Australia’s intl ed recovery plan, no ‘draconian measures’ on Canada’s visa program, and more in this week’s MSM Reporter

Australia’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade has proposed 29 key recommendations for international education recovery. These include “Team Australia” branding, better agent supervision (including adhering to a single code of ethical practice for education agents), enhanced student communication, visa distinctions for international students opting to study at technical and further education (TAFEs), homestay promotion, and targeting new markets. Major VET sector reforms are urged, with a focus on integrity. The government allocates AUD 37.8 million (approximately USD 23.84 million) for compliance efforts, highlighting commitment to sector integrity and growth.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller plans to make Canada’s temporary visa program sustainable, though specific measures remain unclear. He highlights the need for a tailored approach across different work and study permit categories, particularly addressing the exploitation of temporary foreign workers. Canada’s record-breaking immigration targets for permanent residents face scrutiny amid housing shortages, and temporary worker visas have surged from 337,460 in 2018 to 605,851 in 2022. While acknowledging the country’s reliance on temporary foreign workers and addressing issues with international student visas, Miller rules out immediate draconian measures, with details of program changes to be addressed surgically in the near future.

In a comprehensive global survey by Studyportals, UniBuddy, and the British Council IELTS, the United States has emerged as the leading destination for student satisfaction, surpassing Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Over 126,000 students from 200 countries participated, evaluating key aspects including admissions, student-teacher interaction, diversity, student life quality, online learning, and career development. Noteworthy improvements were observed in online learning and student life quality. The US excelled in admissions, student-teacher interactions, and career development, while Canada and Australia fell behind. European institutions, notably the University of Navarra and Hungary, also received high marks. The survey underscored the importance of a seamless admissions process and transparent visa-related information, providing valuable insights for prospective students and policymakers alike.

The International Higher Education Commission highlights growing concerns regarding the decline in international diversity at United Kingdom universities, partly due to the absence of incoming Erasmus+ exchange students. The report highlights the necessity of incorporating “Internationalization at Home” (IaH) into the UK’s higher education strategy, enabling students to acquire international skills without leaving the country. The diminishing diversity is compounded by a drop in enrollment in foreign language courses, raising worries about a potential erosion of international capacity on UK campuses. Recommendations include further research to understand the benefits of IaH, while recent data reveals the UK’s substantial reliance on international students for its economic prosperity.

Ireland is witnessing a remarkable surge in its Indian student population, which is poised to become its largest foreign student cohort, according to recent Apply Board insights. With a substantial 17.8 percent year-over-year increase in enrollments accounting for 4,735 enrolled in 2022-23, Indian students are seen to potentially overtake their American counterparts, primarily driven by the significant growth in postgraduate studies. While it is very likely for India to get the top spot by 2024-25, it could happen as soon as next year, the insights revealed. 

A new Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report reveals a remarkable rebound in inbound international student numbers in 2022. Over 1.9 million residence permits were issued, a 24 percent increase compared to 2019 and the highest ever recorded. China and India accounted for nearly 60 percent of these students, with Asian students dominating the landscape. The UK emerged as the top study destination, followed by the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan. OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann highlights the importance of well-managed migration policies in addressing economic and social challenges. This report coincides with OECD governments’ efforts to address workforce gaps and aging populations.

Against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict, US college campuses become arenas of passionate debate, protests, and rising tensions. College students across the nation reflect on how this ongoing conflict has left an indelible impact on their lives. From fiery demonstrations to unsettling incidents, including flag-burning and doxxing threats, campuses like Tulane, Columbia, Harvard, and Cornell have witnessed intense reactions and actions. Students, representing diverse backgrounds, share their personal stories, shedding light on the complexities of the situation. As they navigate the divide between supporting Palestine and Israel, the conflict’s reverberations reach far beyond the Middle East, sparking a dialogue about identity, history, and the future.

As enrollments surge to a record high, international students are facing an acute shortage of affordable housing in Germany. The Eduard Pestel Research Institute’s study reveals a deficit of over 700,000 apartments, and soaring rents in major university cities have exacerbated the problem. The head of Germany’s Student Association, Matthias Anbuhl, calls it a “deplorable” situation. To address this crisis, the government has pledged €500 million (USD 534.37 million) in 2023. International students face additional hurdles due to landlords’ financial guarantees. Industry insiders are calling for comprehensive solutions to ensure housing affordability for all students.

Quebec is sticking to its decision to raise tuition fees for out-of-province students, rejecting an offer from English universities including McGill, Concordia, and Bishop’s to bolster French education. The proposal includes mandatory French courses to better prepare graduates for life in Quebec. Despite acknowledging the importance of preserving French, the government insists that Quebec taxpayers should not subsidize students from other provinces studying in Montreal. The tuition increase, set for fall 2024, has sparked protests and concerns about accessibility to education. English universities argue that it could harm their ability to recruit students and result in severe financial consequences. 

In the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict, pro-Palestinian students in the US are grappling with a growing fear of career backlash for their activism. As protests for the Palestinian cause continue across the nation, students who voice their thoughts are increasingly concerned about potential professional repercussions. Recent high-profile cases, such as a Hollywood agent’s resignation over social media comments and the firing of a magazine editor who published a letter advocating for peace, have heightened these fears. Experts point out that students, lacking professional networks and experience, become particularly vulnerable. Some students have chosen to limit their advocacy, feeling forced to prioritize their career aspirations over their beliefs. The dilemma persists, raising questions about the boundaries of free expression and professional consequences for activism.

Despite facing obstacles such as unfavorable immigration laws and increasing tuition fees, Nigerians remain a prominent group of international students in the UK. Leroy Morgan, a Nigerian law school graduate, is pursuing his passion for the music business by enrolling in a UK university. Over the past five years, nearly 100,000 Nigerians have followed a similar path, making the African country one of the fastest-growing sources of international students in the UK. While challenges persist, the appeal of British education, diverse communities, industry connections, and economic prospects continue to draw Nigerian students to the UK.

Majority of international students in South Korea are dissatisfied with the country’s health insurance system, according to a study by Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine. Despite paying premiums, fewer than one in seven international students are content with the system, citing financial strain. The study highlights that more than half of these students have never used healthcare facilities, with financial constraints being a significant barrier for 45.5 percent of them. Only 16 percent have a positive perception of health insurance coverage. In contrast, Koreans have higher medical service utilization. The findings call for a reevaluation of the system to address international students’ unique challenges.

Vancouver Community College (VCC) stands at the forefront of experiential education, serving a diverse student body of over 15,000, including Aboriginal and International learners. Located in the city’s heart, VCC offers hands-on training in gourmet restaurants, an auto shop, and a salon and spa, providing cost-effective services to the community. Committed to excellence, diversity, and inclusivity, the institution prioritizes student success through accessible education and industry connections, equipping graduates for a competitive workforce. At VCC, students can discover their passion and gain essential skills.

College of San Mateo’s Computer Science Applications and Development program equips graduates for entry-level programming roles in diverse industries. Emphasizing technical competence and teamwork, this program opens doors to positions like programmer, database developer, web developer, and more. Students can receive top-notch training that can prepare them for careers in the computing industry or seamless transfer to a four-year institution for advanced studies. Students may also explore opportunities as software engineers, systems analysts, or LAN administrators.