Policy

News and analysis on higher education policy, reform, and regulation worldwide.

United States

US moves closer to ending open-ended F-1 student status with four-year visa limit rule

8 May 2026 · By H. Yang

The US is nearing implementation of a rule requiring international students on F-1 visas to renew status after four years, potentially increasing costs, uncertainty, and administrative burdens.

United States

Trump removes all National Science Board members amid governance concerns

7 May 2026 · By Eleanor Shaw

Trump has removed all 22 members of the National Science Board, raising concerns over political influence in U.S. research governance while NSF funding operations are expected to continue.

Finland

Finland proposes stricter student finance rules

6 May 2026 · By H. Yang

Finland plans to tighten international student residence permit rules, making social assistance use an explicit basis for permit cancellation while introducing stricter income, family, and language requirements.

Japan

Japan proposes closing 40% of private universities amid demographic crisis

2 May 2026 · By H. Yang

Japan plans to close or merge 250 private universities by 2040 as demographic decline drives enrollment shortages and forces major restructuring across higher education.

New Zealand

New Zealand student visas 2022–2025: from recovery to recalibration in global student mobility

1 May 2026 · By H. Yang

New Zealand’s offshore student visa data (2022–2025) shows a cycle of recovery, rapid growth, peak demand in 2024, and recalibration in 2025. While volumes fluctuated, approval rates stabilised again, revealing a more selective and regionally differentiated global student mobility system.

France

France redefines international tuition: a strategic shift with global implications

30 April 2026 · By H. Yang

France is raising tuition fees for non-EU students to €2,895 (bachelor’s) and €3,941 (master’s). Despite the increase, it remains cheaper than major study destinations like the US and UK. The change supports France’s “Choose France” strategy to attract talent in key fields like AI and engineering.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan introduces U10 – Uzbekistan’s World-Class Universities program and national ranking reform

27 April 2026 · By H. Yang

Uzbekistan has introduced the “U10 – Uzbekistan’s World-Class Universities” program to support 10 high-potential institutions with significant research funding and industry-linked scientific clusters, alongside a new national ranking system led by the National Quality Assurance Agency for Education that will tie university performance to funding, strengthen global competitiveness, and improve alignment with labor market needs.

India

India’s higher education internationalisation: A new era of opportunities for global institutions

25 April 2026 · By H. Yang

India's higher education sector is embracing global collaboration, with top UK universities like Southampton, Liverpool, York, and Aberdeen, alongside Australian institutions like UNSW, Deakin, and Wollongong, setting up campuses. This aligns with NEP 2020, offering Indian students access to world-class education while strengthening international partnerships.

United Kingdom, Malaysia

UK unveils Malaysia handbook to streamline transnational education partnerships

23 April 2026 · By H. Yang

The UK launches a new handbook on April 22, 2026, to help universities establish transnational education programs in Malaysia, offering step-by-step guidance on accreditation and regulation as both countries deepen collaboration and position Malaysia as a regional education hub.

Indonesia

Indonesia deepens US ties to power science-driven growth

23 April 2026 · By Eleanor Shaw

Indonesia is strengthening higher education ties with the US following talks on 16 April, focusing on dual degrees, research collaboration and skills development in key sectors such as semiconductors and healthcare, as part of a broader push to boost global competitiveness and drive a technology-led economy.