First-time enrollment of international students at graduate schools in the United States grew 8 percent from 2010 to 2011, according to a study released last week. That is an increase over the 3 percent rise last year and the largest since 2006, when the number jumped 12 percent.
The study, by the Council of Graduate Schools, a Washington-based organization that promotes graduate education and research, said that the increase in first-time enrollment, generally the best predictor of graduate enrollment trends, was due largely to an increase in the number of Chinese students — up 21 percent compared with 2010.
This marks the sixth year in a row that China, which sends the most international graduate students to the United States, has reported double-digit growth. Significant increases were also reported from the Middle East and Turkey, whose first-time enrollment levels jumped 14 percent in 2011. First-time enrollment from India was up 2 percent, the first increase since 2007.
The study, which surveyed 237 colleges and universities, also revealed differences in enrollment levels by area of study and program type. Education and the physical and earth sciences posted the largest increase in numbers of degrees sought, with enrollment levels for each up 12 percent. That continues an upward trend in the physical sciences from last year but was a marked reversal of course for education, which declined 7 percent in 2010. The overall gain in international enrollment this year owes much to doctoral programs, which typically have a higher proportion of international students than master’s programs. First-time international enrollment at doctoral programs was up 8 percent, while master’s programs reported a 5 percent drop in that category, continuing the trend from last year. — REBECCA APPEL
Drop in visiting enrollees hurt Australian economy
The money that international higher education students contribute to the Australian economy dropped significantly in the last year, officials said last week.
The country’s “total export earnings” from higher education — including tuition fees, living costs and travel — fell to 9.4 billion Australian dollars from 10.4 billion dollars, or to $9.7 billion from $10.7 billion, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Education is one of Australia’s largest exports, with many universities dependent on international students’ tuition fees. However, figures from the Australian Department ofImmigration and Citizenship have shown a steep downturn in applications for student visas since 2009, recovering slightly only this year.
A review of the student visa programs released this year noted that a combination of factors had contributed to the decline, including the global financial crisis, the strong Australian dollar and a damaged reputation following a spate of attacks against international students in 2009. There are 208,079 students enrolled in higher education in Australia, according to the government. — JONATHAN J. LI
University official to quit over nepotism allegation
The head of a coalition of Australia’s leading universities will step down from his university post following allegations that a student, whom the local news media described as a family member, “was improperly offered a place” at the university that he directs, according to a statement released last week.
Paul Greenfield, the vice chancellor of the University of Queensland, will resign next July, while his deputy, Michael Keniger, will resign at the end of this year. Mr. Greenfield is also the current chairman of the Group of Eight coalition of Australian universities.
“Professor Greenfield, as vice chancellor, and Professor Keniger, as acting vice chancellor at the time, each accepted, by virtue of their positions, that they had ultimate responsibility and accountability for the irregularity and each offered his resignation,” said a statement by the university. The student’s identity has not been revealed for privacy reasons, the university said. — JONATHAN J. LI
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