Category Archives: Education

TOEFL iBT® test approved for Canada’s student direct stream programme, empowering Indian students for higher education

New Delhi, June 14, 2023: Leading global educational assessment organisation ETS recently announced that their popular evaluation TOEFL iBT® test has been approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for use in Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme. This significant development enables international students from India and 13 other countries to pursue their educational aspirations at renowned higher education institutions in Canada.

The TOEFL iBT® test, created by ETS, is a respected, accepted and preferred test of academic English-language proficiency, used for study, work and immigration. ETS is a strategic partner with leading global higher education management group MSM Unify, where they both are committed to transform the global education landscape. They are united in their mission to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, can access their dream education. This announcement is a concrete step in that direction and will greatly benefit Indian students. As per the IRCC records, over 2,26,450 Indian students went to study in Canada in 2022. With this record breaking number, Indian students formed the biggest group of international students to reach Canada for higher education purposes.

Earlier, students applying through the SDS route had only one English-language testing option. With the inclusion of the TOEFL iBT® test, students now have a wider range of choices to demonstrate their English-language proficiency.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone in partnership with ETS,” said Avinav Sharma, Head of Strategy, MSM Unify. “The inclusion of the TOEFL iBT® test benefits the students who utilise the SDS route and also empowers educational institutions by diversifying their applicant pool” he added.

Starting from August 10, 2023, students from select countries can include their TOEFL iBT® test scores as part of their SDS application, streamlining the process and facilitating a smoother academic journey.

The TOEFL iBT® test is widely accepted by 100% of Canadian universities. This announcement reflects ETS’s commitment to offering students increased choices, transparency, and seamless access to educational opportunities.

Speaking about this development, Sachin Jain, Country Manager, ETS India and South Asia said “we are delighted that TOEFL iBT has been accepted for Canada’s Student Direct Stream. This move will immensely benefit Indian students who take this route each year to study in Canada. With this move, institutions in Canada will have a wider choice of selecting from a wider applicant base, enabling a more diverse cohort at their campuses”

More information about the TOEFL iBT® test and the SDS application process is available at www.ets.org/toefl

University of Birmingham makes key appointments in Jain Studies

12 June 2023

The University of Birmingham has made three key academic appointments in establishing its new world-leading teaching and research portfolio in Jainism.

Revealed today the academics taking up these posts will develop teaching and research in Jainism and contemporary issues.

Dr Areti Theofilopoulou has been appointed Assistant Professor in the Ethics of Non-Violence. She is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Interdisciplinary Research Lab for Bioethics at the Institute of Philosophy, Czech Academy of Sciences. Her research examines the intersection between political philosophy and applied ethics and the ethics of personal relationships, particularly on domestic violence. She will start her new position at the University of Birmingham in September.

Dr Theofilopoulou says: “I am honoured to join the Bhagavan Dharmanath Jain Studies offering at the University of Birmingham as the Assistant Professor in the Ethics of Non-Violence. Jainism’s profound teachings on ahimsa (non-violence) and its impact on personal, social and environmental well-being align perfectly with my own academic pursuits. I am excited to engage with students and scholars alike, fostering a deeper understanding of the ethics of non-violence.”

Dr Marie-Hélène Gorisse has been announced as Dharmanath Assistant Professor in Jain Studies. She previously held a position as a Research Fellow in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion at the University of Birmingham. Her research focuses on Jainism, on the way Jain thought developed in dialogue with other South Asian religious traditions, and on the contemporary relevance of Jainism as a contributor to the study of religion, theology and global philosophy of religion.

Dr Gorisse commented: “Jainism has a lot to contribute to discussions that are shaping the world of tomorrow, especially concerning environmental sustainability and global ethics. As the Dharmanath Assistant Professor in Jain Studies, I am excited and honoured to be instrumental in ensuring there is dialogue between academics, the Jain community in Birmingham, in the UK and globally, and our students on these topical issues.”

Jinesh Sheth will join the University of Birmingham as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Jain Studies. He is currently in the final stages of completing his PhD on ‘A Critical Study of Anekāntavāda’ at the Department of Philosophy, University of Mumbai.

Jinesh Sheth says: “I am so pleased to join the Bhagavan Dharmanath Jain Studies offering as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow. It is a great opportunity for me to further pursue my research and engage with scholars working in the fields of philosophy, theology, religion and Jain studies. I also look forward to connecting with the wider community, fostering a deeper appreciation for Jain values and their practical application in the modern world.”

The new academic team will cover a wide range of topics, including Jainism, peace and conflict resolution, environmental ethics, ecology and animal rights across theology, religion and ethics. The team will also support the recently introduced specialist Masters Pathway in the Global Philosophy of Religion and Doctoral Research in Jain Studies.

The University announced the creation of a Jain Studies offering in December 2022 – made possible through a gift of $1.5million to the University from a group of philanthropists, including Dr Jasvant Modi, representing US donors and, Nemu Chandaria OBE, from the Institute of Jainology, representing UK donors.

Dr Jasvant Modi says: “I am truly honoured and immensely proud to witness the University of Birmingham’s momentous step in establishing a team of scholars who will contribute world-leading teaching and research in Jainism. The appointment of these three esteemed researchers signifies a profound commitment to advancing the understanding and appreciation of Jain principles and philosophies. Together, we embark on a transformative journey, fostering a deeper understanding of compassion, non-violence, and harmonious coexistence to contribute to a more empathetic and sustainable world.”

Professor Charlotte Hempel, Head of the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion at the University of Birmingham, commented: “I warmly congratulate Areti, Marie-Hélène and Jinesh on their new roles and look forward to welcoming this outstanding team of scholars and educators in Jain Studies to the University of Birmingham.

“These key appointments are an exciting step forward for the development of Jain Studies at Birmingham and mean we can now expand and develop our existing research and teaching in Jainism, which will not only benefit our students but also the academic community, as well as enhance public knowledge and understanding on the topic. I am really looking forward to seeing this investment in Jainism bear fruit in the classroom and research on the existential issues we face today.”

India ahead of the world in tech, research investments: DST Secretary at GITAM Visakhapatnam’s 14th Convocation

Hyderabad/Visakhapatnam, June 11, 2023: “India is no more a developing nation. The kind of investments we do in research and technology are far more than other countries. You can’t ever imagine that India can do the National Quantum Mission (recently launched by the Department of Science and Technology) for Rs 6,000 crores. It is unheard of and commendable,” said Dr S Chandrasekhar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology.

He was speaking at the Graduation Ceremony 2023 of GITAM (Deemed to be University) Visakhapatnam, on Saturday. The convocation ceremony conferred degrees upon almost 2500 of the total 2955 graduating students — across a range of UG and PG programs in engineering, pharmacy, architecture, science, management, law and humanities. The cohort included 40 Gold Medal recipients, 35 first rankers and 82 PhD holders.

GITAM’s Visakhapatnam Campus is its oldest campus, and is home to the varsity’s prestigious faculties, excellent infrastructural facilities, and motivated students pursuing interests like Technology, Management, Architecture, and Medicine.

Addressing the graduating batch, Dr S Chandrasekhar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology and Chair G20-RIIG said, “I hope today’s graduates create jobs instead of seeking them.”

One of India’s highly accomplished scientists and top academic functionaries, Dr Chandrasekhar added that India is third in the list of generating PhDs in the world, and when it comes to the number of parents, it is 9th in the world currently.

Giving a clarion call for sustainability, he added, “We as homo sapiens are supreme commanders of this planet. I request to save the planet rather than abusing it. I hope you are the technology leaders for green processes that will not disturb our planet.”

Addressing the students, Shri M. Sri Bharat, President, GITAM (Deemed to be University) said encouraging graduates to find their purpose and then make sky their limit. “Dream as big as you can, and as you dream big don’t take shortcuts. Shortcuts lead to poor foundation, and when the foundation is poor the building is going to collapse. Moreover, dreaming big should go hand in hand with your values and identities.”

During the event, eminent academician Prof Dayananda Siddavattam, Vice Chancellor, GITAM (Deemed to be University) presented the Annual Report highlighting year-long achievements. Dr Virandar Singh Chauhan, Chancellor, GITAM (Deemed to be University) presided over the convocation.

Yester-year Telugu superstar Vanisri also received an honorary D.Litt. degree for her distinguished contribution to Telugu cinema, arts and society. She requested everyone to plant a tree every month for the rest of their lives and help people with bare necessities to continue their education, especially poor people.

During the convocation, Padma Shri Dr. Kota Harinarayana was also presented Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.). The aviation engineering legend spoke about destruction of the environment through technological and industrial development and industrial developments, and nudged the graduating to experiment without fear of failure

In 2023, a total of 4470 students graduated from across all three campuses of GITAM (Deemed to be University).

Amity University Gurugram ranked in Top 100 universities in NIRF India University Rankings-2023

In the recently released NIRF India University Rankings 2023, Amity University Gurugram, Haryana has been ranked among the Top 100 universities of India at rank number 94. AUH is among the 04 universities of the state of Haryana to figure in Top 100 universities of the country that include Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Amity University Gurugram, MDU and Chaudhary Charan Singh Agriculture University.

It’s also heartening to mention that three of our institutions namely, Amity Law School (ALS), Amity Business School (ABS) and Amity School of Engineering and Technology (ASET) of Amity University Gurugram have also been ranked in Top 100 institutions in the Country in their respective domains said Prof PB Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Gurugram.

The universities and institutions of higher learning in India are ranked by NIRF on the basis of a highly structured evaluation of parameters covering 5 major areas that include Quality of Teaching-Learning Resources (100 Marks), Funded Research Projects, Innovations and Intellectual Property Development (100 Marks), Graduate Outcomes (100 Marks), Outreach and Inclusivity (100 Marks) and Peer Perceptions (100 Marks), a total of 500 Marks. Each university is carefully evaluated on the basis of authenticated information and data submitted by the concerned universities on the NIRF portal and after thorough validation of the data and compilation of the peer response the universities in India are finally ranked under NIRF India University Ranking system. Likewise, all participating institutions are ranked in their respective domain areas using the NIRF ranking framework on all India basis.

Amity University Gurugram, besides imparting quality higher education focuses on innovations, industry relevant skills and project-based learning to foster team work and creativity. The university has has undertaken 99 higher end funded R&D projects aligned to national research missions and have filed 227 patents of high relevance to industry and society and he has to its credit the LEED Platinum Certified Green Campus, Certified by USGBC. The university campus offers world quality research and industry-integrated quality education environment that prepares its graduates to be future ready professionals empowered with 21st century skills embedded with human values of integrity, truthfulness, peace, harmony and sustainability.

World University of Design invites applications for PhD in Design

Sonipat, Haryana: Design Doctorate Aspirants & budding researchers may seek no further as World University of Design opens its doors to PhD programmes in Architecture, Business, Communication Design, Fashion, Arts and Performing Arts. Applicants from all fields are encouraged to apply online until June 15th, 2023.

The criteria laid down by the University for Indian students is Master’s degree with 55% aggregate marks in a relevant discipline and for International students is an IELTS score of at least 6.5 with a degree from a reputed university. The institute allows 5% relaxation to reserved categories.

Selection will be on the basis of a two-step procedure, with a written examination of 40% weightage as the first step, followed by an interview of 60% weightage.

Application forms are available on https://worlduniversityofdesign.ac.in/phd.php which duly filled must be sent to the Chair of the PhD programme at phd@wud.ac.in along with scanned copies of documents in support of eligibility, a typed 500 word detailed statement of the proposed research project, copy of Curriculum vitae and a portfolio of creative works.

Inviting new applicants to the PhD programme, Dr. Sanjay Gupta (Vice Chancellor, World University of Design) says, “I am delighted to announce our PhD program specifically designed for applicants from the fields of fashion, design, communication, architecture, visual arts, design management, and related disciplines. This program presents an exceptional opportunity for young academics to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in these fields and make a lasting impact on India’s creative landscape.

In recent years, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation in the world of design which has emerged as a powerful tool to address complex societal challenges. Design thinking, innovation, and research have become crucial for driving economic growth, enhancing user experiences, and creating sustainable solutions. Through our PhD program, we aim to nurture a community of scholars who will shape the future of design in India and beyond.

Furthermore, a PhD in design from WUD will empower young academics to forge successful careers in academia, research institutions, industry, or entrepreneurial ventures. They will be at the forefront of knowledge creation and dissemination, guiding the next generation of designers and shaping the direction of their respective industries.”

IRCC’s new policy benefits international students: An overall IELTS Academic score of 6 bands required for the SDS Programme

New Delhi, 08 June 2023: IDP Education, co-owner of IELTS, is pleased to announce the recent changes made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding the overall requirement of 6.0 bands in IELTS Academic Test for students applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) category for their Canadian study permits. The new policy, effective from 10 August 2023, eliminates the need for IELTS Academic test takers for Canada to achieve a minimum score of 6.0 bands in all individual sections of the test.

This significant development by the IRCC aims to facilitate the application process for international students aspiring to pursue their education in Canada.

Piyush Kumar, Regional Director-South Asia and Mauritius IDP Education, said, “In light of the recent changes made by the IRCC, we are delighted by the decision that IELTS Academic test takers applying through the SDS programme will now require only an overall 6 band score. There is no longer any requirement to achieve a minimum score of 6 bands in each individual section. This update represents a positive shift towards recognising the comprehensive abilities of test takers rather than focusing solely on individual band scores. We believe this change will provide greater opportunities for talented students worldwide to pursue their educational goals in Canada and also reflects authorities’ confidence in IELTS.

IELTS is the most popular English Language Proficiency Test in India, and now test takers would find it even more attractive for the SDS programme. IELTS has the biggest network of test centres. It provides the option of paper-based tests in 150+ venues across more than 80 cities in India and computer-delivered tests in 46 centers, making it very convenient for the candidates. We also plan to introduce IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) in India soon to ensure the candidates have the flexibility to retake any one section of the test.”

The SDS programme has consistently served as a streamlined and expedited pathway for eligible students to study in Canada. It offers faster visa processing time and enables a smoother transition for students to Canadian educational institutions. IDP Education encourages students interested in pursuing their education in Canada to take advantage of the new English test requirements under the SDS program. The removal of the minimum score requirement in all individual bands of the IELTS Academic test presents a more inclusive and holistic approach to evaluating students’ language proficiency, supporting a wider range of talented individuals in their pursuit of higher education.

To Find A Killer by Doug Greco, available now from Histria Books

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of To Find A Killer: The Homophobic Murders of Norma and Maria Hurtado and the LGBT Rights Movement by Doug Greco. The book is published by Gaudium Publishing, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding works of non-fiction in a variety of fields.

Beginning with a gripping, firsthand account of the 2011 anti-gay murder of twenty-four-year-old Norma Hurtado, a student the author taught in an Austin high school ten years earlier, To Find A Killer is a series of interwoven essays that employs a mix of narrative nonfiction and political analysis to uncover the intersectional nature of the disparities impacting the LGBTQ community.

Despite monumental gains in legal equality over the past decade, including the landmark Obergefell ruling on same-sex marriage, the LGBTQ community still faces harsh disparities in physical and mental health, economic status, racial stratification, and hate crimes victimization. To Find A Killer discussed the next phase of the LGBT rights movement

Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tim Kirkman calls To Find A Killer, “A heartbreaking, infuriating, illuminating book. Greco traces a line connecting class, sexual orientation, gender and ethnicity that forces you to confront your own biases. This is essential reading for both the burgeoning and the seasoned activist, educator and political scientist.”

Purcell Carson, documentary filmmaker and lecturer at Princeton University says “This carefully wrought book harnesses Greco’s considerable experience as an organizer, storyteller, and scholar, weaving the specific lives of the victims and their murderer together, but setting them against a backdrop of national crisis in the LGBT community.”

To Find A Killer, by Doug Greco, 136 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-298-2, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. The book is also available in eBook. Titles published under the various imprints of Histria Books are distributed worldwide by the Independent Publishers Group (IPG). For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com

Histria Books
7181 N. Hualapai Way, Suite 130-86, Las Vegas, NV 89166 USA
HistriaBooks.com
(561) 299-0802

Coventry University Group and INTO form strategic collaboration to boost career outcomes for students

(LONDON): INTO University Partnerships and Coventry University Group have formed a new strategic collaboration aimed at boosting career outcomes for students.

INTO will deliver a range of intensive employability programmes to students at Coventry University Group. This will complement careers services already available on campus. It will initially be launched at Coventry University London with a further rollout across the university group over time.

Leveraging its expertise in the arena of international student success, INTO’s CareerFirst team will provide Coventry University Group students access to a range of premium employability programmes designed to accelerate career outcomes. Every student will be eligible for a scholarship amounting to 10% of the total cost of the programmes.

“We are delighted to launch this new collaboration with Coventry University Group, which is renowned for its global outlook and commitment to delivering concrete career outcomes for students,” said John Skyes, CEO of INTO. “Our focus is on international students who have much to offer employers in terms of their ambition, qualifications and diverse perspectives but who often seek extra support to get ahead in today’s competitive career landscape. That’s why we have invested in our CareerFirst offering and are proud to be collaborating with Coventry University Group, which shares our belief in the power of innovation to drive student employability.”

Ian Dunn, Provost at Coventry University Group, said: “Coventry University Group is proud of its careers offer but we recognise the need for constant innovation to stay ahead in a fast-changing world. We are excited about the potential for our collaboration with INTO. Working with INTO CareerFirst will give further opportunities for our students to develop the skills and gain the experiences they need to thrive in the jobs of the future.”

INTO’s experiential employability programmes are aimed at empowering students to develop workplace skills and grow their professional networks while working on real-world challenges set by leading employers.

These innovative programmes include the Summer Accelerator – an eight-week programme that combines an internship, employability workshops and cultural excursions, and the Summer Employability Bootcamp – a week-long intensive employability programme that develops students’ employability whilst working on a business challenge set by an international employer.

“All INTO CareerFirst programmes are designed with employers to develop the skills and experience applicants need when applying for positions. They not only give students the valuable real-world experience with employers that many struggle to find, but they support students to develop the skills to achieve. INTO CareerFirst allows students to grow their network with business leaders with experience at a diverse range of global companies including Deliveroo, Bain & Company, Babylon Health and BT,” said Michael Lynas, Vice President, INTO CareerFirst.

With a 90% overall student satisfaction rating for their programmes, INTO CareerFirst has been transformational for students on their career journeys. Kanchan, an international student from Nepal studying accountancy and finance, attended the 2022 Summer Employability Bootcamp. Sharing her experience, she described how the programme was “comprehensive, inclusive, intensive and fruitful.” She added, “I would definitely recommend anyone to do this course”.

Roughly 70% of international students bound for UK universities say they plan to stay in the UK to work after graduation, but 40% report gaining no work experience during their time at university. With over 200 graduates vying for every vacant position in the UK, 77% of all students are worried they do not have the skills they need to land jobs after graduation.

“As the graduate jobs market becomes increasingly competitive, we have designed our INTO CareerFirst programmes to support students in areas where we have seen them struggle in the past, and where employers tell us new graduates need further development. With over 15 years of experience helping international students to achieve academic and career success under our belt, we are giving students the edge they need by enabling them to hone their skills and gain hands-on experience in immersive workplace environments, all alongside their degree,” said Mr Lynas.

Coventry University was named the joint top modern university for career prospects in The Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022. Through links with leading-edge businesses and organisations, students are able to access project and placement opportunities that enhance their employability on graduation. 

Coventry University fast facts:

• Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects – The Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
• Over 15,000 international students from 140 countries study at Coventry University Group

• 5 QS Stars for Employability – QS Stars University Ratings 
• Awarded Queen’s Award for Enterprise (International Trade) in 2022

For media enquiries, please contact:

Davinder Kumar (London, United Kingdom)

VP Corporate & Public Relations

INTO University Partnerships

Email: davinder.kumar@intoglobal.com

IIM Kashipur Secures Birth In ‘Top 20’ In Nirf Ranking

Kashipur, June 06th, 2023: In a major feat, IIM Kashipur has secured space in the ‘Top 20 institutions’in the NIRF Ranking, by achieving 19thrank in this year’s NIRF ranking.The Ministry of Education today announced the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking for the year 2023.

IIM Kashipur was earlier ranked #23 in NIRF Ranking in 2022 among top 125 Management institutes as compared to #33 in 2021.Getting 19th rank from 33rd in such a short time spanis a major achievement for the institute. This is a clear result of its academic rigor and high standard of teaching and research at the institute.

Apert from this, the Institute has also become the only IIM to get the Top 50 rank in NIRF- ARIIA(Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements)quotient, leaving behind other IIMs.Ranking top among IITs in ‘innovation’ area is a big feat of achievement.

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) has been adopted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to rank institutions of higher education in India.This framework outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country.NIRF ranking is created based on the parameters including teaching, learning and resources, research, inclusivity, and peer perception. The ranking is published annually.
The lists include the ranking of higher education institutes in sub-categories including top universities, and top colleges, and section-wise lists of the best engineering, medical, law, and management colleges, pharma colleges, architecture, and others.The number of participating colleges in 2016 were 3,500 which has increased to 8,688 in 2023.

Author E.J. Wade Will be Giving Free Books to Prison Inmates

Jacksonville, FL, June 05, 2023: E.J. Wade grew up in South Florida and found an escape through reading “Goosebumps, a series by R.L. Stine. He used to also take English literature books and Zane books on military deployments to have reading material. But it was a lecture he heard from Professor Stephen Engle of Florida Atlantic University that inspired “Where Jim’s Crows go to Die,” a story of The Great Betrayal, with a protagonist who was erased from history, Ida B. Wells-Barnett.

The idea is for people who are incarcerated to be able to take a mental break from being in prison. He hopes to inspire people to write a story of their own or dream beyond those 4 walls. When they are released, maybe they can chase their dreams. “Where Jim’s Crows go to Die” is growing in popularity for its ability to speak to American history and stay away from partisan politics.

E.J. Wade plans on starting with the Sunshine State and including other states eventually. There are mountains of books currently being pulled from the Florida school system but books offer a chance to learn from people with different viewpoints. History books in particular are important because we can learn from that history, good and bad.

“If I can change one life, it will be worth the effort. My life is not about making a fortune but about telling the best stories I can tell.” -E.J. Wade

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