Scotland has taken a monumental leap forward with the launch of its innovative Migration Service. The new initiative highlights Scotland’s aspiration to continue to support the well-being and development of international students and promote the country’s economic sustainability by expanding global talent integration. 

 

Under the leadership of Migration Minister Emma Roddick, Scotland’s Migration Service epitomises a proactive approach towards safeguarding and fostering the welfare and success of incoming international students and skilled professionals. Roddick underscored the profound impact of newcomers on Scotland’s society, emphasising their role in addressing skill shortages, strengthening public services and contributing to the country’s cultural vibrancy. 

 

The first phase of the Migration Service is now underway, extending support to various groups: 

 

• individuals who have moved to Scotland within the past six months 
• international students in their final year at a Scottish university or college who would like to stay in Scotland after graduating 
• employers based in Scotland who seek to hire international workers 
• investors based in another country who aspire to set up or expand a business in Scotland. 

 

The Migration Service offers tailored guidance and resources to ensure seamless transition into Scottish life. From personalised appointments to comprehensive information sessions, the service is designed to instil confidence and provide vital assistance during the crucial initial months following relocation. 

 

Ioannis Fotiadis, a civil engineer whose relocation to Edinburgh from Greece reflects the experiences of many international students and professionals, lauded the Migration Service as a comprehensive resource for those navigating the complexities of moving to Scotland. Fotiadis expressed optimism that the service’s dedicated support would not only alleviate challenges but also enhance the overall experience of settling into Scottish society. 

 

In addition to facilitating individual journeys, the Migration Service stands poised to empower businesses across Scotland by offering invaluable assistance in navigating the intricate landscape of international recruitment and visa procedures. Sam Gough, CEO of Edinburgh’s Summerhall, hailed the new service as a game-changer for businesses seeking to tap into global talent pools and expand their operations within Scotland’s dynamic market. 

 

As Scotland prepares to extend the reach of its Migration Service to individuals abroad seeking to make Scotland their new home, the initiative exhibits the nation’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity and opportunity. By collaborating with partners such as Citizens Advice Scotland and law firm Seraphus, the Scottish Government also aims to streamline immigration procedures and create a supportive ecosystem conducive to the success and well-being of international students and professionals. 

 

With a record-breaking 82,440 international students enrolled in Scotland’s higher education sector in 2023, the Migration Service further welcomes those seeking to embark on a transformative journey in pursuit of knowledge and opportunity. By embracing global talent and fostering a culture of inclusivity, Scotland paves the way for a brighter future built on the principles of diversity and innovation. 

 

To learn more news, updates and exciting study opportunities available for international students in Scotland, please visit our blog or contact our Business Development Managers for more information. 

New Zealand’s education sector has seen a remarkable surge in international student enrolments, indicating the country’s growing popularity as an educational destination. According to data released by Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Hon Penny Simmonds, a total of 59,306 international students had enrolled in New Zealand’s education institutions in the first eight months of 2023. This marks a substantial increase of 43% compared to the entire year of 2022, showcasing the country’s resilience and attractiveness to students worldwide.  

Various growth in other sectors 

The surge in enrolments has been observed across various sub-sectors of New Zealand’s education system. Notably, the English Language School sector experienced a staggering 347% increase, with enrolments rising from 1,565 to 7,001 within the same timeframe. Similarly, schools reported a significant uptick of 114%, reaching 12,662 enrolments and  universities experienced a 15% rise. Private Training Establishments (PTEs) recorded a growth of 13%, further emphasising the sector’s robust recovery. 

Minister’s statement  

Minister Simmonds expressed her satisfaction with the figures, stating, “Over 59,000 enrolments in just eight months, confirms that international students continue to find New Zealand an attractive education destination.” Furthermore, she also highlighted the significance of this growth, particularly for the university sector, which witnessed 27,535 student enrolments during this period. With a considerable number of learners potentially studying for several years, there exists a solid foundation for further expansion and development within the higher education landscape. 

Sector-wide recovery  

Although the numbers are still below the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, the trajectory is positive, indicating a steady recovery for New Zealand’s education sector. The country’s educators are focused on diversifying their recruitment efforts to attract students from a broader spectrum of countries. Currently, China remains the largest source market, contributing 36% of enrolments, followed by India, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. 

 

New Zealand’s education sector’s significant increase in international student enrolments reflects its enduring appeal and resilience in the face of adversity. With a diverse range of educational offerings and a commitment to excellence, New Zealand remains one of the top choices for international students seeking quality education abroad.  Final enrolment numbers for 2023 will be released by the government later, Education NZ added. 

 

Stay tuned for further industry insights and updates in New Zealand and other major study destinations by visiting our blog. 

In a move to enhance the quality of education and safeguard the interests of international students, Australia’s education sector is set to undergo significant changes with updates to visa requirements. In an announcement dated 21 March, the Australian government outlined its commitment to implementing pivotal updates in line with December’s migration strategy. These changes took effect on 23 March, marking a shift in the education landscape for providers, recruitment agencies and international students alike. 

 

Among the key adjustments includes raising the English language proficiency requirements for student visas. Previously at IELTS 5.5, the new standard will be set to IELTS 6.0 for student visas and IELTS 6.5 for graduate visas. This move seeks to enhance the academic experience for international students and increase employability.  
 

Additionally, the introduction of a new ‘no further stay’ rule on visitor visas underscores the government’s commitment to streamline the visa process, ensuring that applicants obtain the necessary visas before arriving in Australia. This move not only simplifies the visa application process but also provides clarity and security for international students planning their educational journey in Australia. 
 

Moreover, the implementation of the Genuine Student Test is another significant development aimed at ensuring that individuals enrolling in Australian institutions are genuinely committed to their academic pursuits. This test will clarify applicants’ study intentions and economic circumstances, thereby maintaining the integrity of Australia’s education system. 
 

In tandem with these visa reforms, the Australian Government has strengthened its oversight capabilities through new legislation. Effective 23 March 2024, amendments to the Migration Regulations 1994 empower the Immigration Minister under Section 97 of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. 

 

Section 97 of the ESOS Act grants the Minister the authority to issue suspension certificates to education providers enrolling students for purposes not aligned with their visa conditions. The revised regulations aim to bolster the government’s ability to prioritise the interests of genuine students and education providers which is a significant aspect of the broader Migration Strategy. 

 

Furthermore, the decision to minimise high-risk education providers from recruiting international students seeks to uphold educational standards and protect student welfare. By issuing notices beforehand and allowing a grace period for providers to rectify operations, the updates of the policy aim for a balanced approach while maintaining educational quality. 

 

 

Although these changes may initially present potential challenges for some stakeholders, they intend to pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable education system in Australia. By working closely with industry stakeholders and advocating for transparency, the government plans for a smooth transition and a conducive environment for education providers, recruitment agencies and international students.

 

While these changes may require adjustments, they promise a more enriching and secure educational experience for international students in Australia. This reflects the country’s steadfast obligation to educational excellence and fostering a vibrant international student community 
 

If you’re interested to collaborate with a recruitment agency that prioritises transparency and delivers high-quality, low-risk enrolments, connect with our Business Development Managers for further information. Additionally, to stay updated on news, updates, and exciting study opportunities available for international students in Australia, visit our blog. 

Canada’s recent adjustments to its international student visa policy aim to not only safeguard the welfare and academic environment for incoming students but also provide reassurance for more institutions. These foster sustainable growth for the education sector, focused on addressing housing availability and upholding fairness in the admissions process. 

 

Recent updates bring clarity for some major institutions as the Canada’s newly announced student permit cap takes shape. One positive aspect of the policy is its flexibility in visa caps, which allows for considerations such as housing availability and higher likelihoods of enrolling. This approach ensures that international students have access to suitable housing, allowing institutions to manage their enrolments effectively while maintaining a high standard of education by encouraging institutions to prioritise incoming students with higher likelihoods of enrolling. This aims to strike a balance between access to education and the quality of resources available to students. 
 

Additionally, the update on the policy emphasises the importance of maintaining a diverse student population. This guarantees that institutions can attract a diverse pool of students, thereby safeguarding the sustainability of their programs. 
 

By stabilising the influx of international student permits, the comprehensive reforms address concerns in the education system and recruitment practices. This also upholds integrity and transparency in the admissions process and fulfils the objective of protecting international students.  

 

Overall, Canada’s adjustments to its international student visa policy demonstrate a commitment to improving the academic experience of incoming students while ensuring sustainable growth within their education system.  

 

To know more about the opportunities available for international students and updates about education in Canada, please reach out to our North American team at gspna@globalstudypartners.com.    

International education professionals and stakeholders in the United States have come together to address the urgent necessity of a comprehensive national education strategy. A recent survey in collaboration with leading education organisations across the US has shown the important priorities and reforms needed to strengthen the nation’s international education sector.

The need for a national education strategy

The survey findings underscore the majority’s call for a coordinated approach to reform visa policies, foster student diversity and amplify the country’s internationalisation efforts. Notably, a staggering 88% of respondents emphasised the importance of establishing dedicated scholarships and funding opportunities for Americans to pursue education abroad. Additionally, more than half of all respondents highlighted the significance of promoting education abroad to underrepresented populations, offering a more diverse list of study destinations and expanding the range and format of study-away options to increase access and participation.   

Key findings and priorities

Among the clear points of consensus identified by respondents is modernising pathways for international students to work and obtain residency post-graduation. This was closely followed by an imperative to update visa regulations to broaden access for academic and exchange students. Diversification also emerged as a central theme, with overwhelming support for initiatives aimed at addressing visa denial rates, providing scholarships for underrepresented groups and expanding study abroad opportunities for a more diverse student cohort. Respondents were also strongly in favour of a central coordinating mechanism for such a strategy.

Momentum for strategies and action

The momentum for a national strategy has also been gaining traction. Specifically, 91% advocate for the reform and improvement of student visa policies, while 87% call for similar reforms in international student work policies. Prominent stakeholder groups are also coalescing under initiatives such as the US for Success Coalition. Spearheaded by organisations including AIRC, NAFSA and IIE, this coalition aims to elevate the competitiveness of the US in the global education market and advocate for the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy. 

Government’s role and stakeholder support 

Respondents strongly support the US government’s involvement in the development and implementation of a national strategy. Stakeholders envision a coordinating mechanism, either within the White House or via an independent cross-sectoral body, to oversee the execution of the national strategy effectively.

Advantages for institutions and international students 

The establishment of a comprehensive international education strategy in the US promises significant benefits for colleges, universities, institutions and international students alike. This strategy can enhance global competitiveness by attracting a diverse pool of talent, expanding post-graduation career opportunities, fostering institutional collaboration and partnerships, and bolstering global reputation and rankings. Overall, such a strategy can contribute to creating a more inclusive, diverse and globally engaged higher education ecosystem in the country.

Leadership and competitiveness 

While challenges persist in the dynamic landscape of international education, the survey results provide a comprehensive framework for advancing dialogue and driving tangible strategies in the sector. With concerted efforts from professionals, experts and stakeholders across the education sector and strong support from the government, the vision of a national strategy for international education in the US can be transformed into a reality, ensuring the nation’s continued leadership and competitiveness in global education. 

 

To know more about the opportunities available for international students and updates about education in the US, please reach out to our North American team at gspna@globalstudypartners.com.