The University of Chester was crowned international university of the year at the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards in London on April 24. The institution in northern England beat off competition from nine other shortlisted finalists in the international category. In 12 categories, the University of Sheffield was named University of the Year, as well as top for Students’ Union. The WUSCAs, running for the 11th year in 2024, saw more than 100 institutions participate, with winners based on reviews from 39,000+ students. Student satisfaction is up, which the education sector ..read more

China’s international education relationships with Australia and Canada are markedly improving, but there isn’t yet a window for them to supersede UK and US collaboration with the country, stakeholders have said. During the recent China Study Abroad forum, it was announced that multiple institutions had signed MoUs with Australia and Canadian universities, with the aim of “deepening educational connections” between the countries. Speaking to The PIE, Phil Honeywood, chief executive of IEAA, said the MoUs – as well as the document signed in late March between Australia and China’s governments ..read more

With France looking to attract 30,000 Indian students by 2030 as a part of the Franco-Indian roadmap, India in turn is being promoted as an exchange destination for French students. A panel discussion titled ‘India, place of talents and innovation’, organised by CNCCEF India (French Foreign Trade Advisors) and the National Commission for Training in France last month, intended to provide a perspective on modern India to French students who may want to choose the country for exchange semesters, internships or Volunteer for International Experience.  The event attracted more than  ..read more

The study travel industry is set to boost the Welsh economy by £13 million by 2027, as IALC supports the Welsh government’s goal to welcome over one million international visitors annually. The impressive figure was shared by the International Association of Language Centres, as sector representatives flocked to Cardiff for the association’s prestigious workshop. The flagship event in the international study travel industry took place from April 11-14, welcoming around 135 study travel agents from 33 countries and 130 representatives from IALC-accredited schools in 24 countries. For over ..read more

Despite some possible wishes by candidates in the country’s upcoming election, it’s unlikely that it will be easy to get more students to study in India, stakeholders have predicted. The Indian election, which began on April 19 and will continue in phases until June 4, will see incumbent PM Narendra Modi face off with what has been described by one media outlet as a “broad but flailing alliance of opposition parties”. Speaking to Indian agents and experts in the international education sector, it seems that either way, things may continue as business as usual. “Prime minister Modi, if re-elect ..read more

English language proficiency assessment provider Password English Language Testing has integrated a flexibility offer within its at-home test designed to assist test takers. The One Part Retake option for Password’s Skills Plus at-home test will allow candidates to retake one specific part of the assessment if they have missed their desired score in reading, writing, listening or speaking. “We are delighted to be providing this additional flexibility for both our institutional partners and test takers worldwide,” said Simi Kohli, head of Global Recognition &a ..read more

Shoko Doherty is the CEO of Celtic English Academy, an English language school in Wales accredited by the British Council, which has welcomed over 15,000 students from more than 50 countries in the past 20 years. She also serves as the vice chair of English UK and is recognised for her role in exporting education and contributing to international trade as a Welsh government export exemplar and as an export champion for the UK government Department of Business and Trade.   Introduce yourself in three words or phrases. Mum. Sustainable capitalism. “猪突猛進” (chototsu moushin) is a Japane ..read more

Australia’s prime minister has defended a clampdown on “Mickey Mouse courses” that he says enabled non-genuine students to remain in the country under the previous government and stated that annual immigration figures will be halved to 250,000 in the 2024/25 financial year. Speaking on 3AW radio on April 19, Anthony Albanese said that by the end of the next financial year, his government is “determined” to cut immigration, after inheriting a system “that was a mess”. “What we’ve been doing is making sure that in areas such as vocational education, for example, some peo ..read more

A UK-based employability services and university placement provider has partnered with the University of Surrey to provide industry placements for pharmaceutical sciences students. Twin Group will see its employability and placement expertise embedded into the University of Surrey’s School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering curriculum, with a focus on career-readiness. “Surrey is renowned for the high quality of its graduates and has won awards for the employability of its students. This ‘Surrey Advantage’ will be further enhanced by our partnership with T ..read more

The city of Porto in northern Portugal has been named as the Erasmus Destination of the Year by a leading international student organisation. The Erasmus Destination of the Year award is given to a city’s Erasmus Student Network that is seen giving exceptional efforts in supporting student mobility at the “city level”. A testament to the “members of the Erasmus generation”, the award plays a role in striving for the organisation to provide more and better European mobility programs. “The Erasmus Destination of the Year is more than just another initiative or competition. It is proof that stude ..read more