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UK Expands Electronic Travel Authorization to Include More Countries
UK Raises Financial Requirements for International Student Visas
The London School of English - ranked #1 in British Council inspection, again!
The London School of English has once again achieved top marks in the British Council inspection, securing a perfect score with 15 out of 15 strengths. This exceptional result reaffirms its position as the number one language school in the UK based on inspection strengths, particularly highlighting the superior quality of its teaching. The comprehensive evaluation covered the schoolās adult programs at Holland Park Gardens and the junior summer programs at Senate House, University of London. Hauke Tallon, CEO of The London School of English, expressed pride in the staffās commitment to excellence, which he believes is reflected in the school's daily operations. This recognition is an independent confirmation of the high standards maintained at The London School of English, driven by its highly qualified staff. The schoolās community, including team members and students, are credited for contributing to this remarkable achievement. For further details on the inspection report, visit the British Councilās website. |
The 2025 IALC Workshop is Open for Applications
Get ready to pack your bags for Auckland! The 2025 International Association of Language Centres (IALC) Workshop, hosted by Languages International, promises a vibrant three-day gathering from April 3-6. This is your chance to connect with leaders and innovators from the worldās top independent language schools. Whatās Happening:
Extend Your Adventure: Traveling all the way to New Zealand? Take advantage of this journey by joining a Fam Trip. Explore more IALC schools across New Zealand, Australia, or China to enrich your understanding and connections within the language education industry. Ready to be part of this incredible event? Apply now for the 2025 IALC Workshop and secure your spot in whatās sure to be an enriching experience for language education professionals worldwide. For further details, click here. See you in Auckland!
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Canada Announces Reduction in Study Permit Caps and Tightens Post-Study Work Restrictions for 2025 |
The Canadian government, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has unveiled new adjustments to its International Student Program for 2025.
These changes include a 10% reduction in the study permit cap, setting it at 437,000 for the year, and introducing stricter eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.
Key Points:
These measures aim to align the immigration system with current economic and labour market needs while ensuring the sustainability and integrity of Canada's educational offerings to international students.
The government's approach has sparked significant feedback from educational institutions and industry bodies, highlighting concerns about the impact on Canadaās reputation as a top education destination and the alignment of college programs with local labour market demands.
For more information on the new regulations and their implications, please refer to the upcoming details to be published on the IRCC website.
UK Expands Electronic Travel Authorization to Include More Countries |
The UK Home Office has announced an expansion of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, initially launched for Qatar and later extended to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
Starting on 27 November 2024, eligible nationals from certain non-European countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, and South Korea, can apply for an ETA. This requirement will become mandatory for entry into the UK from 8 January 2025.
European travelers will be able to apply for the ETA from 5 March 2025, and they must have it by 2 April 2025 to enter the UK. The ETA, costing UKĀ£10, is valid for two years and allows multiple entries for up to six months per visit. Applications can be made online or via a dedicated app.
This initiative is part of the UK's broader move to digitalize its border processes, including the transition to eVisas. Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra highlighted that digitalization aims to smooth the travel experience while enhancing security and supporting the UKās tourism economy, which is expected to contribute over UKĀ£32 billion this year.
Visitors can access the official Home Office statement on expanding the UKās Electronic Travel Authorisation for more details.
UK Raises Financial Requirements for International Student Visas |
The UK Home Office has announced an increase in the financial requirements for international students applying for visas, effective from 2nd January 2025. International students must now demonstrate access to higher monthly funds than previously required. For those studying in London, the amount has been raised to UKĀ£1,483 per month, up from UKĀ£1,334. For students outside London, the required amount is now UKĀ£1,136 per month, increased from UKĀ£1,023.
This change, the first adjustment since 2020, aims to align the maintenance requirement for international students with the maintenance loans available to domestic students for the 2024/25 academic year. The Home Office also plans to adjust these requirements in the future to stay in line with the maintenance loans provided to home students.
Additionally, the maximum amount for the 'accommodation offset' will increase to UKĀ£1,483. This adjustment allows international students who have already paid for their accommodation in the UK to show reduced maintenance funds.
You can view the Home Office's fact sheet on these new financial requirements for detailed information.