Latest news with #IDPEducation
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Study Destinations Compared: Which Country Is Growing Fastest for Students?
Which countries are winning Indian student interest in 2025—and why? From shifting visa policies to student-friendly environments, this video dives deep into how destinations like the US, Canada, Ireland, and Australia stack up. While the US and Canada lead in volume, Ireland is gaining ground fast with welcoming policies and quality education. It's not just about popularity anymore—it's about capacity, policy, and opportunity. Watch for insights and real numbers as we deep dive with Mr. Piyush Kumar, Regional Director for South Asia, Canada and Latin America, IDP Education for the latest shift that is happening. #StudentMobility #EducationTrends2025 #StudyDestinations #IndianStudentsAbroad #HigherEdInsights Read More
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
How New Zealand is attracting India's best minds with simplified immigration policies
From brain drain to brain gain: How New Zealand is selectively attracting India's best minds. (AI Image) New Zealand has introduced targeted immigration reforms aimed at fast-tracking students and skilled professionals from India, particularly those holding degrees from the country's premier institutions. These changes are part of a broader strategy to attract high-quality talent and capital, positioning New Zealand as a preferred destination for study, work, and residency post-pandemic. The new policies reflect an increasing recognition of the quality and credibility of Indian higher education, with Indian qualifications from top institutions now being formally accepted without lengthy assessments. This move streamlines visa pathways for many skilled migrants, creating a faster and more affordable immigration process. Recognition of Indian academic credentials India was recently added to New Zealand's List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) for Level 7 qualifications and above, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), and central universities on the NZQA approved list. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sore Knees? These Foods Could Be Your Natural Solution Undo The decision was formalised following Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to India in March, during which education was a key agenda item. Piyush Kumar, regional director for South Asia at IDP Education, stated that the inclusion of Indian qualifications 'reflects a growing recognition of the quality and credibility of Indian higher education,' as quoted by IDP Education. This exemption reduces the wait time for international qualification assessments, which previously took eight to twelve weeks and cost approximately NZD 746, thereby making the immigration pathway faster and more student-friendly, according to Mayank Maheshwari, co-founder of University Living. Expanded opportunities for Indian students and skilled migrants The policy changes also extend to visa pathways such as the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List roles, Sector Agreement pathways, and the Accredited Employer Work Visa, providing greater employment advantages for Indian applicants. Rajneesh Pathak, founder of Global North Residency and Citizenship, highlighted the introduction of a 12-month extended application window and a new Postgraduate Diploma plus Master's combination, which 'offers students time to find meaningful employment and addresses both emotional and practical friction points,' as reported by Global North Residency. Further financial flexibility is introduced with the increase in permitted part-time work hours for international students from 20 to 25 per week starting November. This adjustment is expected to enhance the affordability of living and studying in New Zealand. A growing interest from Indian students and investors According to a report by University Living, Indian student interest in New Zealand is projected to reach 24,594 by 2030. Organic enquiries from India surged by 40% in July compared with May, without paid campaigns or referrals, as reported by IDP. In addition to education reforms, New Zealand has revamped its investor visa programme under the Active Investor Plus (AIP) regime, simplifying requirements and removing barriers such as English language proficiency and upper age limits. The Growth category requires a NZD 5 million investment over three years with just 21 days of physical presence, while the Balanced route demands NZD 10 million over five years with 105 days of presence. Andri Boiko, founder of Garant In, noted that the range of acceptable investments now includes direct business investments, managed funds, bonds, and various property types. Investor interest has more than doubled since the introduction of these streamlined categories, with Immigration New Zealand receiving 236 applications representing 766 applicants as of July 20, marking a 105% increase compared with the previous regime. New Zealand's selective attraction of India's top talent and investors is a strategic move to bolster its economy and demographic profile following a GDP contraction, according to government priorities. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
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Business Standard
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
US delays F-1 visa over Reddit handle: What Indian applicants must know
An Indian F-1 visa applicant recently shared that their application was put on hold after they failed to list their Reddit handle on the DS-160 form, even though the account was public and contained no objectionable posts. Posting on a visa-related subreddit, the applicant said, 'I had my F-1 visa interview recently. During the interview, the visa officer raised a concern about my Reddit account, which I had not listed on my DS-160 form.' The user said the account was set to public and did not contain any inappropriate content. 'She mentioned that the account was not visible even though it was set to public, and at the end of the interview, she issued me a 221(g) slip requesting that I make all my social media handles public,' the post read. A 221(g) slip means the visa application is pending and not outright rejected. Applicants are required to submit additional documents or meet other requirements before a decision is made. However, the rule now is clear: The US government wants visa applicants to reveal their social media handles in their applications. Skip this, and your visa could be delayed or denied altogether. Since 2020, US visa applicants have had to disclose all usernames they have used in the past five years on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Reddit. These must be listed on the DS-160 form, and the US embassy now actively checks whether such accounts are publicly visible and accessible. In a recent advisory, the US Embassy in India posted on X, Social media details must be listed fully and truthfully, and any omission could result in a visa denial or future ineligibility." What Indian students must remember Experts say the visa process is now closely tied to what an applicant shares, not just in the interview but across digital platforms. 'A key reason behind the success of applicants is the authenticity of the application and the intent that they are able to communicate to the visa officers,' Piyush Kumar, regional director (South Asia, Canada and Latin America) at IDP Education told Business Standard. 'Consistency and transparency help establish credibility. Applicants must ensure that the visa application forms are filled out accurately and reflect the same information shared during the interview and on their social media platforms,' he added. What students should do: * Only list social media handles that belong to you and are active or traceable * Ensure accounts are publicly accessible with no hidden posts * Don't delete or alter social media accounts after submitting your DS-160 * Inactivity is acceptable, but visibility is key If issued a 221(g) slip * Read the officer's instructions carefully * Make the required social media accounts public or submit documents as requested * Respond promptly using the channel given—email, portal or direct submission Note that 221(g) is not a rejection; it indicates further administrative review All applicants for US immigrant and non-immigrant visas are required to submit their social media identifiers, except those applying under diplomatic or official categories such as A, C-2, C-3 (excluding personal staff), G-1 through G-4, and NATO visas. This means listing every username or handle used on specified platforms in the past five years. Even accounts that are no longer active or in regular use must be included, and if an applicant has had multiple accounts on the same platform, each one must be listed separately. The form does not ask for passwords—only the publicly visible identifiers. Applicants with no social media can truthfully mark 'None.' However, any false declaration, omission or inconsistency can be grounds for rejection. What is the US government doing with this data? The stated purpose is to verify applicant identity and assess eligibility. Officers use this information to spot red flags such as misrepresentation or association with groups or views seen as unlawful under US law. The checks come amid increased campus surveillance in the US, especially related to pro-Palestinian protests and growing opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. Student visa approvals slow in 2025 The F-1 visa season in 2025 has opened on a slower note. Between March and May, only 9,906 F-1 visas were issued to Indian students, compared to 13,478 during the same period in 2024 and 14,987 in 2023. This marks a 27 per cent year-on-year drop. The fall in numbers coincides with tighter scrutiny under the second Trump administration. Some Indian students have reported visa revocations, with alleged links to campus protests or interactions with police. Mary Gogoi, head of admissions at eduVelocity Global, told Business Standard, 'Trump administration imposed strict visa rules, proposed ending the OPT (Optional Practical Training) programme, and created a sense of uncertainty among international students.' She added, 'The fear of what might come has led to hesitation and delayed decision-making, particularly among middle-class applicants.'
NDTV
08-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
More Indian Students Choosing New Zealand For Overseas Education. Here's Why
As Indian students look overseas for academic and career advancement, New Zealand is emerging as a key destination of choice. While countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have traditionally dominated the study-abroad landscape, changing global education policies and student priorities are prompting a shift toward newer, stable destinations. Among them, New Zealand is gaining traction for its quality education, post-study work oppoutnities, and high living standards. Surge in Indian Enrolments According to Education New Zealand (ENZ), enrolments from India rose by 34% between January and August 2024 - from 7,930 in 2023 to 10,640 in 2024. Indian students now make up 11% of all international university enrolments in the country, ranking second after Chinese students. Notably, data from IDP Education shows that the number of Indian female students in New Zealand universities doubled between 2023 and 2024, highlighting a growing preference among students seeking safe and supportive academic environments. High-Quality Education Across Disciplines New Zealand's eight universities are globally ranked, with all listed in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Leading institutions include the University of Auckland (ranked 65), University of Otago (197), and Massey University (230). These universities offer strong programmes in various fields such as Data Science, Engineering, Fintech, Business Analytics, Nursing, Hospitality, and Education. Affordable Education and Living Costs The cost of studying in New Zealand ranges between NZD 20,000 (Rs 10,26,953) to 40,000 (Rs 20,53,906) annually for international students, which remains competitive compared to the US and UK, and on par with Australia and Canada. With manageable living expenses and access to part-time work rights during study, the country offers a cost-effective option for Indian students. Flexible Post-Study Work Options One of New Zealand's key draws is its flexible post-study work (PSW) policy. International students completing at least 30 weeks of a Master's or Doctoral programme are eligible for a three-year PSW visa. In late 2024, Immigration New Zealand extended these benefits to students pursuing shorter, stackable postgraduate qualifications - allowing those completing a Postgraduate Diploma followed by a Master's to access full work rights. As of March 2025, the country's unemployment rate stood at 5.1%, offering a favourable outlook for graduates entering the job market. Focus on Bilateral Educational Ties New Zealand is also strengthening institutional ties with India. In 2024, Education New Zealand signed partnership agreements with Indian institutions and state agencies including IIM Ahmedabad, GIFT City, and the Karnataka State Higher Education Council. These collaborations aim to foster research, student exchange, and academic cooperation. Quality of Life and Community Support Beyond academics, New Zealand ranks high on global indices of peace, happiness, and work-life balance. It placed 12th on Global Finance's 2025 Happiness Index and has been ranked third on the Global Peace Index. The country also topped Remote's Global Life-Work Balance Index for the third consecutive year. With over 270,000 people of Indian origin living in New Zealand, students benefit from a culturally familiar environment and supportive diaspora networks.
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Business Standard
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Australia's student visa now world's costliest, but Indians undeterred
Australia has once again increased its student visa fee for college/universities, making it the world's costliest. From July 1, 2025, international students must pay AUD 2,000 (around ₹1.12 lakh) to apply, up from AUD 1,600 earlier. Despite the jump, education consultants say Indian students are unlikely to look elsewhere. 'For those budgeting between AUD 55,000 to 85,000 (approximately ₹30.8 lakh to ₹47.6 lakh) annually on tuition, housing, and living expenses, this AUD 400 increase in visa cost is noticeable but may not be decisive,' Saurabh Arora, founder and CEO of University Living told Business Standard. Students focus on post-study outcomes 'What students evaluate is 'value'. Post-study work rights, academic reputation, quality of life, and long-term career outcomes carry far more weight than a one-time fee adjustment,' Arora added. Australia's Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international graduates to stay and work for two to six years, depending on qualifications. Universities such as Melbourne, Monash, and UNSW remain popular among Indian students for their research quality and employment outcomes. Other destinations gaining traction Even as Australia remains dominant, countries like Germany, France, and New Zealand are attracting more Indian students: • University Living's Europe Report says Indian enrolments in Germany grew by 38 per cent between 2021 and 2023, and may triple by 2030 • France, Spain, and Italy offer affordable tuition, cultural experiences, and good post-study opportunities • New Zealand appeals to students in healthcare, STEM, and sustainability fields due to its practical training focus Australia still leads global student preferences A March 2025 survey by IDP Education showed Australia as the top study destination among Indian students, surpassing the United States. Australia accounted for 28 per cent of first-choice preferences, followed by the US (22 per cent), UK (21 per cent), and Canada (13 per cent). 'Despite the rise in visa and tuition fees, Australia continues to see strong interest from Indian students. Many families approach it as a long-term investment, weighing factors like academic quality, post-study work rights, safety, and the overall student experience,' Piyush Kumar, regional director – South Asia, Canada and Latin America at IDP Education told Business Standard. Finances remain the biggest worry According to IDP's Emerging Futures Seven – Voice of the International Student• report, based on over 6,000 responses globally including nearly 1,400 from India: • 66 per cent of students identified finances as their biggest concern • 47 per cent mentioned visa difficulties • 55 per cent said scholarships influence destination choice • 54 per cent looked for part-time work options • 43 per cent cited housing costs • 39 per cent flagged the struggle to balance study and work How Australia compares on visa fees for students US (F-1 visa): USD 185 (₹15,780) Canada: CAD 150 (₹9,415) UK: GBP 490 (₹57,133) Australia: AUD 2,000 (₹1.12 lakh) Cost of studying in Australia According to University Living's Australia Report 2025: Visa-related costs including biometrics and health checks: AUD 2,200–2,300 (₹1.23–1.29 lakh) Undergraduate tuition: AUD 20,000–40,000 annually (₹11.2–22.4 lakh) Postgraduate tuition: AUD 22,000–50,000 annually (₹12.3–28 lakh) High-demand programmes (e.g. medicine, MBA): Up to AUD 100,000 (₹56 lakh) Living expenses: AUD 17,000–26,000 annually (₹9.5–14.6 lakh) Additional costs (travel, insurance, books): AUD 3,000–5,000 (₹1.7–2.8 lakh) Several leading Australian universities have raised international tuition fees by 5–7 per cent for 2025. Arora said many still offer merit-based waivers of AUD 2,500 to 10,000 per year, and some provide up to 50 per cent or full tuition coverage. 'Research-focused postgraduate students can also benefit from scholarships that cover full tuition along with a living allowance and academic support,' he said.
