Global Insights

Thailand Universal Education Policy 2025: All Schools Must Accept Foreign Students, Launches G Code Identity System

Thailand Ministry of Education mandates all schools to accept foreign students regardless of nationality from 2025 academic year, launches G Code identity system for students without Thai documentation. Offers scholarships and long-term student visas, significantly enhancing education inclusivity.

Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035: Targeting 260,000 International Students, Building SEA Education Hub

Malaysia launches 10-year Higher Education Blueprint, targeting 260,000 international students by 2030 with 8.5% annual growth. Focus on postgraduate recruitment, offering Muslim-friendly environment and affordable tuition, emerging as SEA education hub.

Korea/Taiwan 2026 Student Visa Reforms: Korea Vocational Schools Waive Bank Proof, Taiwan 2-Year Open Work Permit

Korea and Taiwan significantly ease student visa policies in 2026: Korea waives bank proof for vocational students with TOPIK 3, increases work hours to 35/week; Taiwan offers 2-year open work permits, PhDs can deduct 3 years from permanent residency.

Australia Tightens Subclass 485 Visa: Age Limit Cut to 35, IELTS Raised to 6.5 in 2026

Australia implements major reforms to Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in 2026, reducing age limit to 35 (with PhD/research exemptions), raising IELTS to 6.5 overall (no band below 5.5), doubling visa fee to AUD 4,600, and scrapping COVID-19 extension.

Ireland Student Visa 2026 New Policies: Higher Financial Requirements, Tighter Language School Enrollment, and Graduate Work Visa Adjustments

Ireland implements multiple adjustments to student visa policies in 2026, including standardized financial proof (€10,000 for first academic year), partial tuition prepayment, potential caps on language school enrollment, and retention of the 24-month graduate work visa (Stamp 1G). This article explains the impact of new rules on Chinese students applying to Ireland and coping strategies.

Singapore Local Qualifying Salary Raised to S$1,800 from July 2026, Higher Employment Threshold for International Students

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower announces that the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) will increase from S$1,600 to S$1,800 per month effective July 1, 2026. This adjustment directly affects S Pass quota calculations and indirectly raises the employment threshold for international students seeking work passes after graduation. Meanwhile, Japan has relaxed employment restrictions for technical school graduates, expanding pathways to non-related industries.

Japan Technical School Graduates 2026 Employment Policy

Japan revises technical school graduate visa policy, moving deadline forward and allowing graduates to work in industries unrelated to their major

Northeast Asia Study Policy 2026

日本求职签证延至1年，新加坡开放家属准证，香港优化签证期限管理。三国政策均指向吸引和留住国际人才。

South Korea and Taiwan Ease Student Visa Policies 2026: Post-Graduation Work Rights Extended, Vocational Talent Gets Fast Track

South Korea pilots vocational student visa exemption from financial requirements, raises work hour cap to 35, launches E-7-M regional employment visa; Taiwan allows associate degree+ graduates to work for two years without work permits, top university graduates eligible for two-year open work permits. Both destinations compete for talent, opening fast-track residency pathways for international students.

6 Key Questions International School Parents Ask, Answered