"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." - Plutarch

Greetings, curious minds!

As we wrap up another lively week full of learning, and growing in the world of education, we are thrilled to connect with you again through our weekly newsletter.

We are excited to announce that our new website is now fully operational! Head over to www.lurnable.com to explore our collection of resources, articles, expert insights and more. This virtual hub of knowledge will complement our newsletter by providing a space for discussions in the education landscape.

In this week's edition, we will reflect on the meaningful conversations and innovations that stemmed from our community over the week. By taking a bird's eye view of the latest developments and insights impacting students, teachers, administrators and families across all levels of learning, we hope to empower and inspire one another.

Additionally, we are pleased to present another selection of our most popular content from the week, covering essential topics for Students and Professionals. Ranging from Entrance Exams to career pathways and everything in between, we trust you will discover something that sparks your interest and imagination.

We thank you deeply for your readership and engagement. Now let's dive into this week's edition and continue striving towards enlightened, empowering and transformative education.

TOP PICKS FROM LURNABLE THIS WEEK

Starred Articles

From Fantasy to Reality: Unveiling the Surprising Jobs That Emerged in the Last Decade

This article explores a range of futuristic-sounding occupations like robotics engineer, app developer, and social media manager that have rapidly materialized over the last 10 years, reshaping the employment landscape. Read on

Careers

Game On: Exploring the Exciting Pathway to Becoming a Sportscaster

This article follows the thrilling career trajectory of a sports broadcaster, from honing vocal skills to developing niche sports knowledge to landing a coveted on-air role commenting on high-stakes games. Read On

Institutions

Breaking the Mould: Alternative Curriculum at Hampshire College, USA that Redefines Education

Hampshire College in Massachusetts has long pioneered a flexible, student-driven curriculum without grades or departments, empowering undergraduates to personalize their academic journeys through self-designed, interdisciplinary concentrations. Learn More

Scholarships/ Funding

Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Free Study Options for International Students in the USA

This guide outlines tuition-free college and university programs across the United States offering international students accessible pathways to pursue American degrees and gain employment eligibility post-graduation. Explore

Courses

 From Hobby to Career: Why You Should Consider Taking a Jewellery Designing Course

Aspiring jewellery artists can discover how to transform their creative passion into a rewarding profession through specialized jewellery design courses that teach business and technical skills for successfully turning this talent into sustainable livelihoods. Explore

Exams

Demystifying the ATAR: Everything You Need to Know about the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank

This article unravels the often confusing Australian Tertiary Admission Rank used for university admissions by explaining in clear terms how the ATAR score is derived from exams and used to determine eligibility for undergraduate degree programs across Australia's states and territories. Discover

HOT OFF THE PRESS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE

Facilitating International Tuition Payments for Indian Students

SBI partners with Flywire to offer Indian students studying abroad an easy 3-step payment process for international tuition. Students can now conveniently pay tuition from India in rupees via SBI's platform. This partnership facilitates overseas payments and captures student details automatically, benefiting institutions. It addresses the needs of India's rapidly growing outbound student population.

Fostering Healthy Universities in China

FISU signs an agreement with the University Sports Federation of China to expand the Healthy Campus initiative across the country's 40M students. Aims to integrate more Chinese universities into the wellness program and promote university sports locally and globally. Marks a major step towards healthier campus experiences for Chinese students.

Addressing Healthcare Shortages: South Korea Increases Medical School Quotas

The South Korean government has decided to increase medical school enrolment by 2,000 students to mitigate staff shortages and improve healthcare access. This has intensified competition for limited medical school seats nationwide. While opposed by physicians, the government is standing by the decision to expand student quotas. In other news, the defence minister returned from the Middle East with a $3.2 billion deal, and the GM chair met with battery partners in Seoul.

 International Collaboration to Advance Egyptian Higher Education

The International Branch of Cairo University partners with the University of East London to offer new programs in economics, finance, and digital marketing. This agreement supports Egypt's goal to internationalize its higher education system and provide students with globally relevant skills. Through collaborative efforts, the partnership aims to enrich academic opportunities for Egyptian students and equip them for professional success in line with the Ministry’s educational priorities.

Reforming Finnish Doctoral Education with New Pilot Programme

Finland launches a €260 million pilot doctorate programme to test a new 3-4 year model aimed at increasing graduation rates and mobility between sectors. The initiative addresses calls for funded reforms due to inadequate financing and skills shortages. By creating 1,000 fixed-term positions tied to the Flagship programme through 2030, Finland seeks to boost R&D spending to 4% of GDP and facilitate academia-industry collaboration as part of broader attainment and innovation goals.

 dian StudentsIn Poised to Fill US Enrollment Gap

Indian student enrollment in American universities could exceed 1 million annually by 2030 as a shrinking US college-age population opens doors for more international scholars. Steady undergraduate declines domestically and India's growing student population position it to benefit from this impending "enrollment cliff.”

New Zealand Universities Face Unprecedented Financial Strain

New Zealand universities project historic deficits in 2023-2024 amid reduced government funding, lower international enrollments from COVID-19, and declining domestic students. Briefings warn that disparities threaten economic prosperity and urge aligned funding to curb risks as institutions make deep cuts.

Maharashtra, India Aims to Boost Higher Education Access

Maharashtra plans free college for girls from low-income families and skill centres across campuses to improve employability. The state also eyes timely exams, cluster universities, online learning, and more internships to raise standards. However, it must address low female representation in technical courses.

Foreign Universities Eye India Expansion

The University Grants Commission received Lincoln University College Malaysia's application to open a Telangana campus, as India now permits quality foreign universities to establish operations. Initiatives are underway in Gujarat and regulations enacted, to increase access and affordability for Indian students.

Narrowing Wage Gaps Between Degrees

A recent Austrian study shows the salary gap between Bachelor's and Master's graduates has shrunk from 2012-2021, with Bachelor's median income rising from €2,653 to €2,986 while Master's dipped from €3,100 to €3,300. Gender and field disparities persist.