A big shift is underway in the global education landscape, with major English-speaking destinations witnessing a dramatic decline in international student applications. According to a report by a source, countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and the US are losing their allure due to restrictive visa policies, rising living costs, and reduced post-study work opportunities.
The Global Education Trends 2025 report reveals that Canada, once a top choice for Indian and Chinese students, experienced a staggering 46% drop in international applications in 2024. Australia saw a 36% plunge, while the UK recorded a 16% decline. Even the US, traditionally a resilient player in global education, saw an 11% drop in processed applications.
In contrast, European countries like Germany, France, and Finland are emerging as attractive alternatives, offering lower tuition fees, more accessible work permits, and long-term settlement pathways. Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act, for instance, allows students to work longer hours while studying and facilitates smoother transitions to permanent residency.
France has expanded its student integration programs, including free French language courses and subsidized housing, leading to a 5% increase in international enrollments. Finland, meanwhile, has seen a surge in applications for English-taught programs after reforming its residency pathways to accommodate students’ families.
The shifting preferences of international students reflect broader anxieties about stability and career prospects. The report warns that the decline in international enrollments could have long-term consequences for traditional higher education powerhouses. Universities in Canada, Australia, the UK, and the US, which have long relied on foreign student tuition as a critical revenue stream, now face economic setbacks.
“The policy changes across major study destinations have not only impacted students but also majorly affected the financial health of institutions,” said a source. “Reduced international enrollments are translating into lower revenues and shrinking contributions to local economies.”
