UK’s dependent ban enforced, studying in Canada gets pricey, and more in this week’s MSM Reporter

In 2023, the United States’ Supreme Court ended affirmative action in college admissions, ruling against considering a student’s race. International student numbers in the US also rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, notably with an increase in Indian students. Meanwhile, American students raised concerns about the value of a college degree, citing high costs and exploring alternative paths. Financial challenges also led some universities, like West Virginia University, to cut programs, while small colleges, including Alliance University in New York City, faced closures.

Starting January 1, the cost of studying in Canada has increased, affecting the 39.5% of Indian students in the international student body. The minimum cost of living requirement is bound to double, from CAD10,000 (approx. US$7,000) to CAD20,635 (approx. US$15,000). Initiatives like the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Extension aimed at attracting international students, including Indians, are in place. The recent visa rule changes aim to prevent fraud and ensure a secure educational environment in Canada.

The United Kingdom has imposed new visa restrictions to halt the “unreasonable practice” of foreign students bringing families to the country. The ban, applying to all overseas students except those in postgraduate courses or specific scholarships, aims to substantially reduce migration. Effective from January 1, international students can no longer secure visas for family members unless enrolled in postgraduate research or a government-sponsored course. UK Home Secretary James Cleverly said the move is part of the government’s plan to rapidly decrease migration, but concerns persist about its impact on the UK’s attractiveness for international students. 

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) has forecasted that by 2030, over 45% of individuals ages 25 to 34 in Europe will graduate, exceeding European Union targets. Some countries like Greece, Ireland, Poland, and Sweden have already achieved the 9% target for early school leavers, while Spain, Italy, and Hungary face challenges. The report also noted potential negative impacts on early school leavers and tertiary education due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, affecting Ukrainian students in education systems in the region.

Australia’s recent immigration rule changes, including stricter English language requirements and a Genuine Student test, has incited concerns among Indian students. The goal was to ensure international graduates contribute effectively to the labor market, supported by universities for potential improvements in student quality. Critics, however, fear the changes may discourage students and create an unwelcoming environment, particularly affecting those from smaller Indian cities concerned about language proficiency requirements and labor market exploitation.

The lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic persist among international students returning to in-person learning in the US. Some appreciate the shift from online classes to face-to-face interactions, citing the value of personal connections, while others express varied preferences for learning formats. Despite challenges, positive outcomes include the development of online therapy sessions as a response to the pandemic’s impact on mental health. In this video feature, college counselors and international students who are back to in-person learning in the US explore the pandemic’s lingering effects, particularly on social skills. 

The Blue Ribbon Panel on Postsecondary Education Financial Sustainability report has highlighted the financial dependence of Ontario’s post-secondary institutions on international students, countering accusations of their negative impact on rising living costs. Among the recommendations of the report – which spans the areas of funding, international students, financial accountability, cost efficiency and effectiveness, education in northern regions, and French-language education – include a “trusted institutions framework” for visa issuance collaboration and a reassessment of international student caps. Simultaneously, Ontario seeks to eliminate mandatory Canadian work experience for internationally trained immigrants to tackle labor shortages.

Italy has approved the Migration and Mobility Agreement with India, allowing Indian students to stay in the country for up to a year after completing studies for professional experience. The agreement, signed on Nov. 2, 2023, maintains the current Italian visa regime, including provisions for post-study opportunities and internships. Indian students can now be granted temporary residence in Italy for up to 12 months after completing academic or vocational training. The agreement also reserves quotas for non-seasonal and seasonal Indian workers for 2023 to 2025 under the Flows Decree.

German higher education has seen a 1.7% decline in student enrollment, reaching 2,871,500 in the winter semester of 2023-24. The drop varied among university types, with a 2.4% decrease at standard universities and a 0.5% drop at universities of applied sciences. First-year students showed a positive trend, increasing by 1.2%, largely due to an international student influx. Germany remains a top destination for international students, hosting 458,210 in 2023 with over 40%  of international students focusing on engineering programs. Yet housing challenges also persist with over 700,000 apartments in deficit, raising concerns about creating a two-class society.

Amid the fallout of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, international students, including those pursuing medical degrees, have faced upheaval and have been forced to abandon their studies. Completing mandatory exams overseas presented difficulties for these students. However, a positive development occurred when the Ukrainian Ministry of Health revised its rules, allowing domestic and foreign students outside the country to take exams at their place of residence. The ministry said that in 2023, students took the compulsory final exam called Kroks in 66 countries and in 2024 candidates would have the opportunity to continue sitting exams outside Ukraine.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s optimism on Nepal’s future contrasts with a seemingly grim reality as thousands of frustrated youths who were denied a chance to apply for the Korean language test for jobs in South Korea recently clashed with police, resulting in fatalities. Concurrently, Nepalese students in Japan have surged, surpassing 45,000 in 2023, outpacing Vietnamese numbers and ranking second only to Chinese students. The trend of Nepalis seeking foreign opportunities is believed to persist due to attractive wages, educational quality concerns, and dissatisfaction with the political and economic state.

A survey released by the Association of International Cultural and Educational Exchange Taiwan (AICEE Taiwan)  has found that 86% of international students have an interest in enrolling in new specialized programs and staying in Taiwan to work after graduation. High-quality education ranked first among the reasons why foreign students consider coming to Taiwan to study. In 2023, Taiwan unveiled an ambitious multi-year plan to attract and retain international students, including the introduction of specialized programs providing “industry-academia scholarships” and companies offering “living/internship allowances.”

With small college attention and big city connection, Greensboro College in North Carolina in the United States has empowered students for more than 186 years, including international students coming from about 29 countries. Its liberal-arts education prepares students for both a successful career and a meaningful life as engaged citizens capable of leading positive change in their communities and beyond. Inspired by the Church’s values, its community lives and learns under the philosophy of “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” and proudly welcomes all people without restriction and for a well-rounded education. Greensboro College offers undergraduate programs, online undergraduate programs, and non-credit programs for professional or workforce development certifications and advancement.

Nipissing University’s Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Finance is a two-year program intended for students with a degree outside of business. The finance diploma lets students take courses in areas such as financial management, investments, and financial derivatives. In order to graduate with the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Finance, students must obtain a minimum overall average of 60% on all courses presented for the diploma.  A minimum of 30 credits must be taken with Nipissing University to satisfy residency requirements. Students must complete 60 credits in courses including Business Mathematics, Introduction to Microeconomics, Marketing Concepts, and Digital Management.