Daily Higher Education News: 20 February 2013

The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 20 February 2013.

Germany wants one million Indian students to learn German

Germany’s ambassador to India, Michael Steiner, says he wants one million Indian students to learn at least basic German by 2017, The Times of India reports. A German language program has been introduced at 300 Kendriya Vidyalaya schools (a system run by the Ministry of Human Resource Development) – and Steiner says classes have been “overrun” by “openminded students eager to learn German”.

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Study shows Finnish universities’ growing focus on English language

A new study from researchers at the University of Cambridge shows a growing number of universities in Finland require applicants to submit proof of their English language ability, PRNewswire reports. Some 43 universities in the country now offer English-taught degree courses. Nicola Johnson of the Cambridge English Language Assessment said, “Finland is becoming an increasingly important destination for English medium degrees. It's now the top overseas study destination for Russian students and is increasingly popular with students from other parts of the world.” 

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International students in Australia not expected to increase in 2013

Financial research agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has warned universities in Australia not to expect an increase in international student numbers next year, The Australian reports. Domestic student numbers are forecast to grow by no more than 1.1% per year up to 2020. However, despite highlighting challenging conditions, S&P has given a stable forecast for all four of the Australian universities it rates on credit – Australian National University, University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and the University of Wollongong – saying that they all have “strong branding and sound management, and a proven track record that demonstrates their resilience.”

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Student senate proposes restriction on concealed firearms on campus

Students in the US state of Illinois are contributing to proposed changes to legislation that would restrict the carrying of concealed weapons on university campuses, The Daily Illini reports. The Illinois General Assembly, responsible for making and amending laws in the state, is currently holding hearings on the issue. Student senator Christopher Dayton says his aim is to create a flexible system, that would allow students to collaborate with local communities and governments to reach shared decisions on the carrying of concealed weapons – not just on university property, but also in areas with a high student population.

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Indian students given tour of UK prime minister’s home

While UK prime minister David Cameron has been busying visiting India this week, a group of 30 Indian postgraduate students have been exploring 10 Downing Street – the PM’s London home. The students, who are pursuing courses at various UK universities, were among the 60 ‘Jubilee Scholars’ chosen from different Indian states, NDTV reports.

More recent higher education news:

• Ivy League professor causes controversy by stripping in class >
• US plans 10-year research project to map the human brain > 
• Increase in students gaining UK degrees from outside the UK >