UniNews serves as your bi-weekly digest, providing essential updates on international education, study abroad opportunities, and the latest news to navigate your global academic journey.
The international education landscape is rapidly evolving, with countries worldwide introducing new measures and opportunities to attract global talent. India, as a significant contributor to the international student community, sees its students tapping into various destinations for higher education. Recent developments highlight the growing partnership between India and countries like Italy, where post-graduation opportunities have expanded, and the UK, which continues to offer premier scholarships like Chevening.
Concurrently, Australia grapples with addressing concerns like racism while aiming to amplify its global educational influence. Canada’s recent decline in study permits for Indian students presents challenges, signalling a shifting preference and raising questions about its attractiveness. As students navigate these choices, we bring you the latest on the world of international education!
Premier Scholarship Opportunities For Indian Students Aiming To Pursue Education Overseas
The number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad has increased, reaching 750,365, up from 444,553 in 2021, as per Ministry of Education data. However, the high tuition and living costs remain a concern for these students. To address these financial challenges, various scholarship programs are available.
The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships and Erasmus Mundus Scholarships offer support for studies in the U.S. and Europe, respectively. Also, programs like Chevening Scholarships in the UK, JN Tata Endowment in India, and Adelaide Scholarships in Australia aim to assist students with tuition, living expenses, and other costs. These scholarships not only ease financial burdens but also promote international collaboration and cultural understanding.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Chevening Scholarships in the UK?
The eligibility criteria for Chevening Scholarships in the UK typically require applicants to have a strong academic background, leadership qualities, and potential to contribute to their home country upon completion of their studies. Also, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the UK government and demonstrate a commitment to networking with other Chevening scholars.
How can Indian students apply for the JN Tata Endowment Scholarship?
Indian students can apply for the JN Tata Endowment scholarship by fulfilling the eligibility criteria, which often include academic excellence, leadership skills, and a clear plan for their studies and future careers. They need to submit their applications through the official website of the JN Tata Endowment, ensuring they provide all required documentation and meet the specified deadlines.
What are the benefits of the Adelaide Scholarships in Australia for international students?
The Adelaide Scholarships in Australia offer significant benefits for international students, including coverage of tuition fees, health insurance, and a living allowance. Additionally, recipients gain access to research opportunities and academic resources at the University of Adelaide, giving a conducive environment for advanced studies and research collaborations.
Source: Indian Express
Italy To Permit Indian Students To Remain For An Additional 12 Months After Finishing Their Degree
Italy has extended the stay for Indian students post-graduation by 12 months. The Union Cabinet of India approved a Migration and Mobility Agreement with Italy. This allows Indian students to gain professional experience in Italy after completing their studies. In 2022, Italy hosted 5,897 Indian students. Additionally, Italy has set quotas for both non-seasonal and seasonal Indian workers for 2023-2025 under the Flows Decree.
What are the requirements for Indian students to study in Italy?
To pursue studies in Italy, Indian students should be a minimum of 17 years old and have finished 12 years of education. They must secure a student visa, submitting essential documents such as a valid passport, acceptance letter from an Italian university, evidence of financial backing, health insurance, and a filled-out visa application along with language proficiency.
What are the benefits of the Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy?
The Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy extends the stay for Indian students post-graduation by 12 months, enabling them to gain professional experience in Italy. Additionally, the agreement aims to promote mobility for skilled workers and students from India, fostering better collaboration between the two nations.
What are the job opportunities for Indian workers in Italy?
The agreement includes quotas for both non-seasonal and seasonal Indian workers for 2023-2025 under the Flows Decree, suggesting job opportunities for Indian workers in Italy within these specified categories.
Source: Indian Express
USCIS Revises Its Guidelines For Foreign Students
The USCIS has clarified guidelines for international F-1 students in STEM fields regarding Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions. Specifically, these updates allow STEM F-1 students to extend their OPT to work at startup companies, provided these startups meet specific eligibility criteria. This guidance offers clarity to both students and institutions on practical training and employment opportunities, emphasising the potential for STEM students to engage with startup environments.
What are the specific eligibility criteria for STEM F-1 students to extend their OPT to work at startup companies?
STEM F-1 students can extend their OPT to work at startup companies if these startups meet specific eligibility criteria set by USCIS, ensuring alignment with their major field of study.
How can STEM F-1 students apply for OPT extensions to work at startup companies?
STEM F-1 students seeking OPT extensions to work at startups can do so by adhering to the guidelines provided by USCIS, ensuring they maintain a valid F-1 status and meet other requirements, with the possibility of online filing for some.
What are the potential benefits of OPT extensions for STEM F-1 students?
The OPT extensions for STEM F-1 students offer them increased practical training and employment opportunities, particularly within innovative startup environments. This promotes hands-on experience, potential career growth, and broader engagement in specialized fields.
Source: The PIE News
Report Suggests Australian Universities Can Enhance Their Influence In A “Competitive” Global Environment Through Soft Power!
The Lygon Group report, commissioned by Universities Australia, emphasises harnessing universities to address global issues. It warns of potential harm to Australia’s global reputation due to issues like racism against international students.
As China expands its soft power through initiatives like the Belt and Road, Australia should focus on educational influence in the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia. With global demographic shifts, including ageing populations in Europe and East Asia, Australian institutions should engage more with regions like Africa experiencing growth. The report also advocates for collaborative ties with China and anticipates increased Chinese interest in Australia for employment and migration.
What are some of the initiatives that Australian universities are undertaking to address issues of racism against international students?
Australian universities are implementing various initiatives to combat racism against international students, such as awareness campaigns, cultural sensitivity training for staff and students, and creating support groups to address discrimination and promote inclusivity.
How can Australian universities collaborate with universities in Africa to address global demographic shifts?
To collaborate with universities in Africa amidst global demographic shifts, Australian universities can establish academic exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and capacity-building projects. These partnerships aim to foster mutual learning, address educational challenges, and facilitate knowledge transfer between the regions.
What are some of the potential benefits of increased Chinese interest in Australia for employment and migration?
Increased Chinese interest in Australia for employment and migration can lead to economic growth, cultural exchange, and enhanced bilateral relations. It offers opportunities for skill diversification, innovation, and strengthening of ties in areas like trade, education, and technology, contributing to Australia’s economic and social development.
Source: The PIE News
Canada’s Appeal Wanes As Study Permits For Indians Drop By Over 40% Since July 2023
Since July 2023, there’s been an over 40% decline in Canadian study permit applications for Indian students, contrasting with a 25% increase during the same timeframe last year. Factors contributing to this decline might include Indian students’ changing perceptions of Canada’s education sector and housing challenges in the country. Nonetheless, Canada’s high approval rates for study permits indicate a potential to exceed the previous year’s total.
Why have study permit applications for Indian students declined in Canada?
The decline in study permits for Indian students in Canada could be attributed to changing perceptions of Canada’s education sector among Indians and housing challenges in the country.
What options do Indian students have if they cannot obtain a study permit in Canada?
Indian students who can’t secure a study permit in Canada might consider exploring educational opportunities in other countries or pursuing online courses from Canadian institutions.
What are the requirements for Indian students looking to study in other countries?
Indian students aiming to study in other countries generally need to meet criteria such as obtaining a valid passport, securing admission to an educational institution, demonstrating financial support, possessing health insurance, and fulfilling language proficiency requirements, depending on the destination country.
Source: Economic Times
For more information and insights on all things international education, keep watching this space! UniScholars is your one-stop study-abroad solution! Let us help you help yourself!
