Katie Duncan

Australian language training group, Lexis, is expanding its portfolio to Kobe, Japan, where it will offer Japanese language programmes to international students and test preparation English programmes to local students.

Canada-based ILSC Education Group has entered into a strategic, financial and advisory partnership with private strategic investment firm Quad Partners. The deal will enable the education company to expand its global footprint.

President Barack Obama announced his plans to follow through with an immigration overhaul, including expanding and extending the federal Optional Practical Training programme, which allows international students to work in the US while studying.

International House World Organisation has added two new English language schools and a dedicated teacher training centre in Ecuador to its brand, bringing its total number of schools to 160 in 52 different countries.

Malta-based ELT company EC has launched a new website this month, offering 360-degree tours which means students and agents can get a good look at the school in which they will be studying. The company is also toasting its employee engagement rating.

The Australian government has released the name and number of the new "low risk" education providers eligible for streamlined visa processing from November 23. Students studying Advanced Diploma level courses will soon benefit from SVP.

Year to Date statistics from Australia show a 17% rise in student visa applications for ELICOS programmes and a 15% increase for higher education, the sector's best performance since peak year 2009. Stakeholders are confident the numbers point to a return-to-growth trend.

A UK-wide campaign to send 5,000 UK students a year to India over the next five years has been announced by Greg Clark, UK Minister for Universities, Science and Cities, while visiting Delhi last week for the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry HE summit.

The Council on International Educational Exchange has pledged $20m in study abroad scholarships and will sponsor 10,000 student passports to support the Generation Study Abroad initiative. This the largest donation to date to the five-year project.

Cambridge Education Group has reason to celebrate this week after winning the 'School operator – private schools groups' category at the Education Investor Awards and its independent school CATS College Canterbury being awarded the 'Boarding Initiative' title at the Independent School Awards.