Nigerian women are being lured to Northern Cyprus by human traffickers promising them university places and work opportunities, NGOs have warned.

Remaining the world’s top study destination for international students is a US foreign policy priority for the Biden administration, the sector heard at the EducationUSA’s Forum.

The US Department of State has awarded nearly $1.5 million to 44 colleges and universities to develop and expand study abroad programs.

Visa delays and funding cuts are hampering efforts to increase international education opportunities for outbound students to the US, NAFSA delegates heard.

The Biden administration is pushing for the continued internationalisation of higher education in the US, a government official has suggested, stating that international education remains a linchpin for driving innovation and economic prosperity.

The US Department of State has adjusted its study visa guidance for consular officers who approve visas for prospective international students around intent to leave – a move that stakeholders have welcomed.

Traffickers around the world are targeting international students to exploit them for forced labour and sex work, the US State Department’s latest Trafficking in Persons report has found. 

Afghan students who are semi-finalists for the Fulbright Scholar Program have been waiting as long as six months for an update on their application.