The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 24 May 2013.
UK: Concerns over decline in foreign students at UK colleges & language schools
Latest figures show a dramatic reduction in the number of overseas students at UK language schools and secondary-level colleges – prompting concerns that this will also mean fewer foreign students at UK universities. The latest numbers show 46% fewer visas issued for these kinds of student, many of whom would then stay on to complete university courses in the country, BBC News reports. A representative of the organization Study Group UK said this is “real cause for concern” and could mean “a catastrophe waiting to happen for UK higher education”.
France: Plan for more university teaching in English approved
After months of controversy and debate, France’s National Assembly has approved a bill to allow universities to teach more courses in languages other than French – most notably English. The policy change has seen stiff opposition from those keen to preserve and protect the French language, led by the Academie Francaise. However, the National Assembly (the lower house of the French government) voted in favor of the bill, and it’s expected that the Senate (the upper house) will do so as well.
China: Zhejiang University may open UK campus
China’s Zhejiang University has signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK’s Imperial College London, which could lead to the opening of a Zhejiang campus in the UK capital, Felix reports. While nothing has been finalized, the universities are discussing the possibility of building a Zhejiang campus alongside Imperial’s new 7-acre site, currently under construction in the west of London. This would also allow the universities to collaborate closely on postgraduate education and research.
US: Closer scrutiny of student visas, following Boston bombing
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a tightening of visa checks for all international students entering the country, University World News reports. The decision follows news that one of those accused of involvement in the terrorist attack on Boston last month had been allowed to re-enter the US even though his student visa status had expired. The DHS says a new system will make it easier and faster for border staff to access the database which tracks students’ visa status.