Note From the Editor
Indian students in American universities are expected to increase by over 1 million annually by 2030, driven by a decline in the US college-age population. By 2026, enrollment is predicted to rise 15-20%, with 268,923 already studying in the US.
In Canada, the ban on foreign ownership of housing has been extended for two years to address affordability concerns, alongside limits on international student permits and post-graduation work permits to manage population influxes aggravating the housing crisis amid rapid immigration-fueled population growth.
Meanwhile, UK universities are reviewing international student admissions to address controversy over recruitment practices, focusing on ensuring fairness, transparency, and robustness amid concerns about “bad practice” among agents.
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The number of Indian students in American universities is set to surge to over 1 million per year by 2030 due to a decline in the United States college-age population. Experts predict a 15-20% increase in Indian student enrollment by 2026, with 268,923 already studying in the US as of 2023. American undergraduate enrollment has also dropped by 4% since 2020, compounded by a decrease in US high school graduates. To counter this, US universities are intensifying efforts to attract international students despite potential visa challenges. Nonetheless, sustained demand for Indian students in the top destination country is expected to lead to a fivefold increase in enrollment by the end of the decade.
Canada has extended its ban on foreign ownership of housing for two years to address concerns about affordable housing access. The aim is to prevent homes from becoming speculative assets and emphasize the government’s commitment to affordability. Limits on international student permits and post-graduation work permits have been imposed to control population influxes exacerbating the housing crisis. Rapid population growth from immigration is believed to be further straining essential services amid the housing challenge.
UK universities are reviewing international student admissions following controversy over recruitment practices, including concerns about “bad practice” among agents. Universities UK, representing university leaders, is conducting reviews into the use of recruitment agents and international foundation programs. The aim is to ensure fairness, transparency, and robustness in the admissions process, amid accusations of lowering entry standards for international students. The reviews will also examine entry requirements for international foundation courses and update the admissions code of practice to clarify its applicability to international students.
Minister Simon Harris has raised concerns about extended student leases by a private landlord, noting a deviation from policy intent, particularly affecting undergraduate students in Ireland. He cited the need to reduce reliance on the private market for student housing and announced plans to double the number of degree courses offered outside the Central Applications Office process. Harris has tasked his department with engaging relevant authorities to address the issue, acknowledging Ireland’s accommodation challenges amid increasing migration.
Australia’s net overseas migration, particularly in international student visas, is declining due to government tightening, with over 90,000 student approvals expected to decrease this financial year. The decline was attributed to efforts to deter work-seeking applicants. The total number of student visas approved is significantly lower than the previous year’s record, reflecting a trend of decreasing approvals and escalating concerns about program integrity. Education Minister Jason Clare also affirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing Australia’s higher education sector reputation and combating exploitation through migration strategy and integrity measures.
New Zealand maintains a strong reputation among international students, per recent research findings. The study revealed that 84% of international students rate their experience positively, while three-quarters of New Zealanders recognize their contribution as an asset to the education system. Geoff Bilbrough, representing Education New Zealand, cited the importance of celebrating the education system’s strengths, pointing out the encouraging trend of students returning for further studies.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has reported an increasing number of Chinese scientists leaving top US universities to work in China, attributed to the China Initiative launched in 2018 by the Department of Justice. The initiative, aimed at addressing concerns about Chinese espionage, ended in early 2022 but has led to a significant migration trend, with 2,621 scientists leaving the US for China in 2021, reflecting a 75% acceleration in migration rate.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a cap on the number of study permit applications it will consider in 2024, setting a maximum of 606,250 applications. This differs from the previous announcement of a cap specifically on study permit approvals, which was set at 360,000 applications. The new instructions indicate that IRCC will only process up to 606,250 study permit applications throughout 2024, with the possibility of this cap being amended by the minister if needed.
Criticism mounts against the Scottish National Party’’s student number cap as foreign teenagers were found to have higher acceptance rates than Scots at top universities like Edinburgh and St Andrews. While only 24% of Scottish applicants received offers for a law degree at Edinburgh, the figure rose to 41% for international applicants last year. The SNP’s free tuition policy limits places for Scots but not international students, leading to concerns about accessibility and disparities in offer rates between domestic and foreign applicants.
Germany has seen over a million students enrolled in STEM courses in academic year 2022-23. Top universities for STEM programs in 2024, including Technical University of Munich and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, were identified based on global rankings. These universities excel in STEM education, attracting students seeking quality programs. STEM fields in Germany offer competitive salaries, ranging from (approximately $62,257) to €121,666 ($131,742) annually, with roles like electrical engineering and web development commanding high incomes.
The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has started accepting the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core for immigration purposes, excluding the Student Direct Stream (SDS), as of Jan. 30. This means candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Express Entry, and other Canadian immigration pathways can now take the PTE Core. The PTE Core joins four other accepted language tests by IRCC, including the CELPIP General Test, IELTS General Training, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada, assessing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Depending on the program, candidates may have to meet different criteria within these skills.
South Australia’s Education Department has ceased accepting student applications from Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Quang Binh provinces in central Vietnam due to recent disappearances of students from these regions. This decision, made in line with education service laws for foreign students, is deemed a key move to uphold the integrity of the Australian visa system. Despite applications being halted from these provinces, students from other parts of Vietnam can still apply for admission to schools in South Australia.
Shoreline Community College, located on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, notably the Duwamish Tribe, was established in 1964. With a commitment to lifelong learning, the college provides a comprehensive array of over 100 academic and professional/technical degrees and certificates. Its student body comprises more than 8,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds, including the United States and over 50 countries.
Guided by a vision of inclusive excellence in teaching and learning, student success, and community engagement, Shoreline Community College upholds core values of respect, inclusion, and active student participation.
The F.C. Manning School of Business Administration at Acadia University provides an enriching academic environment where students engage in both challenging coursework and collaborative projects. Offering majors in accounting, business technology management, employment relations, entrepreneurship and innovation, finance, and marketing, the program ensures a well-rounded business education. Through close interaction with professors, students gain practical insights and develop essential skills to excel in their chosen fields.
With opportunities for study abroad, co-op placements, and local enterprise projects, students at Acadia University expand their learning beyond the classroom. The program’s emphasis on integrity, initiative, and intellectual curiosity fosters graduates who are adept at communication, adaptable to change, and effective in both independent and cooperative settings. Equipped with an entrepreneurial attitude and extensive group experience, students leave prepared to make meaningful contributions and lead change in the professional world.
MSM Reporter is collated by a globally spread team of MSM and is published every Thursday.
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