Latest news with #highereducation
New York Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Tuition Hikes and Layoffs Are Coming to a Broad Set of Universities
Public universities in the Midwest are raising prices for out-of-state students, as Florida schools consider making the same move for the first time since 2012. Cornell and Duke are among the colleges weighing layoffs. The University of Minnesota is cutting hundreds of jobs, even as undergraduate tuition soars as much as 7.5 percent. Just as America's colleges are preparing to welcome what could be the largest freshman class in the nation's history, political and economic forces are unleashing havoc on higher education budgets. Schools are grappling with meager upticks in state support and topsy-turvy economic forecasts, and Republicans in Washington are pursuing federal budget cuts and threatening tax hikes. Students and employees from coast to coast are poised to feel the squeeze. Although the exact consequences will vary by school, administrators are warning that many students may have to pay more, professors may lose their jobs, programs could vanish and support services could shrink. The turmoil is not limited to any one type of university or college, or any one state. A day before Michigan State University trustees opted for tuition increases, a California State University campus minutes from the Pacific Ocean announced that it was trimming its work force. 'If you're a student or family looking to go to college this year, all of the numbers are going in the wrong direction,' said Ted Mitchell, the president of the American Council on Education, who described the mood among higher education leaders as 'dark but resolved.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Mail & Guardian
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Advance academic excellence through transformation and internationalisation at SA universities
The brain circulation among academics is an international phenomenon that must be celebrated instead of being despised. In recent public discourse, questions have been raised about South African universities prioritising hiring foreign academics over local talent. These claims, though understandable in the broader context of our country's unemployment problem, require deeper interrogation and a nuanced understanding of the higher education landscape, history and its purpose. The little-understood or even misunderstood concept of internationalisation of higher education in South Africa also needs to be clarified. As context for our higher education system, South Africa is an open economy and an integral part of the global academic community. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, our universities must remain at the cutting-edge of international developments to maintain their relevance in society, and to foster their excellence, globally, and general sustainability. In today's knowledge-driven economy, learning is no longer bound by geographical borders. Institutions of higher learning must therefore actively work with global scholarly pursuits to ensure South Africa remains locally relevant while retaining competitiveness in global research, innovation and intellectual contributions. Data from the Higher Education Management Information System shows that foreign nationals constitute just over 12% of academic staff at South Africa's 26 public universities, with higher concentrations in science, engineering and health faculties. Data on international mobility of European researchers in higher education in 2019 shows a decrease in the share of internationally mobile researchers from 2012 to 2019. For those mobile for three or more months, the share fell from 31% in 2012 to 27% in 2019. For short-term mobility, the decrease has been more dramatic, from 41% to 32% in the same period. Excellence in academia transcends national boundaries. Talented people from all backgrounds drive innovative research, scientific progress and interdisciplinary knowledge. This global collaboration is at the heart of what is known as the internationalisation of higher education — an intentional effort to integrate global perspectives into higher education. Such efforts aim to enhance the quality, goals, and delivery of higher education and research. Neglecting this international dimension risks stagnation and missed opportunities for growth. Cross-border partnerships offer access to cutting-edge expertise, diverse viewpoints, and varied learning methods, fostering the cross-pollination of ideas essential for advancing knowledge. South Africa has long embraced internationalisation as a mechanism to enrich its academic content and environment. Our institutions benefit from global networks that facilitate funding opportunities, research partnerships which seek to advance new knowledge and innovations, and scholarly exchange programmes — all critical components of a thriving higher education ecosystem. These international connections are not a luxury but a necessity in ensuring that South African universities maintain their standing in global competitiveness and intellectual discourse. The modern academic landscape is shaped by the seamless exchange of ideas, facilitated by technology and international collaborations. No country can develop its knowledge economy in isolation, and South Africa is no exception. Higher education must occur within an environment where leading experts share discoveries and emerging trends without geographical constraints. Transformation an imperative Several factors contribute to the current staffing situation within our institutions. First, under apartheid, the majority of South Africans were systematically excluded from pursuing qualifications and careers in fields such as science, engineering and medicine. The legacy of these discriminatory policies persists today, making it necessary for universities to rely on foreign nationals to fill critical academic roles. As a result, the importation of advanced skills remains an ongoing reality for South African higher education, notwithstanding the need for internationalisation to enhance quality higher education and development of local skills. Second, academic careers have not always appealed to local professionals, particularly when the private sector offers significantly higher salaries for roles requiring fewer qualifications. Additionally, the widespread use of temporary contracts — accounting for about half of universities' staff — creates uncertainty that discourages those seeking long-term job security for themselves and their families. These conditions have contributed to the fact that only just over half of academics at South African universities hold PhD qualifications, which is a necessity for development of new knowledge, growth of higher education and also still falling short of the National Development Plan's goal of 75% by 2030. The historical exclusion of the majority population led to legislation promoting employment equity and workplace transformation to which our universities remain compliant. While universities strive to attract and retain local academics in pursuit of diversity, equity, and excellence, the scarcity of qualified local candidates often makes international recruitment a necessary strategy. Benefits of internationalisation Internationalisation and the development of local academic talent are not opposing goals. Rather, they are mutually reinforcing: each enhances the other's value and effectiveness. Prioritising opportunities for local scholars should go hand in hand with recognising that their growth is strengthened through international expertise. The presence of foreign academics in our institutions fosters mentorship, collaborative research and skills exchange, ultimately benefiting both local scholars and students. The cross-pollination of ideas and methodologies enriches academic discourse and drives innovation that serves both South Africa and the global community. Moreover, internationalisation does not equate to sidelining South African academics. On the contrary, many of our brightest minds have flourished through international exposure, and our universities remain committed to nurturing local talent through initiatives such as grants, postdoctoral fellowships, and programmes like the New Generation of Academics Programme, Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme, and Future Professors Programme. These initiatives specifically support historically under-represented groups. Furthermore, many South African scholars have gone on to contribute meaningfully to global scholarship. Thus, the current public discourse, which seeks to dismiss the importance of links to international academic risks leading the nation down a harmful path. We cannot forget the damaging effects of apartheid-era academic isolation. As we continue to rebuild from that legacy, we must resist being misled by those who, under the guise of protecting national interests, advocate for a narrow and inward-looking approach. Our goal should not be exclusion but integration — creating dynamic universities where diverse, talented minds converge to shape a better future. A collaborative future Instead of viewing internationalisation as a threat to local employment, we should see it as an opportunity for shared progress. South African universities must continue to cultivate local academic talent while embracing global perspectives that drive innovation, research, and thought leadership. The focus should be on merit, strategic value, and academia's role in tackling societal challenges. As South Africa competes in a global knowledge economy, our institutions must stay internationally connected to ensure students and scholars benefit from the best expertise, regardless of national origin. Integrating international knowledge is not a dismissal of local talent but a strategic move to enhance our intellectual capacity. We must remember that true academic progress does not thrive on exclusion; it flourishes through diversity, shared inquiry and an unwavering commitment to excellence. By welcoming global perspectives while fostering homegrown talent, South African higher education will continue to drive effective solutions, groundbreaking discoveries, and transformative leadership that benefit not only our nation but the world. The question is not whether we should work internationally; it is how boldly we will position ourselves as a knowledge powerhouse in the years to come, drawing on both local and international talent. South Africa's universities have a choice: to insulate themselves or to lead. The path forward is clear — leadership through knowledge, collaboration and a global vision. Dr Phethiwe Matutu is the chief executive of Universities South Africa.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Deakin University GIFT City Campus, India, announced 'Winner' at Economic Times Education Excellence Awards 2025
NEW DELHI, June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Deakin University is proud to announce that its GIFT City Campus in Gandhinagar, India, has been awarded 'Winner' in the category of 'Outstanding in Adopting NEP Strategies' at the prestigious Economic Times Education Excellence Awards 2025. The awards ceremony, held at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, New Delhi, brought together distinguished educational leaders from across the country. This milestone not only recognises the landmark India's first international branch campus initiative but also celebrates Deakin's three-decade legacy of deep engagement with India. Since becoming the first university to establish an office in India in 1994, Deakin has fostered enduring partnerships across India's academia, industry, and government, forging the path for this transformative new campus. Established in 2024, the campus represents a new model for higher education in India. It is globally benchmarked, digitally empowered, and deeply aligned with the transformative vision of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. "It's an enormous privilege to be part of India's education transformation and support the Indian Government's NEP 2020 ambitions. Our Deakin GIFT City campus provides access to a world-class education for Indian students on their home soil, whilst building on Deakin's deep and longstanding connection and friendship with India. Being in the heart of GIFT City allows us to facilitate opportunities with key global industry tech and finance players," said Professor Iain Martin, Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University. Deakin's GIFT City Campus is the first international branch campus in India. Focused on preparing students for the rapidly advancing digital economy, it offers a vibrant atmosphere that includes cybersecurity laboratories and state-of-the-art digital classrooms. It also facilitates internship opportunities with onsite industry partners. "This is not just a win for Deakin, it's a win for the India-Australia education partnership," said Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University. "Our GIFT City Campus builds on years of meaningful collaboration and trust earned in India. It reflects Deakin's unique positioning to bring international education closer to Indian aspirations." The GIFT City campus currently offers postgraduate programs in Cybersecurity and Business Analytics, designed with Indian industry partners and delivered at the same standards as offered in Australia. Its first successful placement cycle concluded recently, with students securing paid internships and future roles at National Australia Bank's India Innovation Centre. Deakin's GIFT City Campus has been purpose-built for scalability and sustainability, both across its physical and academic structure. Powered by Deakin's award-winning advanced tech for education delivery model, students benefit from AI-powered learning platforms, virtual labs, and simulations, alongside holistic learner support systems and access-enabling scholarships. As a campus grounded in Deakin's philosophy of 'In India, With India, For India', this recognition affirms their role in helping India realise its NEP goals through globally relevant, locally delivered education. To know more about the Deakin University GIFT City Campus, please visit About Deakin University Established in 1974, Deakin is Australia's most progressive University with a focus on delivering outcomes that benefit the whole of society through exploring and developing great ideas. Deakin excels in both education and research globally and has more than 65 global partnerships. Deakin's South Asia operations commenced in 1994 at New Delhi, India, making it one of the first overseas education providers to set up operations in this region. Here, Deakin engages with the government, industry, and academia to share its vibrant education and research culture. Our strong global footprint allows us to connect with students and partners around the world through our presence in China, Europe, India, Indonesia, South and Central America, and Sri Lanka. For more information on Deakin University, please visit Photo: View original content to download multimedia: Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Inicia sesión para acceder a tu portafolio Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información
The Guardian
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Students in England now graduate with average debt of £53,000, data shows
Students in England are finishing their degrees with government loans averaging £53,000, a jump of 10% in a year, as they increase their borrowing to meet the rising cost of living. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has released figures showing individual loan balances were £5,000 higher in 2024-25 than a year earlier, when the average in England was £48,270. In comparison, students in Scotland – where undergraduate tuition remains free for local students – finished with just £17,000 in government loans. Those in Northern Ireland accrued £28,000 in debt and those from Wales £39,470. Rising costs also mean more students are taking on paid work during term time. A survey published by the Higher Education Policy Institute found 68% of full-time students worked for an average of 13 hours each week, the highest rate in the decade the survey has been conducted. The SLC reported that 62% of former students who are liable to repay their loans are in the UK tax system, with nearly 3 million (40%) making repayments averaging £1,100 in 2024-25. The government's total student loan book for England has hit £266bn, up from £64bn 10 years ago after the introduction of £9,000 annual tuition fees and loans. That figure will rise more quickly from next academic year after the government raised the tuition fee for domestic students from £9,250 to £9,535 from September. The extra income is unlikely to solve higher education's financial woes, as the government plans to reduce the number of international students and competition between universities for domestic students intensifies. Research by the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education found that a quarter of the sector's leaders say their institution will need a 'complete overhaul' to survive the crisis. More than half of the leaders surveyed said financial stability was now their 'top institutional priority', while 28% said that international student recruitment was their most important activity. A new report by the Tony Blair Institute found that as tuition fees from UK students have been eroded by inflation, falling by nearly a third in real terms since 2012, many universities now rely on international student fees to cross-subsidise courses for domestic students. The institute warned that a group of universities are now vulnerable to changes to student visas that the UK government is considering as part of its immigration white paper, including a 6% levy on tuition fees, stricter compliance regulations and a reduction in the amount of time international students can spend working in the UK after completing their course. Alexander Iosad, the institute's director of government innovation policy, said universities with lower international rankings and former polytechnics had weaker finances and were most reliant on international students, putting them most at risk from any visa changes. The report says: 'As the government seeks to reform the immigration system, it is worth considering the interplay of these changes with the broader need to reform the higher education funding system so that it is put on a more sustainable basis.'
News24
9 hours ago
- Business
- News24
‘It takes years to prepare candidates for academic leadership': Vacancies at SA universities
Vacancies at some universities include those of deputy vice-chancellors, deans of faculties, chief financial officers, registrars, heads of departments, heads of schools and directors. Etienne Dötsch/Picture alliance via Getty Images
