U.K.: Muslim Students Feel Marginalized at U.K. Universities, According to New Study

New jointly funded research from the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Economic and Social Research council has shown prejudice against Muslims on some U.K. campuses. Survey responses also showed that many Muslims feel they are not properly supported and are instead seen as suspect. Some of the discrimination on campus may come from the atmosphere created by government counterterrorism efforts. According to the study, Prevent, the U.K.’s terrorism prevention plan, has led both Muslim and non-Muslim students to refrain from engaging in research about religion or freedom of speech.

Times Higher Education
September 9, 2018

U.K.: Universities Minister Sam Gyimah Calls for More Open Student Visa Process

Universities Minister Sam Gyimah has called for the U.K. to become more open to international students, saying he is concerned about the government’s current position. Gyimah also indicated he was open to the reintroduction of a two-year post-study work visa. These statements stand in contrast to those of Prime Minister Theresa May, who aims to reduce overall migration to the U.K., and significantly tightened visa policy during her tenure as Home Secretary.

The Sunday Times
September 5, 2018

U.K.: New Poll Shows Majority Support Allowing International Students Post-Study Work Visas

A majority of people in the U.K. support allowing international students to remain and work in the U.K. after the completion of their degree, according to new polling from Universities UK. The public support for post-study work contrasts with the government’s 2012 decision to abolish post-study work visas, which is seen as a contributing factor in the drop in students coming to study in the U.K. Universities UK is calling on the government to become competitive with countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia by offering foreign graduates to stay and work for up to two years after completing their course of study.

Times Higher Education
September 4, 2018

Denmark: Government to Reduce International Student Numbers

The Denmark government has announced plans to reduce their intake of international students due to the high number leaving the country after graduation. Between 1,000 and 1,2000 English-language university places will be cut next year. Universities have called the move a misstep, and say that, if a poor post-graduate retention rate is their concern, the government should instead focus on encouraging students to remain in Denmark after graduation

Times Higher Education
August 31, 2018

Hungary: CEU Suspends Education Programs for Refugees

The Central European University (CEU) has suspended the Open Learning Initiative, its education programs for refugees and asylum seekers, as well as a research grant on migration policy in central and southern Europe. CEU says it was forced to close the programs in response to new Hungarian legislation requiring a 25 percent duty to be applied to any money received by organizations supporting things the government deems “illegal migration.” The European Commission claims the new legislation is in conflict with asylum legislation in EU law.

Budapest Business Journal
August 28, 2018