Many students threes days are heading towards Queensland in Australia for higher education. World class education at an affordable rate is the key features that keep on attracting students towards the education institutes of Queensland. Education Queensland International also popularly known as EQI plays a role of a positive catalyst in promoting the study programs for the foreign students, those who seek admission at the schools under Queensland Government. This has become an easy way for students to get admission in their dream education institute in Australia.

There is a dedicated body of professionals in the team of EQI which is responsible for meeting the queries, demands and requirements of the international students who come to Queensland for further education. Education Queensland International is also an integral part of the “Department of Education and Training” which is under the Queensland Government. EQI is primarily focused at taking care of the needs of the international students be it academically or otherwise. Their aim is to make sure that the international students are getting a fun filled and vibrant learning environment that is safe and sound for them. For further details about Education Queensland International or EQI, one can log on to their home website at www.eqi.com.au.

Securing a student visa is often a hurdle for students traveling abroad for higher education. For getting a student visa it is imperative that the student is able to convince the consulate the he or she is not seeking a citizenship to the country and intends to come back. Firstly, it is important to disclose the number of times the applicant has traveled to that country and the relatives who stay there. To study in the U.S. a student needs to obtain either F-1 visa or a J-1 visa. The immigration regulations and student visa regulations in U.S. are supervised by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is also important to have a valid passport when opting for a student visa and preferably the student should apply for the passport in the country of origin. The consulate of the country usually attaches a sticker with the photograph in the passport which confirms that the applicant is on student visa. When an international student arrives at U.S. he needs to fill in the I-94 form which records the details of his arrival and departure. This I-94 form is a proof of the time period a student will be allowed to stay in that country legally. While applying for a student visa, the applicant needs to provide a complete record of the academic achievements along with scholarships received, financial status and offers of accommodation facility in the foreign country. Knowledge of the visa application procedure would ensure that the student is clear about the process and does not fall prey to any malpractice or procedural bottlenecks.

We keep hearing about Indian students traveling for higher education in foreign countries in search of an academic fortune but has India been able to attract foreign students too? The trend says, yes. Students from Asian and European countries are flocking to top educational institutions in India. This confirms that Indian education system has gained the trust of the global student community. What are the main parameters that define the popularity that the country has gained over the years? Affordable higher education, a safe learning environment and availability of diverse options in various fields of study are just few of the reasons. For example an international student looking to enroll for an MBA in a top business management school in India will only have to pay a much lower price and receive quality knowledge when compared an MBA degree in US or a European country. The fact that professionals in the field of business, science, academics with an education in India have excelled in their chosen field and are held in high esteem is also another reason. Students from countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Iraq, Japan, U.S, and Bhutan are flocking to Indian universities in great numbers every year. Catering to international students is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of the educational administrative machinery. On a positive note we hope, that the country will be able to do away with the few bottlenecks in its educational system to make the process of education a memorable experience for both the national and international learning community.

As the attacks on Indian students in Australia continue to be the talking point, what are the steps that are being taken to ensure safety of the Indian students? Isn’t it important to maintain a database of Indian students studying there? In an effort to maintain a record of Indian students in Australia, the ministry of overseas Indian Affairs is taking some serious initiatives. A database of the students will be created where information will be fed from embassies and global universities. This database is supposed to contain a comprehensive listing of Indian students studying abroad. Did we need an incident of racial attacks to come to such a decision? Probably only a mishap can make us sit up and take notice! The database that will be prepared also means that students themselves should register with the Indian embassies and provide emergency contact numbers. India, over the years has secured a position as the second largest education market in Australia and cases of assault, theft and racial attacks on Indian students coincides with that. Along with a database of Indian students studying abroad isn’t it also important to maintain a database of crimes and attacks that were meted out to the Indian students?

With the professional courses in technology and management trying to develop international standards would employers in India eventually start to prefer students with international degrees that from Indian institutes? One cannot really pinpoint an answer to this question. For most employers finding the right candidate with an academic exposure that involved the right course content and the learning capability of the student which becomes the deciding factor. The inclination towards foreign degrees probably arise from the fact, the professional degrees abroad are intensely skilled focused while the Indian counterparts still lean on building a sound  theoretical base. But will a student who has an international degree prefer to come back to India to seek employment? However there has been a rise of interest in acquiring an international degree special through the Open and Distance Learning mode (ODL). May be to overcome the infrastructural backlogs of the traditional Indian educational structure, a degree from an international institute is becoming the preferred choice specially for working adults who wish to enhance their knowledge for better employability.

However, an international degree would definitely have an impact on the pay cheque that is offered to a fresher in the job market; however the accreditation of the institute is equally important here. International degrees in specialized areas of sales, marketing and finance are in demand as organization in India have started to aim the global market where an understanding of international marketing and global socio-economic factors are integral.

According to the new notification issued by the University Grants Commission, any foreign diplomat wishing to pursue higher studies in any university has to give up diplomatic visa and obtain student visa. The UGC authority claims that they have received orders from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to strictly follow visa guidelines that do not permit a diplomatic visa holder to pursue education. This decision was taken after receiving complaints that diplomats with either work visa or journalist visa categories take admission in universities to prolong their stay.

There are various diplomats and their dependents enrolled in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Indira Gandhi National Open University learning language and even doctorates. These diplomats are not really interested in study. Some of them do not even meet the necessary attendance requirements. There have been complains that in at least two universities students holding diplomatic passport have been caught indulging in illegal activities on campus. Often they are granted the seats reserved for the foreign students , its a total waste of seats that could have benefited genuinely interested students. I feel this was a good step taken on behalf of the administration. Anybody genuinely interested in pursuing education should have access to the educational opportunities. The limited foreign seats should be alloted to genuinely interested students who can make the best out of opportunity.