28 Aug 2025

August 2025 news digest

Stay up to date with the top news stories from this month. From policy shifts to student trends, here are some of the key events shaping international higher education this August. We take a closer look at the EU’s major research and innovation programme focused on AI, defence, and global competitiveness, alongside new insights into European student mobility — who studies abroad and why. Plus, we highlight Germany’s international students seeking better career support, the rise of AI chatbots for mental health, recent policy developments across the Asia-Pacific region, and the ongoing struggles of Gaza’s universities amid conflict. Rapid developments are reshaping the sector — read on to stay informed!

The six months that shaped the future of Horizon Europe (Science Business)

Calls to maintain a standalone Framework Programme after 2027 set the tone for a tense spring in the Brussels research and innovation bubble.

The European Higher Education Sector Observatory (European Commission)

Drawing on data from 23 European countries, a new report explores which students in higher education are most likely to study abroad and the key factors that influence their access to mobility opportunities.

Many foreign students want to stay in Germany but need more help with the transition to life after study (ICEF Monitor)

A recent survey of international students in Germany found that while two-thirds hope to stay after graduation, only one-third feel well prepared to transition into the local workforce.

China unveils new visa to lure young science and tech specialists (Times Higher Education)

Graduates of ‘renowned’ domestic or overseas universities targeted as part of bid to become technological superpower.

Australia raises international student enrolment cap to 295k (The Pie)

An extra 25,000 international students will be able to enrol at Australian institutions next year, but only under certain conditions.

Internationalisation questioned as Japanese far right wins seats (Times Higher Education)

Success of Trump-inspired nationalist party will increase scrutiny over institutions’ plans to grow overseas intakes, academics predict

Helping Students Emotionally Before They Turn to AI (Inside Higher Ed)

A counselling centre director shares ways to engage students using technology to mitigate potential harms from emotional reliance on generative AI chatbots.

Struggle to support Gaza universities as war intensifies (University World News)

Initiatives to support students and researchers in Gaza are struggling amid the ongoing conflict, despite rising university enrolment and new efforts — including a European Commission-backed pilot — aimed at preserving academic life in the region.

 


 

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