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IAU Lynx June 2021
KEEPING AN EYE ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS WORLDWIDEJune 2021
IAU Lynx offers a monthly overview of higher education developments around the world. It covers new policies, initiatives and projects on various higher education topics. The information is classified by international, regional, bilateral and national initiatives.
INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
UNESCO Member States have expressed the need to establish a globally recognised qualifications passport, drawing on the experiences and methodology of the European Qualifications Passport initiative. A pilot project was implemented by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) in Iraq, UNHCR, NOKUT and UNESCO. Twenty-one UNESCO qualification passports were officially issued to the candidates at a conference jointly organised by the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and UNESCO on 27 May 2021.
The UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) was held virtually from 17-19 May 2021, live streamed from Berlin, Germany, to mobilize support for the new global framework ESD for 2030. The Conference was organized in cooperation with and supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research Germany. May 17 May 18 May 19
Ms Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education was interviewed in May by the President of the higher council of Education of Quebec on the following question :Towards 2030: How to strengthen the global initiative for quality education for all?
UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP)
A new publication "A new generation of external quality assurance. Dynamics of change and innovative approaches. New trends in Higher education" takes stock of the innovative approaches that have emerged in response to the many criticisms of the EQA process at the beginning of the 21st century. This publication identifies the main trends underlying the development of innovative approaches to EQA.UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE)
The IITE and Shanghai Open University (SOU) has called for submissions to share best practices on digital transformations related to the use of advanced ICT in education, including artificial intelligence (AI). The best practices of schools, TVET organizations and universities will be collected within the UNESCO IITE/SOU joint project on “Promoting ICT Capacity Building and Open Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies”. Deadline for submissions: 30 June 2021UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC)
UNESCO (IESALC) presents itsAnnual Report 2020 that explores its activities, which on this occasion respond to the challenges posed by the pandemic to higher education, aligned with the work programme approved for the 2020-2021.IESALC’s new report “Thinking Higher and Beyond: Perspectives on the Futures of Higher Education to 2050“ presents findings from consultations with higher education experts based around the world. It questions common assumptions about higher education and its contributions, creating a bold series of possibilities for different futures for higher education for all.
UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (ICHEI) - Abuja and Dakar Offices
On 11 May 2021, UNESCO-ICHEI and UNESCO Abuja and Dakar Offices virtually signed a partnership agreement for higher education digital transformation in West Africa. The parties agreed to jointly promote access to, quality, and inclusion of Higher Education using innovations of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the ECOWAS region of West Africa.UNESCO Beirut
During the Second International Conference on E-learning held by Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UNESCO called for the continuation of blended learning in universities in Iraq.UNESCO Quebec
On the 15 years of the Quebec-Canada Agreement on UNESCO, a motion adopted unanimously in the National Assembly. "The Agreement "contributes to the influence" of Quebec and "recognizes the specificity of Quebec based, among other things, on the use of the French language and a unique culture.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1390713331397365766 (in French)UNESCO Santiago
The first report, “Todos y todas sin excepción” ("All without exception") produced by the Global Education Monitoring Report (GEM Report), the Regional Bureau for Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (OREALC/UNESCO Santiago) and the Laboratory for Research and Innovation in Education for Latin America and the Caribbean (SUMMA), urges countries in the region not to forget the most disadvantaged children and youth and to promote inclusion in education in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. The seminar presentation is available online.
Agence universitaire de la francophonie (AUF)
Financed by the European Union and implemented by the AUF in partnership with the national research and innovation agencies of Benin, Burkina, Togo and Senegal, the VaRRIWA project - "Valorization of research and innovation results in West Africa" - was officially launched on 4 June in Dakar (Senegal). With a duration of four years and a budget of more than three billion CFA francs (€4,942,249), the VaRRIWA project aims to contribute to the creation of an incentive environment for the transfer of research and innovation results in West Africa.
REseau quaLIté en Enseignement supérieur et Recherche (RELIER)
The REseau quaLIté en Enseignement supérieur et Recherche (RELIER) organised on 20 May 2021 its 17th Conference in partnership with the Agence de mutualisation des universités et établissements d’enseignement supérieur ou de recherche (Amue) on the theme "International openness and ESR: Impact of the quality approach".
Ms. Olfa Zéribi, AUF Regional Director for Western Europe, presented the development strategy of the French-speaking expertise at the international level in relation with the 2021-2025 strategy of the AUF.OECD / Ibero-American States (OEI)
The Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI) report on Higher Education, Competitiveness and Productivity was launched in Madrid by the Secretary-General of the OECD.
Return to top REGIONAL INITIATIVES
Africa - Americas - Asia & Pacific - Europe
Call for Papers: Green Criminological Dialogues: Voices from Africa
The University of Oslo, an IAU Member, has launched a call for abstracts from the Global South on a topic of choice connected with terrestrial or marine environmental conflict, destruction and/or resistance in Africa and invites African scholars from African Universities to contribute.
Abstract to be sent no later than 1 July 2021Asociación de Universidades Grupo Montevideo
Registration is now open for the Winter School on Human Rights Education, organised by the Human Rights Chair of the Association of Universities Grupo Montevideo and the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). The course will be held virtually every Wednesday from 30 June to 1 August. It has a total class load of 34 hours and certificates will be issued to those who complete 75% of the activities.
Asociación Iberoamericana de Educación Superior a Distancia (AIESAD)
The National Distance Education University UNED will host the European Distance and E-learning Network 2021 annual conference in Madrid from 21 to 24 June, 2021. Registration is still open.
Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura (OEI)
The OEI and its Ibero-American Institute for Human Rights Education, in collaboration with the SM Foundation, are launching the 4th edition of the Óscar Arnulfo Romero Ibero-American Prize for Human Rights Education. The call is aimed at institutions that have actively worked in the defence and promotion of human rights through education and pedagogy. Formal education schools and civil society organisations linked to non-formal education work are eligible to participate. The prize is USD 5,000 for the two winners in each category.
Centro Interuniversitario de Desarrollo (CINDA)
CINDA’s Transformation of the Learning-Teaching-Evaluation Process project held two virtual meetings with 38 representatives from 19 universities in the network, to present the main features of the project and plan the work to be carried out during 2021. In this virtual meeting, the general framework of the project and its objectives were presented, as well as the main lines of work designed for this year.
Unión de Universidades de América Latina y el Caribe (UDUAL)
With the aim of providing access to information in digital form about universities, UDUAL presented the "Henning Jensen Pennington" Digital Collection. The collection consists of four communities, which include the books and memoirs that have been published by the UDUAL throughout its 72 years of existence and its periodical publications on topics such as the defence of university autonomy, the integration of Latin American and Caribbean universities, internationalisation and academic cooperation. It also includes the Latin American and Caribbean Network of University Archives.
ASEAN University Network for Business and Economics
Proceedings are now available from the 1st ASEAN University Network for Business and Economics Virtual Conference (16 April 2021) themed: “Enabling the Transformation of Resilient Business Environment and Innovation Ecosystem in the ASEAN”
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
APRU has joined Solve Climate by 2030, a trailblazing #MakeClimateaClass project by the Graduate Programs in Sustainability at Bard College in New York State. The project harnesses the power of climate-concerned universities and schools worldwide to facilitate Green Recovery action with the aim of solving climate change by 2030.
ASEAN
Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN)
On 26 - 27 April, theNational Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE) (Japan) and the Temasek Foundation International-National University of Singapore Programme for Leadership in University Management (TF-NUS PLUM) held an an online summit for university leaders to address challenges, exchange perspectives, and develop and advance innovative ideas on ASEAN university governance and management. The theme for this year is "University Leadership in Asia’s Next Normal" which aims to reshape ideas and activities in higher education in response to the global uncertainty caused by COVID-19, as well as to explore paths forward for ASEAN higher education institutions.
European Union
To date, 22 EU member states have submitted national plans for the EU’s €800 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility, the key instrument in the EU plan for emerging stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic with a number looking for money to modernise university campuses, reducing the energy footprint and cutting maintenance costs. The recovery fund prioritises projects that promote the green transition and digitalisation.
The European Research Council has presented a new plan for boosting gender equality in its calls for projects in the EU research programme, Horizon Europe.
In the next seven years, the ERC hopes to attract more female applicants than before. In Horizon 2020, 28% of all applicants were female.The Guild
Return to top BILATERAL INITIATIVES
Japan/Iceland
Taiwan-Russia
The First Taiwan-Russia Higher Education Online Roundtable took place on 14 April 2021.
Japan/Barbados
The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), through the Embassy of Japan in Barbados, offers scholarships to Barbadians who wish to study at universities in Japan as Research Students every year from April 2022. This includes six months of intensive Japanese language training.
Return to top NATIONAL INITIATIVES
Argentina
Australia
Belgium
Benin
Bhutan
Canada
Colombia
Ecuador
France
Ireland
New Zealand
Singapore 
Taiwan
Tunisia
United Kingdom 
United StatesThe Ministry of Education presented the Plan for the Virtualisation of Higher Education II (PlanVES II), an initiative of the Secretariat for University Policies to provide university institutions with resources to strengthen face-to-face and remote training spaces and the development and implementation of Hybrid Classrooms. The proposal foresees an investment of 1.5 billion pesos.
The Minister for Education and Youth, Alan Tudge, has released the Australian Government’s response to the Independent Review of the Adoption of the Model Code on Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom in Higher Education.
An expert working group will lead the development of a new roadmap to identify Australia’s research infrastructure needs and priorities for the next five to 10 years.
The 2021 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap website is now available. The Roadmap outlines national research infrastructure required over the coming decade.
Maranoa Country Universities Centre (CUC) officially opened, providing more opportunities for local students to access higher education and training closer to home.
The Australian Government has provided more than $1.3 million to help establish the centre at the Roma Community Hub – one of nine additional centres funded under the $74.2 million Regional University Centres programThe rectors of the Flemish universities and the deans of the faculties of medicine have called on the government not to relax too quickly the measures against the spread of the coronavirus.
The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Eléonore Yayi Ladekan, led an an awareness session for female students on sexual harassment in academia. On 23 March at the University of Abomey Calavi (UAC), The meeting was moderated by her colleague in social affairs, Véronique Tognifode, the President of Women Scientists, and the President of the Gender Observatory.
https://enseignementsuperieur.gouv.bj/htdocs/actualites/?lire=26e359e83860db1d11b6acca57d8ea88 Bhutan
The Bhutan Accreditation Council has launched the Rubrics for Standards of Institutional Accreditation during the Council Meeting held on 2 June.
The use of rubrics is expected to enhance objectivity in the accreditation exercise which will be used to accredit all the HEIs hereafter.The National Government has signed agreements with nine public Higher Education Institutions in Antioquia and Medellín to advance free tuition for students. These agreements will benefit nearly 98,200 young people in the region, who will have the benefit of zero tuition for the academic periods corresponding to the second semester of 2021 and 2022.
On 13, 14 and 17 May, representatives of universities and polytechnic schools, higher technical-technological institutes and conservatories participated in the cycle of workshops for the construction of the Higher Education System Development Plan, organised by the Higher Education Council (CES). The aim of the event was to receive contributions and observations from the country’s higher education institutions for the joint definition of goals around six thematic axes proposed by the Occasional Commission for the elaboration of the Plan: teaching, academic offer, research, students, links and infrastructure.
Ireland
A study, commissioned by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has found that while the number of people aged between 15 and 64 who have achieved a third-level qualification in Ireland has increased by 5% in the past decade,there are relatively low levels of education attainment in specific groups in comparison to overall population levels.
Those specific groups, which were identified in the HEA’s 2015-2019 National Access Plan (NAP) to support increased access to higher education, include mature students, students with disabilities, Irish Travellers, lone parents, teen parents, and ethnic minorities.The Budget 2021 education plan has been released. It includes an overall operating investment of over $470 million for tertiary education, which includes $110.7 million over four years for 1.2 percent increase in tertiary education tuition and training subsidies and $10 million to extend the temporary hardship fund for learners in tertiary education.
The Minister of Education, Chris Hipkins, has confirmed the Government’s commitment to international education and set out key priorities for the sector’s rebuild in a meeting with international education leaders.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will extend the suspension of repayments and interest accrual for the government loans for all Autonomous University (AU) and polytechnic graduates for a further four months, until 30 September 2021. This seeks to extend the support for AU and polytechnic graduates whose employment may be affected given the current economic uncertainty
A Webinar on COVID-19’s Impacts on the Landscape of Taiwan and International Higher Education took place on 22 March by the Centre for International Policy Studies and Research Chair in Taiwan Studies at the University of Ottawa.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the University of Monastir and, coordinators of work package 5 “Dynamization of Quality Committees and Recommendations towards a better autonomy of universities” – in the framework of the SAGESSE project – organized during May two online events. The first workshop on “Networking of Quality Committees: From quality policy to operation through the quality manual” took place on 4 May.
A new report ’Universities and the UK’s economic recovery: an analysis of future impact’ written by the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE) and published by Universities UK, predicts that over the next five years UK universities will provide: £11.6 billion worth of support and services to small enterprises, businesses, and not-for-profits., 21,700 new companies and charities will be started because of universities, 191,000 nurses, 84,000 medical specialists and 188,000 teachers will be trained at UK universities and £21.7 billion of research collaboration between universities in the UK and non-academic organisations.
The Russell Group of universities has released Pathways for Potential. The report sets out a roadmap to ensure there are no barriers to anyone fulfilling their potential, regardless of their background or where they live. Its recommendations are informed by: in-depth interviews with social mobility think tanks, practitioners, schools’ representatives and academics and a survey of Russell Group members and an assessment of their most recent access and participation plans.
A study from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC) has shown that there is a 3.5% drop in the number of students in higher education, seven times greater than the year-on-year decline recorded in the spring of 2020 at the start of the pandemic.
The Institute of International Education (IIE) has released their fourth COVID-19 Snapshot Survey. The survey examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on international educational exchange to and from the United States and finds that US institutions are focusing on bringing students back to campus, with 86% planning some type of in-person study in fall 2021 and none of the reporting institutions intending to offer virtual instruction only. Mirroring this finding, 90% of institutions plan to offer in-person study to international students.
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Collaborating team: Nicholas Poulton, Samuel Pousson, Carine Sebast and Lianne Guerra
Contact: centre@iau-aiu.net
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IAU Lynx May 2021 KEEPING AN EYE ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS WORLDWIDE
May 2021
IAU Lynx offers a monthly overview of higher education developments around the world. It covers new policies, initiatives and projects on various higher education topics. The information is classified by international, regional, bilateral and national initiatives.
INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
Due to the global health crisis, UNESCO and the Government of Spain have agreed to postpone the 3rd World Higher Education Conference (WHEC) that was to take place in Barcelona in October 2021 until mid-2022. It Is from now on called WHEC2022.
The World Higher Education Conference (WHEC 2022) National Consultation Meeting themed “Higher Education in China and the World towards 2030”was held at Zhejiang University on 24 April. Three themes were addressed: the equality, quality, responsibility and reform of higher education governance; mobility, sharing, partnership and international cooperation; and innovation, entrepreneurship, applicability and sustainable development.On 1 May 2021, the Asia-Pacific Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education - known as the Tokyo Convention - entered into force in Armenia making it the third country to ratify so far in 2021 and the 12th State Party overall.
UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC)
IESALC’s report Women in higher education: has the female advantage put an end to gender inequalities? analyses female participation in higher education - as students, faculty or managers – , global trends in enrolment, and persisting forms of gender-based inequality in the sector. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is discussed and recommendations for future action are provided.IESALC has launched a campaign with the hashtag #ConvenioEdSupUNESCO to raise awareness on the main features of the New Regional Convention and its benefits for students, institutions and governments, as well as to promote its early ratification in the region. Two components are a website informing the public on to the procedures for the recognition of studies, degrees and diplomas in the region and a certificate-awarding free online course available on the campus.iesalc.unesco.org platform, in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.
Nominations are open for the seventh edition of the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development. The US$300,000 prize is awarded every two years and recognizes innovative practices that contribute to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning around the world, with priority given to developing countries and to marginalized and disadvantaged communities. Deadline for applications: 31 October 2021.
UNESCO, Oficina Regional de Educación para América Latina y el Caribe (OREALC)
The Regional Bureau for Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (OREALC/UNESCO Santiago), has released the report “Las respuestas educativas nacionales frente a la COVID-19. El panorama de América Latina y el Caribe” (National educational responses to COVID-19).
Agence universitaire de la francophonie (AUF)
On 10 May, the AUF launched the second edition the Action for Francophone Responsible Innovation (ACTIF - Action pour l’Innovation responsable Francophone) programme in partnership with the Innovation Research Network (RRI), the Research Institute for Development (IRD), Afric’Innov, SoScience, Agence Française pour le Développement (AFD) and the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE). This programme aims to identify, promote and develop responsible innovation initiatives and projects generated by French-speaking universities among students, teachers, researchers and staff.
Calendar of applicationsUNILAB
UNILAB, the first French-speaking think tank on the sustainable university in the context of the 2030 Agenda and the 7 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was officially set up with the participation of its 28 members, including IAU and UNESCO. The three main objectives of the Think Tank are to work for a social and united ecology, to position the French-speaking university in the public space and on the challenges of sustainable development, and to support the transformation of universities towards transition campuses.
On 5 May, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a $200 million project to support the Government of Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen efficiency, quality, and transparency of the country’s higher education system. The project – Ukraine Improving Higher Education for Results – will help boost the quality of the higher education sector, as well as its relevance to labor market needs, while also promoting resilience and continuity of learning in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Return to top REGIONAL INITIATIVES
Africa - Americas - Asia & Pacific - Europe
Association of African Universities (AAU)
The AAU is hiring a new Secretary-General. The term of the current AAU Secretary-General comes to an end in September and applications are now being sought for a replacement. Closing dates for applications: 15 June 2021Higher technical education in Africa
On 30 March, a project formulation meeting was held within the framework of the China Funds-in-Trust Project Phase III: Higher Technical Education in Africa for a Technical and Innovative Workforce. Six participating countries, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda, reintegrated their commitment in enhancing higher education institutions and systems to foster the talent reserve for national development.Union de Universidades de América Latina (UDUAL)
UDUAL has made a call for governments concerning the production of the vaccine against COVID-19 can make possible the benefit of its propagation and at the same time demonstrate that Humanity must be more than the sum of their particular interests.
https://www.udual.org/principal/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Pronunciamiento-Patentes-vacunas.pdfOrganization of Ibero-American States (OEI)
On 6 May, the OEI and the Ibero-American Association of Higher Distance Education (AIESAD) signed an agreement that will enhance the research mission of Ibero-American universities, while strengthening their quality assurance systems, in a joint effort to consolidate distance education in the region.Asociación Colombiana de Universidades (ASCUN)
On 4 May, ASCUN made a Statement on the public order situations that Colombia is currently experiencing and calls for a calm, democratic and pluralistic society to be able to use dialogue as the main tool for the construction of agreements and proposals for solutions.Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO INNOTECH) / Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU)
in March, SEAMEO INNOTECH was accredited by the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) as one of its Associate Members. SEAMEO INNOTECH offers two MOOCs for teachers, namely “Teach On: Keeping the Passion Alive” and “Becoming a Better Teacher Everyday.”League of European Research Universities (LERU)
European, German, French and UK university bodies have urged the European Commission to lift its threat to bar Israel, Switzerland and UK from EU quantum and space projects in the context of the EU’s Horizon Europe science scheme. The signatories include the German U15,; the Russell Group of UK universities; the UDICE (universités de recherche françaises), the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities.European University Association
The European University Association and partners have responded to data repository selection criteria laid out by publishers, calling for a response from them. Concerns address the over restrictive nature of the proposed set of criteria and the lack of transparency in the process through which the criteria were developed.Associação das Universidades de Língua Portuguesa
The call for the Fernão Mendes Pinto Prize (2021 Edition), awarded annually by the Portuguese Parliamentary Assembly (ULP) to reward a master’s or doctoral thesis that contributes to the rapprochement of the Portuguese-speaking Communities, is open until 31 July. It is endowed with 8,000 euros.Return to top NATIONAL INITIATIVES
AustraliaArgentina
Canada
ChinaColombiaFrance
Hungary
IndiaIreland
JapanNew Zealand
Pakistan 
Philippines 
Singapore 
South Africa
Switzerland United Kingdom United States
VietnamGovernment universities budget
The freshly revealed 2021-22 Budget includes measures such as: a financial incentive for universities to invest in research PhD students and develop closer links with industry; and a $53.6 million package of measures to support international education providers through fee and regulatory relief, and targeted support for those providers most affected by COVID-19.Academic conduct
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is leading action to combat illegal commercial academic cheating services.
It started sharing intelligence about commercial academic cheating services with Australian higher education providers and soon with its international partners.
TEQSA has also alerted the sector to an emerging integrity risk related to online study platforms seeking to employ students for on-campus promotional activities.Universities Australia - New Chair
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Dewar AO has been elected the next Chair of Universities Australia.Public higher education institutions across the country have made their infrastructure and human resources available to contribute to the Covid-19 vaccination campaign. In the framework of the Vacunate PBA plan, the province of Buenos Aires incorporated thirteen universities as vaccination centres.
A policy briefing just released by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) working group on higher education’ Investing in a Better Future: Higher Education and Post-COVID Canada’ , lists eight recommendations, mainly geared toward the federal government, around ways to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the sector, such as increasing core funding for HE institutions, forgiving a significant portion or student loans, striking an expert panel to advance sustainable internationalization, and continuing COVID-19 emergency funding up to 2023.
The government has released statistics showing that during the first semester of 2021, a total of 669 thousand young people from public Higher Education Institutions have received support for the payment of tuition fees and living expenses.
New sustainable development universities alliance
Eight universities in the Yangtze River Delta region have set up an alliance to promote sustainable development in the area. Alliance members will focus on sustainable development, share resources and cooperate in research projects.Education spending
According to ministerial statistics, the Ministry of Education has spent over 5.3 trillion yuan (around 817 billion U.S. dollars) on education in 2020, a 5.6 percent increase compared to 2019. Spending on Higher education have increased by 4 percent in 2020, compared to 2019 expenditures.Access to education
About 5.14 million poor students in China have received higher education since 2012, providing millions of poor families with their first college-educated generation, according to the Ministry of Education.English language teaching - Taiwan
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will launch the "Program on Bilingual Education for Students in College" in September, 2021. The new program aims at strengthening students’ English proficiency, promote English-taught courses or English as a Medium of Instruction Courses (EMI) and enhance the overall international competitiveness of higher education.The Conférence des présidents d’universités, the French Rector’s Association, has launched a national consultation on university life including health, accommodation, food, transport, sport and cultural activities.
On 27 April, the government passed a law transferring control of the country’s 11 main state universities to a series of foundations.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked affiliated colleges and universities, in addition to gender sensitisation, to include more content on leadership and Women’s Safety in their curriculum, to emphasize the contribution of women to society, and remove negative stereotypes about women.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has confirmed to the Seanad that he has ruled out a student loan scheme to support future funding of the higher education sector.
For its 70th anniversary, the Japan Association of National Universities (JANU) has released the statement Serving Society under the New Normal: A Statement from National Universities in which national universities express their resolve to serve society under an emerging set of new values. It discusses the role of national universities in shaping the new normal, accelerating digital transformation for green recovery and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, driving collaborations for future-looking innovations, and improving society and solving disparities.
The Ministry of Education has launched a consultation on a package of changes to help improve the wellbeing and safety for all higher education and international learners. The proposed code, which is to replace the current codes for domestic and international learners, will be implemented in 2022. Deadline: 21 May.
Technology in HE
On 1 May, the Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) project held its third Steering Committee meeting at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Office in Islamabad. Restructuring announced include the extensive use of the latest technology in higher education such as Learning Management System to help improve the quality of online learning and access to it or the use of Blockchain technology for degree verification.Women in leadership
22 women Vice Chancellors, Provosts, Executive Directors and Deans from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Pakistan participated in an online workshop entitled “Collaboration for Excellence – Women Leadership in the Higher Education Sector”organized by the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE). The goal was to work together and find a way to enable women in leadership roles in universities as well as those on the cusp of leadership positions.Quality assurance
Six public higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Bicol Region have entered into Memoranda of Agreement with each other to share faculty resources through the adjunct faculty system to ensure quality assurance in their degree programs and improve the quality of education locally.HEIs and Covid-19
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Union of the Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) are collaborating with seventeen (17) public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) to establish additional vaccination centers as the country pushes for expanded immunization in the coming months. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are now classified under the A4 category by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) in recognition of the essential services they provide amid the COVID-19 pandemic.The Ministry of Education (MOE) has enhanced current safe management measures (SMMs) in higher education institutions in the context of Covid-19, to reduce student contact, while ensuring that teaching and learning continue. These measures will apply on top of the existing SMMs on safe distancing, screening and hygiene.
Research undertaken in one of South Africa’s research-intensive universities examines how the Covid-19 pandemic explored has affected teaching and learning. It revealed that students had struggled to manage online learning remotely. A network of global researchers from multiple disciplines and universities (including five institutions in South Africa) is now replicating this study.
Swiss universities have signed an agreement with the publisher Wiley which will allow researchers and students from 40 higher education institutions and research institutes to benefit from free access to the 1450 journals and will allow them to publish in the journals in open access.
Freedom of Speech bill
On 12 May, the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill was introduced in Parliament. It will strengthen the legal duties on higher education providers in England to protect freedom of speech on campuses. The proposed law will bring in new measures that will require universities registered with the Office for Students to defend free speech.Return to universities
The Prime Minister has confirmed that all university students in England are to be allowed to return to campus for face-to-face teaching from 17 May. The University and College Union (UCU), which represents university staff, said the 17 May return made little sense for staff and students as most lessons will have already finished for the academic year.Arts education
A consultation by the Office for Students (OfS) and the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, suggested halving the amount spent on “high cost” higher education arts subjects in England – which it said were not “strategic priorities”.Thegovernment has started to address issues around student visas for international students and scholars wishing to come to the United States in the academic year 2021-2022. The Student Exchange Visitor Program has extended the distance learning guidance. Current students on valid visas who were completing their studies online due to COVID-19 and in their home countries will be allowed to reenter the United States to continue their studies.
In addition, new international students will be allowed to enter the country as long as their program of study has some component of in-person learning instruction, so hybrid instruction will be permitted.Nguyen Kim Son has been nominated as the new Minister of Education and Training, a handover ceremony was held on April 12th.
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Collaborating team: Nicholas Poulton, Samuel Pousson, Carine Sebast and Lianne Guerra
Contact: centre@iau-aiu.net
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IAU Lynx April 2021 KEEPING AN EYE ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS WORLDWIDE
April 2021
IAU Lynx offers a monthly overview of higher education developments around the world. It covers new policies, initiatives and projects on various higher education topics. The information is classified by international, regional, bilateral and national initiatives.
INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
UNESCO/ Global Education Coalition (GEC)
The Global Education Coalition’s latest progress report has been released. Entitled Supporting learning recovery one year into COVID-19: the Global Education Coalition in Action, it covers activities carried out in the past year. It discusses the way the coalition operates, what have been its key results and achievements, lessons learnt from the first year of action and it also sets a roadmap to December 2021 with a specific focus on “Recovery”.Nominations are open for the 2021 UNESCO-Japan Prize on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) that rewards exceptional projects in the field of Education for Sustainable Development. . Deadline for application: 30 April 2021.
The 2021 UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education is now accepting nominations.
The US $50,000 annual reward is conferred to two laureates (individuals, institutions and organizations) each year to honour outstanding and innovative contributions to advancing girls’ and women’s education. Deadline for submissions is 26 May 2021.UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (UNESCO-ICHEI)/ China-Africa Institute
UNESCO-ICHEI and the China-Africa Institute have signed a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement that promotes the process of jointly building a future-oriented China-Africa comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Cooperation areas include: networks and communication platforms, resources and contents sharing; seminars or forums organisation; capacity-building; cultural exchanges promotion; research; experts and scholars exchange.UNESCO-ICHEI has signed a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreements with the Collaborative Innovation Center for Arab Studies and the Wisdom Palace Group to increase its influence in the Arab region. Parties will collaborate on the development of the Arabic version of the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) platform, translation and design of online course resources, teacher training in the Arab region, sharing of higher education partner network in the Middle East, joint research and knowledge production.
UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE)
UNESCO IITE is launching the project “Teacher Capacity Building with AI and Digital Technologies: E-library for Teachers” aimed to support the ongoing growth and capacity building of teachers in the era of smart learning using the potential of ICT and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The key outcome of the Project will be an E-Resource platform in 3 languages (English, Russian, Arabic) with digital resources and educational materials and capacity building activities for teachers.
UNESCO IITE and Moscow City University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in the field of digital didactics and online technologies in education and human development.
UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-UNESCO)
The IIEP - Commonwealth Tertiary Education Facility (CTEF) report Flexible learning pathways in Malaysian higher education: Balancing human resource development and equity policies results from a pre-COVID study that investigated the effectiveness and benefits of Flexible Learning Pathways (FLPs) in Malaysia from 3 perspectives: access, progression and transferability, completion and transition to labour market or further studies.
UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-UNESCO): (In French only)
IIPE’s report Cartographie des risques de corruption dans le secteur de l’éducation en Guinée: évaluation d’intégrité presents the main findings of a mapping of corruption risks in the Guinean education sector, commissioned by the country’s Agence nationale de lutte contre la corruption (ANLC). It presents a detailed analysis of corruption risks in five main areas - information, financing, personnel management, public procurement and exams - and provides a detailed list of recommendations to improve ethics, transparency and accountability for each of these areas.UNESCO New Delhi
The recording of the webinar on the Impact of COVID-19 on International Higher Education on 11 March 2021 organised by UNESCO New Delhi, UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA) and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University is available online. The event aimed at identifying critical disruptions created by COVID-19 in enrolment, teaching and operations and strategies that need to be adopted by higher education organizations to overcome the challenges of the situation. Panelists discussed various initiatives being led by the Government, educators, and organizations, to recommit and protect education via its recovery process.
Agence universitaire de la francophonie (AUF)
On March 18, 2021, a new network bringing together schools of public health was launched: the network of French-speaking public health institutions. This network was created at the initiative of the Rennes School of Public Health Studies (EHESP) with the support of the AUF. The goal of this network is to bring together institutions from 11 countries to assure the development of public health practices in the French-speaking world, recognized worldwide.
https://www.ehesp.fr/2021/03/23/l-ehesp-cree-le-reseau-des-etablissements-francophones-en-sante-publique-refesp-avec-le-soutien-de-l-auf/ Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
COL has released ““Online education: a catalyst for reforming higher education” the lecture delivered at the webinar organized by the School of Education, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (India) on 6 March.
Global University Network for Innovation (GUNI)
GUNI has released online:
a report entitled The impact of COVID-19 on higher education: a review of emerging evidence. This report provides a synthesis of the emerging evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on three specific aspects of higher education in Europe: teaching and learning; the social dimension of higher education and student mobility. a “Special Issue” of the GUNi Higher Education in the World Report series: New Visions for Higher Education Institutions towards 2030. This report will be officially presented and launched at the UNESCO World Higher Education Conference 2021 (WHEC2021) in Barcelona.The World Bank has approved the Moldova Higher Education Project and Mexico Higher Education Project. The first project aims to improve the quality, relevance and efficiency of the country’s higher education system so that Moldovans can gain the necessary skills and education to access greater opportunities and improve their lives. The latter aims to strengthen the institutional capacity for innovative teaching, collaborative applied research, and internal quality assurance across participating public higher education institutions.
Return to top REGIONAL INITIATIVES
Africa - Americas - Asia & Pacific - Europe
E-Learning African and the EdTech Hub have published a report on The effect of COVID 19 on education in Africa and its implications on the use of technology. The report is also available in French "Impact de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur l’éducation en Afrique et incidence sur le recours aux technologies".
DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service
Two new DAAD Centres of Excellence in Africa have been created. Both are supported by German universities and will receive €4.5 million of the DAAD funding from the Federal Foreign Office (AA) up until 2025. Focusing in logistics and agricultural science – the new centres are Promoting Academic Capacities for Sustainable Agricultural Resources Use in West Africa (Pro-RUWA), led by the University of Kassel together with partners from Burkina Faso, Benin and Niger. The second is the Sustainable Operations for Resource Management and Food Supply (SCO) led by Kühne Logistics University, Hamburg.UNESCO Harare
The UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa is rolling out training of over 1500 teachers through its Rapid Teacher Training Programme on Open, Distance and Online Learning. The objective of the programme is to equip Zimbabwean teachers with skills and resources to deliver different forms of remote learning.The International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI)/ Virtual University of Côte d’Ivoire (UVCI)
In March, UNESCO-ICHEI and the Virtual University of Côte d’Ivoire (UVCI) signed a cooperation framework agreement on the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) to promote digital transformation of higher education in Côte d’Ivoire and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4. Areas covered include: Online training programmes for teacher ICT and online and blended teaching capacity-building; Co-construction and sharing of online education resources; Quality assurance for online and blended teaching.Union of Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean (UDUAL)
The new issue of the quarterly publication Universidades, edited by the Union of Latin American and Caribbean Universities, is now available. This issue is dedicated to Racism and higher education in Latin America.Inter-University Development Centre (CINDA)
The 2021 call for the Transformative Internationalisation Project, in development since 2019 with the participation of 16 universities of the network, seeks to add new institutions to its work of exchange of good practices, collaboration and innovation.Organisation of Ibero-American States (OEI)
The call for the IV Ibero-American Prize for Human Rights Education Óscar Arnulfo Romero is open. The Óscar Arnulfo Romero Human Rights Prize recognises the outstanding work of educational institutions and civil society in Ibero-America in the defence and promotion of human rights through education. Nominations can be submitted until 31 July to compete for awards in two categories: the first for schools (formal education), and the second for civil society organisations (NGOs) and non-formal education.The OEI has released its "Ibero-American Manual of Good Practices in Internationalisation", an interactive guide that compiles the best internationalisation practices of the winning universities in a call for proposals launched last year, together with Unesco and five other institutions in the region.
Ibero-American Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (RIACES)
RIACES held its XVII Seminar on Quality in Distance Higher Education on 3 March with the aim of identifying and sharing from the perspectives of each of the quality agencies, the different modalities of evaluation and accreditation of institutions and programmes, the legal framework and the academic practices developed by each of them in times of isolation.ASEAN University Network (AUN)
AUN has posted a video recording of the webinar “Responses from Higher Education to Global Pandemic” jointly held with Korean Council for University Education (KCUE) on 17 February. It brought together academics and students to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education in terms of institutional responses to curb the negative impact of the pandemic, students experience on distance learning and educational challenges raised, and post-pandemic strategies.Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
ASEF has posted summaries from the four Expert Groups of the 8th ASEF Regional Conference on Higher Education (ARC8) entitled “Outlook 2030: Inclusive and Diverse Higher Education in Asia and Europe”held between October 2020 and December 2021to explore how universities and students can foster inclusion and diversity in the final decade for the Agenda2030, and raise awareness on potential risks and opportunities in a post-COVID world. The themes of ARC8 are: Inclusive Learning and Teaching in a Digital World; Inclusive and Flexible Lifelong Learning Pathways; Inclusive International Mobility of People and Knowledge; Equitable Access and Success in Higher Education.European Commission
The European Commission has published a new report on the use of micro-credentials in higher education.Council of Europe
The Council of Europe launched a book ‘Higher education’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic - Building a more sustainable and democratic future’. The book, which is Volume 25 in the Council of Europe Higher Education Series, was launched at a webinar organised by the International Association of Universities.European University Association
TheEuropean University Association and partners have responded to data repository selection criteria laid out by publishers, calling for a response from them. Concerns address the over restrictive nature of the proposed set of criteria and the lack of transparency in the process through which the criteria were developedReturn to top NATIONAL INITIATIVES
AustraliaCanada
Chile
EcuadorFrance
GermanyHungaryIndiaIreland
Korea
Mexico
Netherlands Pakistan 
Papua New Guinea 
UkraineUnited Kingdom United States
ZambiaInternational Education strategy - consultation
The Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) has launched a consultation on the new “Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030” being developed.
Students, educators and industry representatives are invited to share their expertise and ideas to help shape Australia’s long-term international education strategy, which is expected to: respond to the changing environment; guide the recovery of the sector; outline goals and approach to international education over the next 10 years; equip the sector’s innovation and responsiveness; respond to emerging opportunities, including changes in student demands; maintain Australia’s position as an effective and trusted partner in international education. Deadline for submissions: 12 May 2021.Universities Australia, in partnership with the Victorian Government and Our Watch, have launched ’Educating for Equality’, a whole-of-university approach to prevent gender-based violence in – and through – universities. It comprises a comprehensive set of free, evidence-based tools and resources to guide universities’ progress towards gender equality.
Anti-racism national charter
Canadian universities and colleges are moving closer to creating a national charter aimed at dismantling anti-Black racism and fostering Black inclusion in the higher education institutions. The charter is an outcome of the first National Dialogues and Action for Inclusive Higher Education and Communities held in October 2020 with participants from more than 3,000 members of the higher education community – and more than 60 partner institutions across Canada. The charter document, called the Scarborough National Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education: Principles, Actions and Accountabilities, will be a national plan of action that participants agreed was an important step to fight structural racism.PhD employment
A new report by the Council of Canadian Academies ’Degrees of Success’ examines the labour market transition of PhD graduates. It shows that the combination of increased PhD holders and a declining number of new tenure-track positions has led to greater competition for fewer jobs. According to the report, about 19 percent of PhD holders working in Canada hold tenured or tenure-track faculty jobs. The rest end up in a range of positions.The National Education Council and the Inter-University Development Centre held a discussion on "Flexible Pathways in Chilean Higher Education: Different Experiences Facing a Common Challenge", an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss the main results for Chile of the international study Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education (FLP), carried out in the context of a global initiative of the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-UNESCO).
The government has announced that in 2021-2022, 94,349 places will be available in 218 higher education institutions. Of the total number of places offered, 91% are in public higher education institutions, while 9% are in private higher education institutions. Considering that nowadays, virtual education has gained ground worldwide due to technological development, in the first regular academic period 2021, online programmes will account for 12% of the total academic offer.
On 7 April, France’s Senate approved the addition of a ban on religious practices in university corridors to a controversial bill to fight ‘Islamist separatism’.
French President Emmanuel Macron has officially announced the closure of the École Nationale d’Administration, or ENA, the elite grande école that has trained France’s high-ranking civil servants and many of its political and business leaders for nearly three-quarters of a century. It will be replaced by a more socially diverse institution.
Germany’s federal government has confirmed that the coronavirus crisis has had a considerable impact on academic mobility. The government revealed in March that there had been a sharp fall in the number of visa applications submitted by international students and researchers.
The government has recently tabled the drafts about the transformation of several more universities. The reform involves huge changes, as the state withdraws from the direct supervision of higher educational institutes and appoints foundations instead, meanwhile still providing the funds from the central budget.
In order to increase the number of international students coming to India for higher studies, the Ministry of Education intends to expand the Study in India Programme to allow more institutions – both public and private - to join. Enhanced academic collaborations between Indian and international institutions will be sought under Twinning, Joint and Dual degrees with credit transfer mechanism.
Technological universities funding
The Government is investing €9 million to boost the research capacity of technological universities and institutes of technology in the area of science and technology.
The move will include the funding of replacement lecturers for academics involved in successful research applications, as well as between 20 and 40 PhD students overall.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris announced details of the €9 million Science Foundation Ireland Frontiers for Partnership Awards research programmeSexual violence survey launched
A survey into staff and student experiences of sexual violence and sexual harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions was launched in April by Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The survey, will be conducted by the Higher Education Authority, will be sent to every student and staff member by their Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)The Ministry of Education’s report Education in Korea (2020), provides an overview of Korean Education, discusses COVID-19-related issues faced in 2020 and indicates orientations and measures to be taken across the sector, including: reducing the financial burden of higher education; cultivating future talent through autonomy and innovation in higher education; enhancing educational mobility.
The Federation of Mexican Private Higher Education Institutions (FIMPES) convenes the 2nd Congress of the Internationalisation Commission (Mexico City), under the title "Strategies to train global citizens in the new international context". The Congress will take place from 21 to 23 April 2021.
The government announced that students in the Netherlands will be able to physically attend classes at universities on a limited basis from April 26. All students attending lessons will need to present a negative Covid-19 test.
TheHigher Education Commission (HEC) has launched a call for proposals for its National Research Programme for Universities (2021-2022). Faculty members of public and private sector universities/degree awarding institutions are invited to submit proposals in basic and applied research projects that demonstrate strategic relevance and impact to local industry and society. The amount of funding will range up to PKR 20 million with a maximum project duration of three years. Deadline: 30 April 2021.
The Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST) has notified all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that learning and teaching academic activities must continue as per their respective academic calendars - contrarily to primary and secondary schools that will have to reschedule learning and teaching activities for this academic year. Health and safety measures to be observed include: physical distancing and online studying as a rule, the use of testing, quarantine and the control and monitoring of access to campuses.
Foreign higher educational facilities are now allowed to open branches in Ukraine according to a statement posted on the website of the Ministry of Education and Science with reference to Cabinet Resolution No. 304 on March 24.
Distance learning continues to May
The government has announced that a full return to face-to face teaching for students in England has been ruled out before 17 May at the earliest.International students
Applications from countries in the European Union have dropped by 40% for undergraduate courses starting in 2021-22, according to the International Higher Education Forum which took place in April.An increasing number of higher education insitutions in the United States now require COVID-19 vaccination before returning to university in the autumn.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) officially announced its Transforming Teacher Education project. The Learning Systems Institute (LSI) at Florida State University (FSU) will implement the five-year, $15 million project (K300 million), in partnership with School-to-School International and the University of Zambia School of Education. The project will include 12 Zambian universities and colleges of education around the country to improve the training of primary grade teachers in early grade literacy.
Return to top IAU Lynx March Edition
IAU Lynx November Edition
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Collaborating team: Nicholas Poulton, Samuel Pousson, Carine Sebast and Lianne Guerra
Contact: centre@iau-aiu.net
© IAU 2021 -
IAU Lynx March 2021 KEEPING AN EYE ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS WORLDWIDE
March 2021
IAU Lynx offers a monthly overview of higher education developments around the world. It covers new policies, initiatives and projects on various higher education topics. The information is classified by international, regional, bilateral and national initiatives.
INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
UNESCO has just released the Practical Guide to Recognition: Implementing the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education. It provides a step-by step practical approach to recognition of foreign qualifications both for credential evaluation practitioners and for individuals seeking recognition of their foreign qualifications.
UNESCO has published the report Boosting Gender Equality in Science and Technology: a Challenge for TVET Programmes and Careers. It identifies successful practice in increasing the participation and performance of girls and women in STEM-related TVET, and initiatives to improve the participation of women in STEM-related occupations.
To confront the COVID-19 pandemic, parties of the Tokyo Convention issued a statement in which they call for strengthened cooperation and “commit to (…) protecting the rights of an individual to have their studies and qualifications recognized and/or assessed fairly and transparently, including those using non-traditional modes such as online and blended learning”.
Laureates of the 11th edition of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Sahara Africa Programme have been revealed. Since 2010 the Prize rewards each year twenty women scientists for the excellence of their work and supports them to pursue their research through grants of €10,000 for PhD students and €15,000 for post-doctorates.
UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE)
The policy brief AI in Education: Change at the Speed of Learning describes the advancements in technology and explores the promises of AI for students, teachers, school leaders, parents and education administrators. It also highlights the ethical aspects of AI implementation and challenges that it might bring.
UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC)
UNESCO IESALC has released the report Towards Universal Access to Higher Education: International Trends. (Spanish version).Themes covered include: global patterns in access to higher education, drivers and barriers to achieving universal access to higher education, enabling policies, access versus success rates in higher education, and effects of increased access on quality, equity and performance in higher education.
On 17 November, UNESCO IESALC organised the webinar “Access of the Most Disadvantaged to Higher Education is a Challenge to Face in Latin America and the Caribbean” . It highlighted the advances and challenges faced by the region and the aggravation of the situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic in social commitment, access, social mobility, more inclusive admission processes and decentralisation.
IESALC presented the Report “Towards Universal Access to Higher Education: International Trends” In the framework of the third edition of the World Day for Higher Education (WAHED), at the Conference "Inequalities in Access to Higher Education for Disadvantaged Populations in the Latin American and Caribbean Region in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic", held on 17 November.
International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP UNESCO)
IIEP UNESCO has released the online recording of the Strategic Debate Resilience in Higher Education - What Lessons Can We Draw from COVID-19? held online 26 November 2020 in which Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General of IAU, took part. In light of the current health crisis, participants examined the factors that foster resilience in higher education, and what should be taken into account for the future of planning higher education. Watch recording.
IIEP-UNESCO held online the Latin America Regional Forum on Education Policy, November 9-13, meant to provide a space for dialogue and reflection with the goal of promoting strategies to advance towards achieving the Education 2030 Agenda. Attending ministries of education and officials from all the region developed recommendations and lines of action for building inclusive education in challenging post-pandemic times.
Scholars at risk has released a new report: Free to Think 2020, the Report of the Scholars at Risk Academic Freedom Monitoring Project. The report analyses 341 attacks on higher education communities in 58 countries between September 2019 and August 2020
International Council for Distance Education (ICDE)
On the 25th of November, ICDE completed a ’virtual marathon’ through 18 hours of leadership discussions across 6 regions within 24 hours. Higher education leaders convened to discuss challenges, needs and solution to the topic: Recalibrating educational leadership for resilient education.
Return to top REGIONAL INITIATIVES
Africa - Americas - Asia & Pacific - Europe
The third World Access to Higher Education Day (WAHED) 2020 event was held on 17 November. The event was hosted virtually by the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Concentrating on Africa, the event examined how the COVID-19 pandemic has increased inequality in African higher education but, where universities have had successes in adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic, they can build on their experience to deal with the challenge.
Asociación de Universidades Grupo Montevideo
At its meeting on 17 November, the Council of Rectors of the Association of Universities of the Montevideo Group released a declaration in which it expressed its growing concern about the lack of respect for and the violation of university autonomy in the region, and urged the public authorities of the States to safeguard it by granting it a budget and the necessary funding. Within this framework, the Council of Rectors approved the creation of the Regional Observatory of University Autonomy and Budgets, whose mission is to preserve and defend regional university autonomy.
Asociación Universitaria Iberoamericana de Postgrado
The Association has launched the “AUIP Sustainability Awards” with the aim of recognizing students who have focused their Doctoral thesis in relation to some of the SDGs. The prize is for Doctorants in universities belonging to a country in the Ibero-American Knowledge Area. Deadline: 30 December 2020.
Red CLARA
The eLAC2022 Digital Agenda was approved and will be implemented over the next two years. It contains 39 objectives classified into 8 areas of action and a section on the pandemic and economic recovery, and was approved in the framework of the VII Ministerial Conference on the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean, organized online by ECLAC and the Government of Ecuador. Goal 5 highlights the importance of "creating specialized digital and connectivity infrastructures to strengthen education, science and technology in the region".
Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura (OEI)
TheMinistries of Education of the 23 OEI member states have given the green light to the organisation’s Programme Budget for the next two years. A more inclusive, digital, skills-based and human rights-based education, with a special focus on early childhood, as well as on higher education where academic mobility, research and scientific transfer of knowledge are key.
Inter-American Organization for Higher Education (IOHE)
The IOHE and the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Both institutions are committed to increasing opportunities for academic collaboration between Canada and the Americas. The MoU supports the strategy for academic cooperation between Canada and the Americas that was launched during the CAEI Montreal-2017 and reinforced in preparation for the CAEI Bogotá-2019.
Virtual Educa Lisboa
The Virtual Educa Global Forum "Connected Education" has made available to the public the recordings of the interventions during the Forum held between 23 and 24 November online.
Consejo Superior Universitario Centroamericano (CSUCA)
On 16 November 2020, the Central American Higher University Council held its conference in virtual mode. Innovative experiences of universities during the COVID pandemic were exchanged. As relevant results of the session, the General Secretariat’s Work Plan and budget for 2021 were approved.
Asia-Pacific Network of National Information Centres (APNNIC)
APNNIC, the regional network of National Information Centres (NICs) to the Tokyo Convention on the recognition of qualifications concerning higher education in the Asia-Pacific region, has launched a new portal that provides free and authoritative information on the recognition of qualifications to help facilitate physical or virtual mobility of students and academics.
https://apnnic.net/Asian Development Bank (ADB)
ADB has released the book Anticipating and Preparing for Emerging Skills and Jobs: Key Issues, Concerns, and Prospects, which contains a compilation of articles that examine the main drivers of change impacting upon society and the economy and, through them, on the evolving world of work. The book identifies and explores the implications of such developments for changes in education and training notably with regard to higher education.
European Union
The European Parliament and EU Council agreed on 10 November on the EU’s multiannual financial framework. Horizon Europe is now set to receive 84.9bn Euros, meaning that its budget is increased by 4bn Euros compared to the amount reached in a decision in July. Erasmus+ is now set to reach 23.4bn Euros, compared to 21.2bn agreed in July.
The European University Association and the European Research Council have released Statements reacting to this developementEuropean Commission
The new European Commission “Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion” was released in November. It frames migrant integration under the overarching theme of “Inclusion for all”. With regard to higher education, the Action Plan emphasises the need for improved recognition of degrees, which would enhance labour market access and, generally, the social position of migrants. It acknowledges that in Europe today, a quarter of migrants are highly educated, and that 40% are overqualified for the job that they do. The European Universities Association has released a statement in response to the plan.
Return to top NATIONAL INITIATIVES
Australia
Belgium
BrazilCanadaChile
China
Colombia
Egypt
FinlandFranceGermany
Guinea
Hong KongIreland
Japan
Kenya 
MoroccoNetherlands 
New ZealandPakistan 
SwedenUnited Kingdom United States
Uruguay 
VietnamOnline learning
The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) has released the report Foundations for Good Practice: The Student Experience of Online Learning in Australian Higher Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Based on students experiences submitted by 118 HEIs, it analyses approaches taken by the providers and examples of good practice in the transition to online learning.Indigenous students
Universities Australia in partnership with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Consortium (NATSIHEC) have launched the new campaign Indigenous OpportUNIty which features a series of short social media videos and a website for potential students.Graduate employment
The National Report of the 2020 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) of the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) survey programme provides updated information on the labour market outcomes, and further study activities of graduates. Areas of focus this year include: the impact of COVID-19 on labour force outcomes, gender differences, skills utilisation including graduate occupations.Graduate employment - international students
The International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) has released the Second Edition of International Student Employability: A Guide for Australian Education Providers. It discusses the current challenges facing education providers and presents 10 best practice principles to enhance the prospects of international students in employment.Ministers of education have said that universities in Belgium can begin welcoming limited groups of students back on campus for certain exams or activities. The Flemish regional education minister, Ben Weyts, and the minister of higher education for the Brussels-Wallonia Federation, Valérie Glatigny, confirmed that both Flemish and Francophone universities will be able to hold on-site exams.
The selection process for the Doctorate Programme Abroad (PDSE) offered by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level Personnel (CAPES) is open. The selection allows students enrolled in doctorate courses evaluated with a score of four or higher in the last four years, who prove fluency in the foreign language of the destination institution, to undertake part of their training abroad.
Green Economy Scholarships - call for Applicants
The Canadian government has introduced a new short-term exchange opportunity in Canada for students from the Caribbean Community member states, who pursue qualifications in disciplines related to climate change and resilience building. The Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships programme is facilitated through institutional collaborations and student exchange agreements between publicly funded Canadian colleges and institutes and post-secondary institutions across the CARICOM offering technical or vocational education and training (TVET). Application period: January to March 2021International students
A new Statistics Canada study has shown that Canadian universities are increasingly reliant on international students studying in Canada – especially those from China – to boost their finance. China is the source of more than half of all international students in Canada. During the decade that closed at the end of the 2018-19 academic year, the growth in the number of international students attending Canadian universities and colleges far outstripped the growth in the number of Canadian students.The Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) of Chile, through the Dirección de Estudios Avanzados (DEA), has created a set of financing instruments, for the strengthening and quality assurance of its postgraduate programmes. The implementation of this scholarship programme, in collaboration with the Ibero-American University Association for Postgraduate Studies (AUIP), is in line with this purpose, while favouring the recruitment of human talent and the internationalisation of the university and its programmes. Application deadline: 28 December 2020.
China
The National Conference on the Rule of Law in Higher Education was held at Nanjing University on November 5-6, 2020. It encouraged HEIs to improve instruments in relation to their constitution, mechanisms designed for protecting the rights and interests of teachers and students, and legal risk mitigation systems, in addition to strengthening education on the Constitution and the rule of law.Education budget
President Ivan Duque passed the Budget Law for 2021, which earmarks 47.3 billion pesos for the education sector. The Education sector receives the largest budget approved by Congress for the third consecutive year.Internationalization
The Ibero-American Seminar on Quality Practices in Internationalization was held on 9 - 10 December 2020, promoted by the Colombian Association of Universities - ASCUN, the Organisation of Ibero-American States (OEI), in collaboration with the International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC-UNESCO), the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga in Colombia (UNAB), the University of Alcalá in Spain (UAH) and the National University of Córdoba in Argentina. Topics such as the OEI’s Universidad Iberoamérica 2030 project, the effects of the pandemic on the internationalisation of universities and experiences in virtual mobility were discussed.The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) has released the annual fact book on undergraduate and graduate students at the Egyptian universities and colleges for the year 2019.
The Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) published the report Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education. Finland’s country case study as part of IIEP-UNESCO’s global research project – SDG4: Planning for Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education. It offers evidence-based policy recommendations for the Ministry of Education and Culture and HEIs to improve the learning experience for all students and close equity gaps.
The Prime Minister has announced to the Conference of University Presidents (Conférence des présidents d’université (CPU) a possible progressive return to in-class teaching in January depending on the evolution of the pandemic.
There have been major impacts on the international education sector in Germany due to the pandemic, according to an article published recently.
The Guinean Ministry of Higher Education and Research has put in place a dedicated platform ECP (Espace de continuité pédagogique). The platform aims to assist students as they continue to study during the Covid-19 pandemic and is full of resources and tools designed to help students (in French).
In his 2020 Policy Address, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong announced the introduction of the “Global STEM Professorship Scheme” a five-year plan meant to further support the UGC-funded universities to recruit outstanding research talent to work in Hong Kong.
The University Grants Committee (UGC) will allocate $50 million to the eight UGC-funded universities for strengthening their student support services in response to the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiatives to be taken will cover areas such as psychological counselling, mental well-being and career planning and development, physical fitness and healthy lifestyle.
According to the Irish Universities Association (IUA), universities are estimated to be facing a combined deficit of at least €102m between this academic year and the last due to the effects of the pandemic.
The Kenya Space Agency has awarded development grants to local universities for nanosatellite development and operational space weather study under the Research Chairs (RC) programme as they aim to build up the country’s socio-economic development
Proposed reforms by the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education that would, introduce a new four year undergraduate degree instead of the current three years has led to opposition among both students and professors. The plan was supposed to be implemented this academic year, but has been delayed by a year. The proposed reforms come in an attempt to improve the quality of university education and the quality of students graduating.
The Dutch government has announced a set of measures to help safeguard knowledge security at the country’s universities and research institutions. The measures will prevent the transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology that could harm the country’s national security or lead to limits on academic freedom, the cabinet outlined in a letter.
Educational policy
The newly revealed Tertiary Education Strategy (TES) sets out the Government’s current and medium-term priorities, and long-term strategic direction for higher education. It is intended to address economic, social and environmental goals, and the development aspirations of Māori and other population groupsNew minister briefing
Universities New Zealand has issued a briefing for the incoming Minister of Education that provides an overview of the key problems, challenges, and opportunities facing the university sector. It identifies 8 priorities and focuses on how to achieve these objectives in ways that ensure the country’s university system remains viable and effective in the long term.The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced a new Policy Guidance for the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), following the Government’s decision regarding continuation of education during the 2nd wave of COVID-19. Areas covered include the duration of closure for academic institutions, the rescheduling of winter holidays, campus presence, examination planning, hostels occupation and financial support to help public sector universities improve the quality of online education.
The special investigator for proposing a new structure for innovation support at public universities in Sweden, Alf Karlsson, has published a report proposing a major restructure of HE by 2022 to a more nationally coordinated and better functioning and funded system.
Covid and student returns
New guidance published by the Department for Education sets out how higher education institutions should manage student returns from January. All students should be offered Covid tests when they return to university. The Government also announced a one-off fund of up to £20 million to help students most in need of support.International students and immigration
Universities UK has released guidance is to support university employers to transition to the skilled worker route under the new points-based immigration system.On 2 December, the American Council on Education (ACE) and over 100 other higher education associations sent a letter to House and Senate leaders documenting the extreme financial stress that colleges and universities have been under during the pandemic. The letter urges Congress and the Administration to finalize negotiations as quickly as possible on a supplemental spending to provide at least $120 billion in needed support to students and campuses across the country.
Data from the National Student Clearinghouse show that first-time enrollment at colleges and universities in the United States decreased by 13% from fall 2019 to fall 2020.
The Education Directorate of the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) released the publication "Characterization of non-formal education in Uruguay". The presentation was attended by the Minister of Education and Culture, Pablo da Silveira, who welcomed the study which "disarms many prejudices that exist about non-formal education”.
Over 100,000 university students in Ho Chi Minh City have been asked to stay at home while many other universities are stepping up efforts to deal with new local Covid-19 transmissions.
Return to top IAU Lynx November Edition
IAU Lynx October Edition
IAU Lynx September EditionIAU Lynx coordinator: Amanda Sudic
Collaborating team: Nicholas Poulton, Samuel Pousson, Carine Sebast and Lianne Guerra
Contact: centre@iau-aiu.net
© IAU 2020 -
IAU Lynx March 2021 KEEPING AN EYE ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS WORLDWIDE
March 2021
IAU Lynx offers a monthly overview of higher education developments around the world. It covers new policies, initiatives and projects on various higher education topics. The information is classified by international, regional, bilateral and national initiatives.
INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
The UNESCO Policy brief Building Ecosystems for Online and Blended Learning: Advancing Equity and Excellence in Higher Education in the Asia-Pacific highlights important questions for national policy makers in the Asia-Pacific to enhance online and blended learning for quality higher education.
Nominations are open for the 2021 UNESCO-Japan Prize on Education for Sustainable Development which recognises the role of education in connecting the social, economic, cultural and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Each of the three recipients will be awarded USD 50,000. Deadline: 30 April 2021
Laureates of the 23rd L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards were announced on the International Day for Women and Girls in Science in February. Five women researchers in mathematics, astrophysics, chemistry and informatics were honoured.
The 2021 call for applications of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Programmes is open. Women scientists at doctoral and/or post-doctoral level are invited to submit their application for one of the national and regional programmes aimed at promoting and encouraging young women researchers, helping them to pursue their research in institutions at home or abroad.
The second UNESCO Engineering Report, Engineering for Sustainable Development: Delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals has been released. It highlights the lack of diversity in the field, the crucial role of engineering in achieving the 17 SDGs and discusses engineering education and capacity-building for sustainable development as well as regional trends in Engineering.
A new pilot project has been launched to trial the UNESCO Qualification Passport (UQP) in Iraq. It is the first step to build bridges between the Iraqi qualification authorities and other QAs around the globe, to facilitate mutual-learning opportunities among UNESCO member states.
Russia and Afghanistan will respectively become the 10th and 11th States to ratify the Asia-Pacific Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education, known as the Tokyo Convention.
UNESCO launched in March the free online course “Education for Global Citizenship: Youth, Human Rights and Participation in Latin America and the Caribbean” (Educación para la Ciudadanía Mundial: Juventud, derechos humanos y participación en América Latina y el Caribe), aimed at youth from all over the world, the course aims to reflect on the most urgent global challenges, identifying successful youth strategies and practices to transform communities and regions.
UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC)
The latest issue (number 32/Nº 2) of the journalEducación Superior y Sociedad (ESS) (Higher Education and Society) - investigates a series of experiences and practices showing how HEIs in Latin America and the Caribbean contribute to the achievement of the SDGs through the exercise of their academic functions (teaching, research, extension or interaction with society, comprehensive and systemic contributions).
(Spanish version only)UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC)/Ibero-American Observatory of Science, Technology and Society (OCTS-OEI)
UNESCO IESALC and OCTS-OEI released the report Investigación y vínculo con la sociedad en Universidades de América Latina (Research and the Link with Society in Latin American Universities) at the Second Virtual Forum of Rectors held by the CILAC Forum on December 10. The publication discusses the features of Latin American Higher Education Systems, science and technology trends in the region, production and transfer of knowledge in the universities of Latin America, Universities’ response to the COVID-19 crisis.International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP UNESCO)
IIEP UNESCO posted online the recording of the Strategic Debate Resilience in higher education - what lessons can we draw from COVID-19? Held online 26 November 2020 - In which the Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General of IAU, took part.IIEP-UNESCO held online the 2020 edition of theRegional Forum on Education Policy, in November, to provide a space for dialogue and reflection with the goal of promoting strategies to advance towards achieving the Education 2030 Agenda. Attending ministries of education and officials from all the region developed recommendations and lines of action for building inclusive education in challenging post-pandemic times.
Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
AUF in the Caribbean is launching a doctoral mobility programme to support doctoral students from member universities of the Caribbean registered in a host university based outside their country of origin.
The Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), has announced a new “AUF Plan for Lebanon”. Together with research agency CNRS-Liban the programme entitled ’3R Liban : Research. Responses. Resiliance’ , launching a call for research projects. In conjuenction with this, in November the AUF annonced the funding of more than one million euros, includes support for the acceleration of the transition to digital university education and an increase in grants paid to Lebanese doctoral students.
International Council for Distance Education (ICDE)
The ICDE Advocacy Committee’s survey report 2020: Implementation of the UNESCO recommendation on Open Education Resources (OER) is available online. Based on the findings of the ICDE OER Advocacy Committee (OERAC) survey, this report aims to provide a general baseline against which the international community can map future progress toward the UNESCO OER Recommendation. The report also aims to provide context and recommended next steps, with a special recognition of COVID-19’s impact on OER activities.
https://www.icde.org/knowledge-hub/2021/1/15/icde-oer-advocacy-committees-survey-report-on-the-implementation-of-the-unesco-recommendation-on-oerInternational Association of University Presidents (IAUP)/Santander Universidades
The Report Leadership Responses to COVID-19: A Global Survey of College and University Leadership has been released. It analyses the HEIs leadership responses to COVID-19. It offers global, regional, sectoral, national (for United States, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil United Kingdom, Spain, India, Japan) perspectives.
Return to top REGIONAL INITIATIVES
Africa - Americas - Asia & Pacific - Europe
The 6th annual conference of the West and Central African Research and Education Network takes place on 15 March, the online conference organised by the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN) in partnership with Agence pour le Développement du Numérique (ADN Benin) is titled ‘Digital transformation for development’. It will also focus on e-learning, open science and open access, ethics and governance, as well as responses and solutions to COVID-19 and beyond.
Unión de Universidades de América Latina y el Caribe (UDUAL)
Video recordings of the virtual webinar Universidades del futuro visión 2030 Session 1 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDrEsHGaX7Q&feature=emb_title held by UDUAL and ECESELI (Espacio Común de Educación Superior en Línea (ECESELI which took place in February are available. Participants discussed the future of internationalization in Brazilian universities, challenges faced by higher education institutions and strategies that the Caribbean Universities intend to follow, and windows of opportunities for 2030 that the pandemic offers to higher education institutions. (Session 1)Conference of the Americas on International Education (CAEI)
TheConference of the Americas on International Education will be held from 19 to 22 October 2021. CAEI Chile-2021 calls on researchers and academics, specialists and representatives from civil society, to submit proposals for posters or parallel sessions that examine the ways in which international academic collaboration contributes to achieve collaborative solutions to our shared challenges.Organization of American States (OAS)
The Technical Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee on Education has made resources available for Ministries of Education of the region to support their work during the COVID-19 crisis.Secretaría General del Consejo Superior Universitario Centroamericano (CSUCA)
The IX Central American University Congress (IX Congreso Universitario Centroamericano) is convened to be held on 16 and 17 June 2021 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras at the National Autonomous University of Honduras. The activities will be carried out in semi-presential modality, with presentations and debates in virtual modality and also in physical presence modality. Proposals for papers will be accepted until 31 March in one of the 7 congress programmes.Asian Development Bank
The briefing COVID-19 and Education in Asia and the Pacific has been released. It provides guidance to help developing countries address the disruptions caused by COVID-19 pandemic but also identifies critical policy reforms and concrete actions - framed as the three Rs - Response, Recovery, and Rejuvenation - to improve the quality, relevance, and inclusion of education systems over the long-term. All education levels - including higher education- are addressed.Asian Association of Online Universities (AAOU)
Nominations are open for the AAOU 2021 Meritorious Service Award, that every year, recognises an individual for his/her outstanding services and contributions to open and distance education. Deadline for nomination: 26 March 2021.European Union
Micro-credentials are gaining momentum in the European Higher Education Area as an innovative way to support skills development, lifelong learning and inclusion within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and the European Union. In the latest Rome communiqué (November 2020) the 49 EHEA countries identified micro-credentials as a way to make the EHEA more innovative.
Return to top NATIONAL INITIATIVES
Australia
BhutanCanadaChinaColombia
El SalvadorFranceGermany
HondurasHong Kong
IndiaIrelandJapan
Maldives 
Mozambique Netherlands New ZealandNicaragua
Norway 
Singapore 
SpainUnited Kingdom United StatesNew Minister
On 18 December 2020, Alan Tudge was appointed as Minister for Education and Youth following a Federal Cabinet reshuffle.Research commercialisation
The Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) has launched a consultation to collect perspectives on the development of the University Research Commercialisation Scheme that will aim at better translating and commercialising university research outputs. Submissions Deadline: April 9, 2021.International students employability
The Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) has launched the Enhancing employability: international students resource portal to help education providers assist international students in building their global employability by improving the delivery of employability programmes, promoting collaboration and sharing good practices. Online modules to prepare international students for work integrated learning experiences are also available.Quality assurance
The recording of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) Quality Assurance Webinar Series titled Achieving self-accreditation is now online. Panellists discussed approaches to achieving self-accreditation and benefits.Academic employment
Universities Australia estimates that at least 17,300 university jobs were cut in 2020 and AUS$1.8 billion in revenue lost compared to 2019 - a 4.9 per cent drop. A further 5.5 per cent loss is expected in 2021.Academic freedom
The Report of the Independent Review of the Adoption of the Model Code on Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom has been released. It reviews policies; future steps to ensure ongoing alignment with the Model Code; and the role of university governing bodies.The revised Institutional Accreditation Manual (IAM) 2020 was launched in December to support Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to examine their institutional vision, standards and performance and help them identify strategies to improve educational effectiveness.
The report State of Higher Education of Bhutan, released by the Ministry of Education features statistics on: higher Education Students (In-country and Ex-country); Self-Funding Students; students enrolled in STEM; students enrolled under Student Loan Scheme; Budget allocation for Higher Education Institutions; Status of Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions in Bhutan.
Covid 19 - Financial impact (Ontario)
Universities Ontario has made a call to the provincial government for recovery support since as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario’s universities have incurred more than $500 million in combined net costs and lost revenue.
https://ontariosuniversities.ca/ontarios-universities-face-mounting-covid-19-impactsInternationalization
Recordings from the Sustainable and Inclusive Internationalization Virtual Conference titled Reimagining Approaches in Higher Education in an Era of Global Uncertainties organized by IAU Member York University and the UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education Towards Sustainability (January 20-22) are online. Themes were: International mobility in practice; the greening of student and scholar exchange; Intercultural development, global and community engagement in mobility programmes; inclusive student exchanges and experiences; the use of technology and digital learning.The 2020 Plenary Session of the Science and Technology Commission organized by the Ministry of Education in December mapped out the next steps for conducting research at HEIs in order to address the national strategic needs. Areas of action include: better strategic planning, basic research, breakthroughs in critical technologies, capacity building in service of the socio-economic development, reform and innovation in the institutions and mechanisms of scientific research, high-level sci-tech exchange and cooperation, integration of scientific and technological innovation with talent training, and security for science and technology.
Achievements in the opening up of China’s education sector were reviewed at a press conference held in December. Measures adopted aimed at improving high-level strategic planning, providing high quality education to students, deepening people-to-people and cultural exchange, promoting global education governance.
The National Accreditation Council - CNA adjusted the timetable of the V Call for Regional Accreditation of Academic Programmes of MERCOSUR in the framework of ARCU-SUR due to the challenging situation that Higher Education Institutions are going through due to the impact of the health crisis. The new date is extended to 29 March 2021.
The University of El Salvador has decided to provide free and quality education to the Salvadoran people. The UES has named 2021 as the year of free education, bringing free education to the entire student community, exempting the payment of tuition and monthly fees.
The Vice Minister of Education, Ricardo Cardona Alvarenga, together with the authorities of the Technological University of El Salvador (UTEC) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), inaugurated the Recording, Multimedia and Training Laboratories for Virtual Education. This project was realised thanks to the coordination with the Cybernetics University of the Republic of Korea and with the financial support of KOICA, in order to build capacities in e-learning for Higher Education Institutions in the country.
On 14 February, Frédérique Vidal, French Minister for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, announced plans to order the French research agency (CNRS) to conduct an enquiry into French university research focused on colonialism and race. On 16 February, the CPU (Conference des Présidents d’Universités), The French Rectors’ Association called for an “end to sterile polemics”, and stated that this action risks restricting free speech, highlighted as an essential component in healthy democratic societies.
The Ministry of Education has reported that it will seek to improve the mechanisms of care in the non-face to face education of students in the country. It also reported that the need has been raised for teachers to be vaccinated after attending to health personnel, in order to systematically open the educational centres.
The University Grants Committee (UGC) and the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) will allocate additional funding of $165 million to support the eight UGC-funded universities in implementing various initiatives between 2021 and 2023 to promote the strategic development of virtual teaching and learning (VTL) in the medium to long run. These include: developing the governance framework, assessment methods, quality assurance system and professional best practices of VTL; enriching the overall educational experience of virtual learning; exploring new strategies, pedagogies, platforms and facilities in pursuit of longer-term visions on VTL.
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and EY India have released the Higher education in India: Vision 2040 Report that analyses how the pandemic, the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and changing student preferences have acted as a testbed for Education 4.0. It also focuses on assessing and understanding the aspects that are sustainable in the future through identification of global best practices, stakeholder opinions and the changing regulatory landscape.
The Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) launched the research paper Disruption in the Higher Education sector – Managing Risks at the 16th FICCI Higher Education Summit on 25 February 2021. It examines the state of higher education in India and different aspects of disruptions and risk factors facing higher education institutions.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has announced wide-ranging changes to the higher and further education entry system. The Central Applications Office (CAO) will be reformed incorporating apprenticeships and further education. Also among measures are plans to change the credit systems for courses, making it easier for students with a further education and training (FET) certificate to continue their education and earn a degree.
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) has released the Job Hunting Guide for International Students 2022. The guidebook provides international students with information on things to know regarding the preparation for job hunting, applications, job offers, and changes to status of residence.
The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) has issued the Covid-19 and aftermath: Guidance for Higher Education Providers on Standards and Quality providing HEIs with instructions to facilitate the continuation of teaching and learning while maintaining existing quality standards higher education. Principles for delivering higher education programmes, changes in assessment methods and the reopening of classrooms are addressed.
The report Mapping Research and Innovation in the Republic of Mozambique describes the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) landscape in Mozambique and identifies areas for strategic investment in STI in the country. It provides evidence and data for the revision of the national STI policy and strategy, as part of the country’s transition from a low-income country to a lower middle-income status. A list of key recommendations for STI policy development and STI investment is included.
Dutch universities structurally need 800 million euros per year, as well as a once off investment of 300 million euros, to get the level of education and research back to the desired level, according to a study by accountancy firm PwC for departing Education Minister Ingrid van Engelshoven.
The Declaration of the Forum “Higher Education in Nicaragua 2020 and the Impact in times of Pandemic” that took place on 21, 22, 28 and 29 January 2021 is now available.
Education Counts has released theStudent Loan Scheme Annual Report 2020 to inform the Parliament and the New Zealand public about the performance of the Student Loan Scheme for the financial year 2019/20 in terms of participation and borrowing, repayment and cost.
Norway
Members of parliament have endorsed the strategic goal of ensuring that 50% of Norwegians have had a stay abroad upon graduation and that student exchanges are worked into all courses, with students having to opt out if they do not want to participate.The recording of the Straits Times Education Forum 2021 Webinar Reimagining Universities, Post-Covid held 5 February in partnership with the Singapore Management University (SMU) is online. It examined the ripple effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on higher education and the changes that it will forge. Topics addressed included the necessary transformation of universities in Singapore and the questions of costs and affordability of university education.
Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca presents its collection “La Universidad del siglo XXI” (The University in the 21st Century) with three books on the future of the university, the quality of education and a new conceptual model of knowledge transfer.
Universities UK has published Building the global reputation and delivery of UK Transnational Online Higher Education. The report provides a summary of recommendations from a transnational education task and finish group set up in summer 2020. It examines the quality of UK degrees delivered through online and blended learning overseas, and explores how the sector can collaborate with other organisations in the public, private and not-for-profit spheres to innovate in this area.
UUK has also released UUK’s submission to the APPG for Students’ inquiry into ‘the impact of the pandemic on students’ tuition and accommodation’.
Students graduating from university in Scotland take on an average of three times less student debt than their counterparts in England.
The figures published by the Student Loans Company (SLC) reveal that graduates in Scotland on average leave university with £13,890 of debt from loans. Students in Wales have an average debt of £24,960 and students who were studying at English universities have to pay off an average of £40,280 in student loan debt.A survey by the American Council on Education of 348 college and university presidents looks at how universities have had to adapt and innovate many of their student services in order to continue to meet students’ needs during the pandemic. Presidents report that student mental health tops their most pressing concerns. “Mental health of faculty and staff” was the second most commonly selected pressing concern, followed by the “long-term financial viability of the institution.”
Return to top IAU Lynx December Edition
IAU Lynx November Edition
IAU Lynx October EditionIAU Lynx coordinator: Amanda Sudic
Collaborating team: Nicholas Poulton, Samuel Pousson, Carine Sebast and Lianne Guerra
Contact: centre@iau-aiu.net
© IAU 2021 -
IAU Lynx November 2020 KEEPING AN EYE ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS WORLDWIDE
November 2020
IAU Lynx offers a monthly overview of higher education developments around the world. It covers new policies, initiatives and projects on various higher education topics. The information is classified by international, regional, bilateral and national initiatives.
INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
The extraordinary session of the Global Education Meeting (2020 GEM) held on 22 October resulted in the 2020 GEM Declaration in which participants committed to protect education finance and identified priority actions to accelerate progress towards SDG4 in the context of COVID-19 and beyond. During the meeting, the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) issued a Statement that underlines the vital role Higher Education plays in support of sustainable development, a green recovery, while also ensuring the quality of education, equity, and gender equality.
UNESCO Office in Harare
Call for PartnersThe UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education invites interested universities, polytechnics, and technical and vocational training colleges to apply to become Partners on the Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3 Plus) project, due to commence in 2021. It will seek to ensure that young people in higher education institutions in Zambia and Zimbabwe benefit from a comprehensive campus wide programme on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Deadline: 30 November.UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC)
On 17 November, the Latin American and Caribbean region will participate in the third edition of World Access to Higher Education Day (WAHED), with the presentation of the conference "Inequalities in Access to Higher Education by Disadvantaged Populations in the Latin American and Caribbean Region in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic", organised by IESALC-UNESCO.
In the Webcast Back to the future: Higher Education in the Post-Pandemic world, the Director of UNESCO IESALC addressed the current situation and the prospects for the future of Higher Education in the pandemic and post-pandemic world, analysing university closures’ main effects and impacts and hybridization between online and face-to-face classes.
UNESCO/Fiji
On 27 August, Fiji became the first Small Island Developing State to ratify the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education, known as the Tokyo Convention. The text aims to facilitate international mobility of students and academics in higher education in the Asia-Pacific region by setting a framework of collaboration amongst the State Parties on mutual and fair recognition of higher education
Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi)
The report of the 2nd GUNi International Conference on SDGs: “Higher Education & Science Take Action” - held in Barcelona on March 2020 – has been released. It contains articles by 104 authors that participated in the event, grouped under the following themes: Integrating Student Leadership in Sustainable Actions; Revising Institutional Strategies in the Context of the 2030 Agenda; Key Competencies Approaches for Sustainability; Developing Evaluation Tools for Change; Social Impact through SDGs: Transforming Communities; Innovative Social Engagement through Service Learning; Teacher Training: Seeds for Transformative Competencies; Responsible Research for the SDGs; Regional perspectives; Students’ voices.
International Council for Distance Education (ICDE)
Call for applications - OER Expert for Francophone Africa projectThe ICDE has launched a call for an expert and project consultant to collaborate in a project that will support the implementation of the UNESCO OER Recommendation in a selection of Francophone African Countries. Closing date: 17 November.
International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) / NAFSA: Association of International EducatorsLaunched by IEAA and NAFSA, the Guide to Practitioner Research in International Education, encourages international education workers to combine research with professional practice and aims to foster good practice in producing and promoting international education research outcomes. It discusses issues and provides suggestions relating to: Research Questions; Varieties of Research; Resourcing; Ethical Issue; Dissemination.
https://www.ieaa.org.au/news/ieaa-and-nafsa-launch-guide-to-practitioner-research-in-international-educationReturn to top REGIONAL INITIATIVES
Africa - Americas - Asia & Pacific - Europe
eLearning Africa
The Report "The Effect of Covid-19 on Education in Africa and its Implications for the Use of Technology" has been published by eLearning Africa and the EdTech Hub. The authors received detailed survey responses from over 1600 education and technology practitioners, experts, policy makers, administrators and investors.
Asociación Universitaria Iberoamericana de Postgrado
On 27 October the Asociación Universitaria Iberoamericana de Postgrado (Association for Postgraduate Latin American Universities) , agreed to award 41 grants to facilitate the mobility of students and academics between Andalusian and Latin American universities.
Centro Interuniversitario de Desarrollo (CINDA)
On 28 October, the fourth session of the Transformative Internationalisation series took place. This series of meetings - organised in conjunction with the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) - presented best practices from eight institutions identified in the 2020 call for proposals of CINDA’s Transforming Internationalisation project.
Organización Universitaria Interamericana (OUI)
OUI celebrated its 40th anniversary with a series of conferences held between 19 and 22 October in which education ministers from several countries in the region participated, the General Assembly of members was held and the third Inter-American Award for Innovative Educational Models in Higher Education was inaugurated.
Caribbean Community member states (CARICOM)
Global Affairs Canada has launched a new short-term exchange opportunity in Canada for students from the Caribbean Community member states (CARICOM), undertaking university studies in disciplines related to climate change and resilience building. The Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships program is facilitated through institutional collaborations and student exchange agreements between Canadian institutions and institutions across the CARICOM offering technical or vocational education and training (TVET).
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
The Ministers of Education of the Member States of the ASEAN issued a Joint Statement at the Conference on the Digital Transformation of Education Systems throughout ASEAN on 15 October in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. Calling for digital transformation in education, they agreed to: work towards lifelong learning and the digital transformation of education systems in ASEAN; Promote access to safe digital learning; and support the development of an ASEAN Declaration on the Digital Transformation of Education Systems.
The Study on Enhancing Intra-ASEAN University Student Mobility has just been released. It looks at three factors crucial to enhancing intra-ASEAN mobility for university students: Understanding the data available on international students; The role of visa provision; Scholarship and ASEAN single branded scholarship (SBS).
Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU)
AAOU have called for submissions for the 34th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities themed “Opening Minds for a Sustainable Future: Re-orienting ODL to Surmount Challenges” - rescheduled to June 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deadline: 15 December.European Commission
The European Commission released a new Communication on the European Education Area (EEA) on 30 September. It lays out a pathway to achieving the EEA by 2025. In higher education, the aim is to encourage joint curriculum development across universities in different countries, policy support for transnational cooperation via higher education alliances, a strong role for education institutions in supporting the recovery from COVID-19 and sustainable development, deeper faster international cooperation on studying abroad and a stronger focus on advanced digital skills.
European Universities Associations
The presidents of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), Universities Austria (UNIKO) and the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) have published a common statement “Last chance to invest in European higher education and research” urging governments to recognise the value of education, research and innovation in the EU Multiannual Financial Framework. The signatories stress that policymakers must act fast to set the right course for a successful future by significantly increasing funds for flagship programmes like Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.
European University Association
The European University Association (EUA) and the European Students’ Union (ESU) have released a Statement condemning that Belarusian professors and students who supported anti-presidential protests have lost their jobs or the opportunity to continue education at Belarusian universities. EUA and ESU call on the Belarusian authorities to guarantee all citizens, including students and university staff, the right to free expression, assembly and protest. EUA and ESU also urge the government of Belarus to reconsider the recent decision to no longer recognise diplomas from foreign educational institutions.
Return to top NATIONAL INITIATIVES
Afghanistan
Albania
ArgentinaAustraliaBrazilCanadaColombiaEgyptFinlandFrance
GreeceGuineaIrelandJapan
KazakhstanKenya 
Lithuania
MexicoMoroccoNetherlands 
Nicaragua
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
South Africa 
SwitzerlandUnited Kingdom United StatesOn 2 November an attack on Kabul University left 19 students and teachers dead and over 22 others wounded. The attack has been widely condemned by the Afghan government, its international partners and rights groups.
The Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Evis Kushi has announced that Albanian universities will start the 2020-2021 academic year, which began in November, with only online classes.
A new conference of the Rectors’ Athenaeum was held with the participation of more than 90 leaders and teachers from the member universities of the Council of Rectors of Private Universities (CRUP). On this occasion the speakers were Emilio Baños Ardavin, President of the Federation of Mexican Private Institutions of Higher Education, and Claudio Rama, former director of IESALC/UNESCO.
Academic integrity
The Minister of Education has launched a new TEQSA Academic Integrity Toolkit, developed to assist integrity practitioners with promoting academic integrity and to address contract cheating within their institutions. It includes benchmarking tools, advice on policy and case studies from Australian higher education providers.Higher education reforms
The Job-ready Graduates Package of reforms to higher education legislation has been passed and became a law in October. Government university funding will grow to AUS$ 20 billion by 2024, up to 30,000 new university places will be created by 2021 and additional support provided for students in regional and remote Australia. It aims to help drive the nation’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.The III National Congress on Inclusion in Higher Education and Professional Technological Education, a free online event promoted by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) will take place from 23 to 27 November 2020.
Educational finance
In a report published in November, Statistics Canada has projected Canadian universities could lose as much as CAN$ 3.4 billion for the 2020-2021 academic year in large part due to a decrease in the number of foreign students because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Technology transfer
A new programme aimed to help researchers validate and find commercial value in their ideas has officially launched at three Canadian universities. The Lab2Market programme was developed to support researchers working in deep technology sectors.Call for applications for student bursaries
The Secretary of State for Research and the University of Laval have launched a call for applications for 700 bursaries for international students for studies at Canadian universities. The bursaries aim to facilitate the immigration of international students who will be eligible after graduation to find employment in Canada.
Further information and application forms at: reg.ulaval@execs.comOn 29 October, the National Council of Rectors of the Colombian Association of Universities (ASCUN) met online, in which the Director of IESALC-UNESCO and the ECLAC representative in Colombia took part. They reflected on the changes to boost growth and the role of the university in rethinking the future.
The Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) has announce that it will be establishing a cluster of space technology centres in Universities across the country. The Agency will also support Egyptian universities through the process of establishing the technology centres on their campuses, provide equipment, human resources, and provision of technical knowledge.
The Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) published the report Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education. Finland’s country case study as part of IIEP-UNESCO’s global research project – SDG4: Planning for Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education. It offers evidence-based policy recommendations for the Ministry of Education and Culture and HEIs to improve the learning experience for all students and close equity gaps.
Covid-19 - New regulations for universities
On 29 October, the French government laid down regulations so that higher education face to face classes do not take place; Higher education institutions stay open, but classes are given digitally, except for practical work. The French Rectors Association (Conférence des Présidents d’Université (CPU) released a Statement warning that first year students will be particularly affected and that there is a risk of dropout.A group of academics have signed a letter urging Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to increase security at higher education facilities in order to “safeguard academic life and the operation [of universities]” subsequent to recent violence and intimidation against university academics and vandalism of faculties.
The Guinean Ministry of Higher Education and Research has put in place a dedicated platform ECP (Espace de continuité pédagogique). The platform aims to assist students as they continue to study during the Covid-19 pandemic and is full of resources and tools designed to help students (in French).
The Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris has announced that the country will finance students affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to enroll in free courses enabling them to retrain and upskill to (re)enter the workforce. The €30 million initiative includes many short, stand-alone modular courses, as well as places on existing full-time and part-time postgraduate courses.
The education ministry plans to allow an increase in the number of international students studying at national universities from the 2022 academic year, in an effort to increase the universities’ international competitiveness and ensure the stability of their finances
Presentations and recordings of the International Online Forum "Global in Regional: Kazakhstan in the Bologna Process and EU Projects" - held October 20-21- are online. Dedicated to the 10th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s participation in the Bologna Process, the forum organised by the Ministry of Education and Science. A Communiqué was also released, in which forum participants supported the proposal to create a Central Asian zone of the Bologna Process to further ensure the quality of higher education in the region and call on Central Asian countries to intensify their higher education reform initiatives.
The Kenya Space Agency has awarded development grants to local universities for nanosatellite development and operational space weather study under the Research Chairs (RC) programme as they aim to build up the country’s socio-economic development
Several universities in Lithuania have announced they are switching to remote-only teaching in the context of Covid-19. Vilnius University, Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas and Mykolas Romeris University in Vilnius said on 23 October they would discontinue in-class teaching. All lectures and seminars are to be conducted online, except when special equipment is needed.
The call is open to Higher Education Institutions and Research Centres in Mexico to submit proposals for research projects to be developed jointly with French institutions and research centres and which involve doctoral training in the following areas: health and emerging diseases; water, energy, food and climate change; governance, sustainable development and inequalities; modelling, ICTs, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data. Deadline for submitting proposals: 28 December.
Proposed reforms by the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education that would, among other things, introduce a new four year undergraduate degree instead of the current three years has led to opposition among both students and professors. The plan was supposed to be implemented this academic year, but has been delayed by a year. The proposed reforms come in an attempt to improve the quality of university education and the quality of students graduating.
Dutch universities have seen enrolment rise by 8% this year (a total of 328,000 students) compared to the to 2019-2020 academic year according to provisional registration figures from the association of Dutch universities VSNU. The association attributes the increase to the consequences of coronavirus crisis.
With the participation of more than 600 representatives of member institutions of the National Council of Universities (CNU), the "First National Postgraduate Academic Meeting" was held on 29 October in virtual mode. Its objectives were to address the challenges of postgraduate education in the context of the pandemic, and to share the lessons learned from the strategies implemented in the different universities.
Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood has announced that Pakistani universities need to focus more on promotion of research culture in the country.
The Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST) has announced that over 5000 students from 32 institutions across the country have so far benefited from the National Government’s recently introduced Higher Education Loan Program (HELP).
University of South Africa (UNISA), an IAU Member, recently held a seminar series on African scholarship and indigenous ways of knowing, from 23-25 September. A brief summary of the talks given can be found here.
Swiss universities went back to distance learning from 2 November according to new anti-coronavirus measures announced by the government on 28 October,
Covid 19 - new guidelines issued
The UK government has published new guidance for higher education institutions concerning the lockdown in England, which confirms that face-to-face teaching can continue where possible, and clarifies that libraries and shared-study spaces will remain open for students to access.Education funding
The Institute for Fiscal Studies annual report on education spending has found that Universities in England which are still grappling with the impact of Covid-19 are facing "significant" financial risks from high drop-out rates and soaring pension costs.New Immigration rules - university associations respond
The American Council on Education (ACE) and 23 other higher education associations filed briefs to the Government supporting legal challenges to new rules restricting immigration H1-B visas for highly skilled workers.Covid 19 - Campus closures
Data from the College Crisis Initiative and the Chronicle of Higher Education indicate that just over 300 campuses are closed for the fall semester.Return to top IAU Lynx October Edition
IAU Lynx September Edition
IAU Lynx July EditionIAU Lynx coordinator: Amanda Sudic
Collaborating team: Nicholas Poulton, Samuel Pousson, Carine Sebast and Lianne Guerra
Contact: centre@iau-aiu.net
© IAU 2020 -
IAU Lynx October 2020 KEEPING AN EYE ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS WORLDWIDE
October 2020
IAU Lynx offers a monthly overview of higher education developments around the world. It covers new policies, initiatives and projects on various higher education topics. The information is classified by international, regional, bilateral and national initiatives.
INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL)
UNESCO UIL has just released an issue note on Higher education institutions’ engagement local communities in the context of the current pandemic. It shares various lessons from past practices and the current crisis but also provides practical tips for designing policy interventions.
Nominations are open for the 2020 edition of the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the use of ICT in education that annually distinguishes projects ensuring the continuity and quality of learning. This year’s theme is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the continuity and quality of learning. Deadline for nominations: 18 December.
Rethinking Mass Higher Education: Towards Community Integrated Learning Centres is a new background paper has been released by UNESCO. It discusses the limitations of mass higher education, international education, and possibilities of alternative, community integrated learning centres.
UNESCO has published the report Education Policy Review: Towards a Lifelong Learning System Results from a Critical Sectoral Analysis and an In-Depth Policy assessment conducted by UNESCO and the Ministry of Education of Mongolia. It provides recommendations to reform the education system in teaching and learning; Mainstreaming ICT in Education and Learning; and lifelong learning for all.
UNESCO has just released The Lifelong Learning approach: Implications for Education policy in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has three parts: LLL in the international context, international plans for education in Latin America and the Caribbean, and LLL in this region.
The report "Education in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic" (La educación en tiempos de la pandemia de COVID-19), produced by the Regional Office of Education for Latin America and the Caribbean (OREALC/UNESCO Santiago), ECLAC and UNESCO, has been published. The report aims to make visible the diversity of measures implemented in the 33 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean during the pandemic and their impact on educational communities.
UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC)
UNESCO IESALC has made available recordings of the following two webinars (in Spanish):
the V Ibero-American Workshop on Higher Education Indicators, organized by the Red Iberoamericana de Indicadores de Educación Superior (INDICES) where participants highlighted the importance of defining the concept of virtual academic mobility for the generation of internationalization indicators in Ibero-America and the need to join efforts to achieve region-specific indicators.
the International Colloquium “Impact of COVID-19 on Education”, organised by the RUDECOLOMBIA Doctorate in Educational Sciences of the University of Cartagena. Participants discussed the impact of temporary closure of higher education institutions (HEI) regionally, the necessity for HEIs to undertake emergency remote teaching and the importance of face-to face learning.UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (Shenzhen) (UNESCO-ICHEI)/ Cambodia
UNESCO-ICHEI and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of Cambodia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in the field of higher education digital transformation and empower HEI teachers with ICT to build a shared platform with digital resources. Future plans include the setting up of the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) and the building of a national MOOCs platform for Cambodia - Khmer MOOCs (KHMOOCs).
Agence universitaire de la francophonie (AUF)
AUF has published a new guide for the implementation of distance learning systems, “Methodological guide for the implementation of an ODL system. An initiative of the Yaoundé campus” was developed within higher education institutions in Cameroon. The guide offers training for institutions wishing to implement distance learning.
OECD
The 2020 edition of the Education at a Glance 2020 has just been released. The report covers all levels of education, from pre-primary to doctoral education and includes a special focus on initial and continuing vocational education and training.
The OECD has just released ’Education responses to COVID-19: Implementing a way forward’. The paper proposes a framework and recommendations to help governments form and implement strategy for education responses to COVID-19.
the OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) has released the policy brief ’Remote online exams in higher education during the COVID-19 crisis’. It outlines possible short-term and long-term solutions for organising student examinations on line in the context of campus closures and social distancing measures.
G20
Internationalization in education and the Education Continuity in times of crisis were among the items discussed at the G20 virtual Education Ministers Meeting chaired by Saudi Arabia in September. The “Ministerial Communique of the G20 Education Ministers Meeting” adopted as an outcome document supports the promotion of internationalization in education for all, encourages the integration of international and intercultural dimensions into all levels.Return to top REGIONAL INITIATIVES
Africa - Americas - Asia & Pacific - Europe
eLearning Africa
The Report "The Effect of Covid-19 on Education in Africa and its Implications for the Use of Technology" has just been published by eLearning Africa and the EdTech Hub. The authors received detailed survey responses from over 1600 education and technology practitioners, experts, policy makers, administrators and investors.
AUiP (Asociación Universitaria Iberoamericana de Postgrado)
On 30 September, a virtual meeting of the AUiP Executive Committee, made up of 21 rectors from different Latin American universities, was held, where future actions were presented. Despite the exceptional situation created by the pandemic, the AUIP has continued to programme mobility, master’s and doctoral grants, as well as calls for technical missions and aid for the creation and consolidation of research networks.
Unión de Universidades de América Latina y el Caribe (UDUAL)
In September the Secretary General of UDUAL sent a letter of solidarity to the academic and student community in Brazil following actions by the government impacting university autonomy of Brazilian universities.
RedCLARA
On 17 September, Africa and South America were connected for the first time through a BGP peer established between Tertiary Education & Research Network of South Africa (TENET) and RedCLARA. The link establishes direct communication with lower latency, allowing direct South-South collaboration between both continents in Science, Education and technological development, among others.
Centro Interuniversitario de Desarrollo (CINDA)
On 30 September, the webinar series "Internationalisation as a strategy for university transformation" (La internacionalización como estrategia de transformación de las universidades) began, organised by CINDA and the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) began with the aim of publicising the good practices of internationalisation of the network’s universities.
ÁPICE (Pan American Association of Educational Credit Institutions)
The report “Innovations and Good Practices of Educational Credit”, published by ÁPICE with the support of the UNESCO Participation Programme, discusses sixteen experiences on educational credit innovations and good practices developed in Latin America and the Caribbean by different universities and educational credit institutions.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The ADB brief Online Learning in Sri Lanka’s Higher Education Institutions during the COVID-19 Pandemic outlines lessons and opportunities to improve online learning modalities based on the experiences of Sri Lanka. It presents the the findings of three surveys conducted among administrators, faculty members, and students at public and private HEIs to assess participation in online education, access to internet, hardware devices and digital Platforms, training needs.
Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU)
The AAOU webinar “Responding to COVID-19 to Remove Barriers: Access, Equity, and Inclusion” was held 6 October and discussed AAU members’ best practices in quality assurance and accreditation.
ASEAN University Network (AUN)
On 16 September 16, The Young SEAkers co-organised the inaugural ASEAN-China Youth Forum themed "Post-COVID-19 Opportunities and Insights from the Lenses of University Students in ASEAN and China”. Discussions addressed the role of higher education institutions and actions prioritizing the health of staff and students, the challenges of migrating learning methods into online formats, how the COVID-19 crisis can become an opportunity for students in terms of soft skills development, and the necessity to strengthen interregional cooperation efforts to prepare for the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
The ASEAN University Network in partnership with De La Salle College of St. Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance (DLS-CSB SDG), held the first part of the “Beyond SDG Webinar Series” on 10 September on the role of higher education institutions in ASEAN building through ASEAN Studies courses, the role of students in spreading awareness of what it means to be ASEAN, and the challenges that the AUN faces in promoting greater student mobility within the region.
The Universiti Malaya UM International Webinar Series gathered regional university associations to discuss their roles in strengthening cooperation between their members to advance the quality of education and research, specifically amid the COVID-19 global crisis.
European Commission
The European Commission released a new Communication on the European Education Area (EEA) on 30 September. It lays out a pathway to achieving the EEA by 2025. In higher education, the aim is to encourage joint curriculum development across universities in different countries, policy support for transnational cooperation via higher education alliances, a strong role for education institutions in supporting the recovery from COVID-19 and sustainable development, deeper faster international cooperation on studying abroad and a stronger focus on advanced digital skills.
Return to top BILATERAL INITIATIVES
Morocco - USA
Morocco’s Ministry of Education and the US Agency of International Development (USAID) has launched the Higher Education Partnership Program to strengthen Morocco’s teacher training system. The Ministry of Education announced in a statement that the programme has a budget of $5 million over a period of five years and that it aims to enhance the quality of primary education through the training of teachers.
Return to top NATIONAL INITIATIVES
Australia
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Egypt
Ethiopia
France
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan 
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Rwanda 
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Sweden United Kingdom The Ministry of Education has agreed to offer loans for computer equipment for non-teaching staff of National Universities.
Academic cheating services - new law
A new law passed on 26 August creates a new criminal offence of providing or advertising an academic cheating service on a commercial basis; and broadens the role of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) to include the prevention of the use of academic cheating services.Research and international education
The International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) and NAFSA have jointly published a Guide to Practitioner Research in International Education. It focuses on opportunities to combine research with professional practice in international education.Student welfare
Universities Australia has released Responding to Suicide: A toolkit for Australian Universities, a resource to assist universities.Student identifier
The Government is extending the Unique Student Identifier (USI) from vocational education and training to all higher education students. From 1 January 2021, new higher education students will need a USI to be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place and Commonwealth financial assistance and from 2023 all higher education students must have a USI to graduate.Quality reviews
The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) has released the report Independent Experts Engaged by Providers to assist providers on selecting an independent expert to conduct a review as part of their internal quality assurance processes.Academic staff - gender pay gap
Data from Statistics Canada show a continued pay gap between male and female professors at Canadian universities. This trend is across all universities in Canada except for three.Covid 19 - new measures in universities - Quebec
The Quebec Ministry of Education and Higher Education put in place new regulations in October to reinforce health measures against the pandemic. In higher education institutions, distance education wherever possible is recommended by the Ministry.The Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation has launched a call for applications for the Cupo Explora UNESCO, a special admission initiative for higher education in scientific fields. Deadline: 5 November
Postgraduate reforms
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has issued the document Opinions on Accelerating Postgraduate Education Reforms in the New Era laying out the overarching goal of building China into a postgraduate education powerhouse by 2035. It specifies the guiding principles, strategic objectives and major measures of the postgraduate education reforms with measures proposed in the field of: assessment, discipline adjustment and development, innovation, admission, basic research funding and key and core technologies.In order to continue making progress in the safety of sanitary conditions for the process of a gradual return to the universities, the government adopted the bio-security protocol for the provision of the educational service.
The "Study of the Character of the State University Student Population 2019" (Estudio de caracterización de la población estudiantil universitaria estatal 2019), presented by the National Council of Rectors (CONARE), shows that the main source of funding for most students enrolled in the first cycle at public universities is scholarships, followed by financial support from parents.
The government presented the higher education budget allocations to the the representatives of the University Student Federations of Ecuador. The budget for higher education institutions is comprised of resources for operations, and for enabling the institutions to provide fee-free education.
Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, announced the experimental launch of an electronic platform that will enable distance learning at the country’s universities. The new hybrid education system has been put in place nationwide for the new academic year.
Initiated by Samuel Urkato, the new minister of Science and Higher Education, the Higher Education and Relevance Quality Agency will undergo restructuring which is expected to enhance its autonomy and strengthen its regulatory mandate.
European Universities project
The French Rectors Association (Conférence des Présidents d’universités - CPU) has published the results of the second stage of the ‘European Universities’ project. The project was initiated in November 2019.Sustainable universities agreement
On 29 September, the French Rectors Association - CPU and the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles - CGE - signed an agreement to promote “Sustainable Campuses in Sustainable Cities”. The organisations committed to joint actions to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals.The German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD, has requested the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resume visa application procedures for students from third countries, subsequent to the closure of German Embassies and visa centres.
The European Court of Justice ruled on 6 October that Hungary’s law on higher education breached EU law. Provisions in the Hungarian law on higher education, which was amended in 2017, affect how foreign universities operate in the country. The law notably led to the relocation of Central European University, an IAU Member, out of the country.
Funding
The Irish Universities Association (IUA) has set out details of its funding requirements in a pre-Budget submission, which says the sector is facing a combined deficit of €200m next year.University places
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has announced that up to 1,000 more university places may be needed in addition to approximately 6,300 new ones already created this year due to computer coding errors in grades awarded for students’ Leaving Certificates this year.Academic staff ethnic diversity
The Higher Education Authority has announced that it will be compulsory for higher education institutions to provide an annual breakdown of the ethnic diversity among Irish academia from December this year.In September, the Italian Rectors’ Association (Conferenza dei Rettori) appointed a new Secretary-General, Francesco Adornato.
MEXT has published a brochure providing an overview of its initiatives against the COVID-19 pandemic in the field of education. At higher education level they cover the start of classes and promoting the use of distance learning, international student exchanges and scholarships, financial support for students adversely affected.
The Kazakh Ministry of Education and Science has announced that Kazakh university qualifications have started to meet the standards of the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Kazakh students will receive a Diploma Supplement that corresponds to European qualifications starting in 2021.
The World Bank has approved a $104 million in support of skills development programmes for Higher Education (HE) subsystems and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), a member of IAU, has been working with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) on a draft IP policy for the country’s universities as they aim to create a credible copyright culture in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
As Universities were all set to gradual resumption of operations from mid September, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has posted a Strategy for Gradual Reopening of HEIs. The document outlines a reopening plan that draws on strategies adopted by universities worldwide
The Minister for Education, Dr Valentine Uwamariya, has announced that Rwandan universities and higher education institutions will reopen in mid-October, putting an end to the seven-month closure due to the pandemic.
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has announced that International Students will need to be tested for Covid-19 and quarantined for 10 days when returning to South Africa.
Admissions to state university medical faculties have been increased by 350 reaching the highest enrolment level in history. The aim of this decision is to give more opportunities to the students while increasing the number of future doctors for the country.
Data from the Swedish Council of Higher Education shows that there has been a 13% increase in international student admissions to Swedish universities. The number of international admissions has risen to 27,329 in 2020-21, up from 24,099 in 2019-20.
New Higher Education Code of Governance
The Committee of University Chairs (CUC) has just published new guidance - The Higher Education Code of Governance, which reflects the changing landscape of HE in the UK.Covid guidance for universities
The Department for Education has updated its guidance for universities to help universities make campuses as safe as possible for students and staff as part of their wider COVID-secure measures.Lifelong learning
The Prime Minister has announced that all adults will be provided with a fully-funded level 3 course and a lifelong learning entitlement for four years of post-18 education.Student welfare - Scotland
Universities Scotland have confirmed that higher education institutions in Scotland have implemented a package of ten measures they are using to support student wellbeing during the current pandemic.Return to top IAU Lynx September Edition
IAU Lynx July Edition
IAU Lynx June EditionIAU Lynx coordinator: Amanda Sudic
Collaborating team: Nicholas Poulton, Samuel Pousson, Carine Sebast and Lianne Guerra
Contact: centre@iau-aiu.net
© IAU 2020 -
IAU Lynx September 2020 KEEPING AN EYE ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS WORLDWIDE
September 2020
IAU Lynx offers a monthly overview of higher education developments around the world. It covers new policies, initiatives and projects on various higher education topics. The information is classified by international, regional, bilateral and national initiatives.
INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
United Nations Secretary General
The UN Secretary-General’s Policy Brief ‘Education in the time of COVID-19 and beyond’ was launched in August. It warns that the pandemic has created severe disruption in the world’s education systems which may stretch beyond one generation of students. It also refers to the IAU’s report ’IAU Global Survey on the Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education around the world’. The Brief calls for national authorities and the international community to come together to place education at the forefront of recovery agendas and protect investment in education.
UNESCO/Norway
Norway is the first country to ratify the UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education - adopted last November at UNESCO’s General Conference. Its aim is to facilitate international academic exchange and promote the rights of individuals to have their foreign qualifications or study periods evaluated through fair, transparent and non-discriminatory mechanisms.
UNESCO Almaty
UNESCO organised the first of a series of online training sessions on distance learning solutions for Central Asian countries to help improve three priority areas: improving the use of digital educational platforms; developing high-quality digital content; and developing teachers’ competencies for effective use of distance and online learning methods. The recording of the first training session is available.
UNESCO/Gulf Region
UNESCO and the Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) in Saudi Arabia signed an innovative Futures Literacy Partnership Agreement, to develop Futures Literacy at PMU and in the Gulf region.UNESCO - International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP)
Call for applications to join the first IIEP-UNESCO Dakar University on gender-responsive educational planning. Organised within the framework of the "Gender at the Centre" initiative, this free training course will take place in two phases: online (2-27 November) and in person in Dakar (7-11 December), if the health situation permits.
Deadline: 13 SeptemberUNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC)
IESALC has posted a video recording (in Spanish) of the 11th session of the « No dejar a nadie atrás en tiempos de la pandemia COVID-19 » (Leave no one behind during the COVID-19 pandemic) webinar series meant to support universities and education ministries to implement solutions to the crisis.
UNESCO IESALC took part in the virtual Meeting "The Latin American University in a Post-Pandemic Process” webinar organized by the Federación de Sindicatos de Docentes Universitarios de América del Sur FESIDUAS. Participants analyzed impacts of the pandemics, policy responses and recommendations and the six main «macro-trends» being experienced in the face of the COVID-19 global health crisis were presented.
IESALC was selected to support the Ministry of Education’s (Minedu) programme for the educational continuity of 13 of Peru’s 52 public universities.
The director of UNESCO IESALC has contributed a research paper entitled “Applications of Artificial Intelligence to higher education: possibilities, evidence, and challenges” to the current issue of IUL Research, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2020): ’The conditions and results of innovation of educational models’.
The UNESCO-Africa-China High-Level Dialogue for Supporting Priority Africa in the COVID-19 and Post-COVID Context was held on June 24th to exchange and share experiences and good practices against the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, and explore practical measures to support Africa in this backdrop. The UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (ICHEI) and the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) project will assist digitalisation and sustainable development of African higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the post-pandemic era.
UNESCO Bangkok
New Guidelines on implementing qualifications frameworks in Asia and the Pacific for educational studies and cultural heritage management have been released. Its aim is to provide a reference document for Member States to operationalise their national qualifications frameworks at subject and programme levels.
World Access to Higher Education Day (WAHED)
WAHED 2020 - the global day of action focusing on increasing access and participation in higher education for those from low income and other marginalised groups - will take place on 17 November. A launch event entitled "Prioritising equitable access and success after the pandemic » was held in July to outline how COVID-19 is affecting equitable access and success to HE and what can be done about it. Recordings are available here.
Return to top REGIONAL INITIATIVES
Africa - Asia & Pacific - Europe
West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN)
Call for Volunteers - Women-in-WACRENThe WACREN is seeking collaborators from the National Research and Education Network (NREN) community for the implementation of its Women-in-WACREN programme. The initiative has developed a community of women in African NRENs promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curricula and showcasing the opportunities with diversity and inclusion. Closing date: 25 September.
climapAfrica - Climate change research alumni and postdocs in Africa
Postdoc fellowshipsThe DAAD climapAfrica programme aims to foster application-oriented research results to tackle climate change in southern and western Africa. The program funds postdoctoral research projects and offers a platform for collaboration in thematic working groups composed of postdoctoral fellows and African alumni of German funding initiatives with expertise in the field of climate research. Closing date 14 September 2020.
ASEAN / Korea
ASEAN and the Republic of Korea launched the Higher Education for ASEAN Talents (HEAT) Scholarship Programme in July. The 3-year full scholarship, which aims to help ASEAN faculty Members pursue their doctoral degree in ROK, is expected to enhance the regional expertise in Higher Education and to promote bilateral academic mobility.
Asean University Network (AUN):
Quality assurance for online and distance learning was the focus of the SHARE Policy Dialogue Webinar Series on ’Looking Ahead to an ASEAN Higher Education Space’ hosted by the European Union Support to the Higher Education in the ASEAN Region (SHARE) Programme, in June. The quality assurance framework for online learning and teaching in the context of the AUN-QA framework was shared and quality indicators were introduced. To watch the recording, click here.ASEAN University Network (AUN)/ Philippines Commission of Higher Education
A webinar themed ’Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN 2020: Strengthening Educational Collaboration Among ASEAN Higher Education Institutions During the COVID-19 Pandemic’ took place on 12 August. Heads of AUN member universities shared how their respective institutions have responded to the pandemic in terms of providing quality education. Topics addressed during sessions included: approach towards learning continuation; higher education cooperation amidst the pandemic; research and human resource education for readiness to face technological development; structured-blended and student-centered learning. Video recordings are available of the morning session and the afternoon session.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The research paper Urban Agglomeration and Firm Innovation: Evidence from Asia released by ADB presents evidence on the spatial distribution and effects of urban agglomeration on firm innovation using data from 25 developing countries in Asia. It shows that knowledge spillovers are an important channel through which agglomeration effects occur and found a significant and positive effect of university presence on firm innovation.
European Commission
Proposed budget cuts - Rectors’ statement
National rectors conferences have published a joint statement subsequent to the European Commission’s proposal to vastly reduce the budget for higher education, research and innovation. Over 20 organisations have signed a statement asking for the Council to review its decision.
INSET - Community engagement
The European Commission INSET programme has published ‘Community Engagement in Higher Education: Trends, Practices and Policies’. This report argues (based on a comprehensive review of the literature) that universities play a crucial role in responding to societal needs, and can further enhance their societal impact at local, national and international levels through community engagement. It includes information on the impact of Covid-19 on universities’ community engagement, highlighting the IAU report on this issue.
E4 Group
The E4 Group (EUA, ENQA, EURASHE and ESU) has issued a joint statement reinforcing the relevance of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). The statement, “The ESG in the changing landscape of higher education”, reinforces the purpose and focus of quality assurance and the ESG.
https://eua.eu/downloads/publications/e4_statement_the_esg_in_the_changing_landscape_of_higher_education.pdfCenter for Studies in Higher Education
The Center for Studies in Higher Education at UC Berkeley, USA, has published a report on Neo-Nationalism and Universities in Europe. This is examined in the context of globalisation and cross-border flows of students in the European Union.
Return to top BILATERAL INITIATIVES
Afghanistan - Uzbekistan
A cross-border initiative aimed at supporting the economic empowerment of Afghan women through education grants to study in Uzbekistan has been launched. The project aims to provide educational opportunities for Afghan women, who face disproportionate barriers to education and employment.
Philippines - USA
ThePhilippines Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Embassy of the United States of America signed on 24 August, a new CHED-Fulbright agreement to implement a scholarship programme to send Filipino higher education institution (HEI) personnel abroad to pursue graduate degree and non-degree thesis/dissertation programmes in American universities.
Return to top NATIONAL INITIATIVES
Australia China Egypt Germany Hungary
India Ireland
Nepal
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay South Africa Sri Lanka Sweden
Thailand 
United Arab Emirates United Kingdom 
United States 
Vietnam 
Zimbabwe Quality Assurance toolkit
The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) has released a Toolkit to support support higher education quality assurance agencies around the world to promote, develop and sustain cultures of academic integrity. It includes good practice advice around academic integrity frameworks, contract cheating and supporting and sustaining cultures of academic integrity.Preventing and responding to sexual assault in HE
TEQSA has also released a new online resource to assist Australian higher education providers in preventing and responding to sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH). The Good Practice Note: Preventing and responding to sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Australian higher education sector features examples and practical advice for providers to support further improvements in policies, procedures and practices.Graduate employment
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) 2020 Graduate Outcomes Survey has been published. It measures the medium-term employment outcomes of higher education 2017 graduates. .Reform costs
The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre - an independent economic and social research organisation located within Curtin University – has released the paper Analysis of costs and savings of Proposed Reforms to Higher Education. It investigates the financial, behavioral and gender-related consequences of the Government’s recently announced Higher Education Reform Package for Australian universities.The 2018 National Report on Teaching Quality in Undergraduate Programs of Regular HEIs has been published by the Ministry of Education. It introduces new measures, experiences and outcomes achieved by HEIs in improving teaching quality in undergraduate programmes.
China’s Ministry of Education has issued an interim regulation on the naming of higher education institutions. Institutions in principle should not be titled with words including "China," "national," "international" and words which refer to regions.
On 1 September, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi annouced funding for the establishment of 10 new non-profit universities across Egypt, with their academic studies to focus on modern technological sciences and advanced scientific disciplines.
Germany’s government has announced that international students going to Germany this semester to follow only online courses will not be eligible for visas, due to the current Coronavirus situation.
The Hungarian Rectors’ Conference has elected as its new President László Borhy, rector of Eötvös Loránd University.
The management of Hungary’s University of Theatre and Film Arts resigned at the end of August in protest over the imposition of a government-appointed board which they say will undermine the university’s autonomy. A law passed by parliament earlier this year transferred the ownership of the state-run university to a private foundation.The university’s senate said it had been deprived of its right to decide on budgetary, organisational and personnel issues.
National Education Policy 2020 released
The National Education Policy 2020 has been approved by the Cabinet and released. This comprehensive framework plans higher education system reforms in quality; institutional restructuring and consolidation; learning environments and support for students; equity and inclusion; teacher education; vocational education; academic research; and the regulatory system of higher education.The Ministry of Human Resources and the University Grants Commission (UGC) held a meeting on “Conclave on Transformational Reforms in Higher Education under National Education Policy 2020“ to discuss aspects of education covered under the National Education Policy, 2020.The Prime Minister of India delivered the Inaugural Address of this event.The event can be viewed here. The Guidelines for Higher Education Institutions to offer Apprenticeship/Internship embedded Degree Programme was also launched at this event.
COVID-19 response toolkit
The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) published the ’COVID-19 response Toolkit for Indian Higher Education Institutions: Institutional Resilience for Academic Planning and Continuity’. It is devised to serve as a guiding document and contains plans and recommendations for Indian Higher Education Institutions during COVID-19..Indian Association of Universities (AIU) survey
The Indian Association of Universities (AIU) is conducting a survey that aims to gather information from university presidents and senior leaders on plans and perspectives at on the start of the new academic year (2020/2021), as well as challenges and opportunities in the future (2021 and beyond).Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), has released a report entitled A QQI Evaluation of the Impact of the COVID-19 Modifications to Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Further Education and Training (FET) and Higher Education (HE) in Ireland. The report provides an analysis of experiences reported by institutions in how they adapted their teaching and the measures they put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued the Guidelines for Facilitating Alternative Mode of Learning in Higher Education as part of an initiative to address the unprecedented impact of COVUID-19 on regular academic activities of universities and higher education institutions.
The Government has released a long-term strategic recovery plan, backed by a $51.6 million investment from the COVID recovery and response fund to help reset New Zealand’s international education sector. Its three phases include : stabilising the international education sector, strengthening the system by ensuring the regulatory settings, policies and practices to support the recovery and rebuild, and accelerating the transformation of the sector.
On 28 August, the parliament passed eight Bills on the development of higher education reform – including the Higher and Technical Education Reform Bill 2020. They are expected to increase the number of enrolments and improve the quality of graduates in HEIs that meet industry demands and needs.
The meeting for the International Forum of the Council of Rectors of Universities of Paraguay was held on 26 June, with the participation of officials and members of the university community, to discuss and present the different views, opinions and readings on the impact caused by the pandemic. Topics addressed included: interaction with our students, distance higher education, higher education transformation and improvement, the role of universities as an agent of change, in public policies, and to foster sustainability and development.
Information Code of conduct for universities
Universities South Africa compiled a Code of Conduct for the sector, which the USAf Board has since adopted for application in order to prepare and enable its member institutions to comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).Women in Leadership programme
26 women representing South Africa’s 17 public universities will converge online from September, for the commencement of a six-month long Women in Leadership programme. This intervention is being driven under the auspices of IAU Member Universities South Africa Higher Education and Leadership (HELM) programme in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), British Council, Advance HE and the University of Bath, UK.The name of the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology & Innovation was changed to the Ministry of Education in August.
University entrance exams cancelled
The Council for Higher Education has announced the cancellation of university entrance exams, known as the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test (SweSAT), this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision follows a call by 21 presidents of universities and higher-education colleges to cancel the entrance examinations this year.Digital transformation
Following a recently released report entitled “Connected education”, which looks at digitalisation in higher education in Sweden, the Secretary-General of the International Council for Distance Education (ICDE) was invited as speaker and panelist during a webinar on 25 August in order to share international experiences relating to findings and recommendations from the report.The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand and the Thailand Cyber University (TCU) held the International e-Learning Conference themed ’Disruptive Ecology: New Normal of Education in Post COVID-19’, on 31 July. Keynote presentations addressed the rise of Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) and how education is changing in the time of COVID-19.
The UAE Ministry of Education and the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education have launched the University Consortium for Quality Online Learning, UCQOL, a new initiative that aims to support select UAE universities in developing accredited online university programmes and launch them by 2022.
COVID-19 - Student safety
Universities UK has released three briefings and recordings of webinars on Covid-19: Safety, Health and Wellbeing for Students and Staff: for healthcare students; for disabled students; and for Estranged and care-experienced students.With universities due to reopen for face to face teaching, the University and College Union (UCU), which represents lecturers and teachers, has said that the government is “encouraging a public health crisis” and has called for the government to tell universities to move all teaching online for the time being.
Universities Scotland has provided evidence to update the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee Committee on the impact of COVID-19 on the university sector.
The evidence covers: the implications of the SQA examination cycle; international student enrolment; the financial impact the sector is facing; support received from the Scottish and UK Governments; the steps the sector is taking for the start of the new academic year; the SFC’s review of Sustainable and Coherent Provision and supporting student mental health.The Center for Studies in Higher Education at UC Berkeley, USA, has published areport on Artificial Intelligence & Higher Education: Towards Customized Teaching and Learning, and Skills for an AI World of Work.
The Vietnam National University-Hanoi has launched University Performance Metrics (UPM), a nationally developed higher education institutions comparative ranking system. It provides a university benchmarking framework that evaluates third generation universities and how well they have adapted to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Universities were unable to complete the 2019/2020 academic year by the end of August deadline set by Government, due to an increase in Covid-19 cases in July.
Return to top IAU Lynx July Edition
IAU Lynx June Edition
IAU Lynx May EditionIAU Lynx coordinator: Amanda Sudic
Collaborating team: Nicholas Poulton, Samuel Pousson and Carine Sebast
Contact: centre@iau-aiu.net
© IAU 2020 -
IAU Lynx April 2020IAU Lynx April 2020KEEPING AN EYE ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS WORLDWIDE
April 2020
IAU Lynx offers a monthly overview of higher education developments around the world. It covers new policies, initiatives and projects on various higher education topics. The information is classified by international, regional, bilateral and national initiatives.
INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
UNESCO has launched a portal on COVID-19 Educational Disruption and Response to provide immediate support to countries as they work to minimize the educational disruption and facilitate the continuity of learning, especially for the most vulnerable.
UNESCO has shared 10 recommendations to plan distance learning solutions and ensure that learning remains uninterrupted during the COVID-19 outbreak.
UNESCO has posted :
a selection ofnational distance education platforms - classified by country - designed to support the continuity of curriculum-based study. a list of educational applications, platforms and resourceshttps://en.unesco.org/themes/educat... to help parents, teachers, schools and school administrators facilitate student learning and provide social care and interaction during periods of school closure. Most of them are free and many cater to multiple languages.The Thailand UNESCO Country Strategy 2020-2021 presents UNESCO’s strategic framework for engagement with the Thai Government, other UN entities, development partners, universities, schools, and civil society organizations to respond most effectively to Thailand’s expressed development needs, priorities and aspirations. Its two pillars are : Promoting the Internationalization of Higher Education in Thailand; and Strengthening Social Sciences in Thailand.
UNESCO has launched a call for nominations for the 2020 UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education, which awards US$ 50,000 annually to two laureates making outstanding efforts in favour of girls’ and women’s education. Deadline for submissions is 26 May 2020.
UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE)
IITE has released a Handbook on Facilitating Flexible Learning During Educational Disruption: The Chinese Experience in Maintaining Undisrupted Learning in COVID-19 Outbreak. It describes several flexible online learning strategies implemented during the COVID-19 outbreak. Six dimensions are covered : infrastructure; learning tools ; learning resources; teaching and learning methods; services for teachers and students; and cooperation between government, enterprises, and schools.
UNESCO IITE, in cooperation with its global partners, has launched a new online Platform/Initiative on “Combating COVID-19: Together we are on the move!”where international expertise, practice and resources related to education will be presented. The goal is to provide online communication platform for education policy makers, teachers, students and experts in education and ICT to share knowledge and experience in responding to the emergency by providing best practices, recommendations and technical support.
UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL)/UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) :
In order to exchange solutions, discuss contingency plans and share distance-learning approaches, members of the UNESCO GNLC convenes webinars organized by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL). Non-member cities are also invited to join the online events, share their experiences and learn from other cities.UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP)
In the wake of the release of the paper on SDG 4 - Policies for Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education: Taking Stock of Good Practices Internationally, UNESCO IIEP has posted a brief interview of its author and expert, Michaela Martin, who discusses the future of higher education, changes in course taking and credential obtention, global benefits to greater flexibility, Institutions’ adaptation, and policy-makers and planners’ role.UNESCO Almaty Office
UNESCO Almaty Office has released the report Ensuring lifelong learning for all in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan Country Evidence and Policy Recommendations. It discusses the context of lifelong learning in Central Asia, current policies and practices, the quality of education from a lifelong learning perspective and policy recommendations to ensure lifelong learning for all in Central Asia.
Agence universitaire de la francophonie (AUF)
The AUF has made available to it’s member universities a platform for distance teaching and learning.
Educause
EDUCAUSE has released the 2020 Horizon Report: Teaching and Learning Edition. This report profiles key trends and emerging technologies and practices shaping the future of teaching and learning and envisions a number of scenarios and implications for that future. It is based on the perspectives and expertise of a global panel of leaders from across the higher education landscape.
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
OECD has released the report Strengthening the Governance of Skills Systems: Lessons from Six OECD Countries. It provides advice on how to make the governance of skills systems effective in Estonia, Germany, Korea, Norway, Portugal, and the United States.
Guni
Guni has published an article on The Higher Education Institutions’ Environmental Engagement in Colombia.
The aim of this article is to present an updated overview of the progress achieved by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Colombia in the institutionalization of environmental engagement.Return to top REGIONAL INITIATIVES
Africa - Americas - Asia - Europe
Association of African Universities
The AAU has made available a resource page to help higher education institutions plan for possible campus disruption by COVID-19In the wake of closures that took effect on 20 March, a number of universities and higher education institutions in East Africa are revitalising existing e-learning platforms, while others are tentatively migrating into uncharted territory.
UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC)
UNESCO IESALC has posted the results of research on the presence of women in higher education in the Latin American region, specifically in teaching and administrative positions and as leaders in public universities. They indicate that in the 9 sampled countries - Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Venezuela - only 18% of the public universities have female rectors.
In a presentation given at the Ist International Higher Education Forum: Higher Education for the XXI Century ("Foro Internacional de Educación Superior: Educación Superior Siglo XXI") held 11-12 March at the Franz Tamayo University campus (UNIFRANZ), Bolivia, UNESCO-IESALC identified the eight most pressing challenges in reshaping Latin American and Caribbean education by 2030 as: Access; Quality assurance; Demographics; Financing; Internationalization; Research and innovation; ratification of the new convention for the recognition of studies; Achieving the 17 SDGs.
The call for contributions to the thematic dossier Vol. 33, N°2 (July-December 2020) of the Journal of Higher Education and Society (ESS) is open until 31 July. The theme is the “Contribution of Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean to the ODS: experiences and practices from their academic functions”.
UNESCO IESALC has published an article on the internationalization of higher education and the need for measurement criteria.
Organization of American States (OAS): The call is open to institutions to incorporate their online courses into the Educational Portal of the Americas.
http://portal.portaleducoas.org/es/noticias/llamado-instituciones-incorporar-sus-cursos-en-l-nea-al-portal-educativo-las-am-ricasAsociación Universitaria Iberoamericana de Posgrado (AUIP)
The call for applicants from the Universidad del Azuay (Ecuador) and the Universidad Católica de Cuenca (Ecuador) and persons from other Latin American institutions associated with the AUIP to carry out a doctoral thesis at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide (Seville, Spain), within the Doctorate Program in Business Administration and Management, is now open. The application deadline is 4 May
ASEAN University Network (AUN)
ASEAN University Network (AUN) is launching an ASEAN Master Program in Sustainability Management together with Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia, and University of Agder, Norway. Set to be taught as of January 2021. Grants covering the full study, living and travel costs are offered for 40 students from ASEAN countries. Deadline for application is 15 May.
The European University Association (EUA)
The EUA has stated their support for European universities in the context of the COVID-19 crisis and has invited universities to share their experiences of online learning and other solutions at #UniversitiesAtHome
European Association for International Education (EAIE)
EAIE has released a research and trends report on higher education institutions’ response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Return to top NATIONAL INITIATIVES
Argentina Bahamas Belgium Bhutan Brazil Canada Cuba Chile Colombia Costa Rica Denmark Ecuador Estonia France Ghana India Ireland Macao Malaysia Mexico Myanmar Netherlands Norway New Zealand Pakistan Philippines Poland Portugal Singapore Spain South Africa Taiwan Turkey United Kingdom United States Zimbabwe The Council of Rectors of Private Universities (Consejo de Rectores de Universidades Privadas, in Spanish) of Argentina issued a statement expressing its support to the Ministries of Education and Health, and the National Government in general. It states that the capacities of the universities are at the disposal of the national executive power to contribute to the search for effective solutions against COVID-19.
The Ministry of Education has made available to students a virtual learning portal due to the closure of schools in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Flemish university colleges are planning the possibility to begin "limited contact teaching" as of 18 May, but only for "educational activities of primary importance." During these "limited contact" courses, strict conditions such as social distancing will have to be respected.
The Ministry of Education has ordered the closure of all colleges and universites for a two-week period to fight the propagation of the COVID-19 epidemic. Students are invited to go back home, except international students due to transnational travel restrictions.
The National Council of Education Secretaries (CONSED) issued a note to the press, in which it reinforces the need to maintain the suspension of classroom attendance in order to preserve the lives of students, teachers and those around them, especially the elderly and those with chronic diseases.
On March 18, the Ministry of Education published Ordinance No. 343, which authorizes "on an exceptional basis" the replacement of in-person classes with Distance and online classes that use technology and remote communication in courses that were already underway.
New measures in support of student loan borrowers have been announced by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. According to the prime minister’s statement, borrowers will receive a six month interest free moratorium for all student loan repayments. The proposal is in response to the on-going Covid-19 outbreak.
The Government is providing full scholarships to Barbadian students in the academic year 2020-2021 to pursue either undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Cuba in the following disciplines: Medicine, Dentistry, Nursery, Postgraduate courses. Application forms and relevant documents should be submitted to the Barbados Tertiary Section of The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training by 17 April.
The Ministry of Education published an action protocol for higher education institutions to act on the COVID-19 crisis.
With the aim of promoting the professional development of educators and teachers remotely, the Ministry of Education, through the Center for Educational Improvement, Experimentation and Research (CPEIP), has opened new calls for courses completely free and distance (online). The training courses offered will include courses for teachers of different levels and disciplines.
The Fund for the Development of Higher Education (FODESEP) and the Colombian Association of Universities (ASCUN), presented, on 12 March, the MOOC “Management of Higher Education Institutions”. The course, which will last 30 hours, aims to identify the changes that generate global impact and create tension in education and institutions, as well as to interpret the missions of Higher Education in the face of the needs and requirements of students in the 21st century.
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) offers a series of free virtual courses and webinars to teachers, as part of the national “Aprendo en casa” (I learn at home) strategy. These support resources are aimed at teachers in the public education system.
On 11 March, Denmark’s Prime Minister announced that the country will close all kindergartens, schools and universities for two weeks to slow the spread of coronavirus.
The Council of Higher Education of Ecuador issued a statement on March 16, 2020 to suspend the all deadlines and terms established in the regulations and resolutions while the state of health emergency lasts.
The Secretariat of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (Senescyt) promoted the creation of a COVID-19 University Emergency Commission. The universities are expected to form an integral part of the National Committee for Emergency Operations, providing technical and scientific advice. The Commission will maintain constant communication with the actors of the Higher Education System, channeling the efforts and coordinating together the requirements of the country.
On 25 March, it was reported that if the emergency situation caused by the coronavirus outbreak is extended, Estonian universities are ready to postpone graduations and thesis presentations to August. If secondary school final exams are cancelled, students will still get a chance to apply to universities.
On 12 March, President Macron announced the Closure of schools and universities in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.
The Government is seeking the approval of Parliament to create a new regime for the regulatory bodies in the country. Known as the Education Regulatory Bodies bill, the legislation combines the existing National Council for Tertiary Education and the National Accreditation Board into a body known as the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission. The Bill merges other Bodies in the Education regulation in technical, vocational and supervision aspects of the sector.
The Ministry of Education has started the implementation of virtual learning programmes to enable students have access to learning resources while at home in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 24 March, the Minister of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, said the learning programmes would be rolled out on all mediums — radio, television and onlineIn line with governmental guidelines on COVID-19, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has issued a notification to all higher education institutions requesting them to shut down until 4 April.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Development (MHRD) :
has decided to reschedule all ongoing examinations and ll evaluation work 2020 and specified precautions to be taken by all educational institutions and examination boards in light of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) insisting on communication with students and teachers through electronic means. During the lockdown, the MHRD is promoting digital learning in the context of COVID-19 and listed key Digital / e-Learning Platforms it provides for online education, including higher education.The Association of Indian Universities, an IAU Member, has created a platform for Indian Universities to share the e-content, approaches and strategies adopted by them for delivery of online content.
On 12 March, Ireland acting Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced the closure of schools, universities and childcare facilities in response to the spread of the coronavirus.
Face-to-face end of year exams have been cancelled at the country’s higher education institutions in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Students will be asked to self-certify that they are complying with the rules in online assessments and tests that will in many instances replace the exams.
The Higher Education Bureau has issued Guidelines on Class Resumption for Higher Education Institutions in Macao
To help them coordinate the schedules for class resumption, and deal with arrangements prior and after class resumption as well as internal and external activities.The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) has recommended all Public Universities (UA) to extend the period to resume the second semester for the 2019/2020 academic calendar beginning April 27, and latest by June 1.
The National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions (ANUIES) announces the ANUIES 2020 Award, which recognizes the work of those who contribute to the development of higher education in the country. The call and registration of candidates will be open until June 7, 2020.
University examinations have been suspended at all universities due to Covid-19 cases now officially present in Myanmar.
https://www.bnionline.net/en/news/all-universities-suspend-exams-due-covid-19-confirmed-casesThe Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) has published information on the impact of COVID-19 on universities. Measures taken includes the government decision on 12 March to close universities and transfer to online education; and the extension to students’ degree programme evaluation.
On 12 March, Prime Minister Erna Solberg announced that all schools and universities would close in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
With the move to COVID-19 alert level 4,the Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) have accordingly released guidelines for all higher education institutions on dealing with students, staff and institutional services.
Higher education insitutions are encouraged to shift to online delivery via email, or online platforms if they have that capability. Alternative arrangements are suggested.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has advised all universities and degree awarding institutions (public and private) to suspend academic operations and close down until April 5, 2020. They are advised to follow the HEC Policy for COVID-19.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has developed a databank of online courses available at the national and international level and shared it with universities, while the university faculty has also been asked to prepare virtual courses for dissemination to students.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Mitigation of the Spread of the 2019-Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease in Higher Education Institutions that provides information and guidance of all HEIs and CHED offices. Awareness is raised on news and information trustworthiness and it recommends prevention and control measures, the setting up of screening protocols, the postponement of group activities, and approaches to traveling.
All Polish schools have closed to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said. Morawiecki added that also universities, museums and cinemas will be closed.
Many universities,including the University of the Lisbon, have suspended classes for an indeterminate period.
The Ministry of Education has encouraged Singaporean students studying overseas to consider returning home as soon as they can and to observe a number of safety measures. Flights are facilitated by the government.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has decided to suspend all official overseas placements and has posted information on arrangements to prevent the possible loss of credits earned during student exchanges or placements.
On 9 March, Madrid and Basque Country closed schools, colleges and universities due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The Minister for Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, announce the establishment of a Covid-19 team comprising Universities South Africa (Usaf), South African College Principals Organisation (Sacpo), and higher health and health experts, to co-ordinate the sector’s response and collate institutional case management reports of COVID-19 cases at higher education institutions.
The Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET) is calling forparticipation in the 2020 Study in Taiwan Online Survey aimed at collecting opinions and experiences from international students studying in Taiwan to improve the experience of future international students..
Deadline 15 April 2020The Council of Higher Education (Yok) has posted measures to be taken in Higher Education Institutions about COVID-19 covering the following aspects : Travel and International Meetings; Meetings with international participation ; and measures to be taken against discrimination.
Universities UK has released Coronavirus (COVID-19) - information for universities to assist universities in their response to COVID-19.
Universities UK has also responded to the Government’s announcement on nursing students and allied health profession students being asked to start work in the health service ahead of their graduation. They support the initiative and said that universities will do everything they can to support these health students.
The Russell Group of universities has called for emergency research funds to cover the cost of disruption to science and research caused by COVID-19.
On 19 March, more than 10 associations that represent a wide swath of U.S. higher education, including the American Council on Education (ACE), released a list of actions by the federal government they said were necessary to help students and colleges.
The Institute of International Education (IIE) has released a survey which shows the effects that travel restrictions related to the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) are having on international student mobility, U.S. study abroad programs, and international student recruitment for the fall 2020 semester. More than 230 U.S. higher education institutions responded to this survey, which was conducted from February 13-26, 2020
https://www.iie.org/en/Why-IIE/Announcements/2020/03/IIE-Releases-Survey-on-Effects-of-COVID-19-on-International-Students-and-Study-AbroadThe American Council on Education has recorded a series of webinars related to the impact of COVID-19. They include a variety of topics surrounding finance in the higher education system. These webinars are available in the Engage library on the ACE website.
US President Donald Trump signed the $2 trillion CARES Act this month, allocating $14 billion in coronavirus stimulus funding to higher education. The money will be dispersed to support the shift to remote-learning platforms, grants to students and minorities, and to institutions directly impacted by the pandemic.
Higher education leaders have responded to a survey conducted by Hanover Research and Inside Higher Ed. The survey included questions about the actions being taken at institutions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 9 in 10 leaders say they are most concerned about the mental health of their students and employees following the crisis. Other concerns include; shifting to distance learning, accessibility to education, federal stimulus funding.
The government has disbursed at least $42 million under the National Venture Fund (NVF) to innovation hubs in tertiary institutions.
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PREVIOUS EDITIONSIAU Lynx March 2020
IAU Lynx February 2020
IAU Lynx December 2019IAU Lynx coordinator: Amanda Sudic
Collaborating team: Nicholas Poulton, Samuel Pousson, Carine Sébast, Samantha Grillo and Lianne Guerra Rondón
Contact: Amanda Sudic
© IAU 2020
IAU Lynx March 2020KEEPING AN EYE ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS WORLDWIDEMarch 2020
IAU Lynx offers a monthly overview of higher education developments around the world. It covers new policies, initiatives and projects on various higher education topics. The information is classified by international, regional, bilateral and national initiatives.
INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES
UNESCO’s International Commission on the Futures of Education held its first meeting on 28-29 January in Paris to take stock of the global situation in education today and what can be predicted for 2050 and beyond. IAU sits on the Advisory Board of this project.
To accompany the International Commission, UNESCO published the electronic book ‘Humanistic Futures of Learning: Perspectives from UNESCO chairs and UNITWIN networks’ which highlights key dimensions to be considered in re-visioning and re-purposing education for the future. It calls for greater focus on the role of higher education in generating the knowledge and driving the innovation required to transform our world. The 5 laureates of the 22nd L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Awards have been announced. They were recognised for achievement in the field of life sciences. 15 Rising Talents, young women scientists from all over the world, were also recognised.The Workshop for the Implementation of Component 3 of the UNESCO-Shenzhen Funds-In-Trust Project on Strengthening Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Africa, was held from 18 to 20 February, in Dakar, Senegal. Discussions focused on the strengthening of continental networks in quality assurance, best practices in recognitions of qualifications, and the development of tools for mutual recognition of qualifications in Africa.
UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP)
A new IIEP-UNESCO Working Paper entitled SDG 4 - Policies for Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education: Taking Stock of Good Practices Internationally tackles the growing issue of fragmented and hard-to-navigate higher education systems. It draws on country examples across different regions.UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
UIS has just updated its global database with recent country-level data to monitor progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal on education (SDG 4). Updates include indicators on learning outcomes, learning assessment, formal and non-formal education and also data on higher education for 20 countries.UNESCO Bangkok/UNICEF
As part of the 5-Year Progress Review of SDG4 in the Asia-Pacific, UNESCO Bangkok and UNICEF are gathering case studies from across the Asia-Pacific on good practices on SDG4 (Education 2030) implementation to be compiled in a database in the SDG4 regional portal as a major resource reference for countries and partners. Deadline for contributing is 30 April 2020.UNESCO Beirut
UNESCO Beirut and Damascus University organised a national workshop in Damascus on 5 - 6 February on “The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Achieving the SDGs”. Actions to support SDGs were discussed, including: UNESCO Chairs building process at universities; universities collaboration; knowledge sharing to build SDGs awareness; the incorporation of SDGs in university curricula, and the fostering of SDGs research. IAU was pleased to be represented by IAU Member Université Saint Joseph, Beirut.UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC)
The preliminary version - in Spanish only- of the report Contribution of Higher Education to the Sustainable Development Goals: Analytical Framework (2020) has been launched. The guidelines seek to encourage the study and commitment of higher education institutions with the SDGs, both through training and through research.IESALC posted a two-part video recording of the Webinar Non-university and technological higher education: diversification and innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean, held on 30 January 2020. It addressed the contribution of the technological sector to the field of higher education, with a focus on equity, inclusion, bonding and accreditation.
UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA)
From 10 to 14 February, UNESCO IICBA organized a five-day training of trainers workshop in Dakar, Senegal for Higher Education on Peace and Resilience Building and Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) for Francophone Africa. Participants explored their understanding of violent extremism, driving factors, transformative pedagogy and 10 competencies for building resilience, the role of teachers for peace and resilience building and PVE; and key terms in assessment.UNESCO – Islamic Development Bank
A National Consultation Workshop on Strengthening Inclusive Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) System was organized in the framework of UNESCO- Islamic Development Bank project in STI policy in Tashkent on 18 February. It discussed the dynamics of the Science, Technology and Innovation STI System in Uzbekistan, as well as the challenges and opportunities in accelerating STI-driven development in the country. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
The OECD has just published a report entitled "A Territorial Approach to the Objectives of Sustainable Development". The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which define the global agenda for the coming decade to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all are addressed, in particular SDG 4, Quality of education.
Agence universitaire de la francophonie (AUF)
The official launching ceremony of the PURSEA project (Renovated University Management in Southeast Asia) took place on 26 February at the University of Hanoi, Vietnam. This project is one of the Erasmus + K2 projects aimed at strengthening the capacities of higher education institutions. It is funded by the European Commission for three years (2020-2023), and is co-coordinated by the University of Hanoi, Vietnam, and AUF. This project brings together 15 academic and research institutions from Asia-Pacific and Europe.
Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World
The call for applications for the 2020 Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World PhD Fellowship is now open. The fellowship is offered to women scientists from Science and Technology Lagging Countries to undertake PhD research in the natural, engineering and information technology sciences at a host institute in another country in the Global South. The programme is administered with funds provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) in partnership with host institutes throughout the developing world. The deadline for applications for this fellowship is 31 March 2020.
Return to top REGIONAL INITIATIVES
Africa - Americas - Arab States - Asia - Europe
Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme
The fourth call for proposals of the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme, funded by the European Union, has now been published. The deadline to submit proposals is 19 May 2020.
There will also be a web-streaming information session on 17 March 2020 to explain the opportunities offered by the Scheme.African Union
The official launch of the Pan African Virtual and E-University (PAVEU) took place recently in Yaounde, Cameroon. PAVEU is an African Union’s flagship project for addressing the Agenda 2063 need for accelerating development of human capital, science and technology and innovation through increasing access to higher education in Africa.
XXVII Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government
On the occasion of the XXVII Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, Ministers also endorsed UNESCO higher education agreements.UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC)/ Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI)
UNESCO-IESALC and OEI signed a collaboration agreement on 11 February in Havana, Cuba, to promote higher education in Latin America and collaborate in the construction of the Ibero-American Knowledge Space. Low academic and research mobility and the need to improve the quality of higher education are among the regional challenges to be addressed.Union of Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean (UDUAL)
The Executive Council of the Union of Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean (UDUAL) held its XCVI Regular Meeting at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica on 7 February. In this space, issues of relevance to higher education in the region were discussed and agreements were reached regarding actions to be implemented until 2022. Among the components of the work plan of this regional organization are academic mobility, the digital transformation 2030, teacher training, membership increase, ODS and governance of higher education institutions.
https://www.udual.org/principal/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Minuta-y-acuerdos-XCVI-Reuni%C3%B3n-Ordinaria-del-Consejo-Ejecutivo-UDUAL.pdfInter-American Organization for Higher Education (IOHE)
The University of Guadalajara in collaboration with the Inter-American Organization for Higher Education (IOHE) published a book entitled: "Women in Ibero-American Universities: the search for the necessary work-family reconciliation". The book describes, from a gender perspective, the public policies of different governments in Latin America, as well as the institutional programmes that effect women professionally such as maternity rights, policies for the allocation of schedules, types of performance evaluation, among others.MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum
Organized by the Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions (CLICKS) and in partnership with the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, the fourth edition of the “MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum” was held on February 25-27 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This event brought together more than 150 Presidents, deans, representatives of ministries and accreditation agencies, members of boards of directors and other actors from the higher education sector of the MENA region, around the theme “Higher Education in the Era of the Fourth & Future Industrial Revolutions: Challenges and Opportunities Educating for the Fourth and Future Industrial Revolutions”.Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
In order to assist its members confronted to the Coronavirus emergency, APRU have put up a web page which includes links to members’ websites stating their policies and the actions they are taking in response.Asian Development Bank (ADB)
ADB has posted the paper entitled Attraction or Repulsion? Testing Coagglomeration of Innovation between Firms and University. It identifies the extent of how universities are attracted by firms in patents production. The findings are based on a large patent dataset from Shenzhen, the first innovation-led city in the People’s Republic of China.ASEAN University Network Secretary (AUN SEC)
The AUN Half year report (9 July 2019- 31 January 2020) reports on activities conducted in 5 Strategic areas: Advancement in curriculum and learning approaches; Quality enhancement with AUN-QA; Students’ skill enhancement cross-border exposure and experience; research and academic collaboration; University networking platforms.Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Applications are open for the APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (“ASPIRE”) 2020, the annual award which recognizes young scientists who have demonstrated a commitment to both excellence in scientific research and cooperation with scientists from other APEC member economies. Malaysia, the host economy this year, has selected “Biodiversity for a Prosperous Economy” as the theme. Deadline for applications is 24 April 2020.Brexit
Higher education and research organisations from across Europe and the UK have released a statement calling on national governments and the European Commission to ensure a swift agreement on the UK’s full association to Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe before the end of 2020. The Statement is jointly published by The European University Association (EUA), 24 National University representative bodies including Universities UK, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and many other bodies.European Commission
The European Commission Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency has released ‘Mobility Scoreboard: Higher Education Background Report’. It provides updated information for the year 2018/19 for six indicators- on information and guidance, foreign language preparation, portability of grants and loans, participation of disadvantaged learners, recognition of learning outcomes and the automatic recognition of qualifications.The European Commission has published a report comparing inequality of opportunity in tertiary education in Europe. The results show that there are large across-country differences, with Nordic countries performing much better than Mediterranean and Eastern countries. A common feature to almost all countries analyzed is that parental education and parental occupation represent the most important circumstances in determining access to higher education. There is also evidence of a negative correlation between public expenditure for higher education and inequality of opportunity.
European University Association
The EUA has just released The Public Funding Observatory report 2019/20. It presents data showing public funding developments in Europe over the last decade. While university funding in Germany, Norway and Switzerland grew by more than 30 per cent and funding in Austria, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden increased their funding for universities by over 20 per cent, Public investment in universities has declined since 2008 in Estonia, Spain, Italy, Serbia, Lithuania and Northern Ireland. The EUA has published a study on the implementation of International Credit Mobility towards disadvantaged students for the European Commission. Launched in 2015 under the Erasmus+ Programme, the International Credit Mobility (ICM) supports student and staff exchanges between Erasmus+ Programme and Partner Countries. The study focuses on outgoing ICM student mobility from 20 Partner Countries in the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership and South-Mediterranean. One of the main findings of the study is that, in ICM the focus on students from disadvantaged backgrounds is much weaker than that intended by the European Commission.The European University Continuing Education Network and the European E-Learning Institute
The European University Continuing Education Network and the European E-Learning Institute have released the Generation Data Toolkit. Its objective is to raise awareness about the increasing importance of smart data skills for current and future higher education students and provide knowledge about how to improve the teaching of smart data management.The Toolkit is primarily addressed to HE teachers and lecturers who teach management-related subjects but can be used also for technical disciplines having a management-related component. The document includes the results of the data skills survey carried out by the partners in the initial project phase to find out which are the current needed skills and deficits of teachers and students when it comes to data skillsBaltic University Programme
Call for applications
Baltic University Programme has launched a call for applications for its Mobility Grant for Young Researchers. Intended for researchers working with sustainable development from BUP member universities.
Deadline: 20 March 2020Return to top BILATERAL INITIATIVES
Colombia - Spain
The Colombian Institute for Educational Credit and Technical Studies Abroad (ICETEX) and the Carolina Foundation (Spain) are joining forces to award up to 50 scholarships to Colombian citizens to take in-depth professional training courses at the Complutense Summer School of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain. The program has a duration of 75 teaching hours. The deadline for submitting applications is 10 March, Spanish time (UTC+1).
Mexico - Spain
ITESO-Jesuit University of Guadalajara (Mexico), in collaboration with the Ibero-American University Association for Postgraduate Studies (AUIP) (Spain), has opened a scholarship program to promote postgraduate studies and cooperation with Ibero-American universities. The program is aimed at people of non-Mexican nationality who are linked to non-Mexican higher education institutions associated with AUIP. The application deadline is 31 March, 2020.
Azerbaijan - USA
A Dual master’s degree programme is to be jointly offered by the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and George Washington University within the framework of “The State Program for enhancing international competitiveness of the higher education system in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2023”. To be taught in English for two years, it will aim at training of specialists in management of education.
Return to top NATIONAL INITIATIVES
Armenia
Australia
Azerbaijan
Belgium
Canada
China
Cuba
Dominican Republic
France
Germany
Ireland 
Italy
Macao 
Netherlands 
New Zealand 
Pakistan 
Papua New Guinea 
Philippines 
Singapore 
South Africa 
Spain 
Sweden 
Thailand United Kingdom 
United States of America 
Vietnam The Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Arayik Harutyunyan, has announced that the Armenian government has initiated legislative reforms of which the main goal of the reforms is the integration of higher education, science and research. The reforms include scholarships funded by the state budget will not be distributed among universities, but by academic field. Also, the number of university board councils will be limited to 12 members, six of whom will be representatives of universities, including one student. In addition, the mechanisms and requirements for transparency of the activities of universities have been identified.
Equity performance
Curtin University, the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education have conducted research on the feasibility of measuring and ranking higher education equity performance among Australian universities. Results are presented in a peer-reviewed article entitled Constructing a ranking of higher education institutions based on equity: is it possible or desirable? The study team explored a range of scenarios based on four domains: Access and Participation; First Year Experience, Progress during Higher Education, and Graduate Outcomes.Higher education workforce
The Australian Higher Education Industrial Association (AHEIA) has published the Transforming the Higher Education Workforce Report, analysing progress in Australian university workplace reform since early 2016. It focuses on three primary workforce dimensions: workforce capability, workforce structure and workforce engagement.Higher education quality - consultation
The Higher Education Standards Panel invites stakeholder comments on a consultation paper seeking feedback on the Panel’s draft amendments to the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 legislative instrument, which are meant to improve the functioning of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standard Agency and clarify the categories of providers in Australia’s higher education sector. Deadline is 31 March.Indigenous strategy report
Universities Australia (UA) has released the second Indigenous Strategy Annual Report, that features updated data and examples of progress on commitments made by universities under the UA strategy to advance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation and success in higher education. It focuses on five key priority areas: Indigenous leadership; non-Indigenous leadership; engagement with Indigenous curriculum; Indigenous research strategies; and international mobility.Employer satisfaction survey
Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) has published the 2019 Employer Satisfaction Survey (ESS). The national survey provides information about the quality of education provided at Australian institutions, by asking supervisors to provide feedback about the generic skills, technical skills and work readiness of the graduates employed in their workplace.The Ministry of Education Azerbaijan has signed a Protocol of Intention with Elsevier to expand access of HEIs to international scientific databases, increase the number of international scientific publications; and ensure their compliance with international requirements.
On 24 and 25 February, representatives of higher education institutions of ARES, the Belgian higher education association and the Wallonie-Bruxelles Federation met with their counterparts in Cotonou, Benin to celebrate 25 years of partnership and to define future areas of cooperation.
The Canadian Bureau for International Education is implementing a two-part scholarship program. The Faculty Mobility Program will be offering grants to Canadian professors and researchers who wish to teach or conduct research in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Study in Canada Scholarship aims to support Canadian internationalization objectives by welcoming a cohort of students from diverse regions. These programs come after an increase in federal funding geared towards meeting the objectives of Canada’s International Education Strategy.
Universities response to coronavirus
With the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic, many universities across China have still not reopened and no date has been set for teaching to resume. Many institutions are putting in place ‘holding courses’ taught online. This is further to the government announcement postponing the start of the spring semester in Higher Education Institutions and HEIs have been asked to take various measures, including deploying online courses.The Open University of China (OUC) has mobilized its digital educational resources to support students at all education levels to continue studying at home, to publicize measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus, and to meet the needs of diverse learners.
The Vice-Minister of Education announced special policies to help university graduates in Hubei province (provincial capital Wuhan) in enrolment into postgraduate studies as well as government-funded recruitment programs.
Academic research
Chinese authorities have released a guideline regulating the use of papers listed on the Science Citation Index (SCI) in institutions of higher education aimed at lessening reliance on published papers in the academic evaluation system.The 12th International Congress on Higher Education was held in Havana with the participation of regional and international organizations including the IAU - represented by IAU President Pam Fredman, academics and representatives of Latin American universities. Among the main topics discussed were the internationalization of education, future perspectives, the impact of science and technology, university and sustainable development, quality assessment and accreditation, and lifelong learning.
The Senate of the Dominican Republic has approved the draft of the Environmental Education and Communication Law. This law aims to include environmental education at the different levels, cycles, grades, modalities and stages of the Dominican school and higher education system, both public and private; as well as, inon-formal and informal learning, in order to seek environmental awareness throughout Dominican society.
Researchers
Frédérique Vidal, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation announced in February that from 2021-2022, researchers who also teach will benefit from more time to conduct their research.Coronavirus research funding
In February, Frédérique Vidal, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and Agnès Buzyn, Minister for Health, announced that the government was allocating an additional 2.5 million Euros for research on the coronavirus.Student access - review
The French government body the Cours de comptes has just published its review of the implementation of the 2018 law on student orientation and success which aims to increase student access and success. The review concludes that to date, the law has provided a first step in the transformation of access to higher education. 15 recommendations are provided in the review.
The French rectors association (Conférence des Présidents des Universités) has welcomed the report and the progress reported.An Open Access (OA) agreement dated 1 January 2020, provides OA publishing services and full access to Springer Nature journals to researchers and students from across the German research landscape. Through the agreement, authors affiliated with the 700+ German academic and research institutions which are part of Projekt DEAL, will be able to publish their accepted manuscripts immediate (gold) OA in both Springer Nature ‘hybrid’ and fully OA journals, with the relative costs managed centrally by their institutions.
Open access research
A consortium of public Irish higher education institutions and Elsevier, have agreed to the country’s first open access programme. The three-year agreement means Irish researchers from 19 institutions will have access to 2,500 journals published by Elsevier. The agreement also facilitates a transition to open access and enables Irish researchers to publish more than 70% of their research without having to pay an article publishing charge.Graduate employment
The Higher Education Authority has published a report analysing recent Graduates’ labour market earnings in their early careers with a particular focus on differences in earnings across four areas. These are degree subject, institution type, gender and socio-economic background.International scholarships
Call for applications
The Government of Ireland has issued the 2020 Call for the International Education Scholarships Programme. Under the initiative 60 scholarships will be provided for one year study at Bachelor, Master or PhD levels. The offer is open to students from non-EU/EEA countries for all fields of study.The Italian government announced on 4 March that all schools and universities are to close in Italy until mid-March due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The government has announced the suspension of teaching at higher education institutions due to the coronavirus Distance and online teaching activities is encouraged at HEIs, but campuses remain open for information purposes.
A Specialized Subsidy Scheme for Prevention and Response to Major Infectious Diseases has been launched, with the aim of encouraging the teaching and research personnel of Macao HEIs to use scientific research and improve Macao’s ability to deal with epidemic prevention education, regional governance and crisis response to major infectious diseases. The scheme is open for applications until 4 September 2020.
VSNU, the Dutch university association, has responded to the government commissioned report by the Royal Dutch Academy of Science entitled ‘Balance in the Science System’ and the recommendations it makes. The VSNU calls on the government to make the proposed investment of 1 billion Euros in the first flow of funds.
The Ministry of Education has posted information about coronavirus for higher education institutions and students, including international students.
Universities New Zealand (UNZ) has provided information on the travel restrictions for international as well as domestic students. Appropriate pages on university websites have been linked to their website and official updates are posted.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has released a Safety Message for the Academic Community in Pakistan as part of the public awareness campaign to combat the corona virus.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is granting 5000 Indigenous Scholarship for PhD students. Applications are invited from outstanding Pakistani/AJK nationals who intend to complete a PhD from Pakistani HEC Recognised Universities/Degree Awarding Institutions (DAIs). The Scholarships are being offered for the academic year 2020 in all disciplines. Deadline is 28 March.
The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology has announced the introduction of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) will fund those students who, for different reasons, may have not met the qualifying criteria for Tertiary Education Students Assistance Scheme (TESAS). They also announced a program of digitalisation that will ultimately see the introduction of i-Libraries to all HEIs
Commission on Higher Education - New Director
Atty. Cinderella Filipina S. Benitez-Jaro has been appointed as Executive Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).Indigenous students - funding
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has increased financial assistance to students belonging to indigenous peoples (IPs) in the province of Nueva Vizcaya. Additional benefits have been awarded to 150 members of IPs identified by village elders and communities in the region. The stipend is granted to qualified students who are currently enrolled in universities and colleges and whose family income is below P300,000 per year.Suspension of national/regional activities
In line with the latest advisory of the Department of Health on public events and gatherings to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease the Department of Education (DepEd) has ceased all major national and regional activities.The Ministry of Education is taking measures to enhance the pathways in the higher education landscape to better support individuals’ interests, aptitudes and learning needs.
The Ministry of Education has posted a parliament reply presenting the latest measures taken to prevent on sexual harassment at higher education institutions.
Statistics South Africa has recently published Education and Labour Market Outcomes in South Africa. The report looks at the levels of educational attainment from 2002 to 2018 across three generations. It shows that more millennials than Generation Xers in the Indian/Asian population group attended university, while fewer millennials in the other population groups attended university institutions compared to Generation Xers. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges were the most popular higher education institutions among black and coloured millennials, while universities were the top choice for whites and Indian/Asians.
University data
Crue Universidades Españolas presented the report “La Universidad Española en Cifras” (the Spanish University in Figures) based on data provided by 48 public and 19 private universities. The report is divided into seven topics: size of the Spanish university system, equal opportunities for access to university education, academic performance, crisis in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) studies, employability of university students, quality of research and position in international rankings and the contribution of the University to improving competitiveness and innovation.Ibero-American Congress on University Teaching - call for papers
The call for papers for the XI Ibero-American Congress on University Teaching to be held at the University of La Laguna is open. The theme is “The digital transformation of the university: teaching, management and research”. The congress will be held from 24-26 June 2020. The deadline for submission is 30 March.A report presenting guidelines on responsible internationalisation has been produced by the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT), together with KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the Karolinska Institute and Lund University. The paper identifies critical areas, such as the legal context; institutional autonomy; cultural, social and political context; and relationship building. These are areas in which countries can differ quite significantly and which frequently raise questions impacting on international collaboration.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Thailand has released an Announcement on Vigilant Measures Against the Spread of Coronavirus in English, Thai and Chinese languages.
Brexit and UK universities
Universities UK response to UK-EU trade negotiations proposals in February underline that they regard it as essential that the UK continues to be part of the Horizon Europe Programme and Erasmus+ student mobility programme.Universities admissions
The Office for Students, the independent regulator for higher education in England, has launched a consultation on the universities admissions system. Three future options for reform of the system are set out, including that students receive university offers only after their A-level results.Staff and student data
The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) has released data for 2018-2019. This shows UK universities continue to increase academic and non-academic staff numbers but progress on employing more staff from ethnic minorities remains slow: fewer than 1% of the professors employed at UK universities are black. Male professors continue to outnumber females by three to one, although the number of female professors has increased by twice the increase in male professors since 2014-2015. The data also shows that the dropout rate for first-year students continues to rise: England had the highest non-continuation rate of 6.9% and the proportion of mature students (those over the age of 21) taking their first degree who dropped out also rose to 13.6 %.HE Leadership
‘Universities at the Crossroads’, a new report issued by Policy Exchange, an independent think tank, is based on over 50 interviews with vice-chancellors, chairs of council and other senior leaders. It examines key challenges for university leaders: performance, including delivering financial sustainability , engaging with key stakeholders and ensuring better governance and looks at issues such as grade inflation, academic standards and and vice-chancellors’ pay. It set out the steps that university leaders can take to regain the trust of their staff and their communities.University funding - Scotland
Universities Scotland have published a response to the Scottish government’s budget which saw a 0% change in real terms to universities budgets. Universities Scotland welcome the fact that the settlement interrupts a five year pattern of real terms cuts to universities. However, they state that it does not relieve the set of funding pressures facing universities.Governance - Wales
A review of university governance has been published by the Welsh Government on the eight universities in Wales. In response to the review, the university sector in Wales has published a Governance Charter for Universities in Wales and a Commitment to Action. These documents endorse the major findings of the review, recognise the challenges that have been seen to governance both in Wales and across the UK and the need for collective commitment to action.The charter maps out an approach to transforming governance which will be adopted by every university in WalesThe Trump administration released its annual budget proposal for the 2021 fiscal year. The proposal highlights four main initiatives regarding higher education. These include an end to federal regulatory higher education earmarks, creating and administering Educational Freedom Scholarships, increasing technical education opportunities, and restructuring Federal Student Aid.
The US Department of Education announced a new initiative for the expansion of its Federal Work Study programs. During the experimental phase, the department will grant funding to provide more students with part-time employment and work experiences required by their academic programmes, such as clinical rotations and student teaching. This initial phase will assess the benefits of paid work experiences during students’ academic learning.
The Ministry of Education and Training issued a draft circular on joint training to clarify requirements for HEIs desiring to provide online or combined classroom and online joint training courses with foreign partners.
In a meeting with universities, the Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha stated that Autonomy in entrance examination is encouraged (via competency assessment or skill test), but that weaknesses existing in the previous year must be addressed thoroughly for the 2020 academic year, especially those related to low admission grades and unsuitable subject combinations. In addition, universities should introduce majors that can answer practical needs of the market and avoid focusing on low-demand ones.
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Contact: Amanda Sudic
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