NEW ZEALAND
NEW ZEALAND ALL SET TO BRING BY 1000 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN APRIL
In a recent announcement, New Zealand’s education minister updated that the country will be reopening borders to 1,000 international students stranded offshore when border restrictions started. The return will happen in stages from April as part of the recovery plan for international education.
AUSTRALIA
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS START A CAMPAIGN TO RETURN TO AUSTRALIA
International students have filed an official petition to Australian lawmakers seeking exemption from border closures, citing reasons such as lack of schooling and “bad quality” online lessons. The campaign has received nearly 3,000 signatures and is also supported by a social media campaign #bringusbacktoaus on Twitter.
UK
COVID UPDATE: UK TO CLOSE ALL TRAVEL CORRIDORS FROM JAN 18
The UK will close all travel corridors from Monday, Jan 18, morning to curb the risk of as yet unidentified new strains of the virus. Travellers flying from overseas will have to show a negative test report before setting off. The PM further states that the new rules will apply until at least February 15.
USA
STUDENTS CONSIDER TAKING LEGAL ACTION ON OPT LOCKBOX DELAYS
International students in the US say they will proceed with a legal action against the US Citizenship and Immigration Services if forced to leave the country due to delays around the processing of Optional Practical Training. USCIS states that these delays are happening due to the impact of COVID and an increasing number of requests for immigration benefits.
H-1B SELECTION SYSTEM WILL SOON PRIORITISE HIGHER EARNERS
A recent announcement by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services states that the H-1B visas process will be changed as of March 9. The current lottery system will get replaced to prioritise the applicants offered higher salaries. The change may affect international students as H-1B visas are a possible route for those looking to work here after graduating.
CANADA
CANADA HAS A NEW POLICY FOR WORK PERMIT HOLDERS TO EASE RESIDENCY
In a bid to retain talent, Canada has declared a new policy for former international students holding post-graduation work permits to now apply for open work permits. The initiative is to have a higher number of international graduates becoming permanent residents of the country.
INDIA
ONLY 32% OF INDIAN HOUSEHOLDS MAKE DIGITAL PAYMENTS
A survey by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and thinktank People Research on India’s Consumer Economy & Citizen Environment (Price) found that only 32% of Indian homes use digital payments although 68% of them own smartphones. Most users rely on payment apps rather than online banking to pay digitally.
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION COLLABORATION
U.S.-TAIWAN EDUCATION INITIATIVE TO KICK OFF ON JAN 16
A US-Taiwan Education Initiative introduced late last year is all set to start on Jan 16 at Taipei International Convention Center. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the event will kick off with a symposium on Chinese language teaching.
NCUK/ UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND LAUNCH CHINA STUDY CENTRES
NCUK and New Zealand’s University of Auckland are launching their branded study centres in China early in 2021 to support international students aspiring to pursue education in New Zealand through a pathway in their home country. These centres are part of a strategic plan to engage with prospective students in China.
LURN ONLINE
FUTURELEARN COMMENCES UPSKILLING SERVICE
FutureLearn has brought a new “ExpertTracks” online subscription service to offer short courses for professionals who aspire to boost their employability. Available on its learning platform, the first set of courses will encompass topics such as fintech, data analysis, cybersecurity, social media marketing, project management, psychology, entrepreneurship and leadership.
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