The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 28 February 2013.
Australia: International students forecast to increase 30% in eight years
According to a government report, international student numbers in Australia are forecast to increase by 30% in the next eight years, University World News reports. This would mean 520,000 foreign students enrolled at the country’s universities, language schools and colleges – adding around A$20 billion (US$20.5 billion) to the Australian economy.
India: Student visas for US doubled last year
The number of visas granted to Indian students to study in the US almost doubled in 2012, compared to the previous year, The Times of India reports. US embassy representatives reportedly said that 7,000 visas were granted to Indian students last year, and more than one lakh (100,000) Indian students are enrolled at US colleges and universities.
Sweden: Language abilities falling, professors say
A number of Swedish university professors have spoken out about declining language skills among Swedish students, The Epoch Times reports. Hanna Enefalk, who teaches at Uppsala University, says that while some are able and willing to improve, others are more likely to drop out of higher education and to continue to struggle in future.
Canada: International students at record numbers in 2012
The number of overseas students in Canada hit a record high last year, Xinhua reports. Official statistics show almost 105,000 international students at post-secondary level in 2012 – an increase of 6.5% compared to 2011, and an impressive 60% increase compared to 2004.
UK: Minister calls for more online courses
The UK’s government minister for universities has called for UK institutions to step up their online course offerings, BBC News reports. David Willetts pointed to growing demand for higher education in countries such as India and Indonesia, and argued that online courses would be continue to become more significant in meeting this demand.
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