It is also considering amendments to written agreements between students and institutions and the ESOS National Code, which is likely to see changes as a result of the upcoming migration review. Acting assistant secretary of the International Quality Branch in the Education Department’s International Division, Alison Cleary, outlined amendments the government is considering regarding international students at an event this week. Connecting student visas with institutions and English language proficiency are live discussions within the department. “Rogue or inappropriate” agent behaviour and possible changes to written agreements with international students are areas where officials are keeping a close eye and consulting with the…

Short on time? Here are the highlights: The US Department of Commerce announced this week that international education will be included as a priority sector in the forthcoming update to the US national export strategy This will translate into increased engagement with the sector across the US government, and especially in lead agencies such as the Department of Commerce, Department of Education, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security The US Bureau of Economic Analysis, meanwhile, reports that education exports rose more than 17% in 2022 to reach nearly US$38 billion “The United States will be a better and…

Short on time? Here are the highlights: A DAAD survey conducted during the pandemic found that over 8 in 10 international students studying in German universities would recommend their experience to others Accommodation issues were the main challenge noted by surveyed students Among domestic students who travelled outside of Germany for study programme, those who chose a destination outside of Western Europe were more likely to report that their experience contributed to personal growth and confidence The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has published the results of its first International University Benchmark (BintHo) survey. This was conducted among 117,000 domestic…

Within days of taking over as the UK’s home secretary in September last year, Suella Braverman had set her sights on the families of international students. In one of her first interviews – with Rupert Murdoch’s Sun on Sunday – she said dependants were “piggybacking” on student visas, and “not contributing to growing our economy” – a refrain that she would never grow tired of repeating in the months ahead. Despite a change of prime minister, being temporarily ousted from her job, and untold pleading from a sector worried for its financial future, Ms Braverman has finally got her way…

Officials were investigating updating the education services for overseas students legislation –  now the scope is way wider The Department of Education is asking the international ed sector how, “to remain internationally competitive and provide a quality student experience.” To bring up to speed providers focused on building their business on Mars, the DoE spells what the industry wants addressed, unscrupulous practices associated with education agents … if unchecked, this behaviour could damage students and providers and threaten Australia’s reputation. And so officials are asking; * “what guidance or requirements for providers would be appropriate or helpful in managing the…

Before the pandemic, thousands of international students came to New Zealand from India each year. Now the borders are open again, students are returning, and India is a ‘growth market’. What does the transaction of international education mean for those who participate in it, both in New Zealand and India, and beyond? In Farhaan Ansari’s* living room, there are two clocks. One displays the time in India, the country where he lives, working as a Hindi language teacher at a boarding school in a small town near the city of Dehradun. It’s 6pm. The other displays Eastern Standard Time, the…

It comes as new research conducted by UUKi, HEPI and Kaplan showed that international students contribute £42bn to the UK economy during their time in the country. At an event showcasing the research, vice principal for international at the University of Dundee, Wendy Alexander, made the comments on a discussion panel. “This research only looks at the value of students to the UK during the time they’re studying, but does not look at their longer term financial contribution back in their home country or in the UK,” she said. “We are currently in the realm of guesswork around where people’s…

New discussion papers suggest that agent regulation could be a priority for the refreshed strategy, which is set to launch in April 2024.  “The unethical practices of some education agents used by certain Canadian education institutions pose a direct risk to Canada’s reputation as a provider of high-quality education services,” the papers read.  “The issue has risen to prominence recently and is regarded as a key vulnerability to Canada’s international education sector,” they continue.  A TV documentary that aired in Canada in October 2022 showed education agents in India promising students they could easily obtain permanent residency after graduation.  In its…

Australian agencies would establish a “red flag” system to identify suspicious “visa hopping” by foreign students, under reforms being considered by a parliamentary group. The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, which is enquiring into the post-Covid state of Australia’s international education and tourism industries, has heard that tough action is needed to tackle college-based work scams. Concern largely centres around students enrolling with universities to boost their chances of obtaining visas, coming to Australia and then switching to cheaper vocational education and training (VET) colleges with lax attendance standards. Some gravitate to “ghost schools” where there…