Latest news with #international students
NHK
4 days ago
- Business
- NHK
Japan plans to raise cap on international students in higher education
Japan's government plans to raise the country's global competitiveness in higher education. Universities, colleges and other specialized schools will be able to accept more international students, possibly from the next academic year. Enrollment sizes including overseas students are determined on factors such as an institution's size. Those who exceed the upper limit are subject to penalties, such as a reduction in state subsidies. The education ministry plans to raise the cap by five percentage points when certain conditions are met. Officials say they plan to start accepting applications as early as later this year, and raise the upper limit in the academic year starting next April. The officials say they hope the measure not only boosts the competitiveness of higher education institutions, but also Japanese students.
ABC News
6 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
International students have not driven rents and inflation higher, RBA says
The rapid growth in international student numbers post-pandemic has not been a major driver of higher rents and inflation, the Reserve Bank says. The RBA's latest quarterly Bulletin was published on Thursday, with a special section on International Students and the Australian Economy. It looks at the big shifts in foreign student numbers in recent years. The analysis covers the period when the students left Australia en masse during 2020 and 2021, and then returned after borders reopened in late 2021. "Rapid growth in the international student stock post-pandemic likely contributed to some of the upward pressure on inflation from 2022 to early 2023, especially as arriving students front-loaded their spending as they set up in Australia and took time to join the labour market," the RBA article says. "The rise in international student numbers is likely to have accounted for only a small share of the rise in rents since the onset of the pandemic, with much of the rise in advertised rents occurring before borders were reopened." The RBA's analysis considers how foreign student numbers have affected consumption, inflation, the labour market, and the housing market in recent years, only from a short-run perspective. "Longer run effects are outside the scope of the work," the article notes. The RBA says education exports are now Australia's fourth largest category of export, worth approximately $50 billion in 2023-24. It says in recent years, international students have been an "important driver" of net overseas migration and gross domestic product (GDP) growth. But it says international students impact Australia's economy in numerous ways, and the dynamics have been unusual in the post-pandemic period. Firstly, it says global demand for education in Australia had grown solidly in the decade prior to the pandemic. It says that reflected a range of factors, including rising household disposable income in Asia, the active promotion of Australia as an education destination, and changes to migration policies that enabled higher education students to work in Australia after their studies. Other factors included global population growth, and the depreciation of the Australian dollar after the mining boom. But it says with the introduction of border restrictions in March 2020 to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, new students were unable to enter Australia. And as a result, the number of international students fell sharply. Then, after Australia's international borders reopened in late 2021, the number of international students onshore rose rapidly. You can see that in the graph above. But while student arrivals quickly returned to around pre-pandemic levels after borders reopened, the number of students departing Australia were lower than normal because there were fewer students living in Australia to begin with (thanks to the huge number of students that departed Australia during the COVID lockdowns). The RBA says that unusual dynamic contributed to the total stock of international students living in Australia rising sharply from just under 300,000 in 2022 to 560,000 by the end of 2023. "Accordingly, international students were an important driver of net overseas migration during that period, accounting for around half of Australia's total net overseas migration," the RBA says. The RBA says an important area in which international students contribute to demand is in the housing market. It says foreign students are more likely to rent than Australian residents. It says about 50 per cent of over 70,000 international students surveyed in the 2023 Student Experience Survey reported that they rent in the private rental market (either in a private rented house, flat or room), whereas about one-third of the rest of Australia's population are renters. It says in the Student Experience Survey, about 24 per cent of international students reported living with family or friends, 15 per cent in student accommodation, 3 per cent in a homestay, and 2 per cent in "other" accommodation. It finds housing demand from international students also tends to be geographically concentrated around areas where educational institutions are based, notably inner-city locations. The RBA says that in theory, when it comes to property prices and rents, in the face of a relatively fixed supply of housing in the short term, we would expect an increase in international students to put upward pressure on rental demand and rents (all else equal), in the same way that any kind of increase in the renting population would impact demand. But it doesn't think they had a huge impact on rents in Australia in recent years. "As a back-of-the-envelope exercise, if we assume that 50 per cent of international students rent, an additional 100,000 students would increase private rental demand by 50,000 individuals," it says. "Models of the housing market used by the RBA suggest that a 50,000 increase in population would raise private rents by around 0.5 per cent compared with a baseline projection. "The marginal effect of an additional renter may be greater in periods where the rental market is tight and vacancy rates are low, such as occurred post-pandemic. "Nonetheless, the rise in international student numbers is likely to have accounted for only a small share of the rise in rents since the onset of the pandemic, with much of the rise in advertised rents occurring before borders were reopened," it argues. The RBA says that with time, higher demand for housing due to a greater number of international students in Australia could spur more dwelling investment, in the way it would for an expansion of the population more broadly. "One area where higher international student numbers have generated a supply response has been in purpose-built student accommodation, with rapid growth in building approvals for such projects in recent years. "Industry projections are for continued rapid growth in this area in the years ahead," it says. The RBA says international students also make an important contribution to the labour market. "While they only made up around 2 to 3 per cent of the labour force prior to the pandemic, they constitute the second largest group of temporary visa holders with work rights in Australia after New Zealand citizens, making them a large source of potential labour supply for the Australian economy," it says. It says in the post-pandemic years, the contribution of international students to labour supply has risen, reflecting both a rise in their participation rates and a lift in the limit on how many hours they can work (from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight). But it says that dynamic may drop again, given recent government changes. "Looking forward, while rules around the number of hours that international students can work are higher than pre-pandemic, average participation may decline from the levels seen in 2024," the RBA says. "This is because the recent tightening in visa policy has targeted groups of students who were more likely to be seeking to work; that is, those international students who do receive visas going forward are less likely to be focused on employment opportunities in Australia on average." The RBA says another unique feature of international students relates to the savings they bring with them to set up and finance their life in Australia. It says currently, international students have to provide proof of nearly $30,000 of savings to receive a student visa, up from about $25,000 in 2023, which is higher than the cash savings most Australian residents have in their bank accounts. "This could mean there is a temporal dimension in international student consumption, whereby consumption is strong upon arrival in Australia as individuals use these savings to set up their lives (i.e. purchasing furniture and other goods) but then slows afterwards," the RBA says. "In periods of strong inflows of students, such as just after borders reopened after the pandemic, this likely had an important effect on aggregate demand in the economy," it says. But it says a large proportion of student spending is on tuition fees, which account for 40 per cent of international student spending. "Our estimates of the average weekly spend of international students using Balance of Payments data suggest that international students spend twice as much as residents," the RBA says. [But] excluding fees, international students spend roughly the same as residents on average. "There are, however, some slight sectoral differences. Accommodation and food, transport, and housing make up a slightly higher share of the gross value added associated with education export spending, while business services, and retail and wholesale trade, make up a lower share," it says. And overall, the RBA says the rapid growth in the number of international students post-pandemic likely contributed to some of the upward pressure on inflation from 2022 to early 2023, but it wasn't a major driver. "The increase in international students was just one of many other forces at play in this time that drove demand above supply in the economy, and hence higher inflation," the RBA concluded.
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Record Numbers Of U.S. Students Are Applying To Colleges In The U.K.
The University of St Andrews in Scotland is one of the most popular destinations for U.S. ... More undergraduates studying in the U.K. A record number of American students are applying to colleges in the United Kindgom, this year, according to new data released last week. That surge in interest comes as the Trump administration continues its highly publicized campaign against many aspects of higher education in this country, including attacks on international students, cutbacks in research funding, pressure on university presidents, crackdowns on elite institutions, and challenges to various components of the curricula – particularly those having to do with diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. One apparent effect of these tactics is a marked increase in the number of American undergraduate students looking to U.K. institutions to continue their post-secondary education. New figures from the Universities and Colleges Admission Service show that by the June 30 deadline, 7,930 applications had been received from American students for the fall 2025 semester. That represents an almost 14% increase over the previous year, and it's the highest total since these data began to be collected in 2006. The UCAS is a shared or unified admissions system employed in the U.K. Similar to the Common App in the United States, it's used by many — but not all — American students applying to British and other U.K. institutions so it likely underestimates the total number of applicants from the U.S. In addition, because it deals only with undergraduate admissions, it does not capture the outflow of U.S. graduate students that also appears to be underway. The number of international students applying for undergraduate studies at U.K. universities and colleges through UCAS increased overall by 2.2%. The increase was driven by a record number of applicants from China, up 10%, in addition to year-over-year increases in applicants from Ireland (+15%), Nigeria (+23%) and the U.S.(+14%). Not only did applications increase, the number of offers made by U.K. institutions to international students also saw a substantial jump — up more than 9% over the prior year. Meanwhile, U.S. institutions are expecting international student enrollment to decrease this year. As examples: In the 2023-24 academic year, more than 1.1 million international college students were enrolled in the U.S, according to the Institute of International Education's Open Doors report. That number marked an all-time high, representing about 6% of all college students in the nation. Since the pandemic in 2020-21, when the number of international students declined by a record 15%, enrollments have increased by a total of 200,000 students over the past three years. However, the tide appears to be turning against the U.S. as a preferred destination for international students in the Trump era, and institutions in Europe, Australia and Asia are taking advantage and gaining market share. That shift is now being accompanied by an increasing number of American students deciding to look abroad to continue their education, with the U.K. becoming a major beneficiary of these decisions.
CBC
18-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Parents and students are trying to save Algonquin College program for adults with disabilities
The college told CBC News it can no longer afford to run the program. The cut comes as the college is facing financial challenges, which it blames in part on new rules for international students and a lack of provincial funding.
CBS News
02-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Best private student loans for fall 2025
We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Before you borrow money for college, make sure you're considering the best options for your unique needs. Getty Images College tuition costs aren't slowing down anytime soon, and neither are the financial pressures that come with earning a degree. Even with scholarships, grants and federal student loans, many students still face funding gaps that need to be filled. After all, the average cost of college has more than doubled in the 21st century, according to the latest data from the Education Data Initiative, and the average cost of attendance at a four-year college is now sitting at over $38,000 per year. That's a lot more than the average person can pay out of pocket, and those high costs have led many students to turn to private student loans to bridge the gaps. The good news is, though, that the student lending landscape has become more competitive, with private lenders offering increasingly flexible terms, better borrower benefits and targeted loans for specific student populations. Whether you're an undergraduate with no credit history, a graduate student pursuing a professional degree or an international student navigating U.S. education, there's likely a private loan that can meet your needs. Not all private student loans are created equal, though, and the fine print matters. From interest rate structures to cosigner requirements and repayment flexibility, choosing the right lender can have a lasting impact on your financial health. To help you do that, we've rounded up top-rated private student loan lenders below — each standing out for a particular category — to help you make a smarter borrowing decision this year. Best private student loans for fall 2025 Here are some of the top private student loan providers, categorized by their standout features, to help you identify the best fit for your needs: Best for flexible repayment options: College Ave College Ave is a standout among private student lenders for its customizable approach to repayment. The company allows borrowers to choose from a wide variety of loan terms ranging from five to 15 years and offers four repayment plans: full principal and interest payments, interest-only payments, flat payments or full deferment while in school. This flexibility is especially helpful for borrowers who may be juggling part-time work, internships or other financial responsibilities during their college years. One of the biggest advantages of College Ave is that the lender also offers a shorter-than-average application process and quick decisions on approval, making it easier to secure funds when you need them. College Ave loans come with fixed or variable interest rates and borrowers can apply with a cosigner to potentially qualify for better rates. Compare your loan options with College Ave now. Best for specialized loans: Sallie Mae Sallie Mae is one of the most well-known private student loan providers, and for good reason. The company offers a broad array of loan products that go beyond the standard undergraduate and graduate offerings. In particular, it caters to students pursuing specific programs like law school, medical school, dental school and even non-degree or certificate programs. This makes Sallie Mae a strong choice for borrowers with unique or niche educational paths that may not be covered by other lenders. In addition to its wide range of loan options, Sallie Mae offers numerous borrower perks, like free access to credit score monitoring through their partnership with Experian and a multi-year approval process, which allows returning students to secure funding for future academic years with less paperwork and fewer credit checks. With flexible repayment options and the ability to choose from fixed or variable interest rates, Sallie Mae tends to be a good match for students looking for tailored solutions. Compare your loan options with Sallie Mae now. Best for no-cosigner loans: Ascent For students who don't have access to a qualified cosigner, Ascent offers one of the few private student loan options that doesn't always require one. This is especially important for independent students or those whose parents are unable or unwilling to co-sign. Ascent's non-cosigned credit-based loans consider factors like the borrower's GPA, expected graduation date, school and future earning potential rather than relying solely on credit history or income for approval. Ascent also provides a variety of borrower incentives that set it apart from other lenders. For example, students can earn cash back when they graduate and make use of a number of interest rate reduction opportunities. This lender also offers a unique scholarship program and free financial wellness resources. In turn, Ascent may be particularly appealing to upperclassmen and graduate students who have already established some financial independence or a strong academic record. Compare your loan options with Ascent now. Best for member benefits: SoFi SoFi is more than just a lender. It's a holistic financial platform that supports borrowers beyond their student loans. When you take out a private student loan through SoFi, you gain access to a suite of member benefits that includes career coaching, resume help, financial planning and even networking events. These services can be especially valuable for recent graduates who are entering the workforce and looking for guidance on building their careers and managing their finances. SoFi's private student loans are also known for having no fees, meaning no origination fees, late fees or prepayment penalties. This can save borrowers hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Borrowers can choose from fixed or variable rates, and the company offers multiple repayment options, including deferment while in school or making interest-only payments. Compare your loan options with SoFi now. Best for international students: MPOWER Financing International students often face steep barriers when it comes to accessing private student loans in the U.S., chiefly because most lenders require a U.S.-based cosigner and established credit history. MPOWER Financing eliminates those obstacles. The company specifically caters to international students by offering loans that don't require a cosigner or credit score. Instead, MPOWER evaluates applications based on the borrower's school, academic progress and career potential. MPOWER also offers fixed interest rates on student loans, which can provide added predictability in long-term budgeting. Borrowers can further benefit from interest rate discounts by enrolling in autopay or completing free financial literacy courses offered by the company. Loans are available to students in more than 400 schools across the U.S. and Canada, and the funding can be used to cover tuition, housing and other living expenses. The bottom line Private student loans can be a valuable resource when federal aid doesn't suffice, but they come with varying terms and conditions — and certain lenders could be a better fit than others depending on your unique needs. That's why it's essential to assess your financial situation, credit history and educational goals when choosing a lender. Consider factors like the interest rates you're being offered, along with repayment flexibility and borrower benefits. And, be sure to always exhaust your federal loan options first, as they typically offer more favorable terms and protections. By carefully evaluating your options, you can select a private student loan that supports your educational journey without compromising your financial future.
