Study Abroad News Update: 10 August 2024 

Study Abroad News Updates for 10 August 2024: Stay informed with the latest study abroad news updates designed for students aiming to pursue education overseas. Our updates cover important changes, trends, and essential information to help you channel your international study journey successfully.

News Highlights: Key Updates on Study Abroad for Indian Students

Get the latest news on study abroad programs, policies, and trends that impact students looking to study internationally. Our study abroad news updates highlights provide crucial information to help you stay ahead in your global education journey.

Study Abroad For Indian Students

Explore the most recent news and updates structured for Indian students aspiring to study abroad. Stay informed about opportunities, visa information, and tips to make your international education experience successful.

1. Australian Government Denies 40 percent International Student Cap: Australian Education Minister Jason Clare has dismissed claims of a proposed 40 percent cap on international student enrollments. On August 8, Clare clarified that the government has no plans to implement such a restriction. This response came after media reports by the Australian Financial Review suggested a cap, which was discussed during the Senate hearings on the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Bill on August 6. Clare emphasised that the government’s focus is on maintaining the integrity of the education system and ensuring its continued operation. He stressed that international education is a vital national asset for Australia.  During the Senate hearings, concerns were raised about the potential negative impact of a cap on private institutions that rely heavily on international students and do not receive government funding. Independent Higher Education Australia CEO Peter Hendry warned that the proposed cap could threaten the survival of these institutions. Economist Richard Holden from UNSW Business School highlighted that a significant reduction in international students could harm Australia’s economy. His analysis suggests that a return to 2019 student numbers might lead to an $11.6 billion loss to the economy in 2025, equating to about 0.5% of the gross domestic product.  Holden pointed out that international students contribute not only through tuition fees but also by spending on rent, food, entertainment, and travel. Industry leaders, including Go8 chief executive Vicki Thomson, strongly opposed the cap. Thomson noted that limiting international student enrollments to pre-pandemic levels could cost Australia over $5.3 billion in economic output and result in the loss of more than 22,500 jobs. 2. US Student Appointment Wait Times Show Wide Discrepancies: Recent data from the US Department of State reveals significant differences in the wait times for student appointments across various US embassies. As of July 2024, students from Accra, Ghana, face the longest wait times, averaging 361 days. In contrast, many Indian embassies have reduced wait times to less than four weeks. International admissions expert Marty Bennett highlighted the notable progress in India, where wait times in Kolkata and Mumbai have improved to about 25 days. This is a significant decrease from the previous wait times of 129 and 143 days, respectively, in August 2022. The US embassy in New Delhi has also made strides, reducing wait times from 245 days two years ago to an average of 23 days now. Bennett attributed these improvements to new consulate facilities and enhanced appointment systems in India. The new consulate building in Hyderabad and plans for additional consulates are part of efforts to meet the growing demand for US higher education. Changes to the appointment system have also prevented issues with “dodgy” agents booking and reselling appointments, making the process more efficient. Despite progress in India and Southeast Asia, challenges remain in South Asia and Africa. Bennett stressed the need for further improvements in these regions to address increasing demand effectively. 3. Japan Launches Video to Promote Study Opportunities and Bust Myths: The Japanese Ministry of Education, MEXT, has released a new video titled ‘Study in Japan’ to highlight the country’s high-quality education and dispel myths about studying there. The video is part of Japan’s effort to attract more international students by showcasing the benefits and accessibility of Japanese universities. Takeda Kuniko, MEXT’s deputy director of international affairs, explained the motivation behind the video: “We felt the need to promote study abroad in Japan by reaching out to more diverse countries and regions. Our goal is to make the Japanese experience visible and correct misconceptions about studying in Japan. The video highlights the increasing availability of English-taught courses at Japanese universities. Over the past decade, the number of English-taught undergraduate programs has risen from 36 to 88, and graduate programs have grown from 200 to 295. The video also underscores Japan’s strong position in global rankings, with 119 Japanese universities listed in the top 1,500 of THE’s 2024 World University Rankings, surpassing the 169 US colleges in the same range. Additionally, the video features personal stories from international students from India, France, Ukraine, and the US, including Dr. Lekh Juneja, an Indian alumnus who now leads Kameda Seika, a prominent food company. It emphasizes that over 50% of international graduates stay in Japan to work or start their own businesses. Last year saw a 20% increase in international students in Japan, signalling positive progress towards Japan’s internationalization goals. Kuniko stressed that international students are vital in enhancing the quality of Japanese education and fostering global connections. “International students become great ambassadors for Japan, helping maintain peaceful relationships with other countries,” she said.

Study Abroad Lingo

Understand key terms and phrases related to studying abroad. Our lingo guide helps you navigate the language of international education, making your journey smoother and more informed.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Admissions	The process of applying and being accepted into a school or university.	You must complete your admissions application before the deadline to be considered for the program you want to study abroad.
Accredited	Officially recognized as meeting the required standards of quality.	Make sure the university you choose is accredited to ensure that your degree will be recognized and valued worldwide.
Application	A formal request or process to be considered for a program or position	Submitting your application early can give you a better chance of getting accepted into the study abroad program you are interested in.

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