The global landscape of international education is constantly evolving, with countries updating their policies to attract and manage international students. This article examines recent changes in international education policies across various countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, the USA, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, China, and Japan. We also explore post-study work visa options available in these countries and their impact on international students. 

United Kingdom 

Recent Policy Changes 

1. Cap on International Student Dependants: From January 2024, only PhD and postgraduate research students can bring dependants. 

2. Course Completion Requirement for Work Visa Transition: All students must complete their course before switching to a UK work visa. 

3. Increased Financial Requirements: Higher financial maintenance requirements for international students. 

4. Restrictions on Remote Learning: New restrictions ensure that international students must predominantly undertake face-to-face courses. 

5. Crackdown on Rogue Recruitment Agents: Tougher compliance standards for institutions and agents recruiting international students. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options 

- Graduate Route: Allows students to stay in the UK for two years (three years for PhD graduates) after graduation to work or look for work. No job offer is required to apply. 

Australia 

Recent Policy Changes 

1. New Financial Capacity Requirement: From May 10, 2024, students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover airfare, course fees, and living expenses. 

2. New Genuine Student (GS) Requirement: Replaces the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with targeted questions. 

3. New English Language Requirements: Proof of English fluency required for visa applications. 

4. Temporary Graduate Visa Length Reduction: Changes to the length of post-study work visas from July 1, 2024. 

5. New Age Limit for Temporary Graduate Visa: Maximum eligible age reduced to 35 years from July 1, 2024. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options 

- Temporary Graduate Visa: Allows graduates to stay and work in Australia for a period depending on their qualification. A new 4-year Skills in Demand visa provides a pathway to permanent residency. 

Canada 

Recent Policy Changes 

1. Temporary Cap on Study Permits: A 35% reduction in study permits for 2024. 

2. Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility: Private college graduates ineligible for PGWPs from September 1, 2024. 

3. Longer PGWPs for Master’s Graduates: Three-year PGWPs for master’s graduates. 

4. Updated Cost-of-Living Requirements: Increased financial requirements for living expenses. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options 

- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Allows students to work in Canada for up to three years if they complete a programme of at least two years. Shorter programmes may qualify for a permit of the same length as the study programme. 

Germany 

Recent Policy Changes 

1. Increased Working Hours: Students can now work up to 20 hours per week during their studies. 

2. Extended Arrival Period: Students can arrive up to nine months before their studies begin and work during this period. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options 

- Residence Permit for Job Search: Graduates can stay in Germany for 18 months to find suitable employment. 

New Zealand 

Recent Policy Changes 

1. Changes to AEWV Sponsorship: Lower-skilled AEWV holders cannot sponsor partners and dependent children for work or visitor visas from June 26, 2024. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options 

- Post-Study Work Visa: Allows graduates to work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on their qualification and location of study. 

Singapore 

Recent Policy Changes 

- Singapore maintains strict but welcoming policies for international students, offering various scholarships and strong partnerships with global institutions. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options 

- Long-Term Visit Pass: Graduates can apply for this pass to stay in Singapore for up to one year to seek employment. 

United States   

Recent Policy Changes 

- No significant recent changes, but the US remains a popular destination with various scholarship programmes and initiatives. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options 

- Optional Practical Training (OPT): Allows students to work for up to 12 months after graduation, with an additional 24 months for STEM graduates. 

The Netherlands 

Recent Policy Changes 

1. Reduction in International Enrolment: Dutch universities are implementing measures to reduce the intake of international students and limit the expansion of English-taught programmes. 

2. New Dutch-Taught Degrees: Focus on increasing the number of Dutch-language degree programmes. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options 

- Orientation Year Visa: Graduates can stay in the Netherlands for one year to look for work or start a business. 

France 

Recent Policy Changes 

- France offers various visa options depending on the duration of the study programme. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options 

- Temporary Residence Permit: Allows graduates to stay in France for up to one year to look for work. 

Sweden 

Recent Policy Changes 

- Sweden has specific visa requirements for non-EU/EEA students. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options 

- Residence Permit for Job Search: Graduates can stay in Sweden for up to six months to look for work. 

China 

Recent Policy Changes 

1. Double Reduction Policy: Aimed at reducing the pressures of homework and after-school tutoring. 

2. Expansion of International Schools: Increase in the number of international schools catering to expatriates and promoting Chinese education abroad. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options 

- Residence Permit for Employment: Graduates can apply for this permit to stay and work in China. 

Japan 

Recent Policy Changes 

1. Increased Internationalisation: Japan is pushing for greater internationalisation in higher education, with new programmes and initiatives to attract foreign students. 

2. Technological Integration: Accelerated plans to integrate technology into classrooms. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options

- Designated Activities Visa: Allows graduates to stay in Japan for job hunting for up to 360 days. 

- Working Visa: Various types of work visas available depending on the job, with durations ranging from 3 months to 5 years. 

Rest of Europe 

General Trends 

- Many European countries are actively working to attract international students with favourable post-study work options and programmes taught in English. 

Specific Countries 

- Italy: Offers a residence permit for job search for up to 12 months after graduation. 

- Spain: Allows graduates to stay for up to one year to look for work. 

- Ireland: Offers a two-year stay-back option for graduates to seek employment. 

Conclusion 

As policies continue to evolve, international students considering studying abroad should stay informed about the latest changes in their desired study destinations. The landscape of international education remains dynamic, with countries adjusting their approaches to remain competitive while addressing domestic priorities. 

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Navigating the changing landscape of international education can be challenging. Lurnable's access subscription, advisory services, and assessment tools can provide you with up-to-date information and personalised guidance to help you make informed decisions about studying abroad. Our expert advisors can help you understand the latest policy changes, evaluate your options, and maximise your chances of a successful application. 

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