From Southampton University’s India Campus To Drop In US Visa, Top International News In Education Sector In 2024 – News18

Last Updated:December 30, 2024, 17:47 IST

As the year comes to an end, here are some of the top changes we saw in the Education sector for international students

In 2024, the education system has undergone significant changes, affecting student mobility, skill development, educational options and jobs for the youngsters. Indian students navigating these changes have encountered both obstacles and prospects, as several countries adapt to meet the demands of a changing workforce.

As the year comes to an end, here are some of the top changes we saw in the Education sector for international students:

Australia’s new job programme for young Indians:

In December 2024, Australia launched a new scheme to allow talented young people from India to work in their country. Named, the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) offers Indian university graduates and early-career professionals the opportunity to work in Australia for two years.

To apply for the scheme, Indian nationals must not be over 30 years of age (at the time of application, have proficient English language skills (IELTS Score of at least 6), hold a Bachelor’s degree in renewable energy, mining, engineering, Information Communications Technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (FinTech).

Additionally, there is no requirement for sponsorship by an Australian employer in order to apply for a visa as part of MATES.

University of Southampton’s first campus in India

The University of Southampton, which is among the top educational institutes, based in the United Kingdom, announced to establish its first campus in Gurugram, India this year. However, the academic programme at the institute is expected to begin in July 2025. Courses that will be offered at the institute include business and management, computing, law, engineering, art and design, biosciences and life sciences.

Notably, the degrees awarded by the Indian campus will be the same as the UK one. This could come as a big opportunity for Indian students to get a world-class education.

Canada ended fast-track study permit for Foreign students

Earlier this year, Canada discontinued the popular Student Direct Stream (SDS), which effectively eliminated the fast-track study permit process that has helped thousands of overseas students obtain quick visas.

Initially, it was launched to help legal residents of countries like India, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Pakistan, Peru, Morocco, Philippines and Vietnam among others.

With the project being stopped, students from India and other countries will have to go through a lengthy visa application process.

Australia announced restrictions on new students

Australia imposed new restrictions on international student enrolment, limiting the number of overseas students to 2,70,000 by 2025. This limit applies to both higher education and vocational courses, as well as new overseas students who will begin their studies in Australia for the first time in 2025.

The country has imposed a limit of 1,45,000 new international students for public universities in 2025, based on the percentage of international students on campus. Private universities and non-higher education institutions will be limited to 30,000 new students. As per the guidelines, the vocational education industry can only accept 95,000 new overseas students.

This news came as a big shock to the Indian students planning to move to Australia for higher education.

UK Government Raising Financial Savings Requirement for International Students

From 2025, students planning to study in the UK need to show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the country for up to nine months. As per the new guidelines, which apply from January 2025, for those studying in London, the required amount will increase to £1,483 per month (Approx INR 1.60 Lakhs), up from the current £1,334 (INR 1.44 Lakhs).

According to UK Visa and Immigration, students studying outside London will be required to show £1,136 per month (INR 1.23 Lakhs), which is a significant rise from the previous £1,023 (INR 1.10 Lakhs). This change is designed to reflect the rising cost of living in the United Kingdom.

This means those planning to study in London for nine months or more must include evidence of at least £13,348 (INR 14.40 Lakhs) in savings in their visa application.

Drop in US Visa for Indian students

According to US State Department data, the number of F-1 student visas given to Indian students fell by 38 per cent in the first nine months of 2024. This is the most substantial reduction in the post-pandemic era since the same time the previous year. While other countries have seen a minor decrease in student visas, the number issued to Indian students has remained significantly higher. There are reports that US visa regulations, already rather stringent, might become even stricter under Donald Trump’s administration.