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Author: Venkat Karky

Ontario international education strategy to reform higher education for international students

  • Ontario international education strategy

The Canadian province of Ontario has released a new Ontario international education strategy for post-secondary education titled ‘Educating global citizens’. The Ontario international education strategy aims to create more synergy between the needs of the labour market and that of the students. As part of the Ontario international education strategy released in the first week of May, the province plans to take the following steps:

Ontario international education strategy: Actions planned

  • Improve the experience of international students

As part of the Ontario international education strategy, Ontario government will create opportunities for intercultural education for the students. It will fund the efforts of academic institutions to promote intercultural understanding between students.

  • Promote transparency and develop support services

Ontario will encourage academic institutions to provide detailed information regarding tuition fees in the offer letters. More support will also be provided to improve various services for international students, such as healthcare. Regular surveys will also be conducted learn about students’ experiences.

  • Promote balanced international growth

The province plans to promote balanced international growth by attracting French-speaking students. Collaborating with provincial organizations, Ontario will promote itself as a study destination for francophone students and will also increase financial support for PhD programs.

  • Encourage retention of international students after studies

Ontario will ease pathways for the international students to settle and work in the province after studies. As part of implementing Ontario international education strategy, the provincial government will also work with academic institutions and other stakeholders to address the issues faced by international students during their initial days in Ontario.

  • Attract students from various nationalities

By attracting students from various nationalities, Ontario aims make the education system of the province healthy and viable. Besides, the province will initiate various programs for the benefit of international students across various sectors as part of the  Ontario international education strategy.

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Australia turning favourite destination for international students

The number of international students in Australia rose by 13 per cent last year, according to the data released by the Australian federal government. Among the international students in higher education, Chinese students have the highest representation, with 38.2 per cent of all international students in Australia being Chinese. The international students have also provided a major economic boost to Australia, having spent $30.9 billion a year on fees, travel and living costs last year.

Australia is the third most popular destination in the world for tertiary education and the most popular country for tertiary students from China and India. There has been a 48 percent rise in the number of Indian students in Australia since 2014.

Why study in Australia?

Australia is the safest and multicultural country in the world with renowned universities which encourages students to be innovative, creative and think independently. Why Study in Australia means, Australia has internationally prestigious, research-led universities, many of which are ranked among the best Universities in the world. Australia is actually one of the top countries for international students to go for their higher studies. In Australia, the candidates can discover the academics of Australian Universities are in demand by organizations like NASA as most of the universities are pioneering research in many fields, are the reasons for Why study in Australia. Universities in Australia have its excellence in research, thereby ensuring the key to quality undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities. Some of the most popular fields of study are the natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, social sciences which include sociology, anthropology, archaeology, psychology, etc and Health Science fields.

Do you want to study in Australia? To know if you are eligible, get a free assessment today!

 

 

University of Buckingham demands students to sign no-drugs contract

The University of Buckingham in the UK has made it mandatory for the students to sign a contract promising that they would not take any recreational drugs during the period of their studies. This is part of the University’s efforts to become the first drug-free campus in the UK. The University has taken this stand against drugs claiming that drugs consumption has no place in a university environment. The students will be asked to leave if they were found to have breached this contract, informed the university.

Research on the relationship between long-term drug use and its effect on mental health is still going on. The use of cannabis and hallucinogenic drugs is reported to cause psychotic dispositions and long-term mental problems. Some research has also revealed the positive effects of controlled drug use. But a group of experts has also questioned the criminalization of recreational drugs, saying that it will prevent students from taking medical help.

University of Buckingham

The University of Buckingham (UB) is a non-profit, private university in the UK and the oldest of the country’s five private universities. It is located in Buckingham, England, and was founded as the University College at Buckingham (UCB) in 1973, admitting its first students in 1976. It was granted university status by royal charter in 1983.Buckingham offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees through five “schools” (or faculties) of study.

To explore your options to study in the UK, contact us today!

 

Inflow of foreign students contributes towards record growth in Australian population

Reversing the ageing of population in Australia, the inflow of international students has positively contributed towards record population growth in the country, according to data from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). As per their statistics, the number of international students flocking to the country is increasing, showing an eight percent rise compared to last year. The first two months of this year itself witnessed a 12 percent rise in new overseas enrollments in Australia compared to last year, exceeding 500000 in these two months. Most students have chosen eastern cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as their study destinations.

Australia’s population has witnessed an overall growth of 1.6 per cent. About 54 percent of this increase was contributed by net overseas migration to capital cities. Foreign students comprise around 43 per cent of net overseas migration to Sydney and Melbourne. For the first time, Sydney has welcomed more than 100,000 new residents in a single year. In Melbourne, the population increase is by just over 125,000. In both cases, net overseas migration was the key contributor, accounting for 64 per cent of the population rise in Melbourne and 83 per cent in Sydney.

International education often makes the way for permanent residence and then citizenship for international students. This rise in young population help Australia resist the population decline, which is being faced by countries such as Japan. The international students are also adding to the multicultural profile of the country.

Interested in studying in Australia? Contact us to know more!

 

Study abroad for a better tomorrow

Studying abroad is not about earning degrees alone. It is a unique experience that can make many positive impacts on your life and career. Living in a different country and a different cultural environment will expose you to a new way of living. What you learn from this experience will stay with you till the end of your life, enriching your personality. Today’s world is highly globalized and an international experience will definitely help students build a bright future for themselves.

Here are a few reasons why studying abroad is the best investment for a great future:

Increased international job prospects

While many students choose to return to native land after earning a degree in a foreign country, others continue to stay there and apply for a work visa. In countries like Canada, you get weight for pursuing higher education in that country when you apply for migration. Even if the student returns to the native country or decide to find employment in any other country, a foreign degree from a reputed institution will definitely give them an edge.

Study abroad to develop an international mindset

Studying abroad will expose you to a new culture and you will be able to understand people and customs better. You will start to look at the world from a broader perspective. The experience will challenge your prejudices and assumptions and make you think in new ways. This global mindset will help you to steer your future in the right direction.

Study abroad and develop an international network

When you study in a different country, you get to meet a lot of new people. You get a lot of new friends, who may help you to find an employee or when you have to travel to different countries. You have an opportunity to collaborate with students from other countries and have a pan-global professional network. These international connections may lead you to so many exciting opportunities.

Learn a new language

There is not a better way to learn a new language than talking to native speakers. When you study abroad, you get lots of opportunities to learn the native language of that place. Knowing a few languages will definitely look impressive on your resume.

Explore the world

While studying abroad, you get a chance to stay in and explore a new country with different culture, customs, and people. It is true that studying in a foreign country is not a vacation. You will have a lot to study, exams to attend and projects to complete. Yet you can make use of your spare time to explore the neighboring places or even countries. You can visit important landmarks, scenic places and important landmarks in the country where you study.

Foreign institutions offer much more study options with greater scope. But you may need the help of expert foreign education counselors to choose the best institution and course. We have a team of education consultants who can help students choose a course that suits their budget and aspirations in the country of their choice.  To explore your options to study abroad, please contact us!

Number of Indian students applying for courses in the UK on the rise

The year 2018 has witnessed a 36 percent hike in the number of Indian students applying for various courses at UK universities. As per the data available with the centralized university application system of the UK, 4470 Indian students have applied for undergraduate courses in the beginning of this year. However, it is not clear how many of these applications for the courses that will start later this year will be accepted. But the statistics gives clear indication of rising popularity of UK universities among Indian students.

The UK universities are also gaining popularity among EU students as the number of applications from EU countries has also increased. The number of Chinese students who have applied for various courses in the UK has also increased and stands at 11920. This is 21% higher compared to the number of applications from Chinese students last year.

Quality education and a world-class environment are major attractions of the UK institutions of higher education. Studying in the UK offers a sophisticated international experience for students besides a degree that is recognized worldwide. The country’s education system has been ranked the sixth best in the developed world.

There are many other factors that attract students from around the world to UK universities. The most important among them are high quality of teaching and international exposure. The tuition fees in the UK is lesser compared to the US. Besides, UK institutions offer a number of scholarships to students. UK degrees are recognised worldwide, with which students can impress employers around the world.

However, India is demanding more lenient visa rules for Indian students. Considering students as immigrants may take the sheen out of UK higher education among Indian students, warn experts.

CanApprove can assist you and guide you in fulfilling your aspiration to pursue higher education in the UK. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

Biometrics requirements while applying for Canada immigration

As part of the expansion of biometric program, Canada has decided to make it mandatory for most of the immigration applicants to submit biometrics including fingerprints and a photo. Biometrics is the measurement of an individual’s unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints and facial features. The purpose of collecting biometric details is to verify the applicant’s identity. It reduces the chances of false or mistaken identity and thus protect the integrity of the Canadian immigration system.

Starting from July 31st, 2018, onwards, every applicant of visitor visa, study or work permit (except U.S. nationals), or permanent residence will have to provide their biometrics as part of the application process. Repeat travellers to Canada will have to provide biometrics once in every 10 years.

With the help of biometrics, Canada immigration authorities aim to prevent:

  • identity fraud and theft;
  • known criminals from entering Canada;
  • deportees from re-entering Canada without permission; and
  • failed refugee claimants from re-entering Canada using false identity documents.

But the following categories of persons are exempted from providing biometrics:

  • Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents;
  • children under the age of 14;
  • applicants over the age of 79 (there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants);
  • visa-exempt nationals coming to Canada as tourists who hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA);
  • heads of state and heads of government;
  • cabinet ministers and accredited diplomats of other countries and the United Nations, coming to Canada on official business;
  • U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada;
  • refugee claimants or protected persons who have already provided biometrics and are applying for a study or work permit;
  • temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress.

If the applicant is in Canada at the time of applying for a visa, study permit or work permit, he/she need not give biometrics.

The new rule will come into effect on July 31, 2018, for the applicants from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas will be required to provide biometrics from December 31, 2018.

Biometric service points

The applicants are supposed to provide their biometrics at their nearest biometric service points. Currently, there are 192 biometric service points across the world, including the United States.

In India, biometric service points are located in:

  • Ahmedabad
  • Bangalore
  • Chandigarh
  • Chennai
  • Hyderabad
  • Jalandhar
  • Kolkata
  • Mumbai
  • New Delhi
  • Pune

In United Arab Emirates, biometric service points are located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The biometric information of the applicants will be encrypted and sent to a secure database of the Government of Canada. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will check these details against the records of:

  • criminals
  • refugee claimants
  • deportees and
  • temporary resident applicants

Any matches to existing RCMP records will be analyzed by the visa officer, who will use the information to make a final decision on the application. When the applicant arrives in Canada, an officer of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will verify your identity using the biometric details that you have already submitted.
The Government of Canada has assured the safety of the biometric information. The information collected at the service point will be deleted after sending to the Canadian Immigration Biometrics Identification System.
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Number of Indian students enrolling in Australian universities on the rise

The high number of Indian students in Australian universities is driving the size of international student population in Australia to record heights, according recent reports. More than 62000 Indian students are pursuing various courses in the universities here. The total number of international students studying in Australian universities is around half a million, the highest number ever.

Australian Financial Review says that the student enrolments in Australian universities from India witnessed a 17 percent rise during the one-year period from February 2017 to February 2018. The number of Chinese student enrolments also witnessed a 16 percent rise. The total number of international students enrolled in Australian universities during this period was 509,610.

Why Indian students prefer Australia?

  • The US has been the most favorite destination of Indian students for a very long time. But the tightening of visa policies by the Trump government has compelled more Indian students to turn towards Australia for quality education
  • Australia is issuing more number of student visas than ever before. Welcoming visa policies and attractive course content are increasingly prompting Indian students to come to Australia for higher education
  • Increased awareness about the high quality of Australian higher education is another reason for the rise in the number of Indian students in Australian universities. Many Australian universities are internationally ranked in quality and maintain highest standards in teaching and research
  • As there are a lot of similarities between Indian and Australian education systems, it is easier for the Indian students to adapt to the education system in Australia. For example, both countries follow the 10+2+3 education structure
  • Better chances for getting employment in Australia and settling there are other major attractions.

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Why study business in Australia?

Australia is one of the most popular study destinations of international students who aspire to build their careers in Business Administration and Management. The prestigious business schools in the country offer a wide range of courses including undergraduate and specialised masters programs, diplomas, MBAs, higher research masters degrees and PhD programs. Undergraduate programs are of three year duration. The students can then pursue a major in a particular discipline. The students can choose from the wide variety of courses on business management according to their interests and aspirations. More importantly, the students who pursue courses with a duration of two years or more can stay back in Australia for two more years and gain post-study work experience.

Why choose Australia for business studies?

Quality education

Australian educational institutions have to comply with the Australian Qualifications Framework and the  TEQSA audit process that accompanies it. Besides a number of international accreditation labels also ensure quality of education. Many business schools in Australia are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) (North America) and EQUIS (Europe). The curricula are regularly revised and kept up to date in line with the modern business needs.

Variety of choices

Australian business schools offer a wide range of courses in business and commerce ranging from bachelor degrees to MBA. The students can also choose from a number of specialisations including human resource management, accounting, banking, economics, finance,  logistics, business information systems, international business, sports management and hospitality management.

International exposure

As the business scenario is increasingly turning international, the international exposure from Australian education equips students to perform effectively in changed circumstances. Australia has a multicultural society. Immigrants born in other countries constitute 26 per cent of the permanent population and 20 percent of the population are children of immigrants. Students come to Australia from a large number of countries including China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Americas, Europe and Africa. Studying in a multicultural environment will give students a broad cultural perspective.

Better career prospects

Australian business schools offer a wide range of specializations and students have vast career choices in different business sectors. The courses stress on developing knowledge and skills of students and it helps them excel in their careers. They can take up jobs anywhere in the world, as they will be equipped with various skills, leadership qualities, analytical thinking and much more.

Work experience

Australian business schools provide opportunities to gain significant industry experience to the students so that it would be easy for them to take up employment in the business area they choose. The business schools conduct international study tours, where the students can observe how overseas businesses operate. The students also get the opportunity to do internship in major Australian companies or be part of an industry project where they complete projects for real Australian businesses.

An international business degree and work experience will definitely help students build an exciting career with good earnings. The demand for qualified business graduates is increasing around the world. In such a circumstance, an Australian business degree will equip aspiring students to grow as global business leaders.

To know if you are eligible for study abroad programs, contact us now!

Scotland launches campaign to attract international students

With an aim to attract international students to the Scottish institutions of higher education, Scottish government launched a new campaign titled ‘Scotland is Now’. The ultimate purpose of the campaign is to raise Scotland’s reputation as a great place to study. The campaign is supported by Visit Scotland, Scottish Development International and Universities Scotland.

Scotland has always held education and international recruitment as integral to its success. In the future as well, Scotland plans to welcome more international students to its institutions. Scotland has also given much importance to research and the Scottish research is observed to make considerable impact in a number of areas including precision medicine and quantum technology.

The Scottish government has invested £6 million (US$8.6 million) in the ‘Scotland is now’ campaign. The campaign’s website provides guidance, tips and useful information for international students hoping to study in Scotland. It currently lists 13 Scottish universities and intends to list all 19 Scottish higher education institutes soon.

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