Study Abroad News Update: 29 August 2024

Keep track of the most important study abroad news updates for Indian students. From visa changes to new university policies, these insights will help you make informed decisions about your international education. Stay confident and move forward with the latest news that could affect your plans to study overseas.

News Highlights: Study Abroad For Indian Students

Stay on top of the latest developments affecting Indian students studying abroad. Our updates provide insights into visa changes, university policies, and scholarship programs. 

With these updates, you can make informed decisions and smoothly navigate your study abroad plans.

1. Government Announces Temporary Shutdown of Online Passport Application System for Routine Maintenance; Appointments for August 30 to be Rescheduled. 2. Loan-Repayment Program ‘Saving on a Valuable Education’ Remains on Hold as Supreme Court Upholds Injunction, Delaying Relief for Borrowers. 3. Government-Imposed Caps on International Student Enrollments to Affect Australian Universities; Queensland University of Technology Reports 10% Reduction in New Student Slots.

Essential Study Abroad News for Indian Students: Key Updates and Trends

If you’re an Indian student looking to study abroad, keeping up with the latest news is important. Our study abroad updates cover everything from new visa requirements to scholarship opportunities. Stay ahead of the curve and make informed choices about your education abroad.

1. Passport Application Portal Maintenance The online passport application portal will undergo maintenance starting from 8:00 PM on August 29th, 2024, until 6:00 AM on September 2nd, 2024. During this time, the system will be unavailable, and no new appointments can be scheduled. If you have an appointment booked for August 30th, it will be rescheduled, and you will receive a notification about the new date. This maintenance is part of routine procedures by the Ministry of External Affairs. For Indian students needing passports or renewals, this maintenance may affect your plans. It’s important to check the portal before making any new appointments and to keep an eye out for notifications about rescheduled appointments. Ensuring you have a valid passport is crucial for studying abroad, so plan ahead and be prepared for any changes.

2. Biden Administration’s Loan-Repayment Plan on Hold The U.S. Supreme Court has put a hold on the Biden administration’s new loan-repayment plan, known as Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE). This decision means that the plan, which was supposed to help borrowers with lower payments and faster loan forgiveness, remains blocked.  Over eight million borrowers will continue to have their payments paused while the court case continues. The Education Department had already forgiven over $5 billion in loans for some borrowers under this plan. For Indian students planning to study in the U.S., this news may impact your loan repayment options. If you were considering enrolling in SAVE, keep an eye on updates and be aware that the process might be delayed. Understanding your loan options and repayment plans is important for managing your finances while studying abroad.

3. Australian Universities’ New International Student Limits The Australian government has announced new National Planning Levels for 2025, which set limits on how many new international students universities can accept. Some universities, like Queensland University of Technology (QUT), will see a reduction in their international student intake by about 10% compared to 2023. This change will affect institutions’ plans for growth and their investments in new programs. For Indian students looking to study in Australia, this news means that competition for spots at Australian universities might increase. Universities might have fewer openings for new international students, so it’s essential to apply early and be aware of these changes. This may also affect the availability of specific programs or courses, so stay informed and prepare your applications accordingly.

Study Abroad Lingo: Your Guide to Key Terms and Phrases

Exploring the world of international education can be confusing, but understanding the common terms will make it easier. In our user-friendly segment on study abroad lingo, we simplify key vocabulary.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Letter of Recommendation	A written endorsement from a teacher, professor, or employer supporting a student’s application to a university or program.	Make sure to request a letter of recommendation from your professor well in advance of your application deadline.
Learning Outcomes	The specific skills, knowledge, and abilities that students are expected to gain from a course or program.	When choosing courses abroad, review the learning outcomes to ensure they align with your academic goals.
Language Proficiency Test	An assessment used to measure a student’s ability in a particular language, often required for non-native speakers applying to study in countries where the language of instruction is different from their own.	You may need to take a language proficiency test like the TOEFL or IELTS to prove your English skills for your study abroad application.

Stay informed about the Study abroad news update with Leverage Edu News Desk and plan your journey with Leverage Edu today!