestoga College’s response to the housing crisis after an encounter with an international student. Source