EduConnect Jan’25 Wrap-up Edition

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POPULAR STUDY DESTINATION UPDATES

United States | Moving towards permanent visa renewal process

The US Department of State aims to implement a permanent H1B visa renewal program within the country by 2025, following a successful pilot in early 2024. Read more here.

United Kingdom |  To relax visa rules for AI workers

The United Kingdom plans to relax visa restrictions for foreign experts in artificial intelligence (AI), including those from India, to boost the industry and stimulate economic growth. Read more here.

Australia | Makes confirmation of enrollment mandatory for student visa applications

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs will now require applicants to submit a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for student visa applications starting January 1, 2025. This change does not affect those who submitted a Letter of Offer before that date. Read more here.

Ireland | Books strong year of foreign enrolment growth in 2024

The number of international students enrolled in Irish higher education reached a new record high in the 2023/24 academic year, passing the 40,000-student benchmark for the first time and registering a 15% growth over the previous year. Read more here.

Germany | International students to rise over 400k

According to the data released by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the number of international students is expected to rise by over 400,000, with over 90% of universities reporting stable or increasing enrollments. Read more here.

ASIA UPDATES

  • The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced two new visa categories for international students. The e-student and e-student-x visas aim to make it easier for students to apply and study in India.
  • The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), India, has issued show-cause notices to 29 schools across India for enrollment irregularities and non-compliance with academic standards.
  • The Indonesian government is committed to upgrading the quality of higher education services to produce exceptional talent to lead the country into its golden year 2045.
  • The British Council announced 26 GREAT Scholarships across fields including STEM, Law, and Humanities to help Indian students enhance their global employability.
  • South Asian nations pledge regional collaboration to transform higher education by discussing strategies for equipping South Asian youth with the skills needed to thrive in a global economy.
  • Vietnam aims to increase the proportion of international students to 1.5% from 0.5% and raise the number of Vietnamese universities in the global top 500 and the top 200 of Asian ranking systems.

AFRICA UPDATES

  • The South African government announced that the Class of 2024 achieved the highest matric pass rate in the country’s history: an astounding 87.3%. This achievement is a leap from 82.9% in 2023.
  • The Lagos State Government has launched the Eko Learners’ Support for the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO) candidates.
  • Algeria has launched a higher education scholarship program for students from across Africa and plans to finance education-linked projects such as human resource development initiatives.
  • The 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam results have highlighted notable shifts in Kenya’s educational landscape.
  • Over 28 700 pupils out of 40 757 who wrote the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) examination last year will not progress to the advanced subsidiary level or university this year after failing to attain the necessary grades.

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