Tag Archives: higher education

US Student Visas for Indians Hit Record, Expected Rise

14/06/2024 hnknews.com

Record Number of Student Visas Issued to Indians Last Year, Number Expected to Rise: US Embassy

American universities attract a large number of Indian students. Last year, the US consular team in India issued over 140,000 student visas, more than any other country, setting a record for the third consecutive year.

This year, the US consular team in India is preparing for an expected increase in applications from Indian students. A senior official from the US Embassy said that the number of visas issued in 2024 will likely be similar to or higher than last year.

On Thursday, the US Mission in India held its eighth annual Student Visa Day, with consular officers from New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai interviewing Indian student visa applicants. At the US Embassy in Delhi, a long line of students was seen since morning.

Syed Mujtaba Andrabi, acting Consul General at the US Embassy in New Delhi, mentioned that they expected to interview about 4,000 students by the end of the day. He emphasized that student visas are a top priority for the US administration and the mission in India. Last year, they issued a record 140,000 student visas and plan to continue focusing on this area throughout the year.

Regarding the expected increase in student visas in 2024, Andrabi stated it will be “similar or in excess” compared to last year.

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US envoy Eric Garcetti highlighted the high priority given to student visas, noting the lasting impact of people-to-people ties. The US Embassy reported a significant increase in the number of Indian students choosing to study in the US over the past three years. In 2023, more student visas were issued than in 2018, 2019, and 2020 combined. This growth reflects the US government’s commitment to prioritizing students and facilitating their travel despite a 400% rise in demand for other visas between 2021 and 2023.

Garcetti praised the dedicated public servants who worked tirelessly to ensure students met their deadlines and that American universities could welcome a historic number of Indian students. Andrabi added that the consular offices started the student visa season earlier this year to maximize the number of students applying.

Regarding efforts to reduce visa wait times, Andrabi said they have eliminated wait times for almost all visa categories except B1/B2 tourist visas for first-time applicants, which have also seen a 70% reduction in wait times over the past year.

David Moyer, Cultural and Educational Affairs Counselor at the US Embassy, shared excitement about the demand for student visas to the US. Currently, there are about 270,000 Indian students in the US, making up over a quarter of the total international students there.

Moyer noted that many students are choosing universities beyond the Ivy League, with over 4,500 accredited universities in the US to choose from. He encouraged more female applicants to consider US universities and emphasized the support and counseling available to help Indian students find the right match.

Source.

Newsbeat

University Grants Commission (UGC) Mandates Recognition: HEIs Must Seek Approval

31/01/2024 hnknews.com

Higher Education Institutions: University Grants Commission (UGC) Recognition Guidelines & NEP 2020 Updates

University Grants Commission (UGC): In a recent meeting led by UGC Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar to discuss the implementation of NEP 2020, it was highlighted that all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) need to seek recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956.

The UGC plans to issue advisories to HEIs, urging them to apply for recognition within a specified timeframe. Prof Kumar emphasized the importance of institutions becoming centers of excellence and suggested that regulatory authorities should play a facilitating role. Additionally, he stressed the effective use of technology in teaching and learning, as well as the inclusion of an Indian Knowledge System module in all disciplines.

To address issues related to Deemed-to-be Universities and Private Universities, the UGC will form a monitoring committee, including representatives from relevant regulators as per the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee. Furthermore, recognition will be given to HEIs that provide facilities for persons with disabilities, following RCI guidelines in NAAC accreditation criteria.

The UGC has also requested regulatory authorities to reach out to industrial organizations associated with them, asking them to nominate industry personnel to register on the UGC’s professor of practice portal. The meeting included officials from various regulatory bodies, such as NMC, the Veterinary Council of India, AICTE, PCI, the Dental Council of India, the Council of Architecture, NCTE, ICAR, the Rehabilitation Council of India, NAAC, and NIRF.

Surge in Indian Students Pursue Higher Education in the US

14/11/2023 hnknews.com

Hyderabad, India – For the third consecutive year, a record number of Indian students have chosen the United States as their destination for higher education. The latest Open Doors Report (ODR), an annual statistical survey conducted by the Institute of International Education (IIE), reveals a remarkable 35% increase in the number of Indian students enrolling in US universities during the 2022-23 academic year, reaching an unprecedented high of 268,923 students.

This influx of Indian students represents a significant milestone, solidifying India’s position as the largest source of international graduate students in the US. Since 2009-10, India has surpassed China to claim this top spot, with a staggering 63% increase in Indian graduate students, translating to nearly 64,000 additional students compared to the previous year. Undergraduate enrollments from India also experienced growth, rising by 16%.

The ODR further highlights India’s dominance in the optional practical training (OPT) program, with 69,062 Indian students participating in this temporary work authorization scheme that allows them to gain valuable practical experience in their respective fields of study.

US Embassies Issue Record-High Student Visas

The US Embassies and Consulates in India played a pivotal role in facilitating this surge in Indian students pursuing higher education in the US. During the main student visa season of June-August 2023, consular officers across India issued an impressive 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories, marking an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2022.

US Ambassador Eric Garcetti acknowledged the remarkable achievements of Indian students and their families, stating, “Each and every Indian student in the US and the families supporting their success deserve recognition for this achievement. The decision to study abroad and your choice of the US represent a valuable investment by you and your families. You are bringing our countries closer together and leading us towards a bright future.”

US Department of State Provides Support for Indian Students

To assist Indian students in navigating the process of finding the right study opportunities in the US, the US Department of State offers comprehensive advising services, both virtually and in-person, through six EducationUSA advising centers located in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and two in Hyderabad. These centers are staffed by experienced EducationUSA advisors who provide accurate, up-to-date information about studying in the US, helping Indian students make informed decisions and find the best fit from among over 4,500 accredited US higher education institutions.

For students and families seeking additional guidance, the EducationUSA India app, available for free on iOS and Android devices, offers the latest information about the college application process, serving as a convenient first step in planning higher education in the US. You can also visit the official website https://educationusa.state.gov/country/in

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