Latest news with #StudyGroup
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Student visa giant Study Group secures reprieve with new funding
One of the largest sponsors of international students at British universities has landed tens of millions of pounds of new funding from two major investment firms. Sky News has learnt that Study Group, which was acquired by the French private equity group Ardian in 2019, has sealed a deal which will see it become majority-owned by Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) and Bain Capital. City sources said the two firms were injecting a substantial sum into the company, with Ardian remaining involved as a minority shareholder. The recapitalisation of Study Group comes after a challenging period for the company, amid growing scrutiny over the number of foreign students who go on to claim asylum. It emerged last year that more than 800 students for which it had secured visas in the UK had later claimed asylum. Sources close to Study Group's financial restructuring insisted, however, that its new majority-owners were "highly optimistic" about its prospects. The company is said to have won a number of significant new contracts recently, although details of these were unclear. Responding to an enquiry from Sky News, a spokesperson for ICG said: "Bain Capital and ICG will increase their existing stake in leading international education provider, Study Group, partnering with existing shareholder, Ardian, who will retain a stake in the business. "This new investment underpins Bain Capital and ICG's conviction in Study Group's ambitious growth programme and outstanding management team." Ardian is said to have injected additional funding into the business on two separate occasions. At the time of its acquisition of Study Group, it said it supported 30,000 students from more than 140 countries every year. The company prepares international students for undergraduate courses at leading English-speaking universities by teaching them academic and language skills. In 2023, it sold its Australian operations to Navitas, a multinational education group. A spokesperson for Ardian has been contacted for comment.
Sky News
4 days ago
- Business
- Sky News
Student visa giant Study Group secures reprieve with new funding
One of the largest sponsors of international students at British universities has landed tens of millions of pounds of new funding from two major investment firms. Sky News has learnt that Study Group, which was acquired by the French private equity group Ardian in 2019, has sealed a deal which will see it become majority-owned by Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) and Bain Capital. City sources said the two firms were injecting a substantial sum into the company, with Ardian remaining involved as a minority shareholder. The recapitalisation of Study Group comes after a challenging period for the company, amid growing scrutiny over the number of foreign students who go on to claim asylum. It emerged last year that more than 800 students for which it had secured visas in the UK had later claimed asylum. Sources close to Study Group's financial restructuring insisted, however, that its new majority-owners were "highly optimistic" about its prospects. The company is said to have won a number of significant new contracts recently, although details of these were unclear. Responding to an enquiry from Sky News, a spokesperson for ICG said: "Bain Capital and ICG will increase their existing stake in leading international education provider, Study Group, partnering with existing shareholder, Ardian, who will retain a stake in the business. "This new investment underpins Bain Capital and ICG's conviction in Study Group's ambitious growth programme and outstanding management team." Ardian is said to have injected additional funding into the business on two separate occasions. At the time of its acquisition of Study Group, it said it supported 30,000 students from more than 140 countries every year. The company prepares international students for undergraduate courses at leading English-speaking universities by teaching them academic and language skills. In 2023, it sold its Australian operations to Navitas, a multinational education group.
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Business Standard
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
UK student visa applications up 29% in 2025 despite stricter rules
The number of international students applying for study visas to the UK rose sharply in the first five months of 2025, according to new figures released by the UK Home Office, even as the government tightens post-study work rules. Between January and May 2025, 76,400 students applied for UK study visas — a 29% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In May alone, there were 18,500 study visa applications, up 19% from May last year. This is the first set of official data published since the government announced changes to the Graduate Route, cutting the post-study work period from two years to 18 months. The rise suggests the policy shift has not yet deterred applicants. 'The surge in applications suggests that fears of the impact of the immigration White Paper may have been avoided, mainly thanks to the preserved post-study work offer,' said Ruth Arnold, director of external affairs at Study Group, a global education provider. She also pointed to growing restrictions in competing destinations. 'More students are turning to the UK as a safer, more stable option,' she told Times Higher Education, a London-based publication covering global higher education trends. The White Paper, released last month, introduced a series of reforms that make it tougher for international students and their families to remain in the UK long-term. Key changes include: * The qualifying period for settlement has doubled from five years to ten * English language requirements now apply to more categories, including dependants * Improvement in English will be monitored during the visa period * Skills requirements have been raised to degree level for most work and study routes 'Skill requirements raised to degree level; English language requirements across all routes – including for dependents; the time it takes to acquire settled status extended from five years to 10; and enforcement tougher than ever because fair rules must be followed,' said Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a press briefing at Downing Street last month. This implies students will need to work harder to remain in the UK after graduation. 'The White Paper establishes whole new approaches to migration, be it for education, work, or family,' Mamta Shekhawat, founder of a student counselling platform told Business Standard. 'The pathway to permanent residency for students will become longer and more competitive, making it harder for graduates to remain in the UK unless they demonstrate exceptional value to the economy or society.' Sharp decline in dependent visas The rise in main applicant numbers contrasts with a drop in dependent visa applications. Since restrictions on dependants were introduced in January 2024, fewer family members have applied for UK visas. * In May 2025, 1,100 dependants submitted applications * This is down from 1,400 in May 2024 and 7,800 in May 2023 * Between January and May 2025, 6,300 dependent visas were filed * In the same period last year, the figure stood at 46,700 Meanwhile, Home Office data also shows that total study visa applications over the 12 months leading up to May 2025 from main applicants dropped by 9%.
Express Tribune
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Isolating' Pakistan not in US interest: think tank
A US think tank has advised the Trump administration to pursue a pragmatic and interest-driven relationship with Pakistan, emphasising that isolating the South Asian nation is counterproductive to American national security interests. "Isolating Pakistan is not in the United States' national security interests. Pakistan's cooperation, even if selective and limited, is better than its intransigence," reads a report of Hudson Institute, a research organization promoting American leadership for a secure, free, and prosperous future. Titled "Engaging Pakistan in a New Era of US Foreign Policy", the report is the product of the US-Pakistan Study Group, comprising seasoned diplomats and analysts. Contributors include Former Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Sahar Khan, Michael Kugelman, Ambassador Cameron Munter, Ambassador Anne Patterson, Ambassador Robin Raphel, Harlan Ullman, Dr Marvin Weinbaum, and Uzair Younus. The report says the United States and Pakistan have a long history of working together. Moving forward, both countries could benefit from identifying common interests and cooperating accordingly. Even selective or limited cooperation from Pakistan is seen as more valuable than disengagement. The report says the recent India-Pakistan crisis reportedly brought the two nuclear-armed South Asian countries to the brink of war before the United States intervened and pulled them back. "This crisis highlights the need for continued US engagement with Pakistan, a critical country in a geostrategic location with which Washington has historically had a complex relationship," it adds. The relationship between Pakistan and the United States has weathered many ups and downs. In the opening months of his second term, President Donald Trump has indicated that he intends to adopt a more pragmatic foreign policy, one that maintains relations even with countries that hold beliefs or values different from his own, according to the report. As a result, the relationship between the United States and Pakistan has a better chance of improvement than it has enjoyed in recent yearsif both countries' leaders are able to focus on shared interests rather than ideological differences. In the aftermath of the 2025 crisis, US policymakers are emphasising the importance of engaging with both India and Pakistan to prevent and manage crises between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Given the serious threat posed by any future conflict or nuclear escalation in South Asia, the United States is encouraged to take an active role in mediation efforts during such crises. The experience of past administrations has shown that Pakistan's strategic calculus about India is unlikely to change through either incentives or pressure. Instead, a more realistic approach is advisedone that accepts Pakistan's self-perception and works within that framework rather than attempting to reshape it. Another area of mutual interest is counterterrorism. While the United States continues to monitor terrorist groups, Pakistan also faces internal threats from militant extremist organizations.
Pink Villa
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kim Do Wan, Lee Jung Ha's One: High School Heroes — release date, time, where to watch, cast, plot, and more
ONE: High School Heroes is a South Korean action drama, focused on bullying, oppression and the struggle against injustice within a high school setting. If you love shows like Study Group and Weak Hero Class 2, then this drama is just for you. Starring Lee Jung Ha and Kim Do Wan in lead roles, this series promises thrilling action and triumph of good over evil. Here are the latest updates on the release date, plot, character details and streaming information. ONE: High School Heroes– Plot and character details The drama, adapted from the webtoon of the same name, tells the story of Kim Eui Gyeom (played by Moving star Lee Jung Ha), a high-achieving student. His life is marred by abuse at home and school, leaving him without anyone to turn to for support. At home, he suffers at the hands of his father, while at school, he's subjected to bullying. Initially, he chooses to endure the torment, prioritizing his academic performance over confrontation. However, as the abuse gets to an unbearable level, he is compelled to stand up for himself. During his darkest period of physical and emotional torment, Kim Eui Gyeom forms a bond with a classmate, Kang Yun Gi (played by Wedding Impossible star Kim Do Wan). Kang Yun Gi seeks to exploit Kim Eui Gyeom's fighting prowess, and together, they become known as the 'High School Heroes'. As a team, they not only fight against Kim Eui Gyeom's tormentors, but also join forces to rid the school of its violent atmosphere and support the victims of bullying. ONE: High School Heroes– When and where to watch ONE: High School Heroes will premiere on May 30 on Wavve. The subsequent 7 episodes of the mini drama will be released every Friday till June 13. ONE: High School Heroes– Supporting cast Veteran actor Kim Sang Ho, known for The Haunted Palace and Second Shot at Love, will star as Kim Eui Gyeom's abusive father, Kim Seok Tae. Queen of Tears actress Kim Joo Ryoung will play his wife, Myung Da Bin. Other supporting roles include Shooting Stars' Im Sung Kyun as Kim Seung Jun and Singles Inferno 4 fame Yuk Jun Seo as Lee Gwi Jae.
