Latest news with #IllinoisTech
India.com
5 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Why Are World's Brightest Students Suddenly Turning Their Backs On America?
New Delhi: Once a gold standard for global higher education, the United States now sees international students slipping away. Visa holdups under President Donald Trump have turned many accepted students into unfortunate droppers. Top universities worldwide have stepped up. London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, each now offers refuge as America's academic appeal dims. For decades, the United States reigned as the default choice for ambitious students. Today, its standing unravels, not from academic shortcomings, but policy decisions. Trump's administration urged universities to depend less on foreign students. Actions followed and foreign students faced deportation over activism. Their legal status got revoked over minor offenses. Social media scans became part of the visa process. Many students, especially in China, dropped out of U.S. plans in the wake of months-long processing delays. Britain Sees Gain as the U.S. Stumbles Ipsos predicts a 30-40% drop in new international enrollments in the United States. It is likely to risk a $7 billion hit in student spending. Meanwhile, universities in the United Kingdom thrive. Applications leapt 2.2% this fall, driven by a strong surge from China and the highest number from the United States in 20 years. Business and management programmes report sharp growth. Asia Becomes Most Comfortable Neighbourhood The pandemic's travel fears now meet immigration red tape. Families in China and Southeast Asia choose culturally familiar hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology received a 40% surge in international applicants. Associate Provost Alison Lloyd reports receiving more than 500 inquiries from U.S.-based students, with ~200 transfer applications underway. Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee extended an invitation and promise of expanded work rights to students blocked from the United States. UAE & Kazakhstan Once sidelines in global academia, the two countries are now emerging as rising stars. Home to branches of many international universities, Dubai saw international enrollment grow 33% from 2024 to 2025. Kazakhstan is also attracting global interest. Satellite campuses from the Illinois Tech and the University of Arizona help position it as a regional academic hub. Confidence Shifts The student exodus is not merely logistical. Worldwide universities are strategically reacting. Institutions in the United Kingdom, Asia and the Middle East ramp up global outreach, simplify transfers and bolster student support. American universities sit tangled in policy gridlock. Is American Dream Losing Behavior? The United States remains desired, but no longer taken for granted. Policies and politics now overshadow prestige. The loss waits in the balance, not only wallets and enrollment, but global standing. Will America adjust before the next dozen academic hubs firmly take root? Clues lie not in Harvard or Stanford, but in Birmingham, Dubai and Hong Kong.
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE a go-to hotspot for international students who fear being denied access to US
In China, wait times for US visa interviews are so long that some students have given up. Universities in Hong Kong are fielding transfer enquiries from foreign students in the US, and international applications for British undergraduate programmes have surged. President Donald Trump's administration has been pressuring US colleges to reduce their dependence on international enrolment while adding new layers of scrutiny for foreign students as part of its crackdown on immigration. Countries including the United Arab Emirates have invested heavily in attracting international students by partnering with universities elsewhere to host branch campuses. These arrangements could appeal to students who fear being denied access to the US. Dubai, which has designs on becoming a global education hub, hosts dozens of international institutions' satellite campuses. It saw international student numbers grow by a third in 2024-2025. Lisa Johnson, principal of Dubai's private American Academy for Girls, said her mostly Emirati student body is increasingly looking away from the US for college. "Every student wants and dreams to go to Harvard,' she said. "But as college options increase in the United Arab Emirates, more and more students are staying." Donald Trump Kazakhstan has similar ambitions, said Daniel Palm, who has helped US universities set up campuses abroad. Illinois Tech and the University of Arizona are among colleges offering degree programmes in the Central Asian country, drawing students mostly from China and Russia. "All of a sudden US colleges are asking how to provide diversity, provide access," Palm said, "because you have students who want to come to the US and can't." The US government has sought to deport foreign students for participating in pro-Palestinian activism. In the spring, it abruptly revoked the legal status of thousands of international students, including some whose only brush with law enforcement was a traffic ticket. After reversing course, the government paused new appointments for student visas while rolling out a process for screening applicants' social media accounts. Affecting America's economy The US remains the first choice for many international students, but institutions elsewhere are recognizing opportunity in the upheaval, and applicants are considering destinations they might have otherwise overlooked. The impact on US universities – and the nation's economy – may be significant. New international enrolment in the US could drop by 30% to 40% this fall, according to an analysis of visa and enrolment data by NAFSA, an agency that promotes international education. That would deprive the US economy of $7 billion in spending, according to the analysis. Many international students pay full price, so their absence would also hurt college budgets. Britain 2nd most popular attraction for students As the second most popular destination for international students, Britain is positioned to benefit. The country's new Labour government has vowed to cut migration, and officials have imposed time limits on post-study visas allowing graduates to stay and work. But admissions consultants say the United Kingdom is still seen as the most welcoming of the traditional "big four' English-speaking destinations in higher education – the US, UK, Canada and Australia. An Emirati student arrives at the building of the University of Wollongong in Dubai. File/Associated Press After declining last year, the number of international applications for undergraduate study in the UK this fall grew by 2.2%, official figures show. A record number of applications came from China, up 10% compared with the previous year. Applications from the US also reached nearly 8,000 students – an increase of 14% and a 20-year high. Acceptances of international students for graduate programmes in the UK grew an estimated 10% from last year, driven by demand for business and management courses in particular, according to data from UniQuest, which works with many British universities on admissions. Data showing the extent of any impact will not be available until fall, said Mike Henniger, CEO of Illume Student Advisory Services, a consultancy that works with colleges in the US, Canada and Europe. "But the American brand has taken a massive hit, and the UK is the one that is benefiting," he said. Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia universities also in demand Demand from Chinese students has risen rapidly for universities places in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, said Will Kwong, managing director of AAS Education, a consultancy in Hong Kong. Many Western universities have offshore campuses there that are more affordable than going to the US or UK. "Opting for study in Asia has been a trend since the easing of COVID-19,' Kwong said. "But obviously it's been exacerbated by the change of administration in the US.' Some Asian families have told him the US is no longer their clear first choice because of political turbulence and visa difficulties, many are still waiting for US visa interviews and will likely miss the start of the fall term, Kwong said. Chinese college student Alisa, who is studying data science, plans to attend an exchange programme this fall at the University of California, Berkeley. She hopes to pursue a master's degree in the US. But she is also looking into other options "just so I could still go to school if the extreme scenario occurs,' said Alisa, who spoke on condition of partial anonymity out of fear of being targeted. Hong Kong will welcome any students who are denied entry to the US., the city's leader John Lee has said. Last year, the Chinese territory decided to allow international students to work part-time. Hong Kong University said it has received over 500 enquiries from students in the US and is processing around 200 applications for transfer. At another school, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, international undergraduate applications have surged by 40% from last year, said Alison Lloyd, associate provost on institutional data and research. Associated Press
Associated Press
11-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Illinois Tech Launches Groundbreaking Online Degrees in Partnership with Risepoint to Expand Access to Career-Ready Education
New online graduate and undergraduate degrees build on Illinois Tech's legacy of innovation and flexibility, offering mission-driven learners nationwide a powerful path to opportunity CHICAGO, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), Chicago's only tech-focused university, is expanding its mission to empower learners everywhere through the launch of eight new online graduate programs designed to deliver world-class education in flexible, career-aligned formats. Enrolling now for fall 2025, the programs will be offered in partnership with the education technology company Risepoint. Rooted in Illinois Tech's more than 25-year history of pioneering digital learning, the new programs reflect the university's commitment to increasing access to high-quality education and preparing students for the challenges of today's rapidly evolving workforce. The fully online degrees combine academic rigor with real-world relevance, offering practical, problem-solving curricula and hands-on experiences in fields that are in high demand. These programs are designed to meet urgent needs across sectors: from equipping financial professionals with Python-powered analytics training, to preparing public service leaders to drive measurable community impact, to advancing national health and safety through specialized training in radiation protection. All are structured to support working professionals seeking to advance their careers with flexible, high-impact learning. The first of the new online offerings launched include: 'These programs represent a bold expansion of our mission: to provide human-centered, innovation-driven education to all who seek to make an impact,' said Mallik Sundharam, Illinois Tech Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. 'By designing online undergraduate and graduate programs that are accessible, flexible, and deeply connected to industry needs, we're opening new doors of opportunity for students nationwide—especially for working professionals and underserved learners.' The programs are designed to accommodate students balancing work, family, and community commitments, without compromising the excellence and experiential focus that defines an Illinois Tech education. Each program integrates Illinois Tech's nationally recognized Elevate program, which guarantees every student access to hands-on learning and career-readiness experiences—including internships, research, and mentorship. 'At Illinois Tech, we're not just offering classes online—we're delivering the full power of a purpose-driven education that transforms lives,' said Sundharam. 'This initiative is about meeting learners where they are, while staying grounded in our core values of access, excellence, and innovation.' 'As part of this mission, the digital transformation of our most valuable assets, our academic content and credentials stands at the heart of our strategy. This forward-looking approach allows us to overcome geographic limitations and extend the Illinois Tech experience to learners nationwide and around the world. It lays the foundation for our broader vision: a flexible, stackable, scalable, and inclusive education ecosystem that evolves with the needs of today's learners and those of the future.' Illinois Tech has long been at the forefront of online and hybrid learning. As early as the 1990s, the university was delivering engineering and science instruction remotely to working professionals in the U.S. and India via broadcast technology, a global distance-learning innovation that predated the mainstream rise of online education by decades. Today's expansion builds on that legacy and leverages Illinois Tech's expertise in workforce-relevant fields and student-first design. Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Risepoint, praised Illinois Tech's leadership: 'Illinois Tech continues to distinguish itself as a bold, solutions-oriented institution. These new online programs are a powerful example of what it looks like to fuse academic innovation with real-world relevance. By prioritizing flexibility, career alignment, and access, Illinois Tech is not only meeting the needs of modern learners, it is shaping the future of graduate education. We're honored to support this groundbreaking work.' Illinois Tech's launch of new online degrees follows a sustained period of momentum and national recognition. The university was recently named an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education—the highest possible designation for access and post-graduation earnings. It ranks #1 in Illinois for Best Salaries of Graduates (Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025) and leads the state in economic mobility. To learn more about Illinois Tech's online graduate programs or to apply, visit Applications are open now. Illinois Institute of Technology Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and innovation for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the city's living lab, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit Risepoint Risepoint is an education technology company that provides world-class support and trusted expertise to more than 100 universities and colleges. We primarily work with regional universities, helping them develop and grow their high-ROI, workforce-focused online degree programs in critical areas such as nursing, teaching, business, and public service. Risepoint is dedicated to increasing access to affordable education so that more students, especially working adults, can improve their careers and meet employer and community needs. Learn more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Risepoint
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Business Standard
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Illinois Tech's Mumbai campus aims for 300-student inaugural batch in 2026
US-based Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is beginning preparations for opening its Mumbai campus in fall next year with an initial intake of around 300 students, Raj Echambadi, president, Illinois Tech, told Business Standard in a video interview. 'The institute is expecting to begin site exploration, and recruitment of faculty and staff in the next two-to-three months, so that active recruitment of students can start for an intake in the next fall,' Echambadi added. Likening its upcoming Mumbai campus to a node in Illinois Tech's overall network, he said that many American students will get opportunities to study in India for a semester or a year, whereas many Indian students can go to the Chicago campus in exchange programmes. Key challenges for the institute could be the US administration's recent rules mandating social media vetting for student visa appointments, and President Donald Trump's recent run-ins with educational institutions. Calling it a short-term speed bump, Echambadi said there are not going to be many impediments, even for Indian students who come and study in the Chicago campus. Almost 20 per cent of the students in Illinois Tech's undergraduate (UG) and graduate programs are foreign students, of which close to 5-8 per cent are from India. 'There is anxiety among students and parents due to word of mouth. While I think there is going to be a very short-term dip in terms of student interest, there is no certainty that it is going to have a major impact in the long term,' he added. While at the Mumbai campus the institute will offer both UG and graduate degrees, most of its courses will focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Addressing concerns over fees, the institute said that while its tuition rates are still being finalised, they are looking at a cost range that would be very reasonable for the Indian market. 'Comparing it to the US cost, you are talking about one-third or a little over one-third of the cost that the students would pay at our India campus,' he said. Estimated tuition rates for an UG student at Illinois Tech is $51,648, according to the institution's website. Other additions such as housing, food, books, and transportation can inflate that bill to an estimated range of $64,894-77,624, depending on whether the student is living on or off campus. Echambadi added that the institute is working with its alumni network, and government scholarships to make affordability one of the key factors. 'Owing to the size of our Indian alumni, and because of the CSR (corporate social responsibility) rules in India, we are committed to fundraising in India in order to ensure that no qualified student in the country is ever turned away because of lack of access to resources,' he said. Illinois Tech's entry into India comes two years after the University Grants Commission (UGC) released rules facilitating the entry of foreign higher education institutions (HEIs) into the country as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reforms. Under these regulations, foreign institutions seeking to establish campuses in India must rank within the top 500 globally — either overall or in specific subject areas — and demonstrate outstanding expertise in their fields, subject to UGC approval. While around 10-12 foreign HEIs, mostly British and Australian, have got letters of intent (LoIs) from the Union education ministry, Illinois Tech is currently the only American university to announce a campus in India. Speaking on the traction within US HEIs, Echambadi said that there is a lot of interest from American universities to come to India. 'We have had many calls from American universities asking us about the process we followed,' he added.
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Business Standard
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Illinois Tech's Mumbai campus opening aims for 300-student inaugural batch
India campus tuition fee may be a third of US campus fee premium Sanket Koul Shreya Nandi New Delhi Listen to This Article US-based Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is beginning preparations for opening its Mumbai campus in fall next year with an initial intake of around 300 students, Raj Echambadi, president, Illinois Tech, told Business Standard in a video interview. 'The institute is expecting to begin site exploration, and recruitment of faculty and staff in the next two-to-three months, so that active recruitment of students can start for an intake in the next fall,' Echambadi added. Likening its upcoming Mumbai campus to a node in Illinois Tech's overall network, he said that many American students will get opportunities to study in
