International News - Around the World in Higher Education and Research, by News Tank Academic - n°18

Canada's Auditor General criticises the International Student Programme; Cambodia accelerates R&D and AI initiatives to drive innovation-led growth; Egypt unveils a global expansion plan for its top universities; Australia accelerates Horizon Europe association talks; and a US affirmative- action ban leads to reduced minority enrolment at elite universities…

Welcome to the new edition of News Tank Academic's roundup of international news. Every week, we will bring you a selection of some of the most important developments in higher education from around the world.

Headline news

Canada’s International Student Programme faces sharp criticism from Auditor General

Canada’s auditor general Karen Hogan has criticised the government’s handling of the International Student Programme, concluding that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada failed to implement reforms effectively. A cap on study permits introduced in 2024 led to strained relations with provinces, which reported poor consultation and little feedback.

Approval rates fell sharply, with fewer than half of projected permits…