A report from the British Council suggests that the UK’s higher education sector is expected to see an increase in international student applications following Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House. A decrease in international student interest in the US is expected, influenced by Trump’s policies and statements, potentially steering students to favor the UK instead.
The report points out that international enrolment in the US fell annually throughout Trump’s first term, resulting in 50,000 less international students in the US over three years. The uncertainty regarding the US’s post-graduation employment path, OPT, along with H1-B skilled worker visas, is likely to discourage international students from selecting the US.
Conversely, the UK is expected to be regarded as the “most inviting” of the ‘big four’ educational locations, which also consist of the US, Australia, and Canada. The appeal of the UK is expected to rise due to caps and limitations in Canada and Australia, rendering it a more attractive choice for international students.
Even with a 14% decline in student visa requests in 2024, the UK’s global standing appears to be improving, as study visa applications in January 2025 are over 12.5% greater than the year before. The report recommends that UK institutions focus on recruiting students from less prominent markets and enhancing their transnational education (TNE) partnerships to boost their appeal.
Trends and Predictions:
- Decrease in Indian Student Enrollment: The report forecasts a drop in the number of new students from India in key host countries by 2025, even though India has recently surpassed China as the top source of international students in the UK.
- Expansion in East Asian Markets: Regions in East Asia, like Malaysia, are anticipated to keep gaining from an increase in global student mobility.
- Heightened Competition for Graduate Scholars: UK universities are urged to showcase the value of their postgraduate programs in light of rising competition from more affordable East Asian locations.
In general, the report indicates that the UK’s higher education system is strategically placed to take advantage of the expected decrease in international student interest in the US. By focusing on recruitment strategies and enhancing TNE partnerships, UK institutions can leverage this trend and draw in more international students.
