Times of India

Twenty-five leading US universities are facing a critical talent shortage due to President Trump’s overhaul of the H-1B visa programme. A new $100,000 fee and rule changes favouring older applicants threaten international graduate student recruitment and hiring of foreign-born academics. Institutions like Stanford, Columbia, and Michigan are among the hardest hit. Legal action is underway, but uncertainty remains. According to Forbes, experts warn this could reshape the future of US research and academia.

Princeton tops the 2026 U.S. News National University Rankings, followed by Harvard at No. 3 and Yale tied at No. 4, reaffirming their Ivy League dominance. Penn ranks seventh, Cornell 12th, Brown and Dartmouth 13th, and Columbia 15th. The rankings highlight differences in research strength, faculty resources, and student outcomes among these elite universities.

The Trump administration has warned federal workers may not receive back pay during the current government shutdown, breaking decades of precedent. A new memo states that back pay depends on congressional approval, reversing the 2019 law guaranteeing payment after shutdowns. This move is seen as a political tactic amid ongoing negotiations, leaving around 750,000 furloughed workers uncertain about their future pay as Congress remains deadlocked.

Houston ISD has laid off 160 uncertified teachers and 54 staff amid declining enrolment and budget cuts, reassigning 232 teachers to new roles. The district faces an 8,000-student drop and potential $67 million revenue loss. Similar enrolment declines across U.S. districts are driving layoffs, reassignments, and school consolidation to maintain educational quality amid fiscal strain.

Princeton professor Jan-Werner Müller warns that the Trump administration’s proposed “compact” for select universities trades autonomy for political compliance. Framed as reform, it imposes ideological controls and caps on foreign students. Müller argues it threatens academic freedom, turning campuses into tools of loyalty, and urges universities to reject the offer to protect independent inquiry.

Matthew D. Shoulders, a leading expert in protein folding and engineering, has been appointed head of MIT’s Department of Chemistry, effective January 16, 2026. A MacVicar Faculty Fellow and Broad Institute associate, he has made major research contributions in biochemistry, disease therapy, and agriculture. He is also recognised for his commitment to teaching, mentoring, and institutional service. Shoulders succeeds Troy Van Voorhis, who led the department from 2019, as reported by MIT News.

California has created a new Office of Civil Rights to address antisemitism in public schools, with an annual cost of $4 million. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law to improve safety for Jewish students, following incidents like Nazi symbols on campuses. The office will train staff and advise lawmakers. Critics argue the law may limit open classroom discussions on contentious topics such as Palestine, raising concerns over academic freedom, as reported by the Associated Press.

Columbia University faces a potential $20 million annual hit from a proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee on new hires. This impacts recruitment of vital international researchers and staff. The university, already grappling with federal grant cancellations and a settlement over antisemitism claims, is assessing the fee's implications for its global talent acquisition.

Graduating with a college degree often means facing substantial student loan debt, with some majors burdening students more than others. Fields like behavioral sciences, religious education, and human services see graduates carrying significant financial loads. While passion is important, smart financial planning and repayment strategies are crucial for navigating post-graduation debt.

Career and technical education programs, previously under the U.S. Education Department, have been moved to the Labor Department. This shift, involving over $1 billion in funding, aims to better link students with jobs. Critics, however, express concerns about reduced oversight and potential limitations on long-term career pathways, fearing a focus on short-term employment over comprehensive skill development.

Darjeeling educational institutions will be closed from October 8 to October 10, 2025. Heavy rainfall and landslides have caused widespread damage and disrupted connectivity. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration ordered the closure to ensure student and teacher safety. Classes are expected to resume on October 13, 2025. Authorities are working to restore connectivity and provide relief.

A viral Reddit post highlights the dilemma of Indian H-1B visa holders. Many feel stressed by visa renewals and career uncertainty in the US. They consider returning to India for family, stability, and belonging. This decision involves career, lifestyle, finances, and well-being. India's booming economy offers opportunities, but adapting to local work culture is key.

The National Testing Agency has opened registrations for the UGC NET December 2025 examination. This test determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor positions, and PhD admissions. Candidates with a Master's degree can apply online until November 7, 2025. The exam covers 85 subjects and assesses teaching and research knowledge.

Akron Public Schools' college-readiness program, GEAR UP, has lost $3.6 million in federal funding due to the U.S. Department of Education's decision, impacting hundreds of students and staff. The cut, reportedly linked to DEI initiatives in the original application, has led to staff layoffs and reassignments, with lawmakers petitioning for a reversal.

IGNOU has extended the registration deadline for its December 2025 Term-End Examinations to October 20, 2025, without a late fee. Students can now apply through the official portal for both ODL and online programmes, which will be conducted in pen-and-paper and CBT modes. Meeting eligibility criteria and submitting the examination form by the new deadline is crucial for participation.

Uttarakhand has enacted a historic bill integrating minority schools, including madrasas, into the state's formal education system. The Madrasa Board is dissolved, mandating affiliation with the Uttarakhand Board of School Education and adoption of the National Curriculum Framework and NEP 2020 from 2026-27. This aims to enhance educational quality, ensure equal opportunities, and promote holistic learning for all students.

American children's test scores lag due to systemic issues, not innate ability. Unequal opportunities, school resources and pandemic disruptions are key factors. Studies show early childhood exposure and family inequality play a role. Solutions involve early investment, targeted tutoring and teacher support. Addressing these systemic problems improves learning outcomes for all students.

Karnataka government extended Dasara holidays for government and aided schools until October 18 to facilitate the ongoing Social and Educational Survey. This decision, prompted by a request from teachers' associations, aims to boost survey coverage, particularly in Bengaluru, which currently stands at a low 36%. Pre-University teachers are exempted due to upcoming midterm exams.

Harvard research indicates the achievement gap in American education is not inevitable but a result of systemic choices. Implementing evidence-based strategies like universal early childhood education, sustained public school funding and citywide collaborative reforms can significantly improve educational outcomes for all students. These approaches offer a path to greater equity.

In 2025, only 30% of international students received study permit approvals in Canada, marking a steep decline driven by abrupt policy shifts, administrative delays, and systemic challenges. Shrinking enrolments, strained institutions, and lost global competitiveness, signals an urgent need for a coordinated national strategy to restore predictability, rebuild credibility, and stabilize Canada’s international education sector.