World Watch

Wellington

New Zealand's eight universities have frozen student fees for the second year running after the government stepped in with a one-off cash sweetener. Vice-chancellors had opposed a government offer, but have now accepted a one-off NZ$35 million (£10 million) boost as an interim solution.

Washington DC

The National Academy of Sciences has called for a more liberal stance on human embryonic stem cells. An expert panel of the body issued a call for more human embryonic stem-cell lines than the 64 existing lines that US President George W. Bush wants to permit.

Chattanooga

A $25 million (£17.2 million) gift to the University of Tennessee will be used to establish a centre for urban planning. The money from Jack Lupton, a former Coca-Cola bottling magnate, will be donated over three years.

Valparaiso

Thirty Chilean students have been arrested following clashes with police near the Universidad de Playa Ancha de Ciencias de la Educacion as they protested at the suspension of lectures until September 20 to avoid further trouble during the commemoration of the military coup of September 11 1973.

Washington DC

Princeton University again tops the US News and World Report listing of the leading universities in the United States, followed by Harvard and Yale.

Kuala Lumpur

A Malaysian cabinet committee has been set up to implement a "modified merit-based university entry system" for next year. Prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the plan would not disadvantage Malays (Bumiputras) who currently enjoy a 55:45 quota advantage over other races in selection.

Morgantown

Two animal lovers, Gladys Gwendolyn Davis and Vivian Davis Michael, have left $18.4 million (£12.6 million) to West Virginia University in the largest private donation from individuals in its history

Canberra

Australia is to give new scholarships for up to six Nauruan students to study in Australia as part of a deal under which more than 500 asylum seekers will be given temporary shelter