A U.S. student, who was pursuing her M.A. Analytical Finance in 2011-12 from Mälardalen University College, Sweden, is suing the institution because it allegedly did not match the quality that was promised. Connie Dickinson, with the help of Centre for Justice, a Swedish organisation working for peoples’ rights, is seeking the repayment of her tuition fees, which amounted to SEK182,500 (US$22,000). In her complaint, Dickinson has stated that the professors had poor English skills which made communication difficult, and there were not enough computers to work on during a part of the course. She stated that despite raising these issues with the college authorities several times, no action was taken.
Russia woos foreign studentsIn an attempt to woo students from abroad to study in the country, the Russian government is planning to increase the foreign students’ quota in domestic universities by 33 per cent from next year. The quota will be set in all the leading universities of Russia, including Moscow State University, Saint Petersburg State University and Higher School of Economics. According to reports, the government also plans to provide well-paid jobs within the country to the best graduates.
US-Egypt collaborationTo strengthen university partnerships and provide nearly 2,000 scholarships and exchange programmes for high-performing Egyptian students, the U.S. and Egypt have launched a three-year initiative worth $250 million. It aims to “help Egyptian universities improve their competitiveness in the global knowledge-based economy and will provide the Ministry of Higher Education and the Supreme Council of Universities with technical assistance to develop a plan for critical higher education reforms,” said a U.S. embassy press release.
Compiled by Sarthak Saraswat
