Trump Administration Drops Rule Barring Foreign Students From Taking Online-Only Classes

The Trump administration repeals its rule that requires international students to either transfer schools or leave the United States should their college or university hold all classes online in the upcoming semester. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announces this decision after being sued by institutions like Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), along with 18 states across the country. US District Judge Allison Burroughs of Massachusetts says the two universities and the US government have agreed on a settlement that would rescind the policy, rendering filed court cases moot. The government will revert to the old policy allowing international students to attend all classes online as coronavirus cases continue to surge. 

USA Today

Changes Coming For International Students Beginning Canadian Studies Online

While COVID-19 restrictions remain in place, the federal government of Canada has announced several measures to ease the transition to remote learning for international students. Based on the temporary measures, students outside of the country will be allowed to count their online studies as part of eligibility requirements for a postgraduate Canadian work permit as long as they complete at least 50 percent of their program in Canada. The government will also allow international students who are unable to submit documents for post-graduation work applications to begin their studies online in their home country. International students who fall under this condition will receive “approval in principle” upon showing proof of acceptance at a Canadian school and the ability to shoulder the costs. 

CTV News

Work Visa After Online Classes, English Course: UK Univs Roll Out Red Carpet For Indian Students 

As the United Kingdom navigates both the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit, the state adopts new measures that may make it the top destination for Indian students who wish to study abroad. The UK will grant students post-study work visas valid for two years after graduation even without travel to the UK and attending physical classes. A multitude of scholarships and an English language foundation course will also be offered to potential students. According to Universities UK, Brexit gives the UK an opportunity to devise or revise immigration policies to attract more international talent and augment the benefits they bring as staff or students.

Indian Express

Australia Plans 'Significant' Visa Changes To Limit COVID-19 Impact On International Students 

The Australian government is working closely with universities to protect the interests of international students both present in the country and stuck offshore. The federal government plans to revise its post-study work visa program to include international students completing their degrees online. The current policy for post-study work visa, or visa subclass 485, states that international students must physically study in the country for at least 16 months to become eligible. The Department of Home Affairs must also find a way to allow students to apply for this visa from their home countries, as part of Australia’s efforts to remain an attractive study-abroad option. 

SBS

University Associations Renew Call For Higher R&D Budget

15 university associations that represent over 800 universities across Europe call their leaders to increase investments in research, innovation, and academic exchange programs. This follows a budget draft where EU Council President Charles Michel proposes a €5 billion ($5.7 billion USD) cut to the budget of Horizon Europe. Secretary general of the lobby group European University Association Amanda Crowfoot calls this proposal “extremely disappointing” as she believes that this is the wrong time to cut funding for higher education and research. Crowfoot says that the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis these past 4 to 6 months have highlighted the growing need to invest more in research and innovation.

Science Business

'Gave Up Jobs And Paying EMIs': Indian Students Await Decision On Canadian Visa

The shutdown of consulates and visa processing centers in Canada has put the futures of thousands of Indian students on hold with an alleged lack of communication from the Canadian Embassy on application statuses. The website of the Canadian government states that a Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa takes about 20 days to be processed. However, many Indian students report applying for visas in March and, despite paying thousands of Canadian dollars as part of the application process, have not heard back from authorities months later. The High Commission of Canada attributes the delay in visa processing to staff shortage in offices both in India and Canada.

The News Minute

Edinburgh And Scotland's Relationship With China Must Be 'Re-evaluated'

Edinburgh is called to re-evaluate its relationship with China as the numbers of Chinese students and visitors in Scotland drop due to the pandemic. The city alone is home to roughly 6,000 international students from China, while in 2018, Chinese tourists spent almost £50 million ($62 million USD) in the country. According to Dr. Sarah Liu, Edinburgh University assistant professor in politics and international relations, it is important for Scotland to consider China’s human rights issues and not solely focus on the economic gain to be had from maintaining a relationship with it. The university aims to prioritize Edinburgh’s reputation as a culturally rich city and maintains its goal to attract international students and staff from anywhere in the world.

Edinburgh News

Priti Patel To Set Out Post-Brexit Immigration Details 

Home Secretary of the UK Priti Patel announces the fast-track health and care visa as well as a points-based immigration system that is set to launch once the freedom of movement with the European Union ends in January. Patel says that these plans not only encourage employers to invest in UK workers but also attract talented and skilled workers from around the world. The visa point system awards meeting certain criteria, with 70 points allotted to living and working in the UK. Being able to speak English, having a PhD relevant to a certain job, or getting a job offer in a “shortage occupation” like civil engineering garner points for visa applicants. 

BBC

Universities Plead For September Lifeline To Trial International Student Scheme

The coronavirus situation in Victoria and the strain in Australia’s hotel quarantine system have caused delays in the government’s trial program for bringing back overseas students. Sydney’s major universities urge the government to commit to a plan by September or October to protect the 2021 intake as well as the billions of dollars in revenue that can follow. The state’s economy is estimated to suffer the economic consequences of losing international students until 2030, as the loss at Sydney University alone has already affected 12,100 jobs. The New South Wales government commits to continually work with the federal government on a plan to safely bring in and quarantine international students.

The Sydney Morning Herald

UK Universities: No Automatic Tuition Fee Refunds, MPs Say

Members of parliament announce that students in UK universities should not expect automatic refunds for tuition payments despite the disruption caused by the ongoing health crisis. The petitions committee says that while many students have been adversely affected by campus closures and the shift to remote learning, some universities have made great efforts to continue providing quality education. The committee believes that there should not be a universal reimbursement or refund of fees to all university students, although students have the right to demand for a refund if the university was substandard in providing any services. Cited research shows that only 7% of students are satisfied with their education this year, while almost half of students have paid for unused accommodation. 

The Guardian

Universities Charter Planes To Fly International Students To The UK This Autumn

Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Bolton are chartering flights this September to ensure both new and returning international students can come to the UK to study. Recognizing international travel difficulties due to the pandemic, these universities are taking extraordinary measures to get students from China, India, and Africa to the UK safely and efficiently. Passengers on these chartered flights are required to present evidence of a recent negative COVID-19 test and must not display any symptoms while traveling. Students will also be transported straight to the campus from the airport and will be provided with accommodation should they need to quarantine. Students will be charged with the cost of a similar commercial flight ticket. 

iNews

More Students In UAE Dreaming About Careers In Space Sciences

Students in the United Arab Emirates are considering space science-related careers as the UAE gets closer to launching the Hope Probe, the first Arab mission to Mars. The Hope Mission team has been visiting international schools and universities around the UAE to promote space exploration and research among students. Educationists in the region are also working with various community partners to develop programs and pathways related to space science and aeronautics. Dr. Nidhal Guessoum, professor of physics at the American University of Sharjah, sees an increasing number of enrollees in physics and astrophysics courses, and hopes that the Hope Mission will inspire more students to explore science and research in the future.

Zawya

Featured Institution: Selkirk College

Bordered by the beautiful Columbia River in southern British Columbia, Canada, Selkirk College is the first regional community college in the province. Selkirk has been providing students in the region with innovative and high quality education since 1966. With over 60 nationally programs, eight campuses, and thousands of full-time students every year, Selkirk has grown to be an established education provider in Canada. Students at this college can choose from a range of programs to complete a certificate, a diploma, a bachelor degree, co-operative education, and continuing education levels. Despite having multiple campuses and a large reach, Selkirk remains closely-knit and able to provide hands-on, individualized support to its students. The university offers various learning opportunities and resources such as post-secondary transfers and research centres to create programs that meet industry demands and keep up with trends. Selkirk is committed to honing job-ready skills and impart relevant knowledge to its students.

Selkirk College