The US embassy in Beijing cited US State Department data to claim that the US has lifted restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese nationals in 2020. The data shows that the State Department has issued over 85,000 F1 visas to international students from China beginning in May 2021. The spike in approvals was most evident when comparing the 33,896 visas issued in June 2021 to the 8 issued in June 2020. This is welcome news to higher education institutions struggling to overcome the financial hardships they endured because of the pandemic. Chinese nationals accounted for about one-third of international students in the 2019/2020 academic year, generating about $16 billion in revenue for the US.

As post-secondary schools in Ontario, Canada are reopening to in-person learning, HEIs are working together to ensure that inbound international students are meeting the required COVID-19 vaccination protocol. According to a college official from a Waterloo institution, global learners who were jabbed with a vaccine that is not Canadian-approved are required to self-isolate for 14 days and do government-mandated testing. Upon the release of a negative result, they will be assisted to get immunization of a Canadian-approved vaccine. Ontario HEIs are collaborating with health units and local pharmacies in making this happen.

Amid the pandemic-induced border restrictions, over 50 HEIs in the United Kingdom have arranged charter flights that will help Chinese students pursue their academic journey in the UK. Around 1200 Chinese students are expected to be given an opportunity to be flown in. These foreign students will also be supported during their 10-day quarantine, explained a University of Bristol spokesperson. This measure is hoped to prevent further loss of revenue for the HEIs.

While masters and doctorate degrees are deemed exemplary academic ventures by most individuals, some international students in Europe pursue them as a means to stay in their destination country and not fly back home. In this feature by BBC News, some Nigerian students share their experiences in studying in a European country and the academic excellence they need to earn in the hope of earning a permanent residency. This story also shares updated statistics in the numbers of Nigerian students in the UK and estimates based on ICEF Monitor data.

The Australian federal government is extending the work hours allowed to international students to more than 40 hours every two weeks. The extension would provide extra hands to help relieve the pressure on the aged care workforce. Health Minister Greg Hunt points out that while there are fewer hospitalizations, workers in the aged care sector still must work at a higher intensity because of COVID-19.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on August 27 that Auckland will most likely be in full lockdown for another two weeks. Most of the 70 new cases of COVID-19 infection are in Auckland. However, Ardern says the lockdown is showing results and expects to ease restrictions slightly in other parts of the country soon.

Some higher education institutions in the US are noticing an uptick in deferrals as rising cases of Delta-variant COVID-19 cases add to the uncertainty of international students already struggling to secure visas and flights. While the deferral rates are still relatively low compared to 2020, some institutions believe it is likely that more deferrals will come in at the last minute. The trend is regarded with gloom as cash-strapped HEIs need the revenue brought in by international students.

As the Canadian government extends direct flight restrictions from India, many Indian international students experience hurdles in their academic progress. Although virtual classes are available to those who are currently enrolled but are offshore, this mode of learning has proven inadequate as it can only focus on things that can be done remotely. Meanwhile, the Canadian government explained that the ban on direct flights allows travelers to be tested for COVID once they have left a high-risk country, reducing the risk of contracting the virus between receiving the test and boarding a flight to Canada.

Russia and Ukraine have emerged as some of the most ideal destinations for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) studies for Indian international medical students. The central government of Ukraine is known for providing holistic learning in its low-cost medical colleges. Plus, there are many medical universities in the country that accept admission without any entrance exam. Russia also has plenty of medical universities offering affordable MBBS programs. Both Russia and Ukraine also have special coaching for top medical license exams.

The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan could stop hundreds of Afghans from taking up overseas studies in Russia or continuing with classes that have moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic. Russia's ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov has informed students that the issue is being worked out. The Russian government will request flights out of Afghanistan in September for Afghan students who are planning to study in Russia.

Stranded international students studying at Hong Kong universities are pleading to be given the same treatment as foreign domestic helpers on COVID-19 vaccine recognition so they can resume face-to-face studies. The Hong Kong government recently struck bilateral deals with Indonesia and the Philippines to accept COVID-19 vaccine certificates of domestic workers. However, the deal excluded many groups including students, business travellers, and other workers who received jabs in the two Southeast Asian countries. Under border control measures, only travellers with recognized certificates from the two countries will be allowed to enter Hong Kong.

Students from Afghanistan living in India are torn between going back home to Taliban rule or staying abroad while leaving their families behind. In addition to the emotional turmoil, many Afghan students are dealing with financial troubles. Financial stress is particularly affecting students who have depended on their families for their tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses. Based on the latest estimates, around 14,000 Afghan students are currently in India.

Situated in the west of Saskatchewan, Great Plains College is one of the fastest-growing colleges in Canada. Its decentralized campuses are located in Kindersley, Swift Current, and Warman with additional programming at locations in Biggar, Maple Creek, and Rosetown. Throughout the locations in western Saskatchewan, the college offers post-secondary certificate, diploma, and degree programs as well as certificate courses in a variety of trades including university programming, skills and safety training, adult basic education, and English language training. 

Great Plains College was the first regional college in Saskatchewan to introduce a health and dental plan for its students and also has one of the strongest scholarship programs across Canada.