TIG Post

Tag: International students

  • Canada imposes stringent financial criteria for international students

    Canada imposes stringent financial criteria for international students


    The Canadian government has declared a reassessment of visa prerequisites for international students applying for study permits.

    This initiative, labeled the “cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants,” will result in an escalation of fees from $10,000 to $20,000, starting from January 1, 2024.

    The goal of the action, according to Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller, is to ensure that foreign students who wish to apply for study permits are able to support themselves financially while living in the nation.

    “Starting January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants will be raised so that international students are financially prepared for life in Canada,” a statement from the ministry said.

    “For 2024, a single applicant will need to show they have $20,635, representing 75% of LICO, in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. This change will apply to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024,” it added.

    The Canadian authorities further pointed out that the review “will help prevent student vulnerability and exploitation.”

    Canada, which has recently become a sought-after destination for immigration, maintained a financial requirement of $10,000 for study permit applicants (international students) for nearly two decades.

    This recent announcement from Canada closely follows the United Kingdom’s introduction of new visa regulations and a salary threshold for foreign workers, making visa acquisition more challenging for individuals, including Ghanaians.

    The Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, proposed these changes, necessitating individuals applying for working visas to have a minimum annual income of £38,700 (GH¢587,578), a substantial increase from the previous £26,000 (GH¢393,444).

    These figures surpass the existing median average salary of a full-time worker in Britain.

    The measures, presented by Home Secretary James Cleverly, aim to reduce annual immigration by 300,000 in the coming years, although a specific timeline for achieving this was not provided.

    The UK Home Secretary also announced additional measures, including restrictions on overseas care workers bringing family dependents and the plan to eliminate the 20 percent salary discount that recruiting firms can offer workers on the shortage occupation list.

  • List of the best 10 scholarships in Italy available to international students

    List of the best 10 scholarships in Italy available to international students

    International students in Italy are eligible for the same financial assistance services as Italian students if they meet the same requirements regarding financial need or academic excellence.

    The Italian government provides national and regional scholarships for which international students can apply.

    Additionally, certain universities in Italy provide scholarship programs specifically for international students.

    Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
    The Italian Government awards scholarships for studying in Italy both to foreign citizens and Italian citizens resident abroad (IRE). 

    The scholarships are offered for the following type of courses: Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale 2° ciclo), Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), PhD program, Research under academic supervision (Progetti in co-tutela), and Italian Language and Culture Courses.

    The scholarship includes tuition fees, health insurance and a monthly allowance. It is only possible to apply for three, six, or nine month scholarships.

    The “Invest your Talent in Italy” programme, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by the Italian Ministry for Economic Development, offers students from Azerbaijan, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Turkey, Tunisia, and Vietnam the opportunity to develop their skills and specialise through a range of Master’s and postgraduate degree courses in English, in the fields of Engineering, Advanced Technologies, Architecture, Design, Economics and Management at prestigious Italian universities. 

    The best students will be offered scholarships, sponsored by partners and main corporate sponsors.

    EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
    Students including non-EU international students enrolled in a full-time Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Single Cycle Master’s degree, or PhD Degree courses at one of the Universities of Piedmont (i.e. The Politecnico of Torino, the University of Torino, the University of Eastern Piedmont) can apply for EDISU scholarships if they meet the merit and economic requirements of the competition. Part-time students can apply if enrolled in a bachelor’s degree. The scholarship amount varies depending on many conditions. Accommodation service can also be granted to non-resident students.

    Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme
    The University of Padua also offers the which provides full scholarships to highly talented prospective students wishing to pursue a first-cycle or second-cycle degree taught in English at Padova. The scholarship includes a subsistence allowance of €8,000 and a tuition fee waiver.

    Tuition Fee Waivers at University of Pavia for International Students
    In order to strengthen the presence of international students and foster the creation of an ever more global community, the University of Pavia is awarding 120 tuition fee waivers providing exemption from the payment of University tuition fees to all foreign students enrolling in selected degree programs in the 2023/2024 academic year. The fee waiver will be effective for the first year only and cannot be extended or renewed.

    Bocconi Merit and International Awards
    Bocconi University offers merit-based scholarships to international students enrolling in any eligible Bachelor’s Program or Master of Science Program at Bocconi. The scholarship includes half to full tuition waiver worth up to €13,000 per year for Bachelor’s Program and up to €14,000 per year for Master’s of Science Program.

    Politecnico de Milano Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students
    Every year, Politecnico di Milano offers a number of merit based scholarships to the most talented international candidates admitted to a Master of Science programme. Students obtaining a scholarship will have to pay only an administrative fee of about €200. Scholarships of €5.000 to €10.000 per year may also be awarded on top of the tuition fee waiver.

    Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships
    The Politecnico di Torino offers scholarships to international students to attend academic programs in certain fields such as Engineering and Architecture.

    Università Cattolica International Scholarships
    The UCSC International Scholarship is an annual tuition fee reduction promoted by Università Cattolica in order to foster the access of international student to the degree programs. The discount covers about 25% of the total cost.