Note From the Editor
Nearly 70 Indian nationals and graduates are suing the US government over claims of H-1B visa rejections resulting from employer fraud. Not too far (geographically and situationally), chaos has ensued as Ontario’s Northern College retracts admission offers, leaving approximately 500 international students in disarray.
In the UK, Afghan scholars studying under the Chevening scholarship scheme are pleading to the government to let them stay as their graduation nears, citing uncertainty and a fast-evolving situation in their home country.
While our top stories this week reflect desperate situations for international students across the major destination markets, there are pockets of hope in countries like Ukraine, France, and Turkey.
Tune in for more top international education stories every week – and read more news and insights on MSMReporter.com.
Nearly 70 Indian nationals and graduates are suing the US government, claiming H-1B visa rejections resulting from employer fraud. The lawsuit filed in Washington state federal court accuses the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of denying visas despite lawful employment. The plaintiffs seek reversal and the chance to address fraud claims before eligibility decisions, arguing the DHS violated procedures and lacked evidence. The lawsuit highlights students getting caught in fraudulent company schemes and the resulting distress after being denied entry to the US despite qualifying for legal processes such as the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
Chaos ensues as Ontario’s Northern College retracts admission offers, leaving approximately 500 international students in disarray. Northern College blames unexpected visa approvals for the situation, while government authorities point to the school’s admissions process. Students from around the world had already invested in flights, accommodation, and other arrangements before their abrupt rejection, and now they are left scrambling for solutions, with some already in Canada when the news broke. The public-private partnership between Pures College and Northern College adds complexity to the situation, leaving Pures with limited authority over admissions decisions. As the fallout continues, questions arise about accountability and the well-being of impacted students.
Afghan scholars studying under the Chevening scholarship scheme in the United Kingdom are appealing to the government to let them stay as their graduation nears. The current cohort expresses fear over potential return to Afghanistan due to fast-changing circumstances. The Home Office initially stated that the scholarship didn’t guarantee resettlement, although previous cohorts were granted indefinite leave to remain. Some highlight financial challenges and potential deportation risks tied to temporary visas. The situation underscores the uncertainty faced by Afghan students, navigating education, safety, and their aspirations in the UK amid uncertainty and evolving situations in their home country.
Ireland grapples with a severe dearth of affordable student housing in key university towns, further compounded by a rising wave of rental scams. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission alerts students to a 65% surge in such scams since 2019, preying on their desperation for housing. CCPC’s red flags include landlords abroad, upfront payments, and counterfeit contracts – all especially targeting international students. The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) urges vigilance, advocating for property viewings and secure payment methods. The “rent-a-room” scheme is encouraged, but calls mount for reinforced protections and agreements.
Australia’s international education sector is facing a crisis as an influx of fake international students takes advantage of lenient work rights and residency incentives, according to regulators and industry insiders. Julian Hill, Labor’s federal member for Bruce, labeled it a “ponzi scheme,” accusing agents of misusing student visas. Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), echoed concerns, emphasizing the integrity of the sector is at risk. Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) chief commissioner Peter Coaldrake warned of a “significant” danger, with unprepared international students flooding in. Unethical activities by education agents and the trend of students shifting to “ghost courses” for work reasons have also been brought to the fore.
New Zealand has lifted its final COVID-19 restrictions, marking the end of a globally watched pandemic strategy. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins declared the removal of mask mandates in medical settings and the seven-day isolation requirement for infected individuals. The country initially received praise for eradicating the virus through strict measures. Despite later challenges with variants, New Zealand transitioned from elimination to management. Hipkins recognized over 3,250 deaths out of 5 million citizens, a fifth of the US rate, and applauded collective efforts and sacrifices that saved lives. Health Minister Ayesha Verrall highlighted declining cases and hospitalizations, indicating a stabilized health system.
The US National Science Foundation and counterparts from five European nations have inaugurated the International Multilateral Partnerships for Resilient Education and Science System in Ukraine (IMPRESS-U). Backed by the NSF and global partners, IMPRESS-U aims to elevate Ukraine’s science, engineering, and innovation through international collaboration. Spearheaded by the NSF, Estonian Research Council, and more, the initiative seeks to fortify global ties, fostering engagement between Ukrainian and international scientists.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the integration of four recently endorsed English language tests for Student Direct Stream (SDS) applicants. Starting August 10th, the International English Language Testing System or IELTS requisites will also be enforced for SDS candidates. Eligibility mandates demand comprehensive language proficiency in either English or French, aligning with Canada’s official languages. The SDS is a program offering accelerated processing of study permits for international students originating from specific countries.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France, the country has unveiled plans to attract 8,000 Indian students this year. Campus France, responsible for promoting French higher education abroad, processed over 4,000 applications in the first semester of the year. The surge in Indian students’ interest is bolstered by the two-year post-study work visa for those with French master’s degrees, offering career prospects and renewal options. France’s advantages include affordable education, scholarships, and over 1,600 English-taught programs. Additionally, the country introduced a five-year Schengen visa for Indian alumni.
Growing concerns over the pandemic and geopolitical tensions have led to a decline in Chinese students opting to study abroad. A decade-long trend of increasing numbers seeking international education has shifted, with more students now choosing local institutions. Factors include anti-Chinese sentiment, worsening China-West relations, and travel restrictions. In 2019, mainland China sent 710,000 students overseas; a recent Open Doors Report reveals a decline in new Chinese scholars studying in the US by 10.6 percent (2019-20), 38.7 percent (2020-21), and 26.1 percent (2021-22). Australia, once popular among Chinese students, has seen a 10 percent annual decline since 2020. Chinese students are now eyeing local universities and institutions in Hong Kong, which provide competitive programs and are closer to home.
Tokyo’s International Christian University experiences dwindling enrollment due to Japan’s birthrate decline, signaling a potential future for US universities. The number of 18-year-olds in Japan has halved in 30 years, projected to further decrease to 880,000 by 2040. This trend adversely impacts colleges, the economy, and competitiveness. US universities are now grappling with similar enrollment drops. Experts call for urgency among US policymakers, employers, and institutions to address the issue. Japan’s experience also reveals repercussions of lowered admission standards and struggling university fill rates.
Turkey celebrates a milestone in global education, with over 300,000 international students enrolling in its universities during the 2022-23 academic year. This number meets the target set by the Turkey Foreign Economic Relations Board, showcasing the country’s growing appeal for higher education. The Council of Higher Education reveals 301,694 international students pursued degrees last year, marking a remarkable 526 percent increase from 2013-14. Prominent contributors include Syria and Azerbaijan, while China and India show lower representation compared to Western study destinations. Turkish universities aim to reach 500,000 international students by year-end.
In the heart of Fredericton, New Brunswick, St. Thomas University thrives as a small, dedicated institution with a steadfast commitment to providing students a dynamic university experience. With a tight-knit community, its 1,800 Bachelor of Arts students delve into over 30 programs, embracing traditional disciplines and contemporary fields like Communications, Criminology, and Human Rights.
The university’s belief in the transformative power of the liberal arts is unwavering, preparing graduates for global leadership and social responsibility. Supported by experienced faculty, students can relish in intimate class settings that encourage debate and individual growth. Financial aid, student services, and experiential learning further enrich learners’ journey, creating leaders who think freely and impact profoundly.
The Innovative Computer Science Program at Whitworth University provides dynamic collaborative opportunities for students. From foundational coding skills to problem-solving prowess, students can thrive in classroom and hands-on instructions. Learners can benefit from faculty support, hands-on projects, and interdisciplinary learning. Students can also shape their future with software development, HCI, and more.
The university connects faith and technology while building a vibrant community. Students can excel through internships, club events, and global exposure, as well as prepare for diverse careers at reputable companies like Microsoft, Google, and many others.
MSM Reporter is collated by a globally spread team of MSM and is published every Thursday.
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