Edvisor Blog

EdNews | May 2025

Written by Nira | Apr 30, 2025 11:06:24 AM

Stay up to date with the latest developments in international education with EdNews! Each month, we bring you essential updates on campus openings, relocations, mergers, new programs, team announcements, promotional opportunities for Edvisor agencies, and all the relevant news in the field of international education. 

Let's join together to explore the new developments in international education!

 

   

📋 Skip straight to the topic you're interested in!  

 



Big Savings Ahead: Check Out Our Updated Offer Fee!

 

 

🔗 English Direct Australia

 🔵  Edvisor ID: englishdirectaustralia

 📍 Perth, Australia

 🗃️ New Promotion

English Direct, a leading English language school in Australia, is excited to announce a major update to its Offer Fee, now set at just AUD 220 per week.

Known for its student-centred approach and supportive learning environment, English Direct provides international students with high-quality English courses to help them achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.

This new, more affordable rate makes English Direct an even more attractive choice for agencies looking to offer their students excellent education options in Australia. With experienced teachers, modern facilities, and a vibrant multicultural atmosphere, English Direct continues to be a trusted partner in international education.

Take advantage of this updated offer and share this exciting opportunity with your students!

 

 

3 New Programs Available at Sask Polytech

 

 

🔗 Saskatchewan Polytechnic

 🔵  Edvisor ID: saskpolytech

📍 Saskatoon, Canada

🗃️ New Programs

Saskatchewan Polytechnic, one of Canada's leading institutions for applied education and research, is excited to announce the launch of three new programs for international students.

The newly introduced programs include two postgraduate diplomas and one diploma:

  • Digital Marketing Diploma — now available at the Prince Albert and Moose Jaw campuses.

  • Agriculture Finance — offered at the Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon campuses.

  • Artificial Intelligence and Innovation — available at the Saskatoon campus.

All three programs are PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) eligible, providing your students with the opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience after graduation.

These programs are designed to meet industry demands and prepare your students for successful careers in high-growth fields.

 

 

No High Season Fee for Summer 2025 at Inlingua Malta!

 

 

🔗 Inlingua Malta

 🔵  Edvisor ID: inlinguamalta

📍 Malta

🗃️ New Promotion

Inlingua Malta has just launched a special early bird promotion for summer 2025:
No high season fee will be charged for General English and Intensive General English programs when booking 12 weeks or more.

This promotion is valid exclusively for 2025 bookings made between April 7 and May 30, 2025.

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Inlingua Malta offers a vibrant, immersive learning environment with decades of experience in English language teaching. This special offer is the perfect opportunity for your students to enjoy a summer in Malta while saving on fees.

Make sure to share this limited-time offer with your students and encourage early bookings to take full advantage!

🗓 Deadline: May 30, 2025
📍 Applies to 12+ week bookings for Summer 2025

 

 

Anglo-Continental is approved as an Official IELTS Test Centre by the British Council

 

 

🔗 Anglo-Continental

 🔵  Edvisor ID: anglocontinental

📍 Bournemouth, UK

🗃️ Achievements and Recognition

Anglo-Continental, a well-established English language school in Bournemouth, was officially approved as an IELTS Test Centre by the British Council in 2025.

This new status allows the school to administer both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training exams at its campus on the South Coast of Dorset, UK.

As a result, students can now take their IELTS exams at Anglo-Continental, with monthly exam sessions scheduled throughout the year. This improves accessibility for test-takers in the region, whether they are enrolled at the school or applying independently.

The recognition marks an important milestone in Anglo-Continental’s ongoing commitment to offering comprehensive English language education and support for international students.

 

 

Pace University ELI Short-Term Summer & Winter School Programs

 

 

🔗 Pace University

 🔵  Edvisor ID: paceuniversity

📍 New York, United States

🗃️ New Program

Pace University’s English Language Institute (ELI), based in New York City, is now promoting its Summer 2025 and Winter 2026 Short-Term School Programs — an exciting opportunity for students to gain academic experience in the U.S. through 2-week content-based, experiential courses.

These intensive programs are designed for international students interested in exploring global topics through hands-on learning. Course options include International Relations (Model U.N.) and Leadership & Entrepreneurship, both delivered in engaging formats that combine academic instruction with cultural activities and project-based learning.

These programs are ideal for students seeking short-term study abroad experiences that add value to their academic and career goals, while also getting a taste of student life in the heart of New York City.

We invite you to share this exciting opportunity with your students, especially those who are ready to challenge themselves, expand their global perspective, and experience university life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

These short-term programs are more than just courses, they’re a chance for your students to build confidence, grow as leaders, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of New York City.

 

 

Canada Tightens Study Permit Allocations, Numbers Drop in 2024

 

Canada saw a notable decline in international student numbers in 2024, following the federal government’s introduction of caps on study permits for postsecondary programs below the master’s level. As of December 31st, there were 996,375 international students in the country, down 3.9% from 2023, when Canada had surpassed one million for the first time.

The decline was most visible among Indian students, whose numbers fell by 7.8% to 392,810. Regionally, Ontario experienced the largest drop, with a 10.7% decrease in study permit holders. Meanwhile, only 516,765 new study permits were issued throughout 2024 — a 24.1% decrease compared to the previous year, and significantly below government projections.

Top source countries were impacted across the board. India remained the largest market, despite a sharp 32.2% drop in permits issued. China, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Brazil also reported double-digit decreases. An exception was Ghana, which recorded a 4.9% increase, offering a rare positive trend.

The impact has extended into 2025, with the first two months already showing a 16.3% drop in permits compared to early 2024. The government has announced a further 10% reduction to the study permit cap this year and expanded it to include master’s and PhD programs, signalling continued tightening.

Other key policy changes include limiting post-study work rights for public-private college students, narrowing PGWP eligibility to select fields, restricting course switching, and ending the Student Direct Stream, creating a new landscape for both students and recruitment agencies to navigate.

 

 

 

Ireland Increases Financial Proof for Non-Visa Students, Raising Sector Concerns

 

The Irish Department of Justice has announced that, starting June 30, 2025, international students from non-visa-required countries — including Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Japan, and others — will need to show €10,000 in available funds for courses longer than eight months. For courses of eight months or less, the required proof will rise to €6,665, a significant jump compared to the 2023 threshold of €3,000.

The move has been strongly criticized by English Education Ireland, which represents over 60 accredited ELT providers. CEO Lorcan O'Connor Lloyd described the increase as sudden, unjustified, and disproportionate, especially given Ireland’s modest cost-of-living rise. He also expressed concern that students already enrolled or with travel plans could be affected by the short notice.

The association argues that the new policy contradicts Ireland’s existing work-study framework, where students are legally permitted to work part-time. Requiring full financial proof regardless of this right could discourage students and undermine confidence in Ireland as a welcoming study destination.

English Education Ireland has called for a pause and full review of the policy, the introduction of a transition period to protect current applicants, and a structured consultation with the education sector moving forward. Requirements for visa-required students remain unchanged at €10,000 for long-term courses and €6,665 for shorter ones.

 

 

UK ETA Now Required for All Non-Visa Visitors, Including EU Nationals

 

The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme is now fully operational and mandatory for all non-visa-required visitors, including those from the EU, Latin America, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. The ETA allows travel for up to six months for tourism, business, or short-term study, but is not required for travellers holding a visa, such as student visa holders.

Initially launched for Qatari nationals in 2023 and later extended to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the ETA became mandatory for nationals from countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Canada on January 6, 2025. As of April 2, the requirement now also applies to EU citizens.

The ETA costs £10, but that fee will rise to £16 starting April 9, 2025. Applications can be submitted via the ETA mobile app or website, with most decisions returned within three working days, though many are processed much faster. Once granted, the ETA is valid for two years (or until the passport expires) and permits multiple entries, each for up to six months.

There is one notable exception: school groups from France travelling under the French Ministry of Education can still enter using ID cards (for EU students). Non-EU students in those groups will need a passport but not a visa.