üChina: On May 15, 2026, Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting. The meeting deliberated on matters related to the reform and development of basic education, noting that it is necessary to anchor the goal of building a leading country in education by 2035, comprehensively improve the quality of basic education, and narrow education gaps.
üIndia:India has significantly tightened regulatory standards for branch campuses of overseas universities. Employment outcomes and curriculum alignment with industry needs have replaced brand reputation as the core criteria for evaluating international branch campuses in India, with authorities demanding that graduates be "job-ready upon completion".
üAustralia:Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) formally established. As an independent statutory body, it will oversee the tertiary education system, bridge the gap between universities and vocational education and training,promote indigenous education and equitable access, and release six strategic priorities.
üInternational Organization: On May 14, the UNESCO International STEM Education Institute, a Category I institute, held a high-level symposiumon STEM education and the inaugural Governing Board in Shanghai, marking the official launch of the institute.
China: Li Qiang Chairs State Council Executive Meeting, Arranges Work Related to Population Development and Basic Education Reform
On May 15, 2026, Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting. The meeting studied matters related to population development, emphasizing the need to adapt to the new situation, improve overall population quality, strive to maintain an appropriate fertility level and population size, accelerate the building of a fertility-friendly society, and proactively respond to population aging. In addition, the meeting deliberated on work concerning the reform and development of basic education. It pointed out the necessity to anchor the goal of building a leading country in education by 2035, comprehensively enhance the quality of basic education, strengthen the overall planning and allocation of resources, implement the policy ensuring equal access to education for the children of migrant workers, narrow the gaps between urban and rural areas, between regions, and between schools, and advance relevant reforms.
Source: the Ministry of Educationof China
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/gTV-ZJ62Oe-rG0Gh8_2BzwCompiler:HE Yale, UNESCO-TEC
India: India Tightens Rules for International Branch Campuses as Graduate Employability Takes Center Stage
India is sharply raising the bar for branch campuses of foreign universities. According to a new report by global education services organization Acumen, a striking 82% of Indian employers cite "curriculum aligned with industry needs" as the most critical factorfor employees. Over 70% place greater weight on graduates' workplace readiness than on the prestige of their alma mater. Artificial intelligence, data science, semiconductors and green energy have emerged as the most sought-after fields.
Meanwhile, nearly 80% of Indian schools report strong interest from students seeking collegeadvice. Yet only 48% would recommend international branch campuses in India, primarily due to inadequate career support. In response, the Indian government has made clear that international branch campuses cannot rely on branding alone to succeed in the country. They must demonstrate tangible graduate employment outcomes and deliver industry-integrated, co-innovated curricula.
Source:The PIE News
https://thepienews.com/india-gets-tough-on-international-branch-campuses/
Compiler:XIA Yuxuan, UNESCO-TEC
Australia:New Tertiary Education Commission Established to Oversee System and Release Strategic Priorities
On May5,2026, the Australian Tertiary Education Commission released its statement of strategic priorities, guiding the development of the 2027 foundational mission agreements for higher education, promoting a standardised, coordinated, and sustainable tertiary system.
The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) operated as an interim body from July1,2025 and became a permanent statutory authority on April29,2026. Its establishment is a key recommendation of the Australian Universities Accord, designed to act as an independent "steward" of the national tertiary education system to meet future skills needs. Working in partnership with universities, students, governments and communities, ATEC's tasks include: breaking down barriers between the university and vocationalsectors to create a more integrated tertiary landscape; allocating student places under a new funding model; negotiating mission agreements; establishing an indigenous advisory council; and providing strategic policy advice to government.
Source:Australian Government Department of Education
Compilers:WANG Yan, RIICE, Shanghai Normal University;FENGJiamiao, UNESCO-TEC
International Organization:UNESCO International STEM Education Institute Officially Launched
On May 14, the UNESCO International STEM Education Institute(UNESCO IISTEM), a Category I institute, officiallylaunchedin Shanghai, China. Established in September 2025, it is UNESCO's first global Category I institute located outside Europe and North America. It will inject new momentum into the transformation and development of STEM education in the intelligent era, elevating global educational cooperation in related fields.
On the same day, the High-Level Symposiumon STEM Education and the inaugural session of the Governing Board opened. Leading global STEM scientists, board members, and representatives from universities, secondary and primary schools, as well as students, engaged in in-depth discussions on the future development of STEM education and international collaboration, providing strategic advice for IISTEM's high-caliber operation from the outset.（TEC Supports UNESCO IISTEM’s First Governing Board Meeting and Continuously Contributes to its Development）
Source: the Ministry of Education of China
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/d0uOWIznaN_MQTJg5I9pyg
Compiler:XIA Yuxuan, UNESCO-TEC
