UniNews serves as your fortnightly digest, providing essential updates on international education, study abroad opportunities, and the latest news to navigate your global academic journey.
As Indian students consider overseas education, recent news highlights promising developments across popular study destinations. From scholarships and simplified visa processes to new academic programmes and positive student experiences, nations are rolling out the red carpet. UniNews explores key announcements and survey insights regarding the United States, United Kingdom, France, and New Zealand. It covers improved scholarship availability, potential tax reductions, visa prioritisation, customised curriculums, and favourable student feedback.
With lower financial barriers, accessible visas and glowing testimonials, these countries showcase their commitment to attracting top Indian talent. For those weighing study abroad options, this overview spotlights expanding opportunities to gain world-class credentials and life-changing experiences.
Indian Students’ Opportunity To Study Abroad With Scholarship Worth Rs 82 Lakh, Application Starts By February 6th
Indian students have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship worth Rs 82 lakh to pursue higher education abroad, as revealed in the “Beyond Beds and Boundaries: Indian Student Mobility Report 2023”. The report estimates a rise in Indian students studying abroad to two million by 2025. Financial constraints are a common hurdle for students, but scholarships like the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship from the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offer support.
The scholarship, available since 1976, enables Indian students to pursue Master’s, MPhil, or PhD programmes in the US, UK, or Europe. The application window opens on February 6, with a March 22 deadline. Successful applicants receive $1 lakh, covering educational, living, medical expenses, and one-way flight travel, with partnerships established with renowned institutions. Eligibility criteria include being born after January 1, 1994, obtaining a degree from a recognised university, and meeting academic requirements. The selection process assesses candidates’ potential, accomplishments, and portfolio for Arts and Design scholarships.
For graduated students facing financial challenges, companies like NetCredit offer money solvency solutions, providing loans and financing options to support their educational and living expenses abroad.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship?
The eligibility criteria for the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship include being born after January 1, 1994, obtaining a degree from a recognised Indian university, and meeting academic requirements. Applicants must also have stayed in India for at least two continuous years after graduating from a foreign university.
What are the academic requirements for the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship?
Candidates from Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Fine Arts, Architecture, and related subjects must have at least 65%, a CGPA of 6.8/10, or a GPA of 2.6/4 academic grade upon graduation to qualify for the scholarship.
What is the selection process for the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship?
The selection process for the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship involves assessing candidates based on their potential for the future, previous and current accomplishments, and, for Arts and Design scholarships, their portfolio. An impartial Inlaks Selection Committee makes the selection, ensuring candidates have proof of admission before applying for the scholarship.
Source: News 18
Budget 2024: Anticipation Builds Among Indian Students Abroad For Positive Announcements From Finance Minister
Indian students studying abroad are anxiously awaiting announcements in the Union Budget 2024-25, particularly concerning Tax Collected at Source (TCS) rates. The budget’s focus on potentially reducing TCS rates could provide relief to financially struggling students. The current TCS rules, effective since October 1, 2023, impose levies on funds sent abroad for purposes like education.
The remittance exceeding INR 7 lakh incurs TCS at either 0.5% (if funded by a loan) or 5% (self-funded). There is hope for mitigation measures in the budget, with expectations for lower TCS rates to alleviate the financial burden on students and parents sending money overseas for education.
What are the current TCS rates for Indian students studying abroad exceeding ₹7 lakh in remittances?
The current TCS rates depend on funding: 0.5% for education loan-funded expenses and 5% for self-funded expenses.
How could lower TCS rates benefit these students?
Lower TCS rates could potentially reduce their financial burden, making overseas education more accessible and enhancing their global competitiveness in the job market.
Are there any other potential measures in Budget 2024 that could benefit them?
Budget 2024 might propose measures like increased scholarship funding, tax deductions for education expenses, or improved foreign exchange regulations, although specific details are yet to be announced.
Source: Financial Express
US Embassy Says: 25% Of Foreign Graduates In The United States Are Comprised Of Indian Students
In 2023, the US Embassy and Consulate in India processed a record 1.4 million US visas, with over 140,000 visas issued to Indian students, marking a three-year consecutive record. Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai are now the top four global processing posts for US student visas. Indian students constitute the largest group of international graduate students in the US, comprising over a quarter of the one million foreign students in the country.
The Consular Team in India, prioritising employment visas, reduced visitor visa appointment wait times by 75% and processed over 380,000 employment visas in 2023. A pilot programme in 2024 will streamline visa renewal for eligible H1B holders in the United States, benefiting Indian employment visa applicants. Visitor visas (B1/B2) also saw a historic high with over 700,000 applications.
What is the process for applying for a US student visa?
The process for applying for a US student visa involves obtaining the Form I-20 from the educational institution, paying the SEVIS fee, completing the DS-160 form, scheduling a visa interview, and presenting necessary documents during the interview.
What are the requirements for obtaining an H1B visa?
Requirements for obtaining an H1B visa include sponsorship by a US employer, possessing a job offer in a speciality occupation, and meeting educational and professional qualifications.
What is the difference between a B1/B2 visa and an F-1 visa?
A B1/B2 visa is a visitor visa for business and tourism, allowing temporary stays, while an F-1 visa is for international students pursuing academic or language studies in the US.
Source: News Careers 360
French President Inaugurates International Classes For Students From India
French President Emmanuel Macron has introduced “Classes Internationales” for Indian students, allowing them to learn French for a year in their country before pursuing their preferred degree. Applications can be submitted on classesinternationales.org until March 31, 2023.
Open to all Indian students, irrespective of their current French proficiency, the programme emphasises academic excellence as the only admission criterion. It aims to provide access to diverse fields in French higher education institutions, and outstanding students may receive scholarships from the Embassy of France in India. Macron, during his visit, emphasised France’s commitment to expanding opportunities for Indian students, including initiatives like Classes Internationales and a five-year short-stay Schengen visa for alumni.
What does the “Classes Internationales” programme launched by French President Emmanuel Macron offer to Indian students?
The “Classes Internationales” programme allows Indian students to learn French for a year in India before pursuing their desired degrees.
What is the duration of the “Classes Internationales” programme?
The duration of the “Classes Internationales” programme is one year before the study programme commences.
How can students apply for the “Classes Internationales” programme?
Students can submit their applications on classesinternationales.org, and the application deadline is March 31, 2023.
Source: Indian Express
84% Express A Positive Opinion Regarding Their Experience In New Zealand
The 2023 International Student Experience survey, conducted by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, revealed that 84% of 4,755 international students from over 70 countries had a positive overall experience. Additionally, 83% would recommend New Zealand as a study destination.
Geoff Bilbrough, the general manager for marketing and communications at the government agency, highlighted the strong preference for New Zealand due to its high-quality education and unique personal development opportunities. Despite challenges in infrastructure and concerns about residency, the survey indicated a positive trend in recognising the benefits international students bring to New Zealand, with increased awareness and support for cultural exchanges.
What were the main reasons cited by international students for choosing New Zealand as a study destination?
According to the 2023 International Student Experience survey, the main reasons international students chose New Zealand were its high-quality education and unique personal development opportunities, contributing to an overall positive experience for 84% of the surveyed students.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the experience of international students in New Zealand?
The 2021 International Student Experience survey, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic began, aimed to assess the impact on international students studying in New Zealand. The pandemic brought about challenges, including concerns about infrastructure and issues related to residency, despite the overall positive trend in recognising the benefits international students bring to New Zealand.
What are some of the challenges faced by international students in New Zealand?
Challenges faced by international students in New Zealand, as indicated by the survey, include concerns about infrastructure and residency issues. Despite these challenges, the survey reflects an overall positive trend in acknowledging the benefits international students bring to the country, with increased awareness and support for cultural exchanges.
Source: The PIE News
Keep watching this space for more information and insights on all things international education! UniScholars is your one-stop study-abroad solution! Let us help you help yourself!
