This Week in Study Abroad (TWISA) is a weekly read on what current and prospective international students should be paying attention to, powered by Radius.
Vol. 06 · May 19–26, 2026
TOP STORIES ACROSS GLOBE
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Australia Freezes New Private College Enrolments for International Students for 12 Months
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International students must leave the United States to apply for green card
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The Talent Passport: France's Best Long-Term Option for International Graduates
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Malaysia is calling; Grab your bags
AUSTRALIA
The Australian Government has slapped a 12-month moratorium on new private vocational (VET) colleges and English-language (ELICOS) schools seeking approval to enrol overseas students. The freeze, announced late on 24 May 2026 means that from now until 19 May 2027 the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) will not accept fresh applications from private providers, although existing colleges may continue operating if they remain compliant.
Source: Visa HQ
USA
The policy memo from US Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) calls adjustment of status, the process of applying for a green card a form of “extraordinary relief”, urging consular officers to consider applications on a discretionary, case-by-case basis.
While some attorneys have noted that USCIS always had discretion on green card approvals, the department’s strongly worded statement suggests non-immigrants will no longer be able to apply for permanent residency from within the US.
Source: US Immigration
FRANCE
The Talent Passport is France's most attractive long-term work permit for international graduates, valid for 4 years and renewable, it is the fastest route from student status to permanent professional life in France.
For international students who want to build their career in France, the Passeport Talent is the permit worth aiming for. While the APS gives you 12 months to find a job, the Passeport Talent is the destination. It is a 4-year, renewable residence permit that gives you and your family stability, full working rights, and a credible path to long-term life in France.
Source; meridiane
MALAYSIA
Malaysia delivers top-notch education with top-ranked universities, diverse courses, and modern facilities. With its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere and international partnerships, Malaysia offers affordable and quality education, making it the ultimate spot for students from around the globe.
Source; Migrant Times
What to Do this Week:
If you are a prospective student planning to study at a new VET or ELICOS provider, you must now look to public TAFE institutes or the roughly 1 100 private colleges that already hold a CRICOS number. Student-visa (subclass 500) applicants will need to show evidence they have enrolled with an existing provider; otherwise their visa will be refused at lodgement.
Plan accordingly if you are applying to the USA this period. You should be able to return to your home country to apply for a green-card if you intend to use the study route for immigration.
If France is the goal, understand the two-stage visa pathway now, not later.
The APS (12-month job search permit) is step one. The Talent Passport is the destination. This week, map out what the full post-graduation timeline looks like: APS → CDI/qualifying employment → Talent Passport application. If your target programme is less than 2 years, check whether it qualifies you for both. Planning backwards from the Passeport Talent now will shape which institutions and programmes make sense for you.
If budget is your biggest constraint,start to research Malaysia seriously.
Malaysia doesn't get the press it deserves. This week, look up three English-taught programmes at Malaysian public universities (UM, UPM, UTM rank well globally) in your area of interest. Compare tuition and cost of living against your current top-choice country. The gap may surprise you and Malaysia's ASEAN location gives you a strong regional professional network post-graduation.
Bottom Line
The Australian move is a signal that Canberra is prioritising quality control over volume. The USA is fast becoming stricter with her immigration policies. Meanwhile, Germany quietly became the world's most compelling free-tuition destination, crossing 420,000 international students and gaining ground as France's fee restructuring begins to bite. Speaking of France ; this week's deep dive on the Talent Passport reveals what life after graduation could actually look like for students who play the long game in Europe. And rounding out the week, Malaysia continues building its case as Southeast Asia's most underrated study destination, combining world-class university rankings with one of the most affordable cost-of-living profiles among top study destinations.
We'll be back next Tuesday. Until then, your only job is to act on what you've just read
Regards,
The Radius Team
