Higher education in the world: new ranking

HE News Brief 15.3.11

March 15, 2011 Abby Chau 

 

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• A new league table measuring countries’ higher education system published by the British Council found that Germany comes first as the best country for international study. The table measures, among other indicators, degree quality and recognition, support for international students and time spent studying abroad. Global Gauge discovered that Germany offered English courses geared toward international students and most importantly, it does not charge foreign students additional fees. Australia came in second, followed by the UK, China, and Malaysia.
  Full Story: BBC News

• During the Going Global conference in Hong Kong, questions were raised in regards to Asian institutions, and whether rankings are forcing them to become “western” universities by establishing criteria without taking into account regional and cultural differences. Christopher Brown, director of the International College of Zayed University, says that the trend in Asia is now to define itself, rather than looking at western counterparts. Lily Kong, vice president for university and global relations at National University of Singapore says that the picture is more complex than that, and that balance is the answer. Kong says that the problem is not with rankings but that a handful of rankings dominate the landscape and perhaps the key is more rankings, with different indicators, such looking at third mission.
  Full Story: Inside Higher Ed
  

• During the Emerging Directions in Global Education Conference in Delhi, Indian minister for higher education Kapil Sibal has reiterated his support to allow foreign institutions to set up camp in India. Sibal introduced the proposal approximately one year ago with much fanfare, but now the initiative languishes in parliament. Despite the governmental stalemate, interest in higher education from foreign institutions has not waned, with international representatives extolling the virtue of partnership agreements.
  Full Story:  Chronicle of Higher Education

• For those voices of dissent that think that protests don’t work, one just needs to look at Algeria and Morocco to see that there just might be something to civil unrest. Following a series of sit-ins and protests, and fearing they would go the way of their neighbours, both countries have pledge investment in higher education in hopes to quell civil discontent.  The Moroccan government has pledged over 63 million dollars to fund initiatives for higher education and research development, including supporting young researchers with grants. Plans to develop research centres in four major cities is also in the works in order to boost graduate employment.  In Algeria, to combat recent protests decrying academic ‘brain drain’ and the lack of facilities, the government has announced that by 2012, 300 new laboratories will be built, and training 60,000 lecturers is a high priority by 2020.
  Full Story:  University World News
  
  
• Since the hiking of international tuition fees in Denmark recently, many foreign students have reportedly dropped out of courses. In addition, some are finding that additional language qualifications has made it harder for foreigners to complete their studies. Social democrat spokesperson Christine Antorini says that educated  foreigners are important to the Danish economy, and that recognising their qualifications is fundamental for businesses.
  Full Story:  The Copenhagen Post