US, Thailand, Canada: University News

The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest university news from around the world, on 5 June 2013.

US: Record increase in universities recognized as Hispanic-Serving

The number of US universities and colleges recognized as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) grew from 311 in 2010-11 to 356 in 2011-12, NBC Latino reports. This is the biggest increase within a single year since the annual listing began in 1995. HSIs, defined as colleges and universities where Hispanic students make up at least 25% of full-time students, now account for 11% of all higher education institutions in the US, and more than half of all undergraduate Latino student enrolments.

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Thailand: Universities bidding for TV channel

A group of 33 Thai universities have joined forces to bid for the running of a free digital TV channel, Bangkok Post reports. The group are hoping to run a 24-hour educational channel, which would broadcast programs covering a broad scope of subjects – including arts and culture, as well as science and technology. Somkid Lertpaitoon, rector of Thammasat University, said, “We want to set a precedent in operating a TV station that truly offers programs with quality and useful content for the people.”

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Canada: University of Waterloo announces new water management program

Canada’s University of Waterloo has received a C$1.75 million commitment from the RBC Foundation which will be used to support a new graduate program in integrated water management, Canada Newswire reports. The program will be taught in collaboration between four academic faculties, and will aim to prepare students for interdisciplinary cooperation with experts in related fields. The donation from RBC, a charitable project, will support more than 120 scholarships for master’s and PhD students, as well as sponsoring program fellows and an annual student symposium.

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UK: Tighter student visa rules could deter international students, report warns

The latest annual report from Universities UK argues that tighter student visa regulations are likely to deter international students from studying in the UK, The Guardian reports. The lobbying organization’s annual report gives the example of Australia, where tighter visa rules were followed by a decrease in revenue from foreign students. The UK government has recently introduced additional requirements for applicants to multiyear courses, including tougher English language checks, and ‘credibility check’ interviews.

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