Good News for the Students (Germany)

The German parliament has now announced a new highly-skilled migrant and graduate employment scheme. Along the European Union scheme for so-called "Blue Cards" (similar to American Green Cards), Germany has now brought in new rules for long-term migration after studies in Germany.

We have gathered a bit of information about last Friday's decision to introduce the Blue Card to Germany and we can now give you a short overview of what the new law means for your clients and students:

Overview of the new law:

- Graduates from non-EU countries can stay in Germany for 6 months to look for jobs after graduate from a German university.

-The minimum annual wage levels have been decreased to 35,000 EUR for certain specialist professions (doctors, phycists, IT specialists etc.) and to 45,000 for all other professions in need of recruits.

- Those that find a job within this minimum salary range can stay for another 3 years.

- If the card-holder forms a strong relationship with the employer, they can apply for permanent residence OR if he demonstrates a good knowledge of German, he can stay for another 2 years at least

List of articles about the new blue card system in Germany:

http://www.bluecard-germany.com/Welcome.html

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15915424,00.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Card_%28European_Union%29

Now, we have started a new service alongside our current offer for German language courses. It is called "University Placement Service". You can find the link to our service at the following website:

http://www.sprachschule-aktiv-muenchen.de/english/learn-german-in-munich/studying-in-munich/university-placement-service/index.html

Here comes a description of our service for students and agents:

A chance to get your postgraduate fees paid and a brand new course! (Manchester Metropolitan University)

A chance to get your fees paid and a brand new course!

Be among the first to find out more at the Postgraduate Fair

The Faculty of Humanities, Languages and Social Science will be launching details of its scholarship competition at the Postgraduate Fair tomorrow. Come along and find out how you could have the chance of getting your fees paid. This Masters Scholarship Scheme aims to encourage the brightest and best applicants to continue their studies at Masters level. The scheme makes available eight fees-only scholarships worth up to £6,000 each. Talk to the faculty team at the HLSS stand to find out how you can access full entry details, don’t miss out!

The brand new Masters programme in Applied Linguistics will also be launched at the fair and it’s open to graduates of all disciplines. Discover how this versatile, interdisciplinary course will provide you with a solid understanding of the basis of language and linguistics, giving you a valuable insight into the relationship between language, culture and society. Open up new career opportunities with this exciting new course.

To book a place at the Postgraduate Fair go to www.mmu.ac.uk/postgrad or call 0161 247 6969.

Post Study Work Visa

Did you know Holmesglen students are now eligible to apply for the new two year post-study work visa on completion of their bachelor degree at Holmesglen?

http://www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-post-study-work.pdf

Study Abroad

Assessment Level (AL)1 Streamline visa Application

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, today announced key changes to the student visa program recommended by the Knight Review will commence from 24 March, as part of the government's commitment to position Australia as a preferred study destination for international students.

'International education plays a vital role in a growing economy, educational outcomes and Australia's diplomatic engagement with other countries, so it's important that we give it the best possible support,' Mr Bowen said.

'From 24 March, we are implementing streamlined visa processing arrangements for prospective students enrolled in Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degrees at participating universities, making the application process simpler and faster.'

In recognition of these institutions' track record, university students — regardless of their country of origin — will be treated as though they are lower risk and will need to submit less evidence in support of their visa application, similar to the current assessment level (AL) 1.

'Universities in Australia have embraced the opportunity to sign up to the arrangements, which are expected to help boost international enrolments for semester two 2012 and beyond,' Mr Bowen said.

From 26 March, the government will provide more flexible work conditions for all student visa holders, which will also provide more flexibility for their employers.

In recognition of the importance of the higher degree by research sector, the government will also allow postgraduate research (subclass 574) visa holders to work an unlimited amount of hours per week once their course has commenced, which will mean they can engage in employment related to their research.

Other Knight Review changes to be implemented from 24 March include:

• Improved access to English language study for schools sector visa applicants and for student guardian visa holders
• Removal of the requirement for higher risk schools sector visa applicants to provide evidence of an English language proficiency test.

In line with the Knight Review recommendations, the minister today introduced legislation to Parliament to abolish the automatic visa cancellation process for international students.

The Student Legislation Amendment (Student Visas) Bill will reduce complexity and uncertainty for students and provide for fairer, more efficient monitoring and compliance processes.

Brightspark Education Consultants (Front)

UKBA take a interview from Pakistani Students (David Cameron)