Daily Higher Education News: 26 February 2013

The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 26 February 2013.

Most Australians want international students to stay

According to a report from Universities Australia, almost three-quarters of Australians think international students should be encouraged to stay on after graduating. The survey also found most respondents were happy with the current proportion of international students at Australia's universities, The Border Mail reports. However, the report also reveals some concerns about over-dependence on income from international fees, and a lack of awareness about universities’ role in research and development.

UK universities consider private loans to help postgrads

Some of the UK’s top universities are considering offering private loans to postgraduate students, The Guardian reports. Master’s programs typically cost around UK£5,000-6,000 (US$7,600-9,100) – which is more than many can afford, especially now undergraduate fees can be charged up to £9,000 (about US$13,700) per year. As yet, it’s unclear what kind of loan schemes universities might propose – or whether they will decide the costs and risks are in fact too high.

Japanese companies keen to recruit international students

More Japanese companies are looking to recruit international students, The Japan Times reports. In one survey conducted last year, more than a quarter of polled companies said they planned to hire foreign students in the 2013 fiscal year – and almost half of those with more than 1,000 employees wanted to recruit foreigners. Hitomi Okazaki, editor of employment website Rikunabi, says foreign students in Japan have the advantage of bringing international diversity to companies, while being already familiar with the local culture and language.

US watchdog calls for more flexibility on student loan repayments

A US consumer watchdog is calling for suggestions on how to make private student loan repayments more manageable, Market Watch reports. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says private loans tend to be less flexible than federal loans – which typically allow repayments based on income level and the option to lengthen the repayment period. The CFPB is inviting proposals from colleges, lenders and members of the public by 8 April, after which it will make recommendations for change.

University survey highlights importance of breakfast

A survey of students at the UK’s Westminster University found that 90% of the highest performing students eat breakfast before 9am every day, The National Student reports. Cereal with milk was by far the most popular breakfast option among surveyed students, and 60% also reported drinking tea in the morning. A representative of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy recommended students start the day with complex carbohydrates and foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids (mmm, sounds delicious...).  

More recent higher education news:

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