Canada’s reforms fortify protections for international students
Last 27 October 2023, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced plans to implement several measures aimed at strengthening Canada’s International Student Program.
New Zealand’s plans of action for international students
New Zealand’s upcoming election raises a series of prospective changes that can significantly benefit and provide more opportunities to international students.
The closure of Australia’s Pandemic Event visa
As of 2 September 2023, a new measure has taken effect where applications for the Pandemic Event visa are only open to existing visa holders. This means that Pandemic Event visa holders will be able to apply for a subsequent Pandemic Event visa after 2 September 2023, providing leeway for preparations and adjustments, until the visa is completely closed for everyone in February 2024.
Updates in the Australian student visa application process
It’s safe to say that an Australian student visa is one of the most coveted visas in the world. As a major study destination for international students from all over the globe, Australia has had its student visa application process discussed widely among various groups. Along with the application to the school of their choice, the student visa application is a very important step for any student wanting to pursue studies abroad.
Exponential growth of international students in Canada causes growing housing demands
While the heightened interest in Canada as a study destination is great, the unexpected increase in the international student pool has directly and significantly affected the country’s housing market. The influx of international students coming into the country has caused the demand for accommodation to exceed way past the existing supply.
US visas issued for international students exceed pre-pandemic figures
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, international education was of course gravely affected. Numbers in the US dropped, but have since been on an upward slope since borders reopened. 2022 brought the largest number of enrolments since 2019. According to Boundless, “In 2022, there were 1,362,157 active F-1* and M-1* students living in the [US], an increase of 10% from the previous year, and a clear sign that international student enrollment is bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels.”
London tops as best student city four years in a row
In the four years that QS has published this list, London has continuously secured its position at number one. “This year’s ranking is once again topped by London. Home to several leading universities, including UCL (University College London), Imperial College London, and King’s College London, the city has been a student favourite for years and has plenty of world-class academic institutions for students to choose from”, says QS about London bagging the top spot once again for the latest rankings.
New Zealand rebounds volume of international student applications
Far beyond its rich culture, world-renowned wines and jaw-dropping picturesque landscapes, New Zealand has always been a prime study destination for students all around the world. This country remains a top choice for international education because of its excellent educational system, globally recognised qualifications and diverse research opportunities.
Student experience ratings for international students in Australia rise
For the 2022 SES, there were 129 participating institutions, 42 of which were universities. It garnered a total of 52,316 valid online responses on the student level, achieving a 33.6% response rate. The results reveal that the rating for overall student experience improved in 2022, rising to 75.9% from 74% in 2021, and catching up to pre-pandemic levels (78.5% in 2019). The results also showed that the ratio of international students saying they had a positive experience rose to 74.4% from a low of 63% who said the same in 2020.
Indian students emerge as a top market in the US
The IIE’s Spring 2023 Snapshot on International Educational Exchange, which is based on responses from 527 US higher education institutions, suggests that US educators are stepping up their efforts to attract students in various markets – most especially India. The IIE found that from 2021-2022, the US had more international graduate students studying in the country at 41% than they did foreign undergraduates, which was only at 36%.