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Spain has shared some exciting updates for international students. These changes are all about helping students during and after their studies. If you are thinking about studying in Spain, this is great news! <h3 dir="ltr" style="">Work More While You Study</h3>In the past, international students in Spain could only work 20 hours per week while studying. As we speak, the Spanish government has increased this limit. Students can now work up to 30 hours per week. This means you can earn more money and get more work experience while you are still studying. Working more hours helps students pay for their living costs. It also gives them a chance to learn new skills and understand the Spanish work culture. Many students say this will make life much easier for them. <h3 dir="ltr" style="">Stay Longer After You Graduate</h3>Before, after finishing your studies in Spain, you had limited time to find a job. As for now, students can stay for 12 more months after graduation. This gives you more time to look for work in Spain. This change is helpful for students who want to build their careers in Spain. You don't need to leave the country right after finishing your course. Instead, you can stay, apply for jobs, and even start working if you get hired. <h3 dir="ltr" style="">Other Helpful Changes</h3>There is also good news for students who want to study in programs that used to need Spanish language tests. Some universities are now relaxing those rules. This means more programs are available to students who only speak English. These changes are part of Spain’s plan to welcome more international students and make their lives easier. The country wants to be seen as a friendly and supportive place to study and work. So if you're planning to study abroad, Spain might be the perfect choice. You can work more hours during school, stay longer after you graduate, and have more options for courses.

Spain Extends Work Hours and Post-Graduation Stay for International Students

Spain now lets international students work 30 hrs/week, stay 12 months post-study, and access more English-taught programs. Great news for future students!

Egyptian students interested in postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom can apply for funding through the GREAT Scholarships 2025 programme. This initiative is a collaboration between the British Council, the GREAT Britain Campaign, and 72 UK universities. It offers scholarships to students from 15 countries, including Egypt. The programme provides financial support to help cover tuition fees for eligible candidates. Participating Universities and Scholarship Details: <h4 dir="ltr" style="">University of Sheffield</h4>The University of Sheffield is offering a £12,500 scholarship for one Egyptian student enrolling in a one-year taught postgraduate programme starting in autumn 2025.Eligibility Criteria:<ul style=""><li dir="ltr">Must hold an Egyptian passport and reside in Egypt</li><li dir="ltr">Must have an offer for a full-time postgraduate course at the university.</li><li dir="ltr">Must meet academic and English language requirements.</li></ul>The application deadline is 12 May 2025. <h4 dir="ltr" style="">Buckinghamshire New University</h4>Buckinghamshire New University is offering a £10,000 scholarship for an Egyptian student enrolling in a full-time postgraduate taught programme beginning in September 2025.Eligibility Criteria:<ul style=""><li dir="ltr">Must be an Egyptian national residing in Egypt.</li><li dir="ltr">Must hold an offer for a postgraduate programme at the university.</li><li dir="ltr">Must meet academic and English proficiency requirements.</li></ul>The application deadline is 14 June 2025. <h4 dir="ltr" style="">Additional Opportunities</h4>Other UK universities participating in the GREAT Scholarships 2025 programme may also offer funding for Egyptian students. Applicants should review the official British Council website for a complete list of participating institutions and detailed eligibility requirements. These scholarships help reduce tuition costs. Applicants should ensure they meet all requirements and submit applications by the respective deadlines. For more information, visit the official scholarship pages of the universities or <a href="https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/great-scholarships" style="" rel="nofollow">the British Council’s GREAT Scholarships portal</a>.

Scholarship Opportunities for Egyptian Students in the UK

GREAT Scholarships 2025 offers funding for Egyptian students pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK, with awards up to £12,500 at select universities.

Campus living costs in the UK for universities such as the University of York and the University of Manchester will increase starting with the 2025/26 academic year. This decision was initially opposed, but it was approved after university decision makers decided that it was a worthwhile step, presumably to tackle a financial deficit. &nbsp;On-campus accommodation rent will increase by an average of 9% or more, resulting in various accommodation options reaching nearly £200 per week, bringing it up to the same price as some luxury off-campus accommodation options.&nbsp; This increase may surprise many students who did not see it coming; therefore, it has been announced well in advance to allow ample time for them to plan and save for their preferred accommodation option. This increase in rent will impact first-year university students most of all, as they are the main demographic of those who live in on-campus accommodation options.&nbsp; As this may push students to work more hours during their studies, some universities have recommended that students only work for 20 hours per week maximum, to avoid overworking themselves or neglecting their studies.&nbsp; The University of York is one such university that has recommended avoiding overworking. The University of York Student Union is continuing to oppose this increase for as long as possible. The University of York SU Union Affairs Officer, Lewis Parrey, commented: “It is unforgivable that the University is pushing their financial failures onto the student population, who are already struggling under increased cost of living pressures. “Students have had to take on significant part-time work burdens, with many struggling to afford to pay for groceries, rent, and other basic necessities. This increase in rent prices only worsens the immense pressure students are facing. The students of York deserve better than this from their university.” The Community &amp; Wellbeing Officer, Freddy Russell, also commented: “This is a complicated issue, but it can actually be boiled down to a simple fact: Students have never been more financially vulnerable. Until the university demonstrates complete understanding of this through action, we will keep doing what students’ unions have always and will always do: fight for students.”

The Price of Living on Campus Just Went Up—Here’s Why

On-campus rent at UK universities like York and Manchester will rise by 9%+ in 2025/26, raising concerns over affordability and student financial strain.

Casita proudly celebrates The Combworks as it receives its third Global Student Living Award for offering excellent accommodation to students. The Aberdeen-based property achieved another triumphant win, the Best Individual Property (UK &amp; Ireland) Award at the 2024 Global Student Living Awards, its third prestigious recognition in this category. The Global Student Living Awards greatly recognise student accommodation because winners are chosen directly from students' feedback. Recognition goes to properties exclusively, which fully prioritise student satisfaction. The Combworks maintains unmatched service quality while delivering beyond expectations in every aspect of its outstanding student accommodation service. Winning this award for the third time shows The Combworks' dedication to maintaining the highest standards in student accommodation. The property has set a benchmark for quality accommodation in Aberdeen, including modern facilities and a welcoming community atmosphere. The team's continuous efforts to enhance student living, provide outstanding support, and create a safe, comfortable environment have been acknowledged by the students themselves. Well-designed and modern apartments with complete furnishings are available, along with fast Internet connectivity and purpose-built study areas.Students living at The Combworks experience community interaction through social gatherings and study common areas and communal facilities that promote both learning and friendships.The staff teams demonstrate exceptional support by assisting students throughout their residences and addressing all their needs. The Combworks' continued success at the Global Student Living Awards reinforces the importance of student feedback in shaping the industry. As more accommodation providers strive to meet and exceed student expectations, the recognition of top-tier properties like The Combworks serves as an inspiration for the entire sector. If you're looking for award-winning student accommodation in Aberdeen, explore <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/1112-the-combworks-aberdeen-uk">The Combworks</a> on Casita today!

The Combworks Wins Prestigious Best Individual Property Award!

The Combworks, the Aberdeen-based property, receives its third Global Student Living Award for offering excellent accommodation to students.

The top UK universities are expanding in India. This is driven by the country's growing demand for higher education and its large, young population. This move allows British universities to increase their global influence and strengthen educational ties with one of the world's growing economies. They aim to offer more opportunities for Indian students and create stronger connections between the two countries' education systems by partnering with Indian institutions. India has a large student population and a growing middle class, which makes it a great opportunity for universities to expand internationally. Millions of Indian students are eager to gain new knowledge and skills to help India grow and succeed in the world, and British universities are well-known for offering high-quality learning. Universities like the University of Birmingham are working with Indian institutions to bring UK-quality education to students in India. These partnerships allow students to study fields that are crucial for India's future, like engineering, business, and computer science. Students get the same high standards and expert teaching as they would in the UK, earning UK degrees, but without leaving home. They can stay in India, close to family and familiar surroundings, while still gaining an international education. UK universities are starting to set up campuses in India as part of a bigger plan. More British universities are thinking about opening branches there too. This move helps UK universities attract a wider range of students and grow their global reputation. It also gives students in India and nearby countries a chance to study at these universities without leaving their region. Having UK university campuses in India gives Indian students the chance to get a top-quality British education without going to the UK. This makes studying much easier and cheaper and reduces the challenges of going abroad. Students can learn at a high global institution while staying in their homeland. This also strengthens the educational and cultural ties between India and the UK and encourages better cooperation and understanding.

British Universities Expanding Educational Collaborations with India

UK universities are expanding in India to meet rising education demand. Partnerships offer British degrees locally, strengthening UK-India academic ties.

According to UniQuest, the UK’s International student acceptance in January 2025 is 31% higher than the same time in 2024. This growth is largely driven by postgraduate courses in business and management, which saw a 17% year-on-year increase.<h3 dir="ltr" style="">Growth in Key Postgraduate Programs</h3>Jennifer Parsons, UniQuest's Chief Market and Partnerships Officer, attributed this performance to the huge demand for business and management programs, which dominate January intakes. Postgraduate computing courses, especially in AI and data science, were not far behind. Parsons highlighted that the 2024 market faced challenges due to socio-economic issues, such as the collapse of the Nigerian Naira and policy changes in countries like India and Nigeria. However, 2025 has seen renewed interest from key regions, including South Asia.<h3 dir="ltr" style="">Policy Shifts Impacting International Student Trends</h3>Growth in UK international student acceptances follows a challenging 2024, in which visa restrictions limited international students' ability to bring dependants with them. A survey of UK business school deans showed major declines in applications from non-EU countries at that time. In contrast, firmer visa policies in other major English-speaking destinations, such as Canada and Australia, have made the UK a more attractive destination. Canada has reduced its cap on international study permits by 10% for 2025 and 2026, while Australia has increased the visa application fees and introduced stricter regulations. “The UK looks like a more welcoming environment,” said Parsons, citing both policy changes in competitor markets and faster offer processing times by UK institutions.<h3 dir="ltr" style="">Positive Outlook for UK Higher Education</h3>UniQuest described the increase in acceptances as a "strong start for higher education" in 2025, reflecting a reawakening of interest in studying in the UK. The Labour government's decision to retain the two-year Graduate Route visa in July 2024, allowing international students to work in the UK post-study, has given the sector further reason to cheer. This is due to the fact that the UK has successfully been able to adapt to changing global conditions and improve its processes for recruiting students.

International Student Acceptances in the UK Rise by 31% at Start of 2025

Global trends shape higher education: the UK sees a rise in international student acceptance in 2025, driven by demand for business and management courses.

Germany has become a top destination for Indian students to pursue higher education. The number of Indian students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies has greatly increased, making Indians the largest student community in Germany. This clearly shows India's inclination towards Germany as a higher education destination.<h3 dir="ltr" style="">15.1% Increase in Indian Students</h3>The number of Indians studying in Germany rose impressively, according to new figures from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This is not the first time such a steep rise has occurred, indicating that Germany is gradually becoming a popular destination for Indian students.<h3 dir="ltr" style="">Engineering Remains the Top Choice</h3>Engineering is the most opted-for course for Indian students in Germany. This is due to the fact that Germany has always been popularly known for technology and engineering. There is also a huge demand for skilled engineers in the job market worldwide.<h3 dir="ltr" style="">Other popular fields</h3>Other than engineering, which remains the most sought-after course for Indian students, students are now looking at various fields of study. Other popular choices include laws, business administration and management, and social science courses are also equally preferred among the students of India, revealing the diverse nature of students’ interests.<h3 dir="ltr" style="">Reasons Behind the Increasing Interest</h3>There are several reasons why more and more Indian students are choosing Germany as their study destination. These reasons include:<ul style=""><li dir="ltr">Excellent education: Germany is well known for its universities and high academic standards.</li><li dir="ltr">Reasonable tuition costs: Compared to many other countries, tuition fees in Germany are quite reasonable, particularly at public universities.</li><li dir="ltr">Work opportunities after graduation: Germany has a policy that enables graduates to seek employment within the country for up to 18 months after completing their studies, enabling them to gain working experience in case they are offered employment.</li><li dir="ltr">Rich cultural diversity: German society offers a friendly environment for students from around the world.</li></ul><h3 dir="ltr" style="">The Future of Indian-German Educational Ties</h3>In the future, it is seen that the educational relations between the two countries will further develop and grow in strength and complexity. Indian students are to increase, making the Indian-German grow stronger. Since Germany is working assiduously to improve the quality of its education sector and offering greater opportunities to international students, it will open the doors for Indian students to enroll themselves in future courses in Germany.

Germany's Growing Appeal for Indian Students

Germany is a top destination for Indian students, with a 15.1% rise in enrollments. Top courses include engineering, law, and business.

According to the QS World University Rankings, American schools are the majority among the best MBA providers globally. For the fifth year, Stanford Graduate School of Business was ranked the #1 MBA provider worldwide in 2025, while The Wharton School ranks second, Harvard Business School ranks 3#, and MIT Sloan ranks #4.&nbsp;QS Global MBA Rankings 2025 contained 340 institutions of the best MBA providers globally. It also included a series of business masters in different approaches, including marketing, management, finance, supply chain management, and business analytics. &nbsp; The US remains dominant, with the top four institutions and seven others in the top 20, including Columbia Business School, Northwestern (Kellogg), UC Berkeley (Haas), UCLA (Anderson), Chicago (Booth), Yale School of Management, and NYU (Stern).&nbsp;Furthermore, the second country to be featured in the top 20 is the UK, with London Business School ranking #5, Cambridge (judge) ranking #7, Imperial College Business School ranking #18, and Oxford (Said) ranking #19.The rest of the top 20 schools contain French schools HEC Paris and INSEAD, Spanish schools IE Business School and IESE Business School, which consequently ranked #9 and #10, and an Italian school, SDA Bocconi School of Management, which ranked #20. “By providing a detailed comparative analysis, these rankings help prospective students make informed decisions about programs that align with their career goals,” said QS president Nunzio Quacquarelli.&nbsp;He also added, “Whether aiming to lead in corporations, innovate in start-ups, or impact the public sector, students can use these insights to shape their professional paths.”. In QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, U.S. institutions continue to lead in MBA education worldwide. American schools dominated four of the top spots in the new rankings. At the same time, the ranking included other prestigious UK and European universities to underpin the increasing diversity of top-tier MBA programs available to students globally.&nbsp;While these rankings are important for graduate students who wish to know which programs will best position them for career advancement, they also signal which institution can give students the skills and networks to thrive in a constantly changing global economy.

US Schools Lead Global MBA Rankings with Top 4 Positions

According to the QS World University Rankings, American schools are the majority among the best MBA providers globally.

Discovery Education collaborates with the UAE's Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGFE) to enhance STEM learning for students aged 13 to 18. Known as "STEM Connect," this collaboration will aim to offer educators in the UAE relevant, practical, and stimulating STEM learning experiences through digital resources that inspire students. This initiative follows a high demand for STEM skills in the UAE and is evidently on course with the grander vision of building a knowledge-based economy.STEM Connect is a bank of flexible, deep digital resources in Arabic and English that Discovery Education will develop specifically for this initiative. This will include lessons, videos, and interactive activities. Designed in alignment with UAE educational standards, these resources would aid teachers in deciding how best to incorporate a real-world STEM challenge into the course content to be delivered to students. The material will be adapted to excite students about STEM fields and any future career opportunities in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics.One of the main goals of this partnership is to equip Emirati students with crucial competencies to excel in a competitive international landscape. STEM Connect aims to inspire the next generation of Emirati leaders and innovators by focusing on problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation through hands-on, project-based learning approaches integrated into the STEM Connect resources.The collaboration highlights UAE's commitment to achieving the highest academic standards and its forward-looking strategic vision. The skills of the 21st Century include being STEM literate, and by prioritising state-of-the-art STEM Education over other courses, the UAE is gearing itself to be well placed in addressing such challenges and both the citizens and prospective professionals being ready for tomorrow's jobs.The introduction of STEM Connect is part of AGFE's more comprehensive mission to enhance the availability and quality of standard education in the Arab world. By partnering with global industry leaders such as Discovery Education, AGFE is working to help close the gap between education and employment, ensuring that even before they enter university or a career-ready program of study, students are prepared academically (and skills-based) for the modern workplace.The UAE Vision 2021, an integral part of this initiative, identifies innovation and research as crucial for future success in advancing the science-based economy. Discovery Education and AGFE Partnership Backs UAE Vision to Lead World in Innovation, Knowledge-Based Economies through STEM++ Education.Overall, this partnership will provide the best-in-class technologies for Emirati students and educators. It is an excellent example of how to promote the culture vital for ensuring that innovation and excellence in education continue long into the UAE's future. The excitement and enthusiasm of the students and their teachers make STEM Connect very promising, and it will pave the way for future generations in the UAE who will be building this nation.

Discovery, UAE Partner to Boost STEM Education

Discovery Education collaborates with the UAE's Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGFE) to enhance STEM learning.

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Over the last few years, the UAE has been taking steps to increase its immigration and visa system flexibility. Last year, the Golden Visa’s eligibility was extended to encourage international students to come and study in the country. The Golden Visa allows you to live, study and work in the UAE for 10 whole years. Previously, it was available only for certain categories of individuals, including talented professionals and students, and property investors. However, now it’s also available for top-performing graduates, PhD holders, physicians, and people working in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence. “We have over 27,000 students with almost 150 nationalities that are studying in the universities within the park,” said Mohammad Abdullah, Managing Director of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park “[The golden visas are] something that will support universities to attract students from different parts of the world. ” He commented. For the last five years, Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park have become hubs for innovation and international education in the region, housing 27 universities: 18 international universities and nine regional and local universities. Many <a href="https://thepienews.com/the-view-from/tne-in-the-age-of-globalisation-equity-access-and-soft-power/" rel="nofollow">TNE</a> projects have commenced recently or will commence in the near future, and stakeholders are confident about the prospects of international study in Dubai. “We will be opening our new state-of-the-art campus in September,” said Ben Bailey, Campus Director of the University of Birmingham, Dubai. The campus is currently under construction and will be able to accommodate up to 2,900 students. “As vaccines begin to help with the impact of Covid-19 in the UAE, Dubai is well-positioned to support the continued growth of the higher education sector in the UAE,” he continued. <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/australia" target="_blank">Australia’s</a> Murdoch University will launch its new campus in May 2021 in Dubai Knowledge Park. Heriot-Watt University Dubai will also move into the park in April 2021. “We will now be right at the heart of the modern business and digital community in Dubai,” said Ammar Kaka, Vice-Principal of the university. “This makes the campus location a rich environment for industry-academia collaboration and will also open up work-based learning opportunities for our students.” He continued. Mohammad Abdullah, The Managing Director of <a href="https://diacedu.ae/" rel="nofollow">Dubai International Academic City</a>, further added that encouraging international campuses continues to be essential for <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/united-arab-emirates/dubai" target="_blank">Dubai</a>. “The UAE is like a universal city where you have people coming from different parts of the world,” he said, adding that providing a wide range of options in terms of universities and courses is essential in order to attract international students. “If you want to compete in attracting international students around the world, you need to assure that those requirements are available.”

Dubai to Attract International Students with New Visa Option

The Golden Visa allows you to live, study and work in the UAE for 10 whole years.

Thanks to valuable transactions in the first two months of 2020, the student housing sector has remained strong despite the COVID-19 outbreak. Even though investments in 2020 were only $1.58 billion compared to the $2.29 billion in 2019, cap rates have sustained near-record lows. The private sector also accounted for an impressive  $36 million in acquisitions through the second quarter of 2020. As for institutional capital, more than $853 million worth of properties sold in 2020, making up 56.5% of total market share. Amongst the many business transactions throughout the year, Blackstone and GSA, as well as other providers managed to add numerous buildings to their portfolio. <h2 dir="ltr">1. Scape Acquired Urbanest</h2>In one of the biggest deals of 2020, Scape became the largest <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/australia" target="_blank">PBSA provider in Australia </a>after acquiring Urbanest's 6805 beds worth $2 billion in Sydney, <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/australia/melbourne" target="_blank">Melbourne</a>, <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/australia/brisbane" target="_blank">Brisbane </a>and Adelaide.The deal came just months after another major $680 million acquisition of the Atira portfolio controlled by funds manager Blue Sky and investment bank Goldman Sachs. Atira’s portfolio consisted of six facilities in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide along with three development sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.“We are confident that the combination of our businesses and our people will offer the Australian education market the scale required to satisfy the growing demand from our students, universities and the broader education sector to support Australia’s leading position in the global education market,” stated Scape’s executive chairman Craig Carracher.Urbanest was owned by M3 Capital Partners' Evergreen Real Estate, which is backed by the Washington State Investment Board. The company opened its first building in 2010 which is considered to be ‘the first generation’, while more recent buildings opened on Swanston Street in Melbourne and Darling Square in Sydney and are more modern."We look forward to working with the Urbanest team to grow the opportunity at this exciting time for student accommodation in Australia and globally," added Carracher.<h2 dir="ltr">2. Blackstone Bought iQ Student Accommodation</h2>On the 26th February 2020, it was announced that iQ Student Accommodation with more than 28,000 beds across the UK, has been sold to Blackstone for £4.66 billion. This announcement, made by Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division and the Wellcome Trust, marked the largest-ever private real estate transaction in the UK.Rob Roger, CEO of iQ, stated: “I am delighted to be working with a partner of Blackstone’s calibre, as we continue to deliver our ambitious growth plans.” Founded in 2006 and merging with Goldman Sachs' student housing business in 2016, iQ owned and operated around 4,000 beds in cities with the highest demand from students like <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/uk/london">London</a>, <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/uk/manchester">Manchester</a>, <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/uk/birmingham">Birmingham</a>, <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/uk/glasgow">Glasgow</a>, and <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/uk/sheffield">Sheffield</a>.“Over the course of our ownership, iQ has become the UK’s leading provider of high-quality student accommodation. The company’s focus on customer service and continued investment in the platform has enabled iQ to become a leader in the sector and provide an outstanding experience to students.  We are proud to have been part of that journey alongside iQ’s excellent management team and our valued partners at Wellcome”, stated Richard Spencer, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs.<h2 dir="ltr">3. Five Harrison Street Properties Sold to GSA</h2>In another major successful deal in February, Harrison Street sold five of its properties to Global Student Accommodation (GSA). The properties sold included The Tannery, Ardcairn House, New Mill, Broadstone Hall and Kavanagh Court, with a total of 1,971 beds.GSA bought the buildings for €400 million gaining full management and strategic control over them for the long term. Since Harrison Street and GSA became joint venture partners, additional similar transactions are expected in the future.<h2 dir="ltr">4. Student Roost Signs Up For Two New Schemes</h2>Last November, Student Roost bought two new schemes in York and Bristol from Summix Capital for £70 million. The deal included a 291-bed building in Unity Street, Bristol, as well as a 368-bed property at Frederick House in York, acquired via a forward-funding agreement with developer Watkin Jones.Commenting on the deal, Stephen Rigby, chief investment officer at Student Roost stated: "York is a very strong market for us, Bristol has been a long-standing target market, so we're pleased to acquire the sites, and we're looking forward to working with Watkin Jones again."<h2 dir="ltr">5. Far East Orchard Expands in Bristol</h2>With a portfolio of 3561 beds in the UK, Far East Orchard announced its acquisition of the new PBSA in Bristol in November. The company bought the freehold property, Kings Square Studio for £39.3 million. The purchase comes as an effort toward achieving their strategy of building a lodging platform, bringing their profile to 12 properties in the UK.The choice of the city stems from the fact that Bristol has two major universities, which means it has a sizable student population. Because it’s a strong regional city for PBSAs, Far East previously purchased 166-bed St Lawrence House and 133-bed Harbour Court, bringing their portfolio to a total of 600 beds in Bristol. “We intend to continue building on this strategy, to take advantage of the counter-cyclical nature of student accommodation assets by building our portfolio in the UK, focusing on cities with high-tariff universities and strong student growth”, said Alan Tang, Chief Executive Officer of Far East.<h2 dir="ltr">6. New Schemes for 90 North in Edinburgh and Leicester</h2>In May, Developer Aimrok managed to sell two student accommodation blocks in Edinburgh and Leicester to 90 North Real Estate Partners and Rasameel Investment Company for a total of £22 million."These two new properties are in core locations and provide housing to high-ranked universities in under-supplied markets. With structuring to ensure continuity of income to cover this current period of occupational uncertainty, we expect these investments to deliver strong performance.” Said John Yeens, Partner at 90 North Real Estate Partners.The Edinburgh property, Goods Corner, located right across from University of Edinburgh's King's Buildings engineering campus consists of 108 studio beds while Dover Street in Leicester consists of 135-bed spaces. Both properties have been 100% let so far and will be managed by Homes for Students.<h2 dir="ltr">7. LSPIM Sold Two Leeds PBSAs for £90 Million</h2>The student housing division of London &amp; Scottish Property Investment Management (LSPIM) sold two of its Leeds properties on behalf of a US-based private investor to an unnamed far eastern investor for £90 million.LSPIM developed Crown House in Sheffield and Symons House in Leeds with a total of more than 700 beds. Crown House was developed into 355 luxury studio bedrooms after its acquisition in 2015 and opened for the 2017-18 academic year. Symons House, on the other hand, opened in January 2020 after its acquisition in 2017 when it was developed into 351 student bedrooms. "We are very pleased with the level of interest shown in these properties. We have developed a sound business model and have good relationships with both lenders and investors. As a result, these two projects - our first in the student accommodation sector - have been hugely successful for us”, commented Stephen Inglis, Chief Executive of London and Scottish Property Investment Management.<h2 dir="ltr" style="">GSA’s Promising 2021</h2>GSA started this year with a major US deal, marking its debut in the country. The company bought 27 properties, around 8,000 beds across 19 cities and 18 states.The properties in question belong to UCLA the joint venture with University Communities and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System.GSA plans to work with University Communities on acquiring and developing more student housing properties in the US with the help of property management company UComm, which it also acquired.The CEO of GSA Investment Management, Will Rowson, believes that “entering the US market and building a presence is another significant step for GSA. We have been patient to source the right opportunity that fits with our investment criteria and we are very pleased to have secured a major foothold across the country. We are confident this acquisition will enable us to develop significant scale, deliver on our investor promise and, most importantly, refresh the sector with our global student experience.”Overall, 2020 proved to be an ideal opportunity for new investors to enter the market and stable providers to showcase their resilience to the situation. Investors expect 2021 to be even more competitive as the new Covid-19 vaccine will help students and investors feel safe and invest more.

Student Accommodation Acquisition Report 2020

Student Acommodation Acquisition Report 2020

Top Student Accommodation Acquisitions in 2020

Amidst Covid-19 developments, many universities have announced multiple changes to their learning structure in 2021.<a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/australia/perth/murdoch-university" target="_blank"> Murdoch University</a> plans to permanently eliminate face-to-face learning especially for groups exceeding 100 students. On the other hand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for education, professor Pip Pattison, stated that the University of Sydney would host fewer lectures in the future but has no plans to permanently remove face-to-face lectures.In her opinion, Pattison stated that “a really good lecture is a fine thing. To take it out of the suite of options doesn’t seem wise. For a person who does it well, it’s very efficient because you can inspire hundreds of students at once.”She goes on to explain that with the COVID education experience, a more diverse set of teaching systems can be applied more quickly and easily, especially since universities were focused on improving their systems and adding better digital resources even pre-pandemic.Pattison believes there will be a different future for university students, including lecture halls stating that “I think we’ll see a lot of conversions of lecture theatres into other kinds of student spaces – multi-tiered group work or quiet study spaces. There’s going to be increased demand for informal learning space and reduced demand for lecture theatres.”Her prediction comes as an observation after seeing how students were still adamant about going to campus during lockdown for its overall atmosphere as well as the like-minded company despite remote learning saving money, space, and electricity for the university.Meanwhile, Kylie Readman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Murdoch, had different views about education in 2021. She expressed how universities with higher numbers of socioeconomically disadvantaged or mature students have a vague future regarding their lectures. She states that saying to someone ‘Don’t work, put your kids in childcare, pay for parking to come and listen to me talk for two hours’ is not a good proposition for someone who’s already thinking ‘I’m the first in my family to come to university and I’m not sure this is right for me.’Readman suggests the implementation of a student profile where multiple factors like the number of students, age, etc. could determine which universities will be able to revive lectures held on a larger scale. “It’s great to have a lecture but if only seven people come to it, is that really the best use of a lecturer’s time? Is that the best use of our space? Is that the best use of our timetable?”, she further explains.According to Readman, the major factor that will determine the future of face-to-face lectures is the class size; “Some [of our] students prefer face-to-face lectures. They like the structure. But they’re not the majority, and those people can also access other forms of learning. People who have work or carer responsibilities can’t.” She said.For Murdoch University, it sets a maximum of 100 students as Readman clarifies “that’s the number our safety manager said he felt comfortable with.”As for the <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/australia/sydney/university-of-sydney" target="_blank">University of Sydney</a>, Professor Pattison discusses that even though the university’s lecture halls could take up to 500 students, online lectures can take twice as many only with more effective methods for handling student inquiries during class: “You might need someone to help you [answer questions] after class if you don’t get to them all.” She said.On the other hand, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for education, Angela Hill, stated that Edith Cowan University will adopt a full face-to-face delivery for 2021 academic year including lectures, workshops, and tutorials without any class size restrictions. Hill further explains how collaborative learning will be the main focus in both large and small groups.The university is now investing in modern learning spaces to cater for all group sizes at the main Joondalup campus library which is being built over the summer break since “Trying to get renovations done when students are on campus is a nightmare” as stated by Trish McCluskey, the Associate Provost of teaching and learning.

Lectures in Australia 2021: Online VS Face to Face Learning

Amidst Covid-19 developments, many universities have announced multiple changes to their learning structure in 2021.

Casita, the global student accommodation platform with over 1 million rooms in 41 destinations across the world, including UK, <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/australia" target="_blank">Australia</a>, etc. The company has recently signed a global partnership agreement with StudentApply, a student recruitment platform where students can apply to the world's leading institutions through a single online application form. Students can search for institutions by country, educational level, of course, and receive real-time help and support from their experienced admissions team. StudentApply will now have the ability to support their students in finding a room when they apply to study overseas which is powered by Casita’s student room marketplace and API technology.<a href="https://studentapply.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">StudentApply</a>'s platform is a one-stop-shop for students and counsellors to search, receive personalized advice, and apply to a range of top universities all around the world. The company's team also provides support for students throughout the visa and departure process, and with this new partnership, students can now get access and book their ideal <a href="https://www.casita.com/" target="_blank">student accommodation</a> before arriving at university.Commenting on this new partnership Steve Carter, Managing Partner of StudentApply, said: "StudentApply is excited to be partnering with Casita, and we look forward to working with them to help our international students conveniently find the very best accommodation before they leave for university so they can settle in quickly and concentrate on their studies."Leigh Pulford, Chief Marketing Officer and co-founder of Casita, said: “We are delighted to partner with StudentApply, a tech-driven and education-focused student recruitment platform, that offers students a great range of partner institutions and support for students seeking to study abroad.Casita is very excited to assist StudentApply students with the best housing options no matter where they are studying. Through Casita's global customer service teams, called Accommodation Experts, who are positioned across MENA, India and Asia, each student is guided through the Explore, Discover and Secure process.

Casita Partners with StudentApply

Casita has recently signed a global partnership agreement with StudentApply.

A $500 grant was awarded to the<a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/usa" target="_blank"> University of Maine Honors USA </a>College by the Maine Hunger Dialogue to fight food insecurity in the student population.UMaine Honors College students applied for this fund based on a food insecurity research that they carried out which stated that food insecurity, which has been on the rise in the past few years, has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the $500, the Honors College student initiative, headed by students Katie Tims and Bailey West, along with the Honors College associate dean Melissa Ladenheim aspire to provide the Black Bear Exchange campus food pantry with a sustainable amount of non-food personal care items that have been proven harder to prioritize as a result of the organization’s limited food budget. This project also aspires to create a campaign that aims at reducing the stigma of student food insecurity and raising awareness for the Black Bear Exchange. “The goal of the Maine Hunger Dialogue is to inspire students from the state’s public and private universities and colleges, including community colleges, to learn, share ideas, network and work together to fight hunger across Maine,” says Frank Wertheim, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension associate professor of agriculture and horticulture. “Thanks to generous funding from Sodexo, the Maine Hunger Dialogue has been able to fund limited participant mini-grants to students and staff who come together to learn, share their ideas, existing programs and projects, and then work together as a network to fight food insecurity.”  The recipients of this award are expected to present the findings of their work at the 2021 Maine Hunger Dialogue which will be held in late fall at the University of Maine at Farmington.

UMaine Honors College Receives Maine Hunger Dialogue Grant

On Wednesday 2nd December, The UK government announced its plan to roll out the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to everyone in the UK, including international students. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-government-secures-additional-2-million-doses-of-moderna-covid-19-vaccine" rel="nofollow" style="">357 million vaccine doses</a> have been secured to ensure sufficient supply for everyone.Dosage distribution has already started with priority groups, such as care home residents and staff, people over the age of 80, and healthcare workers. Following that, the whole country will start to receive the vaccine in order of age and risk level. International students will receive the vaccine via the same levels of priority, meaning older and vulnerable students will get the vaccine first. Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, said that “this vaccine, when combined with effective treatments, will form a vital part in making Covid-19 a manageable disease, hopefully allowing us to return to normality in the future,”.By late spring or early summer of 2021, the <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/uk" target="_blank">UK </a>is anticipated to be the first country to be fully vaccinated. Students will be able to get vaccinated in the UK before any part of the world, making it a safer and more attractive country to study in. Moreover, Universities Minister, Michelle Donelan, wrote an open letter to international students thanking them for their patience through the measures introduced by the government to tackle the spread of the virus.The Minister supported face-to-face learning and elaborated that the government is working on returning students safely to the campuses over a period of five weeks from the beginning of the next semester after the <a href="https://www.casita.com/news/uk-international-students-can-travel-home-for-christmas">Christmas break</a>.“Students on all remaining courses should be offered online learning from the beginning of term so they can continue their studies at home, and should be asked to return to their university over a two week period from 25 January,” she added.

Covid-19 Vaccine Will be Given to International Students

The UK government announced its plan to roll out the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.

After the lockdown ends on 2nd December, international students studying in the UK will be allowed to travel home to spend Christmas with their families. The government has published <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/christmasguidance-set-out-for-university-students" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">a step-by-step</a> guide for students to follow in order to travel back home.“We know this Christmas will feel different, and following this incredibly difficult year we are delivering on our commitment to get students back to their loved ones as safely as possible for the holidays.” Universities Minister Michelle Donelan explained.After students spend the four-week lockdown period in <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/uk" target="_blank">their accommodation</a>, they will be able to travel back home during the ‘student travel window’; from the period of 3rd December to 9th December. The lockdown period guarantees to reduce the risk of transmission to their families. The travel window also ensures that students can reach home before the resumption of the semester, given that learning will be shifted to online classes starting 9th December.Universities will be responsible for the departure dates to minimize the pressure on transport infrastructure. Moreover, the government will work closely with the universities to ensure mass testing is done for students before travelling.The travel guidance advised by the government states that all students should wear face masks, avoid busy routes and times, and limit car sharing. For further information, here is the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">guide published by the UK Government</a> that includes detailed steps to follow.

UK International Students Can Travel Home For Christmas

After the lockdown ends on 2nd December, international students studying in the UK will be allowed to travel home to spend Christmas with their families.

Recently, The U.S. News &amp; World Report, an established authority in education rankings, has compiled a ranking for the best global universities of 2021. Universities were ranked according to academic research and reputation based on bibliometric indicators such as publications, citations and international collaboration."The Best Global Universities methodology places significant emphasis on academic research," elaborated Robert Morse, chief data strategist at U.S. News. "With rankings by subject, region and country, students and their families can easily learn more about schools based on their specific needs and interests."The ranking included universities from <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation" target="_blank">86 countries</a>, five of which have the majority of the top educational institutions as follows:<ul><li>U.S: 255</li><li>China: 176</li><li>U.K: 87</li><li>France: 70</li><li>Germany: 68</li></ul><a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/usa" target="_blank">The U.S.</a> and <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/uk" target="_blank">the U.K.</a> dominated the top 10 universities around the world. <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/usa/boston/harvard-university" target="_blank">Harvard University</a> took first place in the rankings and <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/usa/boston/massachusetts-institute-of-technology" target="_blank">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> came second followed by Stanford University and the <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/usa/riverside/university-of-california-riverside" target="_blank">University of California - Berkeley</a> respectively. Then, the UK earned fifth rank with the <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/uk/oxford/university-of-oxford" target="_blank">University of Oxford </a>which is also ranked top in Europe.<a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/australia" target="_blank">Australia </a>was included in the ranking with the <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/australia/melbourne/university-of-melbourne" target="_blank">University of Melbourne</a> ranking first in the country followed by the <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/australia/sydney/university-of-sydney" target="_blank">University of Sydney</a> and the <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/australia/brisbane/university-of-queensland-uq" target="_blank">University of Queensland Australia</a>.Moreover, this year US News added ten new subjects to the global ranking, resulting in a total of 38 subjects. The new subjects are biotechnology and applied microbiology; cell biology; chemical engineering; endocrinology and metabolism; energy and fuels; gastroenterology and hepatology; infectious diseases; nanoscience and nanotechnology; public, environmental and occupational health; and radiology, nuclear medicine and medical imaging. Here is the full list of the top 10 global universities in 2021:1. <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/usa/boston/harvard-university" target="_blank">Harvard University</a> (U.S.)2.  <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/usa/boston/massachusetts-institute-of-technology" target="_blank">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (U.S.)3. Stanford University (U.S.)4. <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/usa/riverside/university-of-california-riverside" target="_blank">University of California - Berkeley</a> (U.S.)5.  <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/uk/oxford/university-of-oxford" target="_blank">University of Oxford </a>(U.K.)6. <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/usa/new-york/columbia-university" target="_blank">Columbia University</a> (U.S.)7. California Institute of Technology (U.S.)8. <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/usa/seattle/university-of-washington" target="_blank">University of Washington</a> (U.S.)9. <a href="https://www.casita.com/student-accommodation/uk/cambridge/university-of-cambridge" target="_blank">University of Cambridge</a> (U.K.)10. Johns Hopkins University (U.S.)You can check out the complete list of the best global universities from the following <a href="https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>.

U.S. News Ranks The Best Universities Worldwide in 2021

The U.S. News & World Report, an established authority in education rankings, has compiled a ranking for the best global universities of 2021.

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