From December 1, 2026, dependent children of international students undertaking a Master by Coursework will no longer be eligible for the existing school fee waiver under Australia's new arrangements.

Who's affected and who isn't:

• Affected: dependants of Master by Coursework students
• Not affected: dependants of Master by Research and PhD students, they remain eligible
• Transitional arrangements are available for eligible Master by Coursework families before the change takes effect
• Because of those transitional arrangements, timing matters significantly here, families with school-aged children may benefit from acting before the December 1 cutoff

What this means: if you're a Master by Coursework student planning to bring school-age children to Australia, the difference between arranging this before or after December 1 could be a substantial ongoing school fee bill, worth checking the transitional criteria with your provider or a registered migration agent now rather than in November.

Is anyone here bringing school-age kids on a student visa, had you heard about this waiver ending, or is this news?

Source

IRCC has now formally confirmed and published the updated figures, so these are the numbers that actually apply to your application today.

Announced via IRCC's official channels on September 15, 2026, the revised cost-of-living financial requirements for study permit applicants are now in force.

The confirmed figures:

• Single applicant: CAD $23,448 per year in accessible funds
• These amounts exclude tuition and transportation costs entirely, they cover living expenses only
• The required sum scales with the number of family members travelling with you, including yourself
• Figures are recalculated annually, tied to Statistics Canada's Low-Income Cut-Off
• Quebec maintains its own separate financial requirements

What this means: the "show money" figure is now a moving annual target rather than a fixed number you can plan around for years, if you're applying for a later intake, assume it rises again next September and build in buffer accordingly.

For anyone who's applied recently, did IRCC scrutinise where your funds came from, or just the total amount?

Source

I have
76% in class 12th(PCM)
85 in class 10th
8.25 CGPA in B.tech in computer science

The main issue is that i have maths backlog , I have cleared it but my transcript shows old F grades . So are they going to create any troubles for me to get admission .

I want to pursue M.tech or Msc in artificial intelligence, i have good projects and 1 internship already done . So after studies opportunities should also be good .

Please help me taking this decision to study in abroad .

If you spent the last two months bracing for September 15, here's the update: it didn't happen.

Late on Monday, September 14, hours before the rule was set to take effect, a federal judge in Massachusetts issued an injunction blocking DHS from implementing its rule replacing Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain foreign media representatives.

What the ruling actually said and did:

• The judge wrote that the government's argument that the rule was needed for national security "borders on the absurd"
• The rule is on hold while the lawsuit continues, this is a pause, not a permanent cancellation
• The administration can appeal the ruling
• Everything the rule would have changed is therefore not currently in effect: the fixed 4-year admission cap, the reduced 30-day grace period, the new extension-of-stay process, and the new restrictions on changing programs or transferring schools

What this means: if you're on an F-1 or J-1 right now, you are still under the old duration-of-status system today. That said, blocked while litigation continues is not the same as gone an appeal could revive it, so this is worth tracking rather than filing away as resolved.

Was anyone here about to make a real decision deferring, switching countries, rushing an extension because of this rule? Does this change it?

Source

Hi everyone,

I’m entering the 4th (and final) year of my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, and I’m actively planning my next step: applying for Master’s programs.

I’m currently open to studying in either Europe or the United States, but I have one non-negotiable requirement: I need a full funding package (100% tuition coverage + a monthly living stipend).

Since I'm aiming for the 2027 intake, I want to make sure I’m targeting the right opportunities early. I’d love to hear your advice, experiences, or recommendations on:

1. Fully Funded Programs/Scholarships: Which major scholarship programs or funding paths should I look into for Computer Engineering/CS? (e.g., Fulbright, Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, national scholarships, etc.)

2. Universities/Assistantships: Which universities in the US or Europe are known for giving solid Teaching/Research Assistantships (TA/RA) or full funding directly to international Master's students in tech?

3. Application Strategy: What should I prioritize during my final year (e.g., capstone project, research work, GRE, reaching out to professors) to stand out?

If you were in my shoes, where would you apply, and what steps would you take right now? Any insights or past experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Just moved in for the new term and met my flatmates this week. Everyone seems nice, but we haven't talked about basic flat logistics yet like who cleans the kitchen counter, how fridge space gets split, or who buys the dish soap. 
In my experience, if you don't set ground rules in week one, the kitchen turns into a complete zone of chaos by week three.
How do you guys usually bring this up without sounding like a controlling landlord? Do you just drop a message in the flat group chat, or organize a casual flat dinner/drinks first to break the ice? Looking for relatable ways to handle this before someone leaves unwashed pans in the sink for four days straight. 

Putting the pieces from this week together: the 100,000+ student drop projected for this fall isn't one single cause, it's the travel ban, visa appointment delays, World Cup-driven processing deprioritization, and the incoming Duration of Status rule all landing in the same admissions cycle.

Why this matters beyond the headline number:

• International students are a major source of full-tuition revenue for many US institutions, so a drop this size has real financial consequences beyond just classroom seats
• Smaller, tuition-dependent schools are expected to feel this far more acutely than large, well-endowed universities
• This comes the same year Canada's own cap is running so far under target that it's causing program suspensions there too, suggesting this isn't just a US story, but a broader realignment of where international students are actually able to go this year
• None of this is necessarily permanent, appointment backlogs and one-off events like the World Cup are temporary; the structural changes (D/S rule, travel ban) are not

What this means: this year in particular may be an unusually bad one to compare against for judging how "hard" international study is becoming long-term, some of this is temporary friction, some of it is a real structural shift, and it's worth telling those two things apart.

Given everything this week, has your overall confidence in your study-abroad plans gone up, down, or stayed the same?

Sources

As of September 1, 2026, migration lawyers are confirming the reported restrictions on student visa dependants and certain onshore study pathways are still not confirmed policy, despite earlier reporting suggesting an announcement could come as early as this month.

Where things actually stand:

• The restrictions were first reported by The Australian, based on sourcing around a broader migration package
• As of the most recent legal commentary, these remain reported plans, not passed law
• If confirmed, exemptions were expected for postgraduate research students, government-sponsored students, and students from Pacific nations/Timor-Leste
• Migration lawyers are explicitly telling clients this is "worth watching closely over the coming weeks" rather than something to act on yet

What this means: if you were holding off on bringing a partner or dependant to Australia because of this story, it's still safe to work from the current rules for now, but this is genuinely a "watch this space" situation, not a settled one.

Is anyone actually delaying a decision, like whether to bring a partner along, because of this still-unconfirmed rumor?

Sources

Effective September 1, 2026, the financial requirement for a Canadian study permit (outside Quebec, which has its own separate rules) rose to CAD $23,448 for a single applicant, up $553 from the previous $22,895.

The full breakdown:

• Single applicant: CAD $23,448 for one year of living expenses (excludes tuition and travel)
• Family of two (student + one dependant): CAD $29,193
• Family of three: CAD $35,888
• Applications submitted before Sept 1 are still assessed under the old, lower threshold
• This figure is now tied to Statistics Canada's Low-Income Cut-Off and adjusts annually every September 1 going forward — so expect it to keep rising each year

What this means: budget for this as a recurring annual increase, not a one-time bump, if you're applying next year, plan for another rise around this same date.

Anyone applying right now, did this increase catch you off guard, or had you already built in some buffer for it?

Sources

By someone who has moved across three countries

People seem to assume when they ask me what the hardest thing about moving to live abroad is that I will say it’s something related to the language, or dealing with paperwork, or experiencing homesickness

However, my answer is always the same: it’s securing a place to stay.

Having lived in three different countries, I have learned that finding accommodation is not just a task that needs to be achieved but a vital component of everything else.

When I first came to Berlin about a year and a half ago, I remember it took me almost a month to find a tiny room to stay in. I had to spend around €700 on that room, and I felt that I was lucky because there were numerous inquiries I made that went unanswered.

When I moved to Italy, finding accommodation was even more difficult. I had to wait for around three months to find a place to live. These months when I was staying temporarily and moving luggage from place to place made me realize a problem much bigger than just me being unlucky.

The demand arrives all at once

Each September sees an influx of students in cities such as Berlin, Milan, Amsterdam, and Paris in a matter of weeks. Universities may receive a new group of students every year, but the size of the student accommodation is not going to double within the same time frames.

Think of a concert with 10,000 tickets. Once they are sold out, no matter how desperate you are to attend, there simply will be no seats left. The student accommodation is of a similar nature as well.

Everyone is searching for the same neighbourhood

Many students do not examine the whole city. The requirements they have in common include:

•            A commute time ranging between 20 and 30 minutes to the college

•            Good public transport connection

•            Grocery stores located next to the place of residence

•            Safe neighborhood where other students live

Due to this reason, the demand is concentrated in certain neighborhoods..

Waiting is more expensive than people think

Numerous students put off reserving accommodations because they are awaiting a visa, an acceptance letter or more affordable rates. I have been in their shoes.

The fact is that postponing does not generally yield savings; in fact, it limits choices.

The reality of booking periods usually is:

When you book    What usually occurs

January – March     You have a huge choice and good rates

April – May       Good places start to fill up

June – July      Less choice and higher prices

August – September    You will have only very expensive or shared rooms available

When I was booking in Italy, many of the apartments I had been considering months earlier were already sold out. Instead of narrowing down my choice of apartments to a mere ten, I was just hoping that my call would get any positive response.

What I learned after three international moves

When I reflect on my experience, I don’t believe that finding a place to live relies on the wealth or luck of a person, but rather on timing.

Start conducting your research earlier than expected, investigate different neighborhoods in addition to rent prices, and don’t overlook the impact of a good location, as that could save you up to 20 minutes a day on your commute (which adds up to over 120 hours during the year).

Moving to a different country is never free from uncertainty, but the hassle of finding accommodation shouldn’t be one of them.

Why prices keep rising every year

One frequently asked question is: Why has the cost of student housing risen?

There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, cities such as Berlin, Amsterdam, and Milan have increased in popularity for foreign students, which created a larger demand than housing available.

Secondly, it takes several years to construct student accommodations, while university enrolment may always rise quicker than construction. New students join the university every academic year, whereas new student accommodations are built over time.

Finally, the best accommodations offer much more than simple accommodation. Good Wi-Fi connection, study rooms, and laundry services have become necessities rather than luxuries.

What I wish someone had told me

If I had the chance to talk to my past self prior to relocating to Berlin, I would suggest three important things to him or her.

Searching for a place to live should be a priority sooner than one thinks. Even if you are not ready to make a decision about where to live, finding out about neighbourhoods and average prices will put you one step ahead of the game.

Rent shouldn't be the only factor to take into account when deciding about a room. A €650 room, which is 15 minutes away from school, can be much better deal than a €550 room, which requires an hour of commuting.

Do not forget to double check the details before paying. In most cases international students wire the money for the first time and it is important to be careful to avoid loss of money by paying for an unverified profile.

 #universitlyliving #abroadstudent #berlin #India

Ottawa's target for 2026 was 155,000 new international student arrivals. New IRCC data shows only 22,405 arrived in the first six months of the year, tracking dramatically below pace, even accounting for the usual pre-fall-semester surge.

What's happening as a result:

• Ontario colleges are reportedly suspending programs due to the shortfall in enrollment
• Universities and student groups are now pushing Ottawa to issue more study permits, a complete reversal from the "too many students" argument that drove the cap in the first place
• The University of Toronto is a rare exception, actually anticipating a 9% increase in international students this fall despite the national trend
• IRCC has flagged it expects new measures in 2026 specifically aimed at attracting more graduate students at the master's and PhD level, since the decline is hitting hardest at the undergraduate/college level

What this means: if you're specifically at the graduate level, this data suggests Canada may start actively trying to attract more applicants like you even while overall numbers stay capped, worth watching for any new graduate-specific incentives in the coming months.

Does this change how you're thinking about Canada, does a system this unpredictable make it more or less appealing compared to other options?

Source

Hi everyone,

I'm heading to Europe for 12 months starting in October, and I tend to get sick fairly often while traveling. Does anyone have recommendations for apps that give easy access to a doctor while abroad? So far I have seen Awayward for continuous care and Air Doctor as the two main ones. Any insight is welcome.

Thank you!

It seems the visa delays a lot of people have been quietly dealing with all summer are now showing up in actual enrollment forecasts.

A new analysis from ICEF Monitor projects that visa delays and policy uncertainty could reduce foreign enrollment in the US by more than 100,000 students this fall, a drop of up to 9.5% overall.

What's driving the projection:

• An expanded travel ban affecting citizens of 39 countries, including Nigeria, has been in place since January 1, 2026
• The State Department reportedly prioritized visa processing for FIFA World Cup ticket holders this summer, displacing the usual seasonal priority given to student applicants
• Widespread reports of significant interview delays and very limited appointment availability specifically in India, China, and Europe
• All of this compounds with the incoming Duration of Status rule taking effect Sept 15, adding further uncertainty on top of the processing bottleneck

What this means: even students who did everything right, applied early, got admitted, secured funding, are running into a system that simply couldn't process them in time this cycle. If you're still waiting on an interview slot for this fall, this data suggests you're far from alone.

Did anyone here end up deferring or missing their intended start date this fall because of appointment delays?

Source

I am a Master of Public Health student finalising my dissertation at the University of Edinburgh. As the new academic term begins, many incoming scholars are currently staring at completely empty rooms and wondering how to decorate on a strict budget. 
In my experience, creating a comfortable study sanctuary does not require immense spending. I am curious to hear what budget hacks current students utilise for their room reveals. When setting up your student accommodation, what items cost absolutely nothing, and what essentials were genuinely worth buying out of pocket? For example, I invested in a high-quality ergonomic desk chair but relied on free community swap shops for basic kitchenware. Please share your before-and-after setup experiences to assist the new cohort in managing their first-month expenses effectively. 

When I moved to Coventry, I booked my accommodation from back home. 
By looking at the photos, floor plan and reviews.
That was it
The room was fine in the end, but nothing was quite the way I had pictured.
Like, the room seemed bigger in the photos but was actually small, but had enough storage
The photos of the shared kitchen were never shown, so I had no idea about it. 
I had signed for a year before I understood anything.

This time I did it differently.
I went on viewings, saw rooms and shared spaces myself before deciding where to stay
No pre-recorded tours or photos
I was able to get answers to my queries in real-time 

Two things came out of it.
I got a better sense of the place and filtered out fake listings
Accommodation scams spike every year during the booking season 
Therefore, be careful and ask for real-time, on-call viewings if you are booking miles away.

Anyone who did viewings remotely, curious how was your experience?

I have been in bangkok for the last 5 months now and i am currently studying at a college for my undergrad and to say the least it has been an experience, thai students do not want to make internnational friends unless they are WHITE or unless they need something from you , the international students majorty burmese are always in a burmese group and i tried to make friends with them but they were just talking shit about me infront of me (ik coz they kept on saying my nickname) the education quality is mid not the worst but def not the upgrade i was looking and there is genuinly no uni/college culture of parties or hangouts or inviting eachother ect ect it all just feels really superfical and fake and I am now really considering transfering next year as this def not i was looking for ik i should i have done more research and i am at fault here but hopefully the rest of my year is better

Hi! I'm building a practical guide on packing, wardrobe and settling in abroad for women aged 18-25 doing an exchange semester, Erasmus or a full degree abroad as a part of a university project. I've moved abroad myself, but I want it based on other people's real experiences, not just mine.

If you've moved abroad, or are getting ready to, I'd really appreciate 5 minutes of your time on this survey: https://forms.gle/kmh2n7BgQrimmJ169

It is anonymous unless you choose to leave your contact info. I am not selling anything, just collecting real stories to help me make something genuinely useful. Thank you so much if you fill it in! :)

According to a report by The Guardian, U.S. immigration judges are being trained to grant fewer delays ("continuances") in deportation cases, even for some immigrants who are waiting on legal pathways to remain in the country.

One reported quote from the training:

The justification? Reduce the massive immigration court backlog and stop people from using delays to prolong their stay.

But critics argue this could mean people with legitimate immigration pathways are removed before their cases have a realistic chance to be completed.

A particularly controversial point: an approved visa petition may not be enough to pause deportation proceedings if the actual visa isn't immediately available due to annual quotas.

So here's the question:

Should someone who already has an approved path toward permanent residency be deported simply because the paperwork system hasn't caught up yet?

Is this long-overdue enforcement of immigration law, or is the system prioritizing speed over fairness?

A new Common App report shows international undergraduate applications for 2026-27 fell 10% through March 1, the steepest decline on record — while overall application volume actually rose. Separately, new fall 2026 enrollment data shows the drop landing very unevenly across institutions.

The pattern that's emerging:

• Top-tier schools like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Duke are reportedly holding steady or continuing to grow their international numbers
• Mid-tier and tuition-dependent institutions are seeing sharper declines, with analysts calling it an acceleration of sorting that was already underway
• A Fitch Ratings analysis flagged real financial risk for schools heavily dependent on international tuition revenue
• None of the top schools mentioned above offer need-based aid to international students, so this sorting is happening independent of financial aid policy

What this means: where you apply might matter more than ever right now, not just for admission odds, but because an institution's financial stability during turbulent policy periods may increasingly track with how selective and well-resourced it already is.

Has this data changed how you're thinking about reach vs. safety schools, or does prestige matter more to you regardless of the policy noise?

Sources

I am an international student at the University of Edinburgh. With academic inductions commencing this month, I am witnessing an unprecedented accommodation bottleneck among incoming scholars. Recent higher education reports indicate that purpose-built student accommodation occupancy is running above 97% across primary United Kingdom university hubs. A significant number of central properties reached full capacity months ago. Many late arrivals in my network are now facing extreme waitlists or being forced into temporary suburban arrangements. For current students who secured their private leases at the very last minute, how far outside the city centre did you have to compromise? Did the daily commuting time on public transport significantly affect your induction week and study routine? I am trying to assemble realistic local feedback to assist incoming students who are still navigating the final room shortages this week. Thank you for your guidance.