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We’re Official! Native English College Certified for IELTS Preparation
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U.S. Proposes Fixed-Term Limits and New Restrictions for Student Visas
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Australia Expands Approved English Tests for Visa Applications
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New Grants Available for International Students in Gold Coast
We’re Official! Native English College Certified for IELTS Preparation
Native English College has been officially certified as an IELTS Approved Preparation Provider by IDP. This recognition confirms that the school meets the required high standards to deliver IELTS preparation courses.
The certification was awarded on August 1st, marking an important milestone for the college. It reflects the commitment of Native English College to maintain excellence in teaching and to provide students with the tools they need to succeed in their IELTS exams.
Being an IELTS Approved Preparation Provider guarantees that students will receive specialized guidance, structured learning, and consistent support. These elements are designed to maximize performance and ensure learners are fully prepared to meet the challenges of the test.
Through this recognition, Native English College reinforces its mission of helping students reach their academic and professional goals by offering programs that meet international quality standards.
Anglo-Continental Celebrates 75 Years of Global English Language Education with Historic Anniversary Event
On 7 August 2025, Anglo-Continental School of English celebrated its 75th anniversary with a historic event in Bournemouth, England. The celebration brought together students, alumni, staff, host families, and local agents to honour the school’s legacy and future in English language education.
The event featured speeches by Guido Schillig, Managing Director, and Jane Gorman, Director of Anglo-Continental, as well as heartfelt tributes from members of the community. Participants reflected on the school’s achievements since its founding in 1950 and its enduring impact on learners from around the world.
As part of the program, the school shared previews of upcoming initiatives, including digital exams and sustainability efforts. The event also embraced global participation, with contributions sent via email, video messages, and social media using the hashtag #AngloContinental.
This milestone served as an opportunity to celebrate 75 years of international education, while also looking forward to the next chapter of innovation and global engagement for Anglo-Continental.
U.S. Proposes Fixed-Term Limits and New Restrictions for Student Visas
On 29 August 2025, the U.S. Department of State released proposals to end the “duration of status” for student visas and replace it with fixed-term limits. The plans also introduce new restrictions on student transfers and changes of study programs.
According to the administration, the new rules aim to curb abuses of the student visa system, but they have already raised concerns among international education associations.
Under current rules, international students are admitted with “duration of status,” allowing them to stay in the U.S. as long as they remain enrolled and comply with their visa conditions.
The new proposal would limit admission periods to the length of a student’s program, with a maximum of four years. After this period, extensions of stay would require additional applications and biometrics.
English language study would be capped at 24 months, postgraduate students would face restrictions on changing programs, and the grace period to leave the U.S. after a program would be reduced from 60 to 30 days.
Industry response has been critical. NAFSA warned that the changes could lead to increased delays, costs, and the risk of unlawful status. At the same time, its CEO, Fanta Aw, called the rule “a dangerous overreach” that may deter international students. Miriam Feldblum of the Presidents’ Alliance also stressed that the U.S. should keep doors open, not add barriers.
UK Student Visa Grants Show Signs of Recovery in 2025
According to the latest data from the UK Home Office, the number of student visas granted to principal applicants fell by 4% in the 12 months ending June 2025, reaching 413,921. Despite the decrease, this drop was smaller than the 10% decline reported earlier this year, and overall visa numbers remain 52% higher than they were before the pandemic.
There were also encouraging signs of recovery: in the first six months of 2025, the UK issued 104,468 student visas, an 18% increase compared with the same period in 2024. However, the number of visas issued to dependents fell sharply to 17,804, a decline of 81%, following the introduction of new rules in 2024 that prevent master’s students from bringing dependents.
By market, China remained the largest source with 99,919 visas (down 7%), followed by India with 98,014 (down 11%). Pakistan's population grew by 9% to 37,013, while Nigeria's dropped by 25% to 24,047 due to the dependent rule change. The USA saw a 7% increase, reaching 15,721 visas.
The overall grant rate for student visas in the year ending June 2025 was 96%. Still, several key source markets fell below the UK government’s new 95% compliance threshold, including Pakistan, Nigeria, Nepal, Bangladesh, Ghana, and Sri Lanka.
Australia Expands Approved English Tests for Visa Applications
On 7 August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs introduced the Migration (Evidence of Functional English Language Proficiency) Instrument 2025, updating the list of approved English language tests for visa applications.
The new list now includes LANGUAGECERT Academic, Michigan English Test (MET), and CELPIP General, which can be used to demonstrate English Language requirements for visa applications, including student visas.
These additions come on top of the exams already accepted, which remain valid: IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge Advanced, Pearson PTE Academic, and the Occupational English Test (OET). Both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic are now explicitly approved.
Fraser Cargill, Partnerships & Recognition Director at LANGUAGECERT, welcomed the update, saying it highlights the quality and reliability of LANGUAGECERT Academic in meeting the standards set by Australian immigration authorities.
New Grants Available for International Students in Gold Coast
Experience Gold Coast has announced a second round of the Gold Coast New Student Grants scheme, offering financial support to international students studying at its member institutions.
This new phase will provide AUS$1,000 to each of the first 100 eligible students, helping them cover expenses such as textbooks, accommodation, or everyday costs as they settle into life on the Gold Coast.
To qualify, applicants must hold a valid student visa (or have applied for one) to study at an Experience Gold Coast Education Member Institution for at least 24 academic weeks. They must also be new students with a course start date between August 11, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
Highlighting the city’s appeal, Experience Gold Coast described it as a destination with “vibrant culture, facilities and excellent educational institutions” that make it ideal for international students.
