In 2024, significant shifts in immigration policies in the UK, Canada, and Australia have led to a notable decline in international student interest in these countries. New research highlights how these changes are impacting student search behavior, with prospective students increasingly turning their attention to other destinations like the US, Germany, Italy, and Austria.
Key Trends
Recent data shows that student interest in on-campus bachelor’s and master’s programs in Canada and the UK began to decline sharply from February 2024, following policy changes in these countries. By July 2024, Canada, the UK, and Australia experienced substantial drops in student demand, with Canada seeing a 17.6% decline, the UK 25.8%, and Australia 25.1%.
While the UK experienced a slight uptick in student interest due to optimism around the new Labour government, Canada and Australia continue to face significant declines. The new UK government is expected to take a less restrictive stance on international students, which may lead to a recovery in the coming months.
Regional Insights
The decline in international student interest varies across different regions in these countries. In the UK, institutions in Scotland and Wales saw an increase in student demand, while those in England experienced only a slight decline. In Canada, provinces like Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Quebec saw significant drops in interest, while Alberta showed some growth. Similarly, in Australia, states like South Australia, Western Australia, and Victoria saw declines, while New South Wales and the Northern Territory fared better.
Shifting Demand by Origin Country
The demand for studying in Canada and the UK has dropped significantly among key source countries, particularly India and Nigeria. Canadian institutions, which heavily rely on students from these countries, are seeing a consistent decline in interest, with Indian student demand falling by 24.5% and Iranian demand by 15.5%. The UK is also experiencing a drop in demand from Nigeria, though there is some positive growth in interest from students in the United States and Pakistan.
Emerging Destinations
As interest in Canada, the UK, and Australia declines, other destinations are gaining traction. The US has seen an increase in demand for its programs, particularly from students in South Asia, Iran, and Nigeria. European countries like Italy, Germany, and Austria are also becoming more popular, offering attractive alternatives for prospective students.
Conclusion
The 2024 data clearly illustrates how quickly policy changes can impact a destination’s appeal to international students. With Canada, the UK, and Australia experiencing significant declines in interest, students are increasingly exploring more welcoming destinations with favorable immigration policies.
