After studying the size of international student populations for its 2014 Global Cities Index, Global consultancy firm A.T. Kearney has concluded that it is not London, Paris, New York or Singapore that is the favourite destination for international students to live, learn and play.

The most popular city in the world for international university students is Sydney. The economic hub of Australia has beat more than 83 cities including London, Paris and New York to the coveted spot.

Reporting the results of the firm’s findings, the Sydney Morning Herald noted that the federal government figures show that Sydney is home to an estimated 50,000 international students studying at the city's universities, with another 50,000 studying vocational and English courses.

Speaking to the newspaper Sydney Lord mayor Clover Moore said the council's figures showed about 35,000 international students studied on campuses in the City of Sydney and more than 10,000 lived in the local government area

"Our community of international students improves the city's prosperity and liveability," Ms Moore said.

I have just received  interesting e-mail clearly indicating, that some education offshore agents are provided with access to facilities RMA have no access to . Does it mean DIBP can trust them more than us?

see below :

DIBP recently issued a new form 80 (dated 04/2014) where the 30 year requirement for travel and address history has been backtracked to the previous requirement of 10 years for all but refugee and humanitarian visa applicants – Looks like the DIBP is reading the MA website and paying attention to our lobbying. Great outcome!

 Special thanks to Mark Northam on our Committee for this news.

Is it bad that I just mispelled the word MIGRATION in one of my newsletters?  I spelled it migation.  Which score would I get on an IELTS test for skilled migration purposes if I misspelled (or is it misspellt) the word 'migration'?

I would like to know how I would go in the written test.  The heading of the email was:

$55.00 online migation CPD modules - only pay if you pass the module - no risk

A report in this morning from a Migration Alliance member, who wishes to remain unnamed, will be used as the basis of a complaint to the DIBP:

"I have always felt that the inconsistency with DIBP was an issue for Migration Agents. However, I have seen this once too often and feel I need to speak out.

A client (company) of mine insists on lodging their own nominations for their 457 visa applicants. This is not a problem and we have been happily completing our dealings for 457 visas over the past four years.  I also get copies of all nominations lodged.