Latest news

US crackdown on student visas
The United States is to tighten checking and tracking procedures for overseas student visas in the wake of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks. President Bush has ordered a "thorough review" of the system to ensure that overseas applicants for student visas actually go to college or university.   

Government and HE increasingly 'at odds', say principals
College principals were warned last night that the agendas of the government and higher education “has never been more at odds” and that a division of the sector into teaching and research institutions was increasingly likely. The warning came from Roger Brown, vice-chair of the Standing College of Principals, at the group’s annual meeting.

Sobering message for Cambridge college
Students at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, have been told to sober up and work harder. Dean Peter Tyler has warned there will be a zero-tolerance policy on “rudeness and unmannerly behaviour”. There have been a series of incidents since the beginning of term, including two students being taken to hospital with alcohol poisoning.

Major reform for work permits
Home secretary David Blunkett has announced a major overhaul of the asylum system. It includes reform of the work permit system to make it easier for overseas students to work in Britain for a time after graduation.

Chinese v-p's Imperial visit
Chinese vice-president Hu Jintao was to visit Imperial College today, touring life sciences laboratories and meeting Chinese students.