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News, insights and jobs for the international education industry
Welcome to The PIE Weekly,
It’s a new week, yet the same – or perhaps even worsening – gloomy picture in the US, where the Trump administration’s continued onslaught on immigration is having a significant impact on international students.
According to data seen by The PIE, just three months into President Trump’s second term, more than 1,800 international students and recent graduates have had their visas revoked by the administration.
While some students have had their visas cancelled over pro-Palestine protests, many others are seeing their visas revoked due to prior arrests (even without convictions), minor traffic offences, or other alleged visa violations.
This has puzzled sector leaders, who have raised concerns over the US government's lack of transparency on the issue.
As institutions like Harvard University fight back with lawsuits against the Trump administration’s attempts to curb their powers, stakeholders are cautiously breathing a sigh of relief as the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Exchange has survived a US State Department overhaul, though concerns over staffing and funding still remain.
In Australia, with the federal election imminent, the Coalition has taken a swipe at Australia’s post-study work visa, pledging a “rapid review” of the 485 visa, if elected, due to concerns that it serves as a backdoor to permanent migration.
Back in the UK-EU circuit, European policymakers have expressed optimism over the possibility of a youth mobility scheme between the UK and the EU.
While the UK government has repeatedly stated that it is not considering such a scheme, Labour MPs are now calling on PM Starmer to support time-limited visas for 18-to-30-year-olds from both the EU and the UK, seen as key by the latter to clinch an economic deal with the bloc.
Despite the challenges and debates elsewhere, it has been a positive time for the TNE landscape, with branch campuses and partnerships flourishing across countries.
While the University of Wollongong is set to open a campus in Saudi Arabia, less than a year after its campus in GIFT City, the UK’s Bedford School is opening its first-ever British girls’ school in Mohali, India.
Finally, The PIE is delighted to announce that The PIE Live is coming to Ireland for the first time. Join us on October 14 for a one-day event bringing together the voices shaping the future of global education. We hope to see you there.
Until next time,
Abhishek Nair Reporter
Data: Trump’s student visa revocations in numbers
Just over three months into Donald Trump’s second term, the number of international students and recent graduates who have had their visas revoked by the Trump administration has surpassed 1,800.
Australia’s post-study work visa under fire in election pledge
Ahead of the May 3 federal election, the Coalition has pledged a rapid review of the 485 visa, citing “misuse” of post-study work rights as a backdoor to permanent migration.
University of Wollongong set to open Saudi Arabia campus
The institution will be the first foreign university to receive a Saudi Investment License under the country’s 2030 vision, opening its Saudi Arabia campus in Riyadh later this year.
"We are currently in the second phase of a partnership that we have with an organisation called SEAMEO, South East Asia Ministers of Education Organisation."
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