EDUCONNECT FEB’22 WRAP-UP NEWSLETTER

The latest news and updates in higher education across the globe

Pressed for time? Here’s what you need to know

• India extends suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger flights.
• Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, international students from North African countries studying in Ukraine feel stranded.
• Germany pauses collaboration with Russia on education and research.
• The US waives in-person interview requirements for many visa applicants in India.
• The Canadian government plans to expand the Express Entry system.

ASIA UPDATES: Malaysian universities witness rising international student applications

• Amid ongoing scenario, India extends suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger flights.
• Malaysian universities are witnessing increased international student applications for PhD programmes, thanks to the country’s reasonable cost of living, affordable fees and quality education.
• The Higher Education Commission calls for steps to improve the quality of education and degrees issued by the universities in Pakistan.
• The Saskatchewan Government signs Canada’s first provincial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Republic of the Philippines to strengthen ties between the two countries’ post-secondary education institutions. 
• The University Grants Commission (UGC) intends to request the Sri Lankan government regain the authority to regulate non-State universities.

AFRICA UPDATES: Russia-Ukraine war leaves international students stranded

 

• After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, thousands of international students feel stranded and clueless. The hit would be felt more by African countries (such as Morocco, Egypt and Nigeria) with thousands of Africans studying at Ukrainian universities. 
• Tunisia lifts all existing pandemic-related travel restrictions for under-18s, including the passenger locator form.
• The Government of Zambia unveils ‘Free Education for All’, allowing students to attain primary and secondary level education without any barrier. 
• South Africa amends its COVID-19 vaccination rules to encourage more people to get jabs.
• As per the draft budget, Kenya aims to spend an additional approx. $1 billion on COVID-19 vaccination in the next financial year.

To help you stay abreast of all the education-related news and development in the African region, the MLEC Africa team of in-house experts have curated the monthly report. Click here to download the full report. 

EURASIA UPDATES: Turkey lifts university entrance exam threshold

• Ireland lifts visa requirements for people travelling from Ukraine.
• The education of domestic and international students in Russia might be impeded due to failed transactions and funding cuts due to international sanctions.
• Turkey’s Council of Higher Education (YÖK) eliminates university entrance exam threshold for choosing associate and undergraduate programs starting this year.

STUDY DESTINATION UPDATES: US waives in-person interview requirements for many visa applicants in India

 

• The US waives in-person interview requirements for many Indian visa applicants, such as students and workers, through December 31 this year.
• Amid war between Russia and Ukraine, Germany pauses collaboration with Russia on education and research.
• As per the report by the Lygon Group, the percentage of female international students in Australia has risen 22% between 2016 and 2020 against 18% for male international students.
• New Zealand removes self-isolation requirements for vaccinated travellers arriving from Australia. However, travellers will still need to undergo the coronavirus test on arrival and on day five or six.
• Amid a massive backlog of immigration applications, the Canadian government plans to expand the Express Entry system. This will open up possibilities for international students and temporary foreign workers to obtain permanent residency.
• To help people affected, the UK may expand visa rules for Ukrainians.
• According to a press release issued by UCAS, EU students’ applications to study in the UK post-Brexit dropped by 40%.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• For International Recruitment Solutions: https://worldeduconnect.com/
• Maple Assist curated Blog: https://www.mapleassist.com/blogs/
• Maple Assist Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXFhQ5_uIF4cQLidiOO_m-Q