The landscape of international education is undergoing significant changes as Australia, Canada, and the UK implement new policies affecting international students. These countries, traditionally popular study-abroad destinations, are seeing a shift in student preferences towards other countries, particularly the United States.
A study titled “The Voice of the International Student,” conducted in January by IDP Education across 67 countries with 2,500 respondents, highlights this trend. The survey reveals a growing interest in the U.S. as a study destination, according to ICEF Monitor.
Studyportals, a Dutch online education platform, also reported a notable decline in student interest in Canada for 2023, with increased interest in the U.S. and Italy. While the Netherlands saw a resurgence in interest heading into 2024, this may decrease as Dutch universities plan to reduce international student admissions and English-taught programs.
According to the IDP survey, nearly half of prospective students are reconsidering or uncertain about studying in the UK (49%), Australia (47%), and Canada (43%). The U.S. is emerging as a more favorable alternative for those deterred by these countries’ policies.
“This latest pulse survey highlights that international students are highly attuned to ongoing policy changes, impacting the standing of top global study destinations amidst intense competition,” said Simon Emmett, CEO of IDP Connect. He emphasized that students seek stability in their study abroad decisions, and evolving policies in the UK, Canada, and Australia are causing them to consider alternative locations.
The tightening of international education policies in these countries aligns with broader efforts to control immigration more strictly. In Canada and Australia, these measures also aim to address unethical practices in the education sector and enhance quality assurance.
Recently, Canada, Australia, and the UK have introduced new rules for international students as part of their broader efforts to regulate entry into their countries more closely. Canada and Australia are targeting dishonest schools and agents, ensuring high-quality education for international students. Meanwhile, starting in January 2024, the UK will prohibit most international students from bringing family members with them.
Studyportals’ research, based on pageview data, indicates a declining interest in Canada, particularly in British Columbia. This trend is partly due to diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, affecting visa processing times and altering perceptions of Canada’s appeal as a study destination. Conversely, the U.S. has improved its visa processing capabilities in India.
Data from Studyportals shows a 39.7% drop in interest from Indian students in Canada from February 2023 to January 2024. Diplomatic tensions have slowed visa applications, contributing to this decline. However, other factors also play a role in Canada’s waning popularity in India.
At the annual Canadian Bureau for International Education conference in Vancouver in late 2023, experts noted that studying in Canada is no longer viewed as favorably as in the UK or U.S. Meanwhile, the U.S. has been facilitating easier visa processing for Indian students by expediting handling times and opening more offices in India.
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