Latest news with #TimesHigherEducation
India Today
24-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Want to study in Germany? Visa types, documents and tips for Indian students
Germany has steadily risen as one of the top destinations for international students, offering a unique blend of academic excellence, practical learning, and cultural diversity. The country is known for its high-quality education system, affordable tuition, and strong career the 2023-2024 winter semester, nearly 50,000 Indian students were enrolled in German universities, making them the largest group of international students in the country. This growth is attributed to factors like affordable tuition, strong academic reputation, and post-study job why pursuing higher education in Germany could be a transformative experience:WORLD-CLASS LEARNING EXPERIENCE Germany is renowned for its commitment to innovation, excellence, and creativity in education. The country has produced over 80 Nobel Prize winners and leads globally in patent universities offer state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, extensive libraries, and robust student fact, eight German universities ranked among the world's top 100 in 2025 (Times Higher Education).DUAL PROGRAMMES BUILD DEEP KNOWLEDGE AND EMPLOYABLE SKILLSGerman institutions, especially universities of applied sciences, emphasise practical experience alongside academic learning. These institutions collaborate closely with industries, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their fields before approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, possessing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. advertisement AFFORDABLE COST OF LIVINGGermany offers a high standard of living at a relatively affordable cost compared to other popular study destinations. Public universities typically charge minimal or no tuition fees, even for international the cost of living, including rent, is often more affordable than in countries like the United scholarship programmes, such as the DAAD Scholarship Programme and Deutschlandstipendium, further ease financial burdens for WORK OPPORTUNITIESGermany's robust economy and strong job market make it an attractive destination for international graduates. The country has a high demand for skilled professionals, particularly in STEM students can benefit from an 18-month post-study work visa to seek employment. Moreover, non-EU students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during their studies, providing valuable work experience and financial VISA APPLICATION PROCESSNow, whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. Indian students are required to obtain a student visa before entering Germany. In contrast, citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland do not need a visa or residence from countries such as the US, Canada, and Australia can enter Germany visa-free and apply for a residence permit once there. Indian passport holders, however, must secure their visa in advance, making it crucial to understand the documentation and steps that starting July 1, visa rules will change, removing the chance to appeal informally. This means applicants, especially students, must prepare their documents carefully to avoid delays or rejection. Germany offers three main types of visas for students:The Schengen Visa (C Visa) is meant for short-term study stays of up to 90 days, such as language courses or summer schools. This visa is National Visa (D Visa) is required for students enrolled in long-term degree Prospective Student Visa is designed for individuals who haven't yet secured university admission but plan to attend entrance exams or visa application process begins with gathering the required documents. These typically include:A valid passportAn official admission letter from a recognised German universityProof of financial resources -- commonly through a blocked bank account with at least 11,208Proof of health insuranceAcademic transcripts and certificatesadvertisementA well-written statement of purposeBiometric passport photos that meet German specifications A blocked account is a special type of German bank account used to show proof of sufficient funds for living expenses. The money in this account is 'blocked' until your arrival in Germany and then released in monthly can conveniently open a blocked account through platforms like Coracle or Expatrio, both available via the ApplyBoard must also book an appointment online at the German embassy or consulate in India. On the day of the interview, students are expected to appear in person with two complete sets of their documents. The visa interview is a critical step and typically focuses on your academic goals, financial readiness, and future plans. Since processing times vary, it's recommended to apply at least three months before your intended start arriving in Germany, there are a few more formalities to complete. Within two weeks, students must register their address at the Residents' Registration Office. They must also apply for a residence permit from the Foreigners' Authority if their stay exceeds 90 days. Setting up a regular German bank account and maintaining valid health insurance are also necessary steps upon advise starting the visa process as soon as you receive your university admission letter. Due to the high volume of applications and the detailed scrutiny involved, even small errors or missing paperwork can lead to delays. Regularly checking the official website of the German Embassy in India for updates is strongly in Germany can be a transformative experience, offering both academic excellence and global career opportunities. With thorough preparation and timely action, Indian students can navigate the German student visa process smoothly and confidently.- Article by Saif Iqbal, Vice President at ApplyBoard
Ammon
01-05-2025
- Science
- Ammon
How universities can achieve and improve global rankings: A focus on Jordanian institutions
Dr. Ma'moun Alshtaiwi In today's knowledge-driven world, global university rankings have become essential indicators of academic reputation, research quality, and institutional impact. For universities, particularly in countries like Jordan, achieving a place in prestigious international rankings such as QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE), or Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), is both a mark of excellence and a strategic goal.1. Understanding Global University RankingsThere are several global ranking systems, each with its own methodology and criteria. The most prominent include:•QS World University Rankings•Times Higher Education (THE)•Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)•U.S. News Best Global UniversitiesEach system assesses institutions based on a variety of indicators, including:•Academic reputation•Employer reputation•Faculty-to-student ratio•Citations per faculty•International faculty and student ratios•Research output and impact•Teaching quality•Industry income and innovation2. Key Steps to Enter and Climb Global Rankingsa. Enhancing Research Output and QualityResearch plays a central role in most ranking systems. Universities must:•Encourage faculty to publish in high-impact international journals (indexed in Scopus or Web of Science).•Promote collaborative international research projects.•Support the creation of research centers of excellence.•Incentivize citations and academic visibility by encouraging publication in English and in reputable journals.b. Improving Academic ReputationReputation surveys contribute significantly to rankings. To build a strong academic image:•Build international partnerships with well-ranked institutions.•Participate in international conferences and networks.•Invite renowned scholars and host international academic events.•Promote faculty and university achievements through media and digital platforms.c. Strengthening Teaching and Learning QualityRankings often consider the quality of education. Universities should:•Maintain a low student-to-faculty ratio.•Invest in faculty development and training programs.•Modernize curricula to align with global standards.•Embrace e-learning, blended learning, and innovative teaching methods.d. InternationalizationInternational visibility is a key factor in rankings:•Increase the percentage of international students and faculty.•Offer programs in English or other widely spoken languages.•Establish student exchange programs and double degrees.•Strengthen the university's presence in international education fairs and platforms.e. Institutional Data and Ranking ParticipationMany universities are absent from rankings simply because they do not submit their data or participate in global evaluations. To avoid this:•Designate a ranking office or committee to handle data collection and submission.•Maintain a comprehensive and accurate institutional database.•Actively engage with ranking organizations, respond to surveys, and update profiles on ranking platforms.f. Focus on Graduate EmployabilityEmployer reputation is a major component, especially in QS rankings. To boost this:•Build strong industry linkages.•Create internship opportunities and career services.•Ensure graduates are equipped with skills relevant to the labor market.•Conduct regular employer feedback surveys and use results to enhance curricula.3. Special Focus: Jordanian UniversitiesJordan is home to several reputable institutions such as the University of Jordan, Jordan University of Science and Technology, and Yarmouk University. However, for more Jordanian universities to rise in global rankings, the following should be prioritized:•Strategic Planning: Universities must develop a clear long-term plan targeting ranking improvement, integrated into their national higher education strategy.•Government and Policy Support: Policies that promote academic freedom, funding for research, and incentives for international partnerships are essential.•English as a Medium of Instruction: Offering more programs in English will help attract international students and faculty, and improve publication reach.•Digital Visibility: Universities must ensure their websites, research, and activities are easily accessible, up-to-date, and search-engine optimized.•Alumni and Global Networking: Developing strong alumni networks and encouraging their engagement can enhance employer perception and institutional reputation. Achieving and improving a university's position in global rankings is a complex but attainable goal. It requires strategic leadership, continuous quality improvement, and international engagement. For Jordanian universities, the road to global recognition involves not only internal reforms but also proactive outreach and innovation. By aligning with global best practices and showcasing their unique strengths, Jordanian institutions can rise in the rankings and contribute meaningfully to global academia.
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Making China Great Again — Trump's Tariffs Reverse Effect
BEIJING, CHINA - NOVEMBER 9: U.S. President Donald Trump takes part in a welcoming ceremony with ... More China's President Xi Jinping on November 9, 2017 in Beijing, China. Trump is on a 10-day trip to Asia. (Photo by Thomas Peter-Pool/Getty Images) The sympathy calls have been coming in. A good part of my audit practice revolves around working with Chinese companies. Friends want to know if I'm 'okay' as the Trump administration continues to build its tariff policies around American industry. The short answer is: I'm more worried about America than China at this point. A tariff of 145% on Chinese goods (or 245% for autos) may impose significant short-term pain on China's export sector. It will also require a heroic effort from the government to stimulate Beijing to reach its goal of 5% GDP growth in 2025. However, the Chinese people have already demonstrated the ability to absorb tremendous pain during the COVID-19 lockdowns and the slump in the real estate and tech sectors that followed. I would argue that your average person living in China is more ready to subsist on rice and bitter melon than your average person living in the U.S. is prepared to pay $3,000 for a made-in-America iPhone. For Chinese leaders, this is a civilizational struggle over the direction of the 21st century. From this perspective, the Trump administration's first hundred days almost seem like a playbook to help make China great again. American universities are the envy of the world. The U.S. is home to eight out of the world's top 10 universities, according to Times Higher Education. China's best, Tsinghua University, ranks 12th. These academic institutions generate advances in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, materials science, biomedicine, and other fields that underpin our innovation and economic prosperity. They are magnets for the brightest minds from around the world. In the past month, many of these universities have been ordered to relinquish their academic independence, stripped of federal funds, had their students seized on the streets, and watched as faculty have begun an exodus to foreign academic institutions beyond the reach of the U.S. government. China could not have envisioned a more effective way to undermine the foundation of America's scientific future. China, Europe, and the United States have one shared fundamental economic challenge: plummeting fertility. China has 1.2 births per woman, the European Union has 1.6, and the United States has 1.62 absent immigrants — all well below the 2.1 rate required to maintain the current population. With a shrinking population, gross domestic product growth becomes increasingly hard to achieve while the pyramid of working-age citizens inverts, bankrupting social welfare programs. With this backdrop, economic prosperity in the 21st century will largely depend on trading with, investing in, and growing alongside regions in the Global South, including Southeast Asia, India, Africa, and South America. The Trump administration is seeking to slash foreign aid as part of a proposed 50% reduction in the State Department's budget, The New York Times reported. Southeast Asian countries that had benefited from earlier Trump tariffs on China, such as Vietnam, have been punished with tariffs of nearly 50%. Tiny developing countries like Lesotho, Madagascar, and Botswana will tax their goods at 50%, 47% and 38%, respectively. Madagascar's mistake was selling too many vanilla beans, perhaps? Meanwhile, China has now persuaded 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to join its Belt and Road Initiative and is dominating the physical and digital infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere. They are stepping up their international economic efforts as America is stepping back. A Chinese bank employee counts 100-yuan notes and US dollar bills at a bank counter in Nantong in ... More China's eastern Jiangsu province on August 6, 2019. - The Chinese currency steadied on August 6, a day after Beijing let the yuan weaken against the dollar, sending markets into freefall and leading the US to formally designate China a "currency manipulator". (Photo by AFP) / China OUT (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images) For 75 years, the United States has enjoyed the 'exorbitant privilege' of having the U.S. dollar serve as the world's global reserve currency and our 10-year treasury serve as the default safe-haven asset in times of turmoil. In simple terms, the U.S. Treasury can spin its printing presses, cranking out Benjamins at less than a penny, which we then exchange with other countries for goods and services worth $100. It has also allowed Congress to run massive debts without suffering the explosion of inflation that has beset Argentina and other spendthrift nations. China has long sought to dislodge the dollar's preeminence in favor of a multipolar currency system in which the Renminbi would be the star. If the United States suddenly withdraws from trading with the world, then the world doesn't need our dollars. The recent spike in 10-year rates will pose a real hardship on anyone who needs to borrow to buy a home or a (now more expensive) car. This year, the U.S. Treasury must sell $2 trillion in new debt to finance our deficit while rolling over another $9.2 trillion in maturing notes, the I/O Fund explains. Should those auctions start to fail, the spiraling consequences could be catastrophic. Beyond its natural resources, the prosperity of any nation depends on attracting the best human talent and creating an environment where it can strive and thrive. The U.S.' ace card in the competition with China has always been our ability to attract the brightest, most ambitious, most creative people from around the world and allow them to plug into an ecosystem that includes the best universities, most flexible private and public capital markets, and network of leading companies. Foreign-born Americans account for 50% of all PhDs, notes the Center for Immigration Studies; 60% of the founders of American AI companies, according to an Institute for Progress study reported in Axios; and over 20% of new businesses overall, per the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. The Trump administration has been revoking the visas of thousands of students studying in the United States, reports Reuters, including one 22-year-old MIT student from China who was just weeks away from earning her degree. This sends a stark message to the best and the brightest to take their talents and aspirations elsewhere, risking generational damage to America's pool of human capital. Meanwhile, Beijing is increasing its efforts to poach scientific talent. It is hard to believe that in just 100 days, the leadership of one country could have done so much to further the objectives of its most significant strategic rival. In response to the latest escalation of tariffs against China, Xia Baolong — the director of China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office — had the last laugh. Boomeranging the U.S. government's characterization of China back to Washington, he said, 'Let those peasants in the United States wail in front of the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization," according to Reuters. While I have tremendous respect for China's civilization and genuine affection for its people, I infinitely prefer to live in a world governed by the democratic principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Let us hope that the damage to the U.S. not irreversible.
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Making China Great Again - Trump's Tariffs Reverse Effect
The sympathy calls have been coming in. Many friends know that a good part of my audit practice revolves around working with Chinese companies. They want to know if I'm 'okay' as the Trump Administration continues to build its Great Wall of Tariffs around American industry. Short answer, I'm more worried about America than China at this point. A tariff of 145% on Chinese goods (or 245% for autos) may impose significant short-term pain on China's export sector. It will also require a heroic effort from the government to stimulate Beijing to reach its goal of 5% GDP growth in 2025. However, the Chinese people have already demonstrated the ability to absorb tremendous pain during the COVID lockdowns and the slump in the real estate and tech sectors that followed. I would argue that your average Chinese is more ready to subsist on rice and bitter melon than your average American is prepared to pay $3,000 for a made-in-America iPhone. For the Chinese, particularly Xi Jinping, this is a civilizational struggle over the direction of the 21st Century. From this perspective, the Trump Administration's first hundred days almost seem like a playbook to further the Make China Great Again agenda. After all, if you were consciously attempting to weaken America's stature in the world and create the conditions for Chinese dominance, what would you do? America's universities are the envy of the world. We are home to eight out of the world's top 10 universities, according to Times Higher Education. China's best, Tsinghua University, ranks 12th. These academic institutions generate advances in AI, quantum computing, materials science, biomedicine, and other fields that underpin our innovation and economic prosperity. They are magnets for the brightest minds from around the world. In the past month, many of these universities have been ordered to relinquish their academic independence, stripped of federal funds, had their students seized on the streets, and watched as faculty have begun an exodus to foreign academic institutions beyond the reach of the U.S. government. China could not have orchestrated a more effective plan to undermine the foundation of America's scientific future. China, Europe, and the United States have one shared fundamental economic challenge: plummeting fertility. China has 1.2 births per woman, the European Union (EU) has 1.6, and the United States has 1.62 absent immigrants – all well below the 2.1 rate required to maintain the current population. With a shrinking population, GDP growth becomes increasingly hard to achieve while the pyramid of working-age citizens inverts, bankrupting social welfare programs. With this backdrop, economic prosperity in the 21st Century will largely depend on trading with, investing in, and growing alongside regions in the Global South, including Southeast Asia, India, Africa, and South America. The Trump Administration is seeking to slash foreign aid as part of a proposed 50% reduction in the State Department's budget. Southeast Asian countries that had benefited from earlier Trump tariffs on China, such as Vietnam, have been punished with tariffs of nearly 50%. Tiny developing countries like Lesotho, Madagascar, and Botswana will tax their goods at 50%, 47% and 38% respectively. Madagascar's sin was selling too many vanilla beans, perhaps? Meanwhile, China has now persuaded 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to join its Belt and Road Initiative and is dominating the physical and digital infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere. They are stepping up as America is throwing in the towel. For 75 years, the United States has enjoyed the 'exorbitant privilege' of having the U.S. dollar serve as the world's global reserve currency and our ten-year treasury serve as the default safe-haven asset in times of turmoil. In simple terms, the U.S. Treasury can spin its printing presses, cranking out Benjamins at less than a penny, which we then exchange with other countries for goods and services worth $100. It has also allowed Congress to run massive debts without suffering the explosion of inflation that has beset Argentina and other spendthrift nations. China has long sought to dislodge the dollar's preeminence in favor of a multi-polar currency system in which the Renminbi would be the star. If the United States suddenly withdraws from trading with the world, then the world doesn't need our dollars. The recent spike in 10-year rates will pose a real hardship on anyone who needs to borrow to buy a home or a (now more expensive) car. This year, the U.S. Treasury must sell $2 trillion in new debt to finance our deficit while rolling over another $9.2 trillion in maturing notes. Should those auctions start to fail, the spiraling consequences could be catastrophic. Beyond its natural resources, the prosperity of any nation depends on attracting the best human talent and creating an environment where they can strive and thrive. America's ace card in the competition with China has always been our ability to attract the brightest, most ambitious, most creative people from around the world and allow them to plug into an ecosystem that includes the best universities, most flexible private and public capital markets, and network of leading companies. Foreign-born Americans account for 50% of all PhDs, 60% of the founders of American AI companies, and over 20% of new businesses overall. The Trump Administration has been revoking the visas of thousands of students studying in the United States, including one 22-year-old MIT student from China who was just weeks away from earning her degree. This sends a stark message to the best and the brightest to take their talents and aspirations elsewhere, risking generational damage to America's pool of human capital. Meanwhile, Beijing is increasing its efforts to poach scientific talent. It is hard to believe that in just 100 days, the leadership of one country could have done so much to further the objectives of its most significant strategic rival. In response to the latest escalation of tariffs against China, Xia Baolong, the director of China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, had the last laugh. Boomeranging the US government's characterization of China back to Washington, he said, 'Let those peasants in the United States wail in front of the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.' While I have tremendous respect for China's civilization and genuine affection for its people, I infinitely prefer to live in a world governed by the democratic principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Let us hope that the damage that has been done is not irreversible.
The Star
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sunway University leads the way in graduate employability and Asean university rankings
Sunway University has once again secured the top spot in the Graduate Employability Index by Talentbank, marking its fourth consecutive year as Malaysia's leading university for graduate employability. The university is especially recognised for excellence in Business, Accounting, Computer Science, Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Communication and Psychology. Talentbank's National Graduate Employability Index serves as a benchmark for evaluating the employability of graduates from higher education institutions in Malaysia. The index is based on employer surveys that explore key aspects such as preferred universities for recruitment, the number of graduates hired and whether employers intend to continue hiring from the same institutions. This latest achievement comes shortly after Sunway University was also named the top non-government linked private university in Asean by the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2025. The varsity made a remarkable leap from its previous placement in the 201–250 band to being ranked #141 in Asia, solidifying its position among the Top 150 universities in the region. Sunway University president Prof Sibrandes Poppema said, 'Being recognised once more as Malaysia's leading university for graduate employability plus the huge recognition from Times Higher as the number one non-government linked private university in Asean, reaffirms our mission to deliver education that is relevant, forward-thinking and deeply connected to industry needs. 'These achievements are also underpinned by our Sunway Signature Collection project, bringing together a portfolio of programmes which include career-focused content, live projects and hands-on experiences, empowering students to shape their own career paths with confidence. 'Coupled with Sunway University's education and research efforts, we aim to create local and global impact that are aligned to improving lives and driving sustainable development for a healthier planet,' he added.
