The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 14 March 2013.
US: Spending per student at 25-year low
The amount spent per student by public universities and colleges in the US has reached its lowest point in 25 years, reports The Hechinger Report. Research from the State Higher Education Executive Officers also shows that state/local financial support for universities and colleges fell by 7% last year, and 9% the year before. Enrolment has fallen slightly, but is still above 2008 levels – leaving institutions with the task of making less money go further.
How much does it cost to study in the US?
Global: International students want to pay fees in their own currency
According to research from financial services company Western Union, more than 80% of prospective international students would like to be able to pay university fees in their own currency – rather than the currency of their host country. The study was based on a survey of 943 prospective students in more than 70 countries, Voxy reports. Financial factors were found to be the second most important issue for students when choosing a university, with courses on offer being the number one priority.
Australia: Billionaire urges greater efforts to attract Asian students
Prominent Australian businessman James Packer is calling for greater collaboration between state and federal governments and Australian universities, to increase the number of Asian (and especially Chinese) students in the country. In the past, Packer has focused on opportunities to attract more tourists from the region, but is now turning his attention to the education sector, arguing that this is a key way of nurturing business links, The Australian reports.
US: Online courses as possible solution to class overcrowding
Legislation has been proposed in California which would force public colleges to accept credits earned from online courses for students unable to attend classes due to overcrowding, MercuryNews reports. Supporters of the bill say it would help many students to graduate more quickly, while critics say it fails to address the underlying problems – ie. the need for more classes and more teaching professors.
Global: New book examines secrets of success at college
A new book from historian and educator Ken Bain aims to provide a guide to getting the most out of university, Time reports. In What the Best College Students Do, Bain identifies different types of learner (surface, strategic and deep) and picks out the key points that unite the most successful students. Top tips include: pursuing a passion rather than just grades, being comfortable with failure, and finding personal connections within coursework.