Education

The new F-1 visa rules have flung into the arc of challenges for the international students currently studying in America. US-domiciled international students are hereby required to follow stricter regulations that place limits on the time spent outside of the country, affecting the plans of those with curricula designed to be highly mobile or that promote mobility. In this blog, we’ll examine the implications of these new regulations for global education programs, whether they are likely to affect them, and what universities and students can do. What Are the New F-1 Visa Rules? This F-1 visa is a type of non-immigrant visa granting an international student the right to enroll and study at U.S. institutions. Now, under this old rule, F-1 visa students were allowed to leave the United States for holidays, internships, or study abroad, but if the period was reasonable, there was never any issue with the visa status. Now, with these new rules, students face five consecutive months of absence from the U.S. outside of which their visa is at stake. Such restrictions create nightmares for international internships, research projects, or study abroad semesters for students, as most of these opportunities last longer than five months. Lack of compliance could lead to loss of F-1 visa status, and students lose their visa status with mandatory reapplication and additional fees. F-1 Visa Limitations This will not only complicate study abroad opportunities but also affect long-term internships or research positions requiring students to be outside of the United States for an extended period of time. It may become a real problem for students in a global program, those in STEM fields, or those with international research that requires travel to specific labs or institutions abroad. New F-1 Visa restrictions: What does this mean for students? The students, therefore, will have to now plan their academic timelines and international engagements carefully so as not to go over the set five months. Many global education programs will then have to forgo some precious international experience or spend a short period abroad. For example, where a student had planned a whole semester abroad to do research in another country, it is now uncertain how this will play out because of an extra program added beyond the set five months. The disruptions will be particularly significant for STEM students. Many of these students have to collaborate on STEM-based research projects that involve collaborations or internships spread out over months, requiring participants in various parts of the globe. Such opportunities now could be lost, and students might miss crucial skills or experiences available outside the U.S. only. Even though this provides a minimum standard for keeping an F-1 visa, it also creates challenges for students interested in global internships or specialized training; opportunities must now be balanced with constraints the F-1 visa imposes on them. In addition, the new Form I-20 to re-enter the U.S. five months from their departure date is another layer of complexity and cost that adds to the process. Challenge for International Students Ironically, international students bear the brunt of this change. The new regulations would make it difficult for all international students to adjust their academic workload with the increasing demands of the visa requirements. Thus, they would have to seek alternative means of continuing their education and professional pursuits without jeopardizing their visa status. What do U.S. universities have in store? New restrictions on F-1 visas will change university global programs. As many universities have designed curricula to focus on international mobility, encouraging students to enter those curricula to participate in exchange programs or research across borders, universities will need either to shorten their study-abroad programs or shift toward virtual exchanges. Failure to innovate might reduce foreign student applications, as most foreign students are seeking institutions that can offer some flexibility in global education without visa restrictions. Such universities would be more attractive to those who might otherwise seek international learning experiences by other universities in countries less notorious for tough immigration policies. International Education Challenges It also poses international education challenges. U.S. higher education will have to review their international education plans, thinking about how the same global experience could be provided to students without having to send them to other countries for periods of time. Universities may consider hybrid or virtual programs to accommodate cross-cultural learning without sending students outside the U.S. Conclusion Clearly, new F-1 visa rules are a recipe for disaster when it comes to international students in the U.S., as students become limited in their ability to participate in long-term global programs, internships, and research endeavors. This may shift instead to more short but frequent international trips or virtual alternatives. However, without being mitigated, these policies will have long-term impacts on diversity and globalness in U.S. higher education. This would, in turn, make them struggle through these new provisions so that they do not lose their status in respect of obtaining a visa. The basic issue from this change is that institutions need to reassess and rearrange their worldwide study plans under the altering nature of immigration law.

Indian Students in France 2024: France hopes to host 30,000 Indian students in the pursuit of efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties between two nations. French Ambassador Thierry Mathou has stated this goal set up by President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to India in January and emphasizes growing educational and economic exchanges between France and India. 1. Vision for Reaffirmation of France’s Educational Cooperation with India Accepting 30,000 Indian students by 2024 will be part of the various plans that France has envisaged to strengthen bilateral ties between both nations. Speaking about this initiative, Ambassador Mathou said, “The strengthening of relations is highly based on people-to-people exchanges.” He added, “France offered a lot of opportunities for students from India, and they had courses in English for those wanting to stay back to learn the local language.” For this purpose, the university is organizing a massive education fair in mid-October 2023, under which Indian students will be facilitated with numerous academic opportunities in France. In the process, it keeps in coordination and further develops the otherwise much more profound objective of improving the bridge in both cultural and educational fields between India and France. 2. Importance of International Student Mobility in Indo-French Relations General perception of educational exchanges is a significant arm of international relations, and the French government’s ambition to attract 30,000 Indian students is evidence of this belief. Another considerable incentive for the Indian students is that of the five-year Schengen circulation visa Indian alumni have been conferred upon during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in July 2023. This visa policy facilitates easier mobility for the Indian graduates while strengthening long-term connections between the two nations. Given that an increasing number of Indian students are looking to pursue higher education from international destinations, France’s open-door policy is one of the most promising. Increasing English-taught programs and scholarships make studying in France a lot more attractive for Indian students seeking quality education and global exposure. 3. Economic ties complement education initiatives. The force for a more intensified educational relationship complements the mounting economic tie between France and India. As French investment in India rises by several notches, French companies have now begun to sufficiently contribute to not only sectors like fashion and luxury but also agriculture and aerospace. Amb. Mathou welcomed the country’s fast rise into growth and said “France decided to further strengthen its trade partnership with India, which has indeed become at present time the fourth-largest for France in Asia.” The Indo-French trade relationship has been strong and is reportedly to reach €16 billion in combined exports and imports in 2023. Companies from France are very invested in India’s “Make in India” initiative, resulting in above 500,000 jobs and keeping over 1,000 industrial factories adding to the local economy. Conclusion Host 30,000 Indian students in France by 2024—it’s perhaps one of the most ambitious, outright declarations about an ongoing strengthening in Indo-French relations. Not only does it strengthen the bond in terms of educational exchanges but also contributes to the broader economic and cultural ties between the two nations. Thanks to President Macron’s vision and French investments in India, the future of this partnership appears bright.

It seems Australia education policy changes have put Indian student applications sharply down by an unprecedented 66 percent. This, along with other wide-ranging interesting facts about Australia has emerged from new statistics issued recently. The country known long for prestigious higher education and a very friendly welcoming environment, international student applications by nearly half have plummeted since July 2024. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the factor behind the steepest fall is its rather stricter rules governing visas and raised financial requirements. The New Visa Rules Impact The Australian government introduced a range of policy reforms that aim to check the record inflows and dispel the concerns over the exploitation of students. But it seems that these changes have rather deterred many international students who otherwise would have considered Australia as an excellent destination. Reforms entail : Financial Requirement Hike: From May 2024, international students would require at least A$29,710 (approximately $19,576 USD) in savings to be given a student visa. That is the second hike within a year, after the rate was increased from A$21,041 to A$24,505 last October 2023. The rise in this monetary requirement tosses more barriers for the students, mostly from developing countries, to gain qualification for the visa. Tighter English Language Requirements: Australia made its requirement of the English language proficiency stringent in March 2024, where students who apply for visas will face this requirement. A new challenge while attending university in Australia for most students, primarily those from non-English-speaking nations, is that of such strict standards when it comes to English requirements. Visa Loophole Crackdown: The Australian government has also adopted policies aimed at ensuring that students do not stay for too long by circumventing certain loopholes prevalent in the visas. While the policies are directed towards curtailing immigration, they have greatly complicated the prospects for students, making Australia their desired destination for future studies and, more importantly, work. Decline in Asia Applications But these policies do not come without their own impact on the Indian students too. Conventional pipelines of international students for Australia, namely, South and Southeast Asia, show a considerable decline in application trends. The vocational education sector has faced the brunt of it, with only one-fifth of offshore applicants compared to the corresponding period last year. August 2024 saw only 15,270 offshore student applications lodged. This is almost a 50% decline from 30,703 lodged in August 2023. It’s the lowest number of applications lodged for August since 2015, unless, of course, one factors in the pandemic years when applications were much lower. The numbers were equally dismal in July, with 18,697 offshore applications received compared to 36,207 in 2023. In aggregate, the data reflects almost a 50% reduction in student applications for the first two months of the financial year. Australian Universities Economic Impact The dwindling numbers have caught the attention of Australian universities, which warn that the tightening of visa policies and raised tuition fees will knock on the economy. International students, mainly Indians, are the biggest revenue source for the education sector in Australia. Inflated inflow threatens the financial sustainability of a number of universities because their main source of income is international enrollments; these pay tuition fees. Future Outlook As Australia gets harder on immigration, it leaves the question of whether these will be efficient measures for the country to be able to control migration, or it will hurt Australia’s reputation as a country that is the first choice for international education. Control over the migration levels leads to the risk of deterring qualified students with visa policies in other countries being more preferable. Conclusion The 66% slump in Indian student applications to Australia reflects mainly the unintended effects of the visa reform regime within the country in the last few months. Higher financial requirements, stricter language standards, and a crackdown on visa loopholes have made education in Australia too distant a proposition for the would-be students. The implications do not only stop at reconsideration by Indian students alone but also engulf students from all parts of South and Southeast Asia. This shift may considerably have some tough economic implications for Australian universities in the following years.

The Ivy League, and college landscape more broadly, has been a heated battleground for criticisms of potential bias against Asian-American and Indian students. Recently, Malcolm Gladwell, the author of The Tipping Point, shed light on this troubling issue with a focus on Harvard University. His remarks are certainly ringing in the larger social debate regarding equity versus meritocracy for higher education implications in affirmative action. Understanding the Admissions Bias It is an extremely shocking trend, as Harvard has been accused of admitting richer white students in the place of Asian-American students. Interestingly, he contrasts this with Caltech whose student enrollment went from 25% Asian-American in 1992 to 43% in 2013-a result of a strictly merit-based admissions procedures. Differently, Harvard’s Asian-American population has been at a plateau between 15% and 20%, whereas the gap has been explained by legacy admissions, donations, and athletic scholarships. Judgment by Supreme Court This question has taken on new heights of urgency in light of the major decision released last June by the U.S. The Supreme Court concurred with this judgment. Race-conscious admissions practices at Harvard and the University of North Carolina (UNC) are unconstitutional and violate the Equal Protection Clause. That ruling essentially reversed decades of using racial preferences in college admissions, triggering impassioned debate into the role that race and ethnicity should play in the selection process. While this decision was viewed as a triumph by its supporters, who push for entry based on merit, it has also created confusion among other advocacy groups. Bafflingly, although a significant number of Asian-based advocacy groups were pro-quota system admissions, surveys have consistently shown over and over that most Asian-Americans, especially Indian-Americans, were against that type of admission. Such a disconnection illustrates the complexity of racial preferences in higher education. Dilemmas Faced by Indian Applicants Despite excellent academic records and extracurricular achievements, Indian and other Asian-American applicants often find themselves back in the depths of struggle in Ivy League admissions. This event traces back its roots to strongly entrenched biases deep within the admission process. Many admissions officers hold stereotypes concerning Asian students, who are stereotyped as being overtly academic-driven and lacking character in what places the likes of leadership and individuality. This bias pervades everything and manifests in Indian students being held to higher penalties for undertaking mainstream, standard careers in medicine, engineering, and computer science. The salt to the wound is that the perception is that Asian students are overrepresented at college, leading to applications being dumped based on their perfect grades The Holistic Review Process This has made Ivy League colleges employ holistic admissions processes where more than just academic achievement is considered, like legacy status, athletic talent, and subjective qualities such as ‘likability’ and ‘leadership’. This only seems to harshly disadvantage Asian-American students, especially Indian-American children, who have higher grades and standardized test scores but lower personal qualities ratings, which is subjective and usually biased. The effect is systemic discrimination—not to compare the historical quotas limiting the admission of Jewish students to Ivy League schools in the early 20th century, but an echo of that, where such a circumstance perpetuates systemic exclusion. The commentary by Gladwell regarding this issue is particularly salient, as he argues that it was impossible for true meritocracy to flourish if any one group was marginalized. His claim that “meritocracy is one of the most beautiful inventions of the 20th century” underscores the need for merit to prevail in admissions into college—a necessity, he thinks, foundational to a free society. Conclusion The “Indian problem” inside Ivy League admissions suggests the messy intersection of race, merit, and systemic bias inside of higher education. Diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace have become an institutional imperative. It is important to dig out the hidden biases that prevent the best candidates of Asian and Indian origin from reaching the correct place. The controversy that Malcolm Gladwell generated is a good wake-up call: “More should be done to admit college students based on merit and less for political correctness of numbers.

The higher education funding crisis UK has compelled the universities, that have been under extreme financial pressure for the past decade, to launch radical reforms in order to save the quality of education and also strengthen the economy of the country further. A new report, commissioned by Universities UK and designed to deliver a more ambitious plan for higher participation among people under 25, addresses critical national challenges in training more health care professionals and supporting the drive for net zero emissions. Underlying these reforms is a strong call for increased public funding, albeit on a far higher scale of tuition fees, to help safeguard the future of higher education. Why UK universities are advocating for a tuition fee hike The current funding system for universities in the UK is also under pressure. The tuition fees have remained at the same level since 1998 for over 12 years, which has put a huge burden on the financial situation of the universities currently facing severe budget deficits. The report suggests that tuition fees should be indexed to inflation so that the real-term income from fees remains constant. Though this measure alone would not fill the current funding gap already made, it would check further erosion of funds. For now, the UK government pays for only 16% of spending on higher education, which, proportionally is one of the lowest in the developed world. This makes universities highly dependent on income generated from tuition fees collected from both home and international students. This is forecast to balloon into deficits that are ruinous, and the OFS annual review predicts a steep decline in intakes among international students to 2026–27. Fee Rise: A Stop-Gap Measure for Financial Crisis To address this and other challenges, UK universities are proposing to hike tuition fees to £10,500 over five years. The sum has appeared in the live negotiations between university leaders and government ministers but would have to be agreed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. This is now much-needed in rebalancing the higher education costs between the government and students, easing the financial burden on the concerned universities, and it supports their broader mission. In return, it argues for more maintenance loans indexed to inflation and for grants to come back to the pockets of the poorest students so that higher education becomes accessible again to all sections of the community. Increased Funding Economic and Social Returns Beyond the stabilizing of university finances, it would have enormous economic and social benefits. Participation in higher education can maximize the number of skilled professionals ending up in crucial sectors such as healthcare, where there exists a critical need for doctors and nurses. It is also put well to lead innovation in sustainability—a context in which the country tries to be net-zero. The UK universities, provided with the right level of government support, are well-placed to continue to be drivers of economic growth, innovators, and agents of social mobility. But without swift action, financial strains may seriously undermine their ability to continue doing all these things. Conclusion As such, the sustainability of this financial stability of the UK universities and its impact in the long run hangs in the balance. With higher tuition fees and greater public funding, the UK universities can again provide worthwhile contributions to the economy, society, and environment. However, it seems there is no date for an immediate reform that brings uncertainty to UK higher education.

Now come the changes in the study permit cap, with Canada’s immigration minister, Marc Miller, mentioning a chain of new policies introduced toward international students. These are to be expected in order to help the government deal with the inflow of temporary residents and maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. A few thousand international students from India and other countries, besides the potential applicants for the work permits who try their luck under the Post-Graduate Work Program and spousal work eligibility, will be directly affected by such measures. However, many believe that these measures are an overreaction to deal with irregular immigration into the country. Canada takes a new policy in its admission limit for international students. Another policy is that of capping admissions into Canada on the part of international students as a measure of managing ever-increasing temporary residents. According to the Minister, this cap will persist while the intake will be reduced by 10% in 2025 and should hit 437,000 student permits. Indian student intake stands to be affected since Indians are the majority holders of study permits given. The country issued 220,000 Indian student study permits up to 2022, which increased to 280,000 through 2023. The figure was 100,000 up to mid-2024. The total count of temporary residents in Canada, which includes international students and workers, increased from 437,000 in 2019 to reach 1.2 million through 2023. The new immigration rules intend to lower the proportion of the population this number makes from 6.5% to 5% by 2025. PGWP Changes and New Language Requirements Probably the most dramatic change is this: the Post-Graduation Work Program will be’refreshed’ as of November 1, 2024. Of course, the new program would continue to permit immigration ministers to make permanent residents or Canadian citizens out of students with bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees by extending PGWPs for a three-year period in Canada. However, international students who have completed certificate or diploma programs are only qualified to become eligible for obtaining a work permit if the field in which they are employed is in high demand by their respective province or territory. Aside from this, a PGWP applicant must be able to show English or French language proficiency. This can be achieved by reaching the CLB 7 for a university graduate. For college graduates, it will be CLB level 5. The policy is expected to drop the number of issued PGWPs by 175,000 within the three years. Spousal Work Permit Constriction Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will no longer provide open work permits to the spouses of the international students except those enrolled in master’s or PhD and some professional degrees starting April 2024. Starting this year, more restrictions are set to come into play in order to qualify for spousal work permits; that is, this is only going to apply to master’s degrees that are more than 16 months. Conclusion Immigration rules regarding international students are being tightened up by Canada. Those who want to come here for studies and employment must know about these new rules. New rules in respect to the limitation of study permits, changes in eligibility for PGWP, and restrictions on spousal work permit capabilities have changed the immigration map of Canada. All these developments would form essential knowledge on the part of the applicants to ensure proper selections for educational futures as well as professional careers in Canada.

QS Global MBA Rankings 2025. Published today, the list shows for a tenth successive year the best institutions for full-time MBA programs around the globe. It presents 340 of the world’s finest business schools across 58 countries. The full-time MBA programs are complemented by business master’s programs in Management, Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, and Supply Chain Management. Rank for Top Business Schools Worldwide The United States has proven that it’s the team to beat, with three schools—Stanford, Harvard, and Northwestern—remaining top three in a row. For the fifth consecutive year, Stanford Graduate School of Business, better known as Stanford GSB, scooped the highly sought-after title of the world’s best provider of full-time MBAs. Stanford has continued to stay at the forefront regarding innovation and entrepreneurship and thus continues to put it at the very top of the list worldwide. Right behind Stanford, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania always finds itself squarely placed at number two, since it has continued to be acknowledged for its solid finance curriculum and leadership education. Harvard Business School always takes the number three spot as well, since it represents a global powerhouse where comprehensive MBA programs have been constructed upon strategy, innovation, and leadership development. Others lead in different parts of the world. As evidence, the London Business School stands as the world’s top-ranked non-US school globally, ranking in the fifth position worldwide even though this ranking drooped to fourth last year. Global Top 10 Business Schools: QS Global MBA Rankings 2025 Stanford Graduate School of Business (US) The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (USA) Harvard Business School (USA) MIT Sloan School of Management (USA) London Business School (UK) HEC Paris (France) Cambridge Judge Business School (UK ) Columbia Business School (USA) IE Business School (Spain) IESE Business School (Spain) Global Focus and Trends This year, the rankings have been quite significant. MIT Sloan School of Management jumped from a place at sixth to a place at fourth, further reinforcing its position as a stronghold for advancement of research and innovation. Cambridge Judge Business School made a huge leap from its tie for ninth to reach a place as seventh, further stamping its credibility as one of the best institutions within the UK. HEC Paris fell from fifth to sixth place, while Columbia Business School dropped from seventh to eighth place. Rounding out the top 10 are IE Business School and IESE Business School, both headquartered in Spain, meaning that Spain is a major player in international MBA education. US Leadership in MBA Education Currently, the US stands atop the world regarding MBA education. Indeed, five of the eight schools considered to be the best globally come from this country. Such schools have hot destinations for applicants from everywhere in the globe due to their proven curricula, capable alumni networks, and leadership of current global business trends. Conclusion Indicatively, the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025 signify the level of strength and diversity in business education internationally, with American schools at the head of the list. For those seeking to improve their skills in business as well as leadership in a fast-paced global economy, these top schools offer unparalleled opportunities for success.

The study in Canada cost has moved to the front of international students’ minds when considering studying at universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia. Beyond the tuition fees at these institutions, the overhead of the cost of living may be a very expensive overhead. In this blog, we break down the expense associated with studying at these great institutions, from tuition to the cost of living. 1. University of Toronto The University of Toronto ranks first in Canada and 25th internationally in the QS World University Rankings 2024 rankings.It has three campuses—Toronto, Mississauga, and Scarborough with courses running in a vast number of programs. The tuition fees for international students vary so much depending on the course. Arts  $61,720Commerce  $61,720Engineering  $67,370 Aside from tuition, international students will also be responsible for other living costs. Living in the Toronto region is quite expensive – on-campus fees will be between $8,000 to $15,000 per year. Off-campus Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: around $3,000 per month. If shared with another student, it would be $1,500 per student. 2. McGill University McGill University, situated in Montreal, is a strong contender in the Canadian education sector. With over 1,200 programs offered, it holds a diverse student body, with nearly 30% coming from international backgrounds. Arts  $47,281.69Commerce  $70,894.37Engineering  $66,327.91 The city of Montreal is also known to have a lower cost of living as compared to other big Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver. A two-bedroom apartment in the city costs about $2,300 per month ($1,150 per student). 3. University of British Columbia (UBC) One of Canada’s oldest and most respected institutions, the University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a wide range of undergraduate programs at its two campuses in Vancouver and Okanagan. Renowned for innovative research and services to international students, UBC welcomes students from all over the world. Arts:  $47,189.40Commerce:  $61,061.10Engineering:  $60,622.65 While UBC offers world-class academic opportunities, the cost of living in Vancouver is rather steep. The two-bedroom apartment costs $3,700 monthly as of September 2024, which translates to $1,850 for each student. 4. University of Alberta The University of Alberta is situated in Edmonton. It has three campuses and an outstanding reputation in terms of academics. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate programs and was ranked among the top 100 globally in 2024. Its tuition fees are pegged at $33,968.40 for Arts, $61,061.10 for Commerce, and $60,622.65 for Engineering. With the costs of living being lower than in other major cities across Canada, international students can quite enjoy quality education without having to take up much from their pocket money. In Edmonton, median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,650 per month, $850 per student when split. 5. University of Waterloo Apart from being known for their innovative co-op programs that provide students with practical skills in their chosen domain, the University of Waterloo is one of those universities in Ontario that have gained excellent status and recognition for their programs on engineering, business, and arts. Honours Arts:  $57,000Global Business and Digital Arts:  $55,000Engineering: $73,000 Waterloo, ON, is not that affordable for a student: a median two-bedroom apartment costs $2,350 per month or $1,175 per student. Factors Other Than Tuition: Canadian Cost of Living International students will be expected to cover other living expenses in Canada, such as rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, among other personal expenses, besides tuition. Some costs with cities like Vancouver and Toronto are pricey, while cities like Edmonton and Montreal are more affordable. Sample Monthly Living Expenses: Rent:  $1,150 – $1,850 (depending on city, live shared accommodation)Groceries:  $300-$500Utilities (Internet, electricity, heating):  $100 – $200Public transport:  $100 – $150. Conclusion Tution at some of Canada’s top universities is quite high, especially factoring the tuition fees and life expenditures. Nevertheless, academic courses and quality living remain among the reasons why students from all around the world prefer the Canadian study destination. Financial planning, therefore becomes part of the planning for students who plan to come and study in Canada to ensure coverage of both academic and relevant life costs throughout their stay in the country.

It is an innovative initiative conceived by the QUAD Fellowship for collaborative research work among future leaders of the Indo-Pacific region. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced this fellowship to be offered for 50 scholarships in science, technology, and policy studies to students from various countries and will further facilitate interdisciplinary learning. So, let’s dig deeper into what the QUAD Fellowship entails, which includes eligibility criteria, benefits, and the application process. What is the QUAD Fellowship? The QUAD comprises Australia, India, Japan, and the United States formed to address regional security issues and humanitarian concerns. For nearly three years since its inception in 2021, the QUAD Scholarship Program has enhanced ties between rising leaders. In the academic year 2024, IIE manages the fellowship program, fostering tremendous opportunities for cooperation between nations within the Indo-Pacific region. Requirements to Apply to QUAD Fellowship Those who want to apply for QUAD Fellowship must meet the requirements set below:Age: Candidates should be of at least 18 years at the time of applying for the fellowship.Citizenship: Candidates must be citizens of Australia, India, Japan, the United States, or of the 10 ASEAN countries, including Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in STEM The individual is not qualified to apply for pursuing the clinical health degree program Benefits QUAD Fellowship The QUAD Fellowship offers chosen fellows the following benefits: Academic support: All selected participants will be provided with a stipend amounting to $40 000 to cater to all expenses associated with tertiary education.Networking opportunities: Using the programs in STEM, government and social issue forums, fellows will have an opportunity to extend their professional networks.Alumni Network: The QUAD fellowship has a dedicated alumni group to sustain fellows through their professional and innovation journey into research activities, building like-minded individuals committed to making a difference. QUAD Fellowship Application Process To apply for the QUAD Fellowship, follow these steps. Online Application: The applicants should apply using the portal given at quadfellowship.org . Essays and Recommendations: The application process requires the applicant to provide at least three essays and three letters of recommendation at the minimum. Of importance, the recommendation letters should be from professors who can affirm the academic capabilities of the applicant. Peer Review: After submitting, they will be subjected to a review by their peers. This is essentially the mechanism that measures one’s capability in the STEM field of their interests. Final Panel Interview: The final panel interview will interview those who passed the above steps. They would be assessed according to several criteria such as their knowledge of stem and social impact. Conclusion The QUAD Fellowship offers emerging leaders from the Indo-Pacific region a rare opportunity to advance their education, working on critical global issues. The program will be well-funded, well-networked, and well-supported by dedicated alumni, all advancing in giant strides towards shaping the future of interdisciplinary leaders. Amidst an increasingly complex world, the QUAD Fellowship shines like a beacon of hope for collaboration and innovation.

There are cancellations and revocations of US student visa, which would be the biggest hassle for students from other countries. Knowing it is a must for you to understand the implications of a cancelled visa and how to manage the situation given your academic journey. Causes of Visa Revocation It is actually the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. State Department, or consular officers that can cancel or revoke a student visa for some reasons. In most cases, such cancellation is hugely due to a violation of the terms of the visa, and most students are informed about that. The common reasons for cancellation include; Prolonged Absence: More than five months of leave of absence abroad for travel without notification to your academic institution may result in the cancellation of the visa. Such an absence will normally contravene conditions attached to your original visa.Unauthorised Transfer: A change of schools may result in cancellation without updating of visa records. If the transfer is not documented properly, you may be noted absent, compromising your visa status.Fraudulent Conducts: Engaging fraudulent conduct, such as using forged documents or working illegally, immediately revokes your visa.Failure to Qualify for the Visa: If your circumstances change in the sense that you no longer qualify for full-time student status or fail to keep good academics, for instance, you may no longer qualify for your visa.External Initiating Event: Allegations of security or crime by third parties also serve as grounds for visa cancellation. Action in case of Visa Cancellation When your student visa is cancelled, you better think fast and strategically. 1. Know the Why of CancellationReasons why your visa might have been cancelled include absence or a reason related to administration. Know what led to its cancellation. Maybe the cancellation will give you an idea of what to do next.2. Get in Touch With Your University’s ISSContact the International Student Services Office at your university. They will be in an excellent position to provide you with a lot of support and help, including advice on whether or not to reapply for your visa or how to appeal the decision.3. Reapply or File an AppealIf you feel that the cancellation was by mistake or can be explained, for example, by a medical absence or a valid transfer, you can try applying again for your visa. Attach supporting documents as well as a detailed explanation about the situation.4. Seek legal assistance.For more complex situations, it will help to engage the services of an immigration attorney to counsel over the situation and lead you through the procedure as well as how to plead your case in front of the relevant authority appropriately.5. InsuranceIf one has travel or student insurance, this will be a good time to check what kinds of coverages are available for visa cancellation situations. For example, there may be coverage of refunding for flights or accommodation expenses.6. Staying calm and informedAs dreadful as having a visa revoked is, keeping a clear line of communication open with your university and legal advisors will help you a lot during this process. Conclusion If your student visa from the U.S.A. was cancelled, then you may really be in big trouble. Yet sometimes, after taking some quick and well-informed action, this case can still be helped out. So knowing how your student visa was cancelled and what is now awaiting you will take you back on track with your further studies in the United States.