Postgraduate Push in Afghanistan: Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate says 31 PhD programs and 116 master’s programs are now offered across public universities, with more master’s and doctoral launches in progress. Nigeria Research Spotlight: Nigeria’s 2026 National Laureate Programme begins, aiming to reward top undergraduate, master’s and doctoral work with a ₦365m prize fund. Canada Student Aid Update: Canada’s August 2026 rule changes include continued higher federal student grants for 2026-27, plus updates that could affect private colleges and newcomers. AI in Higher Ed, With Guardrails: Qatar University is rolling out AI across academics and administration, while Nigeria’s AI practitioners call for national “guardrails” to stop fragmented rules in tertiary institutions. Admissions Integrity Under Strain: Mexico’s UNAM is forcing thousands to retake exams after suspected AI cheating, raising fresh doubts for applicants. Campus Life and Safety Politics: A new report finds students increasingly factor state politics into where they apply, including concerns about safety and rights. India Research Funding: India’s National Biodiversity Authority releases ₹8.22 crore for rice research under benefit-sharing rules. Campus AI Requirement in Ghana: Cape Coast Technical University plans mandatory AI and soft-skills training for all students. Drug Trafficking Symposium: India hosted an international “Emerging Drug Threats” symposium stressing forensics and intelligence sharing to curb new trafficking methods.