Due to recent policy changes, the United States has emerged as the top destination for study abroad, surpassing the UK and Australia and significantly ahead of Canada. The research programme, initiated in March 2022 and now spanning five rounds of surveys globally, collected data from around 11,500 prospective students across 117 countries in its latest March 2024 iteration.
The findings from March 2024 revealed more restrictive rules for international students in Australia, Canada, and the UK. Approximately 54% of prospective students were aware of these policy changes, with over one-third stating that government policy updates had a significant impact on their study abroad decisions.
Canada’s appeal among students has declined, dropping from first to fourth place as a preferred study abroad destination. This decline can be attributed to factors such as caps on international student intake and the removal of work rights for international students, except those accompanying graduate-level students. Since August 2023, Canada’s popularity has decreased by six percentage points, contrasting with a five-point gain for the US during the same period.
In the UK, the government ceased allowing family dependents to accompany international students. Despite this change, the UK has maintained its position as the second-most preferred destination.
Australia ranks third, experiencing a two percent decrease in popularity since August 2023. In contrast, the US education brand has remained stable, outperforming Australia, Canada, and the UK in attracting prospective students who are reconsidering their study abroad decisions. Twenty percent of these students are inclined towards studying in the US. Additionally, countries such as New Zealand, Ireland, and Germany are also gaining positive attention from prospective international students.
