The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 2 January 2013.
UK to interview more foreign students over visas
UK home secretary Theresa May says the country intends to extend a scheme of interviewing applicants for student visas from outside the EU. The scheme, which has been piloted over the past year, aims to identify those who may be abusing study permits in order to enter the country for other reasons. May’s policies have been criticized by some as sending out an unwelcoming message, and, The Australian reports, have even led to her being compared to a Dalek (a reference to the sinister robots in the TV series Dr Who).
Tougher rules for foreign students in Canada
Much like the UK, Canada is also seeking to tighten up regulations surrounding the student visa system. Under proposals announced by immigration minister Jason Kenney, student visas would only be granted for study at a list of approved institutions. Once admitted to the country, students may also be required to prove that they are actually studying, reports Sun News. The regulations are planned for 2014.
Campaign to support Syrian students and academics
The Institute of International Education (IIE) is campaigning to raise US$5 million to support Syrian students and academics whose studies and research has been disrupted by civil war. As well as fundraising, the IIE is also organizing a network of universities across the globe, who are willing to offer places to Syrian students and researchers, reports the New York Times.
European Commission to launch new university ranking, U-Multirank
The European Commission has officially announced the launch of its planned international university ranking, U-Multirank. Universities are invited to sign up for inclusion in the ranking over the next six months, with the first round of results to be published in 2014. Institutions will be assessed in five categories: research reputation, teaching and learning, international orientation, knowledge transfer and regional engagement.
Russia’s overhaul of universities may strengthen science research
Following a review of the country’s higher education system, it seems likely that many Russian universities will face closures, mergers and funding cuts over the next few years. While the government’s audit has come under criticism, there are also hopes that reforms will strengthen the country’s performance in scientific research and innovation, by freeing up more funding for these areas. President Vladimir Putin has also promised to increase academic salaries, reports Nature.