Source:  Global Education Trends 2025

APRIL 18, 2025

Visa policies, inflation: students look beyond the US, UK, Canada, Australia

Apr 18, 2025

nandinityagi

Significant policy changes concerning international students have reshaped the landscape for major Anglophone destinations including Australia, Canada, the US and the UK

Photo: Freepik

These changes, introduced to support sustainability in international education, have resulted in a sharp decline in the number of applications in 2024 when compared 2023

Photo: Freepik

Canada witnessed a 46% drop (from 868,000 to 469,000 applications) while Australia saw a 36% drop in the number of applications (from 390,000 to 176,000)

Photo: Unsplash

UK observed a drop of 16% with only 294,000 applications as opposed to 3,51,000 in 2023. US recorded an 11% drop with number of applications reduced to 322,000 in Jan-August period

Photo: Unsplash

Stringent visa policies including higher financial proof thresholds and additional documentation are one of the major factors leading to the decline in the number of applications

Photo: Freepik

Uncertainties around post-graduation work options have contributed significantly to declining interest. Countries like Canada have revised the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit

Photo: Freepik

With rising inflation globally, the cost of living in destinations like the UK and the US has soared. This has impacted students’ ability to sustain themselves while studying

Photo: Freepik

Countries like Germany, France, and Finland have emerged as attractive alternatives for international students with progressive policies and affordability

Photo: Freepik

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