This Week in Study Abroad (TWISA) is a weekly read on what current and prospective international students should watch, powered by Radius.
August 19–25, 2026
TL;DR
TOP STORIES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE
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France raises the financial requirement for student visa applicants.
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US judge blocks immigrant visa suspension affecting nationals of 75 countries.
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Canada extends visa processing times for Nigerian applicants.
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UK universities call for the reversal of a planned tax on international student fees.
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Sweden introduces stricter family immigration rules from October 1.
FRANCE
France has increased the minimum amount international students must show when applying for a student visa. The required monthly amount has risen from €615 to €877.50, increasing the financial evidence students need to provide.
Students can demonstrate their funds through savings, scholarships, sponsorship or other accepted financial documentation.
If France is on your study-abroad list, review your financial documents early. Your proof of funds must now reflect the new monthly requirement before you submit your visa application.
Source: France-Visas
UNITED STATES
A US federal judge has struck down a policy that suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries. The court ruled that the policy exceeded the government's authority and limited consular officers' ability to assess applicants individually.
The ruling allows affected immigrant visa applications to move forward, although the US government could challenge the decision.
The suspension did not apply to student or tourist visas. Applicants pursuing US immigrant visas from affected countries should continue monitoring official updates as the government responds to the ruling.
Source: Reuters
CANADA
Nigerian applicants are experiencing longer estimated processing times for several Canadian visa categories. Study permit applications are currently estimated at nine weeks, while work permit applications are also estimated at nine weeks.
Visitor visa applications are taking around 76 days, while Super Visa applications are estimated at 53 days.
Processing times are estimates and can change based on application volumes and other factors. Nigerian students planning to study in Canada should apply as early as possible and leave enough time between their visa application, school deadlines and planned travel.
Source: PUNCH Nigeria
UNITED KINGDOM
UK universities are urging the government to reconsider a planned £925 annual levy on international student fees. Universities are already facing financial pressure as international enrolment declines.
The levy, scheduled for 2028, would fund maintenance grants for eligible domestic students. University leaders warn that the additional cost could make international recruitment less attractive and put further pressure on university finances.
Students planning to study in the UK should continue watching changes to international student policy, university finances and potential effects on tuition fees and programme availability.
Source: The Guardian
SWEDEN
Sweden will introduce stricter family immigration rules from October 1, 2026. People holding temporary residence permits will generally face a two-year waiting period before family reunification.
The new rules will also strengthen financial maintenance requirements. However, exemptions will apply to several categories, including workers, EU Blue Card holders, researchers and doctoral students, and certain protected persons.
Students considering Sweden should understand how their future residence status could affect their ability to bring family members. Moving from study into research or skilled employment could place you under different rules.
Source: AA
What to do this week
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Planning to study in France? Check that your proof of funds meets the new €877.50 monthly requirement.
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Applying for Canada from Nigeria? Submit your study permit application early and account for the current processing timeline.
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Planning to study in the UK? Watch for changes affecting international students and university finances.
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Considering Sweden? Understand how your future residence status could affect family reunification.
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Pursuing a US immigrant visa? Follow developments after the latest court ruling before making major relocation plans.
IN SUMMARY
This week's developments show how quickly immigration and study-abroad policies can change.
From France's new financial requirement to Canada's extended processing times and Sweden's family immigration reforms, students need to look beyond admission requirements when planning an international education. At the same time, the US court ruling shows that immigration policies can also change through legal challenges. Stay informed, prepare early and always check the latest requirements before making your next move.
We'll be back next Tuesday. Until then, stay informed and stay ahead.
Regards,
The Radius Team
