American postsecondary education has an established history of high-demand from international students all around the world. The US has consistently ranked as the top study abroad destination based on international student populations for at least the past decade,¹ and the US was the most resilient of the 鈥楤ig Four鈥� English-speaking study destinations in 2024.

At the same time, students have access to a growing range of potential destinations, and considerations such as affordability are increasingly influencing student decisions. This means that for US institutions, it鈥檚 more vital than ever to leverage technological innovation and adapt to shifting student preferences, global regulation frameworks, and evolving student flows in order to remain ahead of the competition.

Working with a technology-driven partner with global reach like 星空影视helps ensure institutions can stay in front of these trends. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e diving into our internal data, taking a closer look at how student behaviour toward the US has shifted on the 星空影视platform in recent years. We鈥檒l also explore how 星空影视is helping US institutions expand their on-campus diversity and reach their recruitment goals.

星空影视Students Show Rising Interest in Studying in the US

Since launching the US as our second destination, each year has brought rising student interest in studying in the United States. Especially over the past 18 months, when policy changes and considerations weakened student demand towards Canada, the UK, and Australia, prospective students have turned their attention towards American institutions and programs:

In 2023, around 10% of destination country searches on the 星空影视platform focused on the US. However, since Q1 2024鈥攁nd in every new quarter since鈥攑latform searches for US programs have increased substantially, surpassing 25% over the first three months of 2025. This climbing rate demonstrates that many students are actively considering applying to American colleges and universities through ApplyBoard.

Persistent, strong interest in American post-secondary studies shows that opportunities remain for the US international education sector to maintain stability, or even grow, in 2025. Although F-1 visa issued rates fell from 64% in the 2023 fiscal year to 59% in fiscal year 2024, the total number of new F-1 visas issued still surpassed 400,000 last year. In fact, 10 of the US鈥� top 20 largest incoming student populations by visa issuance grew in fiscal year 2024, helping the US achieve relative student inflow stability compared to other Big Four study destinations.

STEM Fields Account for Majority of US Destination Searches

One of the main reasons the US has achieved this stability? Rising global student interest in STEM programs. As students increasingly align their program choices with in-demand career opportunities, the US鈥� well-established STEM opportunities, including extended OPT durations, garners popularity with students from around the world:

When we looked at 2024 星空影视platform trends towards major destinations earlier this year, we noted that health fields and social-related fields had claimed some student interest away from engineering and technology. However, over the first four months of 2025, we鈥檝e seen student searches flow back toward engineering and technology while health searches continue to grow. Notably, these shifts are largely occurring within STEM designations. Although there has been a minor increase in searches for art programs in early 2025, we don鈥檛 expect this trend to persist across the full year.

Student interest alignment with STEM in the US聽has been one of the key drivers of international student population growth in recent years. Over 70% of students from India, Iran, Bangladesh, and Nepal studying in the US pursued STEM opportunities during the 2023/24 academic year.

Affordability Increasingly Important for Students Considering US Studies

While prospective student interest in American STEM programs has driven much of the sector鈥檚 growth over the last four years, other major influences for students have shifted. 77% of respondents to our Spring 2025 Student Pulse Survey noted that affordability affected their study abroad plans.

This same trend has been reflected across US-focused searches on our 星空影视platform over the past year and a half:

Over the past 18 months, our internal data has shown a marked increase in the number of students looking for cost-effective study options. The number of students willing to consider programs with annual tuition in excess of US$30,000 dropped from 51% in fall 2023 to just 12% through the first three months of 2025.

This shift reinforces the need for collaboration throughout the US international education ecosystem in promoting and communicating what makes studying in the US unique. From flexible study options and cutting-edge research opportunities to strong post-study work pathways, many critical draws exist for international students. Demonstrating the positive impacts and outcomes from studying in the US, especially in securing a rewarding career after graduation, can help students understand how their investment in their education will set them up for life-long success.

How US Institutions Can Improve Conversion Rates and Maximize Diversity with ApplyBoard

Amidst shifting student trends, working with an established partner like 星空影视can help ensure your institution achieves its international enrollment goals while maintaining and enhancing student diversity. Key to these efforts is ensuring your institution is working with a partner that helps strengthen and verify student applications.

Since 2021, two out of every three 星空影视students have been approved when applying for their F-1 student visa. Although F-1 visa issuance rates are only available as an average for all international students,³ 星空影视students from many of the top US source countries have achieved higher issuance rates than the all-student average (64%). For instance, F-1 visa issuance rates for Indian and Vietnamese students applying through 星空影视surpassed the all-applicant average by 5 and 24 percentage points, respectively.

As a result, 星空影视F-1 visa issuance growth rates have surpassed the all-student average every year for the last three years. Additionally, over that same period, 星空影视has helped recruitment partners and students in over 100 countries apply for programs at US partner institutions:

What is Driving Growth for ApplyBoard鈥檚 US Partner Schools?

Throughout the last decade, 星空影视has worked to strengthen the education sector, our institutional partners, and our communities. These efforts have positively impacted our students across all our destination markets, including the US.

To improve student and institution outcomes, we鈥檝e launched new products and implemented detailed processes to enhance transparency, integrity, and technological innovation throughout the student application journey, including:

• AI-Powered Program Matching: Our platform tailors program recommendations to each applicant鈥檚 academic journey, using their student profile, preferences, and career goals to provide success prediction scores for their applications.
• Application Pre-Screening: Our pre-screening process maximizes conversion success through ensuring applications are complete, legible, and free of potential red flags. This ensures that admissions teams can spend time reviewing only strong and complete applications, streamlining the admissions process. In fact, only one in every two applications submitted to 星空影视are passed on to institutions.
• Recruitment Partner Training and Vetting: 星空影视provides training and up-to-date information on institution programs, application requirements, intake data, and scholarship opportunities to our recruitment partners all on one platform. We also rigorously vet and monitor recruitment partners for adherence to strict quality controls, including response times, conversion rates, and student satisfaction.

Combined, these efforts result in many 星空影视students putting forth stronger F-1 visa applications. 星空影视students are better equipped to connect their specific program and institution choices to in-demand careers, and they are more likely to submit complete, high-quality applications, enhancing their approval rates.

By partnering with ApplyBoard, your institution can help alleviate the pressures of increased conversion and maintain diverse, vibrant, and stable student populations. With tailored program pages, AI-powered student recommendations, and offer-ready application submissions, 星空影视reduces the resources needed to administrate your international student program while ensuring student applicants are more likely to enroll.

星空影视Can Help Your Institution Grow and Thrive

The next two years present new opportunities and challenges for American institutions aiming to maintain and grow their international student populations. Further declines in F-1 visa approval rates could soften student interest or limit student inflows, even if student demand remains high. Any potential policy changes, beyond , could also impact student mobility towards the US, even as caps in countries like Canada and Australia have helped buoy interest towards American institutions.

Yet the US retains some key advantages that may help the sector maintain stability, or even grow, in 2025 and beyond. The US’ CPT and OPT programs offer competitive work opportunities, both during and after study programs, and STEM-aligned students remain highly interested in CPT and OPT. American institutions are also world-renowned for their quality and well-regarded by employers in many countries. For students looking to start or elevate their careers, a degree from a US institution can help fast-track their post-study success.

Amplifying and communicating these benefits to international students is key for the long-term growth and stability of the US鈥� international education landscape. Although the US is likely to retain its place as the top destination for international students in the years to come, students are more willing to consider alternative destinations than ever before. ApplyBoard鈥檚 proven track record as a sector leader in agent training and document verification can help American institutions remain efficient and agile, increasing conversion likelihood from diverse student populations.

For data-backed guidance on how you can maximize conversion rates, please reach out to your Partner Relations Manager, or contact ApplyBoard鈥檚 Partner Relations team at schoolpartnerships@applyboard.com.

About the ApplyInsights Team

FOOTNOTES:

1. Based on spanning from 2013 to 2024..

2. All data in this article is sourced from 星空影视platform data, unless otherwise noted.

3. The US Department of State exclusively provides fiscal year-end summary reports that state the total F-1 visa issuance rate for all international students over the relevant twelve month period. This means that specific per-country issuance data is not available.

The post How 星空影视is Helping American Institutions Transform Their International Enrollment appeared first on ApplyBoard.

In many countries around the world, the international education sector was reshaped in 2024. From study permit caps to evolving post-study work opportunities, government practices revised students’ expectations. Meanwhile, shifting financial requirements and fluctuating currencies meant many international students’ plans changed to accommodate their budget. While these changes were felt globally, many occurred within the top study abroad destinations, potentially impacting millions of current and future international students.

Today, we’re evaluating how these shifts impacted student visa numbers in 2024 across the four largest Anglophone study destinations: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In many鈥攂ut not all鈥攃ases, international student populations remained stable or declined year-over-year. However, some student populations showed resiliency and growth, highlighting key opportunities for institutions looking to fill seats within the new global landscape. Read on to discover what the latest student visa trends mean for institutions and the students who plan to study with them in 2025 and beyond.

Student Visas Stabilize after Post-Pandemic Boom

After banner years in 2022 and 2023, the international education sector softened across major destinations last year. The number of granted student visas slowed during the 2024 calendar year in major Anglophone study destinations, although at different rates. While year-over-year numbers dropped for all Big Four study destinations, the US and UK saw a slower rate of change, at -12% and -14% respectively:

Among these top destinations, student visa issuances fluctuated the least in the US. F-1 visa issuances hovered around 400,000 in each year since 2021, helped by America’s comparative policy stability over this period and its top-ranked institutions. Last year, half of the US’ top 20 largest incoming student populations by visa issuance grew, more than in any of the other Big Four destinations.³

By contrast, Canada saw substantial changes after student visa approval numbers grew in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, only 270,000 Canadian student visas were approved, representing a 48% drop from 2023. While some of this slowdown was steered by a series of policy updates, including the implementation of study permit caps, the resulting uncertainty also led to a more pessimistic shift in how the country is perceived by some global recruitment professionals and future students.

Across the pond, the number of UK student visas issued to main applicants climbed year-over year in 2022, before reversing course in 2023. In 2024, issuances dipped just below 400,000. However, student visas issued still remained above the previous low point (383,000) in 2021. Our team’s early analysis noted that the number of UK student visa applications processed in Q4 of 2024 was almost 10% higher than in Q4 2023, which illustrates that students from around the world remain very interested in a UK-based education.

Meanwhile, after Australia reopened to new international students in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic, its international student population grew rapidly, with continued expansion in 2023. However, in 2024, the number of Australian student visas granted dropped by 23% year-over-year. This drop coincided with the Albanese government鈥檚 proposed study permit caps which, similar to Canada’s, reshaped multiple elements of the international student program including proof of finance requirements and a lower age cap on the Temporary Graduate visa.

Changing levels of interest in top Anglophone destinations also appear in recent search trends. ApplyBoard’s analysis of search engine data from 2024 has revealed that the number of 鈥渟tudy in鈥� queries for Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK dropped聽from the highs seen in 2022 and 2023.

Comparing Visa Acceptance Levels Among Key International Student Populations

As student visa landscapes shifted across destination markets, outcomes for students from key source countries did as well. Let鈥檚 break down the latest trends among some of the world鈥檚 largest student populations.

China

In 2024, the number of Australian student visas granted to international students from China grew by 7% year-over-year. This was in contrast to the US, UK, and Canada, where overall numbers dropped:

Taking a closer look at these destination declines, Chinese international students were approved for 19% fewer study permits in Canada than in 2023. Similarly, they were issued 6% fewer study permits for the UK year-over-year and 10% fewer US F-1 visas were issued to Chinese students in 2024 versus 2023.

However, as the total number of student visas issued or approved also dropped in all of these destination countries in 2024, the proportion of total visas granted to Chinese students actually went up between one and eight percentage points in each of these destinations. This means that the Chinese international student population actually weathered the downward pressures of 2024 more effectively than many other major student populations, which helps to highlight the importance of attracting a diverse student audience to academic institutions and broader communities. As Chinese students compose over 20% of the incoming international student population in Australia, the UK, and the US, they are and will remain a key cohort for many institutions, especially at the post-secondary level.

India

Since the pandemic, students from India received the highest number of approved Canadian study permits. In fact, in 2023, nearly half of Canada’s 516,000 approved study permits went to Indian students. Likewise, Indian students were the largest new student population in the UK in 2023, and the second largest in Australia and the US:

However, India鈥檚 positive momentum reversed in all 鈥淏ig Four鈥� destinations in 2024. Canada saw the largest decline鈥攄own 57% year-over-year鈥攄ue to a combination of factors including shifting geopolitical relations, increased proof of finances, and visa application updates. While Canada weathered the biggest change, student visas for Indian students declined by at least 26% in 2024 in the other three Big Four destinations as well. Although India will likely continue to be a major source of new international students in 2025 and beyond, this softening demand once again demonstrates the importance of diversification and broad student outreach.

Nigeria

Nigeria鈥檚 high unemployment rates and young population (the country’s median age is 18.1 years)⁴ means becoming an international student is an attractive prospect to young Nigerians who want to stand out in a crowded job market. These facts helped drive rising study abroad interest among Nigerian students, and at the start of the 2020s, Nigerian students were exploring international education at an unprecedented rate:

After growing steadily in 2021 and 2022, Canadian study permits approved for Nigerian students jumped by 131% year-over year in 2023, helping Nigeria become Canada’s fastest-growing international student population at that time. However, this trend reversed in 2024, as a depressed naira made studying in Canada鈥攁nd elsewhere鈥� much more expensive for Nigerian students.⁵ Reduced study permit (or student visa) approval rates for many African nations in 2024 also contributed to this change.⁶

Changing currency valuation also affected Nigerian student numbers in the UK, the US, and Australia: student visa figures for Nigerian students started to drop in these destinations in 2023. While the Nigerian naira hovered around 380 naira per US$1 from 2020 through 2022, February 2023 marked the first of several drops in it’s value. By July 2023, US$1 was worth 756 naira and by March 2024, the exchange rate was 1,605 naira to every US dollar.⁷ This challenging financial reality was compounded by another contributing factor: Nigerian students are among the most likely to bring dependents while studying abroad. As such, the UK’s 2023 dependents policy change affected their mobility more severely than other student populations, which helps explain the sharp drop in UK visas Nigerian students received in 2023 and 2024.

Vietnam

While Vietnamese international student populations are comparatively smaller in Canada and the UK, they’re a key part of campuses in Australia and the US:

Vietnamese students received the third-most US F-1 student visas last year, surpassing South Korea who held the spot in 2023. Canada also saw a 1% bump last year in study permits approved for Vietnamese students, compared to 2023.

Although Australian student visas granted to Vietnamese students dropped by 36% year-over-year in 2024, Vietnam remained the third-largest student sending country for Australia. Contributing to this decline were updated visa fees, stricter language proficiency requirements, and a decade-low grant rate of 76% for Vietnamese students.

Student Populations to Watch in 2025 and Beyond

Even amid the challenges of 2024, student mobility data shows several populations which are worth watching for their growth potential in 2025 and beyond.

Among these are a few European nations: although their home countries are popular study destinations, more German and French students received American, Australian, and UK student visas in 2024 than in 2023. Students from Italy, Spain, and Great Britain and Northern Ireland also received more US F-1 visas last year than in previous years.

Meanwhile, students from Pakistan rose past Nigerian students to receive the third-highest number of main applicant student visas in the UK in 2024, up 14% from their 2023 level and reaching 35,500 new visas overall. While a smaller cohort, Pakistani students were also issued 51% more American F-1 visas in 2024 than in 2023, rising from 3,300 to 5,000 visas.

United States

While the US is renowned for hosting more international students than anywhere else,⁸ many of its residents are interested in studying abroad, too:

Since 2021, the number of Americans studying in the UK has ticked up slowly, surpassing 15,000 in 2024. In that same year, they received the fifth-highest number of main applicant student visas for the UK.

Meanwhile, after Australia opened fully to international students in 2022, the number of Americans who received Australian student visas climbed by 377% year-over-year. This nudged upward again in 2023 and 2024, climbing 32% in 2024 year-over-year.

Looking ahead to the next few years, we expect that the population of American students studying in other countries will continue to climb. In late 2024 and early 2025, multiple reports stated that American students interest in study abroad has increased,⁹ representing a real opportunity for institutions in other Anglophone study destinations to attract these prospective students.¹⁰

Nepal

Another emerging market to keep an eye on is Nepal. While the number of Canadian and Australian student visas Nepalese students were granted dropped in 2024, their numbers continued to grow in the US and the UK:

Despite this uneven growth in in 2024 compared to 2023, the number of Nepalese students who received student visas for one of the Big Four destinations climbed across the board when contrasting 2021 to 2024. This reinforces that Nepalese student interest in international study remains high. As a population, they’re interested in a wide variety of destinations, but also cost-sensitive, as SoftEd Group’s Executive Chairman Bigyan Shrestha shared with The PIE earlier this spring:

“After the pandemic in 2022, the study abroad market grew exponentially in countries like Australia, UK, USA and Canada 鈥� while the next few years will be consistent [for these countries,] students are now looking at alternative destinations where the visa processing and approvals are much easier and affordable.”¹¹

With a high outbound mobility ratio of 20.6% in 2022, Nepalese nationals are more likely than most to study internationally.¹² (By comparison, India’s outbound mobility in 2022 was 0.9%.) These factors make Nepalese students a population to watch鈥攁nd connect with鈥攊n 2025 and beyond.

As a young, quickly growing country, Nepal has the potential to alter the world’s international student landscape in the years to come.

Key Takeaways

For institutions across Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, understanding how student visa trends are changing across top Anglophone destinations helps better inform recruitment decisions and strategies. By keeping on top of international students trends, your institution can adapt to shifting landscapes and attract tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.

Student mobility data from 2024 revealed how dynamic student populations can be: despite years of growth, student flows from can reverse over the course of a single year. This variability underlines the importance of attracting a truly diverse student community to your campus (as an institution) or country (as a government). Through engaging with students from a variety of populations, you can better insulate your institution from a sea change affecting any one population. And for recruitment partners, understanding the latest trends across all destination markets is critical to ensuring your students find the right opportunity for their education and career goals.

To achieve diverse recruitment success, this may mean customizing recruitment strategies to fit different student profiles, building unique student experiences, or extending that attention to ensure students from different backgrounds can thrive on campus. Collectively, these investments can help your team attract and retain the brightest minds amidst a shifting educational landscape.

About the ApplyInsights Team

FOOTNOTES:

1. The “Big Four” consists of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

2. Data is sourced from the , , the , and the , unless otherwise indicated.

3. By comparison, only two student populations in Canada’s top 20 list by study permit approvals grew in 2024. Eight student populations received more new student visas year-over-year in the UK in 2024, compared to seven over the same period in Australia.

4. Worldometer, “.” Accessed May 2025.

5. Chijioke Ohuocha, Reuters. “?” October 27, 2023.

6. Sophie Hogan, The PIE. “.” June 28, 2024.

7. Wise, “.” Accessed May 2025.

8. IIE, “.” November 18, 2024.

9. Meg Little Reilly, Forbes, “.” November 25, 2024.

10. The Guardian, “.” April 15, 2025.

11. Abhishek Nair, The PIE. “.” March 13, 2025.

12. UNESCO, “.” 2022 data is the most recent complete data available.

The post Student Visa Levels Shift Across Top Anglophone Destinations in 2024 appeared first on ApplyBoard.

Earlier this month, the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) released data on international student enrolments for the 2023/24 academic year.¹ When the agency released its previous dataset last autumn, covering the 2022/23 academic year, it revealed a high-water mark for international enrolments in the UK. These record-setting numbers in 2022/23 highlighted the UK’s global appeal amid shifting student mobility trends.

Conversely, new 2023/24 data captures the sector at a turning point. Throughout 2023 and into 2024, international education in the UK faced passed and proposed policy changes鈥攊ncluding tightened dependant rules and questions about post-study work opportunities鈥攁s well as economic uncertainties brought about by聽 and declining GDP in many global economies. These factors began to reshape the landscape, and while the UK鈥檚 visa data had already pointed to softened demand created by these issues, HESA鈥檚 latest figures offer a clearer look at how those pressures ultimately played out.

Today, we鈥檒l take a closer look at the most popular level of study among international students in the UK: postgraduate studies. How have postgraduate enrolment trends shifted in the 2023/24 academic year? Which student populations drove growth at the postgraduate level? Which fields of study attracted the most interest? And how might these trends shape the future of international education in the UK? Read on to learn how these enrolment patterns can guide smarter recruitment and strategic decision-making for your team or institution.

International Enrolment in the UK Dropped 4% in 2023/24 Academic Year

In the last academic year, over 732,000 international students were enrolled in the UK. This represented a 4% drop over the previous academic year:

The reduction in enrolment numbers is similar to the decline in UK student visa applications that occurred in calendar year 2023. Main applicant visa submissions fell 3% in 2023, coinciding with post-pandemic stabilization and several .

Visa data is often a leading indicator of what institutions can expect to see in their classrooms. The number of student visa applications and visas granted dipped throughout the latter half of 2023, and enrolments for the 2023/24 academic year fell by a similar proportion. The two data points don鈥檛 mirror each other exactly, however, since visa issuances only represent new students while enrolment shows longer-term, total student population trends.

That said, next year’s enrolment data may chart an even larger drop. That’s because main applicant student visa submissions fell by 12% in the 2024 calendar year. However, we expect this downturn to be more of an outlier than a long-standing trend. Main applicant visa submissions grew by 9% in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023, potentially reflecting renewed student confidence in the UK following the new government鈥檚 much more .

Postgraduate Courses in the UK Relying More on International Student Enrolment

When it comes to study level, international students gravitate toward postgraduate studies over undergraduate courses in the UK. In the 2023/24 academic year, nearly 60% of international students in the UK pursued postgraduate studies:

We predicted in our analysis of last year鈥檚 HESA data that the 2023/24 enrolment figures would show a larger decline at the postgraduate level than the undergraduate level. That was because the older students who typically make up the postgraduate cohort were more likely to be affected by restrictions on dependants than the often younger undergraduate students.

This prediction turned out to be true. The UK hosted 4% fewer postgraduate students in 2023/24 than the previous academic year, whereas undergraduate enrolments fell by just 2%.

But even with this drop, international students accounted for more postgraduate enrolments than domestic students for the second straight academic year:

Domestic student enrolment at the postgraduate level has been declining year-over-year since 2020/21. Meanwhile, as global interest in the UK as a study destination continued to rise, this led to more international students pursuing postgraduate studies at UK institutions than domestic students in 2022/23, a trend that continued into the subsequent academic year. If this trend continues, international student recruitment will be more important than ever for UK institutions looking to maintain and grow enrolment levels in their postgraduate courses.

Only one in every five domestic students pursued postgraduate studies in the UK in 2023/24. However, three out of five international students were enrolled in a postgraduate-level course.

Top Student Populations in Postgraduate Studies in 2023/24

In 2023/24, 300,000 of the 436,000 international students enrolled in postgraduate studies in the UK came from Asia, representing nearly 70% of the country’s postgraduate international students:

India, China, and Nigeria remained the leading source countries for UK postgraduate enrolments in 2023/24, even as each had notable year-over-year declines. Nigeria鈥檚 23% drop, in particular, reflected a significant shift compared to the previous year鈥檚 growth鈥攖hough not a surprising one, given Nigerian students were arguably the most impacted by the government’s added restrictions on student dependants.

At the same time, rapid growth from Pakistan (+38%), Nepal (+51%), and Ghana (+20%) reflects a gradual diversification of the UK’s postgraduate student base. What鈥檚 more, visa demand from main applicant Pakistani and Nepalese students was resilient throughout 2024, potentially positioning these student populations to play an even greater role in UK postgraduate enrolments in the years ahead.

Beyond Pakistan and Nepal, several other student populations recorded strong growth in 2023/24. Postgraduate student enrolments from Iran (+29%), Kenya (+26%), Indonesia (+20%), Vietnam (+12%), and Turkey (+11%) all grew markedly year-over-year, which highlights how a broadening range of markets are contributing to the UK’s postgraduate international student base. While total enrolment numbers from some of these populations are comparatively modest, their growth still underscores opportunities for institutions to diversify their recruitment strategies.

What Postgraduate Fields of Study do International Students Pursue in the UK?

In 2023/24, Business, Computing, and Engineering and Technology were the most popular postgraduate fields of study among international students in the UK. Together, they represented nearly three in every five international postgraduate enrolments:

Business and Management continued to dominate the landscape for international postgraduate studies in the UK in 2023/24. Nearly 40% of all international postgraduate students pursued this field, though the total number of enrolments fell 5% compared to 2022/23. Computing enrolments stayed relatively stable, dipping by just 1%, while Engineering and Technology experienced a sharper 10% drop over this period.

In fact, most major subject areas saw year-over-year declines in international postgraduate enrolment. Social sciences, subjects allied to medicine, and the arts recorded decreases between 2% and 5%.

Law, biological and sports sciences, and psychology were the only fields to grow in 2023/24, with international postgraduate enrolments increasing in each of these fields by 2%. These trends point to sustained demand for business and tech courses, but also signal shifts in student preferences that could reshape postgraduate enrolment patterns in the UK by the end of the decade.

Diversification is Key for Continued UK Resiliency

The 2023/24 academic year was a pivotal time in the UK’s international education sector. After years of record growth, international student enrolments softened amid a convergence of policy tightening, economic pressures, and shifting global competition. While postgraduate enrolments remained strong relative to domestic student demand, signs of a more competitive landscape are emerging.

Looking forward, the modest rebound in visa applications late in 2024 suggests that international student interest in the UK is resilient. However, institutions must continue to adapt to a more complex environment shaped by evolving policies, cost-of-living concerns, and growing opportunities in emerging study destinations. Strategic engagement with a broader range of source markets, along with continued support for student employability and experience, will be key to sustaining momentum and fostering growth in the years ahead.

Institutions that anticipate and adjust to changing enrolment patterns will be best positioned to thrive in the evolving UK landscape. ApplyBoard鈥檚 strategic insights and recruitment expertise can help you stay ahead of shifting market dynamics, connect with high-potential students, and drive sustainable growth. Get in touch with our Partner Relations team to learn how we can support your recruitment strategies and help you chart a path forward.

About the ApplyInsights Team

FOOTNOTES:

1. All enrolment data courtesy of . Academic years are from August of the previous year to July of the given year. For example, the 2023/24 academic year spans August 2023 to July 2024.

The post For Second Straight Year, International Student Volumes Surpassed Domestic Student Volumes in UK Postgraduate Studies appeared first on ApplyBoard.

International students now have more study abroad destinations to choose from than ever before. While the 鈥楤ig Four鈥� remain popular with many students,¹ each of these Anglophone destinations has experienced softened student demand due to affordability concerns, visa challenges, and shifting student preferences. But because global student mobility remains high, this has created a major opportunity for alternative study abroad destinations to capture student interest.

One destination that has seen a steady rise in international student popularity over the past decade is Germany. And, earlier this year, 星空影视announced the addition of Germany as our newest destination option for students, unlocking student pathways across continental Europe.

With Germany projected to reach a new all-time high for international student populations in 2024/25,² it鈥檚 an opportune time to take a closer look at Germany鈥檚 higher education landscape. Today, we鈥檒l look back at the past decade of German international education, break down Germany鈥檚 top student populations, and highlight what international students are studying in Germany, and more.

A Decade of Sustained Growth for German International Education

Germany has experienced steady and sustained growth as a study abroad destination over the past decade. In fact, other than the years impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany has hosted around 15,000 more international students every year since 2015/16. During this time, Germany has become the third most popular destination for international students in Europe and the sixth most popular destination globally⁵:

2024/25 is on track to be another banner year for international education in Germany. According to ,⁶ Germany鈥檚 international student population will exceed 400,000 for the first time, representing nearly 7% growth from 2023/24 and the largest year-over-year gain since 2021/22.

A primary cause of this consistent growth is affordability. Living in Germany is typically , and most German public universities offer tuition-free programmes for international students. With the cost of living continuing to rise around the world, and affordability central to many future students鈥� plans, German institutions have a distinct recruitment advantage.

This stable and consistent expansion suggests continued gains in the coming years. If current growth rates persist, Germany could surpass France as the second-most popular European destination for international students before 2030.

星空影视is proud to partner with over 15 top academic institutions in Germany, including Schiller International University and the University of Europe for Applied Sciences.

Top Student Populations for German Higher Education

Achieving persistent international student population growth is often contingent on several major factors. Government policies, media sentiment, affordability, and visa processes can all shift student preferences. But, another key factor can be a leading indicator for long-term growth: diversity of student populations.

In 2023/24, no one student population accounted for more than 13% of all international students in Germany. In fact, the top ten international student populations combined only represented around half of all international students in that year:

As with many major study abroad destinations, students from India and China comprised the largest student cohorts in Germany in 2023/24. However, German institutions also welcomed growing numbers of students from across Europe, Western Asia, and Southern Asia. In fact, most of Germany鈥檚 top international student populations saw consistent growth over the past five years.

Taking a closer look at the top two student populations, there is a stark contrast in Indian and Chinese student flows in the last five years. While there were more than twice as many Chinese students compared to Indian students in Germany in 2018/19, current trends show this pattern may reverse in the next three years:

Indian students surpassed Chinese students as the top international student group in Germany in 2022/23. Since 2018/19, the number of Indian students enrolled at German institutions has increased by almost 140%. By contrast, the number of Chinese students actually declined by 3% over the same period. This is a pattern we鈥檝e seen across major destinations in recent years, as Indian students have become the .

It鈥檚 worth noting that this trend has reversed in some destination countries over the past year. In Canada, the implementation of international student caps in 2024 led to a more than 50% drop in study permit approvals for Indian students. And, in the UK, policy discussions under the previous Sunak government also led to weakened Indian student demand last year. These shifts, and similar challenges for Indian students across the Big Four, create an opportunity for German institutions to attract Indian students considering a wider range of study abroad destinations.

Emerging Student Populations That are Diversifying German Campuses

Beyond these two major student cohorts, German institutions have seen growth across a wide variety of established and emerging student populations. Many of Germany鈥檚 fastest-growing student populations come from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), comprising seven of the top 15 student populations in 2023/24. Among these MENA student groups, Egypt has seen the strongest growth rate since 2018/19, rising by nearly 150% over the last five years. Student volumes from 罢眉谤办颈测别 also more than doubled over that same five year period, making Turkish students the third-largest student population in Germany last year.

Iranian and Pakistani student populations have also grown in Germany in recent years, with each expanding by around 75% since 2018/19. If these growth rates continue through 2030, Iranian students will surpass Austrians as the fourth largest international student population in Germany, and Pakistan could climb into the top seven student populations. Other growing student groups, including those from Syria and Ukraine, have been buoyed by Germany鈥檚 robust , which have helped students continue their study abroad plans in spite of ongoing wars and geopolitical tensions.

Rising Demand for Master鈥檚 Degrees in Germany

In addition to changes in Germany鈥檚 top student populations over the past few years, Germany has also experienced a notable shift in student preferences when it comes to study levels.

In 2018/19, there were as many international students in Germany pursuing bachelor鈥檚 degrees as there were Master鈥檚 students. Since then, both student cohorts have grown, but the number of new international students for each level of study are on diverging paths:

From 2018/19 to 2022/23,⁷ the total number of international bachelor鈥檚 students in Germany rose by nearly 17%, compared to almost 40% growth for Master鈥檚 level studies. Yet, in terms of first-year international student figures, new bachelor鈥檚 students actually declined by over 10% during this period. By contrast, new Master鈥檚 student populations rose by 30%.

Doctoral level programs also experienced growing demand from 2018/19 to 2022/23. Although total doctoral student populations are much smaller overall, they still grew by approximately 11% over this time. Combined, graduate level studies accounted for close to 52% of all international students in Germany in 2022/23. Given overall growth trends across international education in Germany in 2023/24 and 2024/25, we expect that this rising demand for graduate level studies will remain steady for years to come.

Our recent 星空影视Student Pulse Surveys have shown rising demand for graduate studies across all destinations, with Master鈥檚 degrees being the top choice among all survey respondents since Spring 2024.

Top Fields of Study for International Students in Germany

As our recent Student Pulse Survey showed, international students are increasingly aligning their study and career interests with global labour market needs. It鈥檚 no surprise then that the growing demand for graduate studies in Germany is underpinned by a strong interest in STEM fields and social sciences, including legal and economic studies:

In 2022/23,⁸ over 40% of international students in Germany were enrolled in engineering programmes. Collectively, STEM programmes accounted for nearly 60% of all international enrollments, creating a strong ecosystem for research and innovation across German campuses. This STEM focus aligns well with many of the top in-demand professions in Germany. The German government has cited that , and international students are well-suited to fill these skilled worker labour gaps.

Programmes in law, economics, and social sciences also attract many international students to Germany. This field, which includes business programs, accounted for a significant cohort of Germany鈥檚 international student population in 2022/23 (around 23%). Germany鈥檚 robust economy, which , as well as its central position within the European Union means there is always a need for educated workers in a variety of sectors, including roles for business graduates.

International graduates in Germany can apply for an , allowing them to work in any field for up to 18 months after graduation. And, once they secure a job, they can apply for an which may last up to four years.

Germany鈥檚 International Education Sector Poised for Long-Term Growth

Germany’s international education sector is in a strong position to maintain its existing growth trajectory through to 2030. The affordability of both studying and living in Germany continues to serve as a significant draw for international students, particularly in light of rising living costs in other major destination countries. Germany鈥檚 increasingly diverse campuses contribute to a more globally connected student experience, an aspect that can be especially appealing to students exploring options beyond the Big Four.

As the demand for graduate studies continues to surge鈥攅specially in high-demand fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare鈥擥ermany stands to benefit from an influx of academic talent. And, this high level of graduate students will likely help fuel economic growth across Germany and the European Union. Recent studies have shown not only that , but also that many international students remain in Germany long-term, providing .

Aligning programme offerings, as well as career support, to drive post-graduation success will be critical in an increasingly competitive international education ecosystem. German institutions looking to promote their programmes to international students should highlight the labour market鈥檚 need for skilled graduates, ensuring prospective students are aware of post-study work opportunities and processes.

For Germany鈥檚 international education sector, the next five years will likely come with new records of international student enrolment and increased global student interest. Taking advantage of this opportunity will require cross-collaboration on promoting Germany as a top destination, and highlighting the unique benefits of a high-quality education in the EU. For personalized insights and strategies to maximize your institution鈥檚 potential, reach out to your Partner Relations Manager or contact ApplyBoard鈥檚 Partner Relations team at schoolpartnerships@applyboard.com.

About the ApplyInsights Team

FOOTNOTES:

1. 鈥楤ig Four鈥� refers to the top four English-language study abroad destinations of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

2. All data in this article is courtesy of and , unless otherwise noted. Data is based on international student enrollment at German institutions during the winter semester of each year, spanning October to March. For example, the 2023/24 winter semester began October 1, 2023 and ended March 31, 2024.

3. More recent field of study data not currently available.

4. For the purposes of this article, 鈥測ear鈥� refers to the same period as outlined in footnote 2 above.

5. According to .

6. is an association of German institutions of higher education and their student bodies, and the world鈥檚 largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers.

7. 2023/24 data by study level for international students in Germany not currently available.

8. 2023/24 data by field of study for international students in Germany not currently available.

The post The Rising Demand for International Education in Germany appeared first on ApplyBoard.

Last month, we shared our survey results on what future international students are looking for in 2025. Amid sector shifts, students are increasingly concerned about affordability and post-study career alignment. Now, we鈥檙e turning our spotlight on international student recruitment professionals, gathering their insights as experts on broader trends among prospective international students.

This March, nearly 450 international student recruitment professionals from 45 countries responded to the Spring 2025 星空影视Recruitment Partner (RP) Pulse Survey.¹ They shared their thoughts on the appeal of top study destinations, how policy and government changes were shifting student interest, and how student inflows have changed in their offices over the most recent quarter.

Below, we’ll dive into how the latest RP Pulse Survey responses compared to Pulse Surveys conducted in 2023 and 2024. From bolstered confidence in the United Kingdom as a study destination to counsellors’ interest in seeing advanced technology built into recruitment tools, the survey results showed recruiters’ dedication to helping students unlock their potential in a quickly changing world.

Interest in Studying Abroad Continues to Rebound

Despite many of the policy and economic challenges facing international education, overall student demand remains high. Even in our Fall 2024 RP Pulse Survey report, more RP respondents reported that the number of future students they were working with had grown, compared to our Spring 2024 results.

Now, in our Spring 2025 RP Pulse Survey results, this proportion of students continued to climb:

This spring, nearly 20% of RPs noted a “significant increase” in the number of clients they were working with who wanted to become international students. Year-over-year, this is up by four percentage points.

Meanwhile, the proportion of recruitment counsellors who saw a “moderate increase” in interest in studying abroad grew by 13 percentage points year-over-year, from 18% in Spring 2024 to 31% in Spring 2025. This continued improvement in interest levels speaks to international students’ resilience: While global market and policy changes may be affecting where they choose to study abroad, and for how long, students are determined to pursue their education goals.

The UK Tops Future Students’ Lists for Attractiveness and Safety

If more students are planning to study abroad, where are they planning to study? According to our Spring 2025 RP Pulse Survey, two thirds of counsellors noted their students were largely interested in established destinations like Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the UK, and the United States.

When we asked how these popular destinations compared to each other, the United Kingdom took the top spot. Just over 50% of respondents noted their students saw the UK as a “very attractive” destination, which was only true for 29% of respondents in our previous survey:

Beyond the UK, the United States kept its lead over Canada as the second most attractive destination. However, the proportion of students who found both countries “very attractive” dropped compared to our Fall 2024 survey findings: by six percentage points for the US, and by seven percentage points for Canada.

After a year of policy changes and back-and-forth around caps on international students, Australia’s overall attractiveness to students dipped in Fall 2024 to 57%.³ This spring, however, that proportion jumped up 10 percentage points. Now, 67% of respondents report that their students see Australia as an attractive option.

Future Students See the UK as the Most Welcoming Destination

Looking closer at why students are drawn to these destinations, we asked counsellors how students felt about specific destination factors. When it came to the most welcoming destination, Canada had topped the list in the previous three RP Pulse Surveys, but it dropped to fourth place in the Spring 2025 results:

In Spring 2025, 88% of survey respondents agreed the UK was an open, safe, and welcoming destination for international students.⁴ Our survey also showed that counsellors鈥� outlook on Australia has warmed significantly, only a year after this rating dropped below 60% amid updates to the minimum English language proficiency levels for students, increased proof of finances, and process updates like the Genuine Student Requirement. In fact, Australia was seen as the second most welcoming destination with 81% approval.

Meanwhile, as recruitment professionals become more familiar with quickly growing alternative destinations, respondents’ outlook on Germany and Ireland has improved. Germany was viewed as the third most welcoming destination, ranking within 0.1% of Australia. By comparison, Ireland and Canada virtually tied for fourth, with Canada narrowly ahead of Ireland.

Spring 2025 marked a slight reversal of the US’ slow upward trend: 74% of respondents viewed it as an open, safe and welcoming study destination, compared to 78% in Fall 2024.

Government Policies Drive Shifting Student Interest Toward Stable Destinations

In 2024, international education and immigration policy changes reshaped the study abroad landscape. This was particularly notable in countries like Canada, which introduced a cap on international students while also changing eligibility guidelines for its popular post-graduation work permit program. Now, a quarter into 2025, we’re better able to see how last year’s changes are influencing students and RPs.

When asked how student interest was affected by recent government or policy changes, the degree to which these changes mattered varied by destination:

The impact of policy and government changes on student perception was the most positive for the UK with 46% of respondents noting increased student interest. This approval was likely buoyed by the Starmer government鈥檚 election in July 2024, which has repeatedly signalled its support for international students. While the UK’s revised dependents policy did contribute to a 12% drop in study visa applications in 2024, early 2025 institution data suggests that student numbers may begin to rebound this year.

Meanwhile, student outlooks related to government and policy changes in Australia and the US were divided fairly equally between increased interest, neutrality, and decreased interest for both countries.⁵

At the other end of the scale, 60% of respondents reported that government or policy changes had negatively affected students’ interest in Canada. However, it is worth noting that respondents also had the most polarized opinions about Canada: only 9% noted no change in student opinion, compared to the other three countries, where the proportion of neutral answers ranged from 27% to 29%.

We asked future international students the same question in our latest Student Pulse Survey. The students were more optimistic: interest levels related to policy change were at least twice as positive as they were negative for all four countries.

Increased Interest in Diverse Study Destinations Beyond 鈥楤ig Four鈥�

While student interest in the Big Four destinations remains high,⁶ 33% of respondents in our Spring 2025 RP Pulse Survey shared that their students were also considering destinations beyond the Big Four, Germany, and Ireland. Let’s look at where else future international students plan to go:⁷

Nine out of the top ten destinations respondents shared were in Europe. In fact, “Europe” as a region was the fifth-most popular response to this open-ended question.

France topped the list, keeping its crown from our Fall 2024 RP Pulse Survey. 24% of respondents’ students were drawn in by France’s history of academic excellence, accessible tuition, and Paris’ status as a top student city.⁸ Finland came in second (23%): this safe and beautiful Nordic country offers over 600 degree programmes in English, and streamlined pathways to permanent residency for grads, attracting students from around the world.⁹ New Zealand was the third most popular choice with 16% of responses. New Zealand’s relaxed lifestyle and history of high-performing graduates are strong draws for future students.¹⁰

That said, several Asian destinations were also top-of-mind: Singapore was the most popular Asian destination cited, followed closely by the United Arab Emirates (and Dubai, which received 4% of the total responses by itself). Several respondents also noted they’re supporting students interested in studying in Malaysia, South Korea, and China.

Enthusiasm For Integrating AI Into Recruitment Processes

In ApplyBoard’s 2025 Trends Report, our team looked into how technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning was reshaping in-class learning and institutional efficiency.

As we look to the future of the sector, we checked in to see how RPs felt about AI-driven tools. The majority of their responses were very positive:

85% of respondents found it important to their business that the tools they and others use to support international students integrated tech like AI and machine learning.¹¹ When effectively deployed, these technologies can improve processing times, boost accuracy levels, and make the application a less stressful experience for students and RPs.

Tools鈥攍ike the 星空影视platform鈥攖hat check study abroad applications for accuracy and completion have a measurable impact on acceptance rates.

Ensuring that program applications are as strong as possible is vital, especially as many of the documents students prepare for their study applications are also used when applying for a student visa. 64% of survey respondents noted that visa approval rates are a very important factor when students are considering where to study:

While the overall cost of studying remained the most important factor for students鈥攁ligning with the findings of our Spring 2025 Student Pulse Survey鈥攕ome of the other top factors have shifted. Opportunities for permanent residency and work-while-studying dropped from third and fourth place to fourth and fifth place. Meanwhile, visa approval rates rose to third.

As more students align their studies to programs that prepare them to work in high-demand fields, understanding their post-study work options鈥攚hether Optional Practical Training in the US or the Temporary Graduate visa in Australia鈥攊s a key step in deciding their destination.

星空影视Can Help Turn Insights into Strategy

Thanks to the feedback from international recruitment professionals worldwide, the 星空影视RP Pulse Survey is a helpful check-in on our sector. It offers unique insights into what prospective students are considering, and what student counsellors are hearing day-to-day. To the RPs who participated in this edition of our survey, thank you! By sharing your thoughts, you help us see how we can address future challenges鈥攁nd create opportunities鈥攆or students and industry partners.

If your institution is looking to level up your international recruitment strategies, 星空影视can help. Our platform helps teams at academic institutions to engage with future students around the world. Through using our market insights, real-time data, and a global network of recruitment partners (many of whom you’ve heard from, above), we can support your recruitment strategies so they adapt effectively to shifting student needs.

Start a conversation today: reach out to our Partner Relations team.

About the ApplyInsights Team

FOOTNOTES:

1. The Spring 2025 Recruitment Partner Pulse Survey was open from March 11 to March 22, 2025. It received 436 responses from international recruitment professionals in 45 countries.

2. Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the UK, and the US.

3. This includes respondents who indicated Australia was either “very attractive” or “attractive” to their students.

4. This includes respondents who “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the UK was an open, safe, and welcoming destination.

5. This edition of the RP Pulse Survey ran in mid-March 2025, concurrent with the , but preceding the in late March and April.

6. The “Big Four” refers to popular Anglophone study destinations Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US.

7. This was an open-ended question, allowing respondents to write in as many countries as they wished.

8. QS, “.” June 17, 2024.

9. Study in Finland, “” Accessed Apr. 8, 2025.

10. Education New Zealand, “.” 2025, accessed Apr. 7, 2025.

11. This includes respondents who chose the “very important” and “somewhat important” options.

The post Survey Finds Study Abroad Interest Rebounding, UK Top Choice for Students appeared first on ApplyBoard.

After years of strong international enrolment growth, 2024 marked a transformation across major English-speaking study destinations. Canada, Australia, the UK, and the US all experienced declines in international student visa issuances, with rhetoric around immigration, fluctuating global economies, and growing destination alternatives impacting student behaviour. Among these destinations, the US proved the most resilient, posting a comparatively modest 10% drop.¹ Still, suggest the sector may face continued headwinds in 2025.

For institutions and local policymakers looking to plan ahead, the enrolment data offers important insights. Released this past winter, the latest dataset captures international student trends in the 2023/24 academic year.² While it precedes the most recent F-1 visa data, its multi-year scope provides critical context at the state level, showing how international enrolment has evolved over time.

So today, we鈥檙e taking a closer look at six key states: New York, California, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, and Missouri. How has international enrolment changed in each since 2018/19, both in terms of total student volume and the proportion of international students within overall enrolment? And which student populations are driving growth in each state? Learn how these state-level trends can inform smarter recruitment planning for 2025 and beyond.

Missouri鈥檚 Standout Growth Driven by Indian Enrolment

Starting our analysis in the American Midwest, we鈥檒l first take a closer look at the Show-Me State: Missouri. Of all US states, Missouri had the highest international student enrolment growth in 2023/24, up 35% over the previous year:

The graphic below shows you how the total number of international students in Missouri has changed since 2018/19, and the three largest student populations in the state as of 2023/24.

As a result of this strong year-over-year growth, international students made up a higher share of Missouri鈥檚 student population. The state hosted more than 33,000 international students in 2023/24, who collectively accounted for 10% of all higher education enrolments in Missouri. That鈥檚 a four percentage point increase compared to 2018/19, reflecting a steady rise in international interest since the pandemic.

Indian students were the primary drivers of this shift. Their numbers surged to nearly 19,000 in Missouri in 2023/24, representing a 92% increase over the previous year and more than triple the total from 2018/19. Over this time period, Indian students also grew to represent 58% of all international enrolments in the state, up from 27%. This rapid shift in student composition underscores how global trends can quickly reshape the international enrolment landscape at the state level.

International students contributed about $1.1 billion to Missouri鈥檚 economy in 2023/24, a 69% increase from 2018/19.

International Students Represent Nearly One in Five Learners in Massachusetts

Missouri isn’t the only state to experience international student population growth last year. Looking east to New England, international students made up 18% of all higher education enrolments in Massachusetts in 2023/24. That鈥檚 the largest proportional share among all US states, and represents an increase of four percentage points compared to 2018/19:

The graphic below shows you how the total number of international students in Massachusetts has changed since 2018/19, and the three largest student populations in the state as of 2023/24.

In total, Massachusetts hosted more than 82,000 international students in 2023/24. This marked a 3% increase over the previous year and a 16% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2018/19, underscoring the state鈥檚 long-term appeal to students from around the world.

As with Missouri, Indian students were the largest international student group in Massachusetts. Their numbers doubled over the past five academic years, reaching approximately 25,000 in 2023/24. Over the same period, Chinese student enrolment declined by 16% from its peak in 2019/20. While this mirrors a national trend, the decline in Massachusetts has been more moderate than in most other states, helping the state maintain a more diverse and robust international student population.

International students contributed about $3.9 billion to Massachusetts鈥檚 economy in 2023/24, a 22% increase from 2018/19.

New York Sees Continued Growth in Chinese Enrolment

Neighbouring state New York remains one of the most internationally engaged states in the country. New York was the second most popular state destination for international students in 2023/24:

The graphic below shows you how the total number of international students in New York has changed since 2018/19, and the three largest student populations in the state as of 2023/24.

In 2023/24, New York hosted more than 136,000 international students, a 7% increase over the previous year. Additionally, international students accounted for 12% of all higher education enrolments in the state, the second-highest proportion of any US state after Massachusetts. That share is also two percentage points higher than in 2018/19.

Chinese students continue to make up a significant portion of New York鈥檚 international student base. In 2023/24, 50,000 Chinese students studied in the state, representing nearly 37% of all international enrolments鈥攎ore than in any other top 20 US state. The total number of Chinese students in the state grew 3% compared to 2022/23, marking the second consecutive year of growth for this cohort. At a time when many states are seeing continued declines in Chinese enrolment, New York鈥檚 upward trend stands out as an encouraging exception.

The state鈥檚 metropolitan area of New York hosted 111K international students in 2023/24. This is far and away the most popular metropolitan area for international students, with no other metro areas surpassing a total of 70,000.

Florida Builds Strong Connections with Latin America

Heading next to the southern US, Florida continues to be a key player in US international education. With a particularly strong connection to Latin America, Florida has experienced an encouraging鈥攁lbeit slower鈥攔ecovery since the COVID-19 pandemic:

The graphic below shows you how the total number of international students in Florida has changed since 2018/19, and the three largest student populations in the state as of 2023/24.

In 2023/24, the state hosted just over 45,000 international students. While this represented a 5% increase over the previous year, total enrolment remained slightly below pre-pandemic levels, down 3% compared to 2018/19.

Where Florida stands out is in its recruitment from Latin America (LATAM). Students from Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia made up 13% of the state鈥檚 international student population in 2023/24, totalling more than 5,800 students. That level of representation is among the highest in the country and reflects that state’s high potential for sustainable growth in the coming years, as demand for study abroad remains high among LATAM studentsning.

Latin America is an increasingly important region for international recruitment, with many destination markets stepping up efforts to engage this market.⁴ With its geographic proximity, cultural ties, and existing student networks, Florida is well placed to build on this momentum and strengthen its role as a hub for LATAM students.

International students contributed about $1.5 billion to Florida鈥檚 economy in 2023/24.

Texas Posts Double-Digit Growth with Surging Indian Enrolment

Where Florida has seen promising but limited post-pandemic recovery, Texas saw one of the strongest year-over-year increases in international enrolment among major US states in 2023/24:

The graphic below shows you how the total number of international students in Texas has changed since 2018/19, and the three largest student populations in the state as of 2023/24.

The Lone Star state hosted nearly 90,000 international students in 2023/24, up 11% from the previous year. Despite this growth, international students made up only 6% of all higher education enrolments in Texas.

Much of this growth was driven by students from India. Texas hosted approximately 39,000 Indian students in 2023/24, a 26% increase over the previous year and nearly double the total from 2018/19. Over this time period, Indian students grew to represent 44% of all international enrolments in the state, up from 24% five years earlier. These shifts suggest that, while Texas is gaining ground as a top destination, it has an opportunity to build on this growth by staying responsive to global student trends.

International students contributed about $2.5 billion to Texas鈥檚 economy in 2023/24, an increase of 11% over 2018/19.

California Remains the Top Destination by Volume

Finally, we come to California, the most popular state destination for international students. In fact, California hosted over 10% of all international students in the US in 2023/24:

The graphic below shows you how the total number of international students in California has changed since 2018/19, and the three largest student populations in the state as of 2023/24.

In 2023/24, California hosted more than 140,000 international students, a 2% increase over the previous year. Additionally, international students made up 6% of all higher education enrolments in California during that time, matching the share seen in Texas. While that share is lower than in states like Massachusetts or New York, that鈥檚 partly because California鈥檚 overall student population is significantly larger.⁵

The Golden State also remained a top destination for Chinese students. More than 51,000 Chinese students pursued their education in California in 2023/24, the largest total of any US state. This figure was down just 1% from the previous year, indicating a high level of stability at a time when many other states are seeing sharper declines in this critical student population.

International students contributed about $6.4 billion to California鈥檚 economy in 2023/24.

Staying Ahead as Global Student Mobility Changes

While US international enrolment has shown signs of recovery, the broader American higher education landscape is facing a structural shift. Namely, all six states highlighted in this article are experiencing declines in domestic student enrolment due to an aging population. Missouri saw the steepest domestic enrolment drop at 17% between 2018/19 and 2023/24, while Texas experienced the smallest decline at 5%. Notably, these declines are expected to accelerate over the latter half of this decade, with .

In this context, welcoming and supporting international students will become increasingly vital. These students contribute significantly to local economies, enhance campus diversity, and help strengthen the research output and global profile of institutions. States that prioritize international education will be better equipped to adapt to changing demographics and compete in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy.

To do so effectively, states and institutions need to ground their strategies in up-to-date insights about the global education market. For example, both Missouri and Texas have seen rapid growth in Indian student enrolment in recent years. But in 2024, demand from India declined across all major English-speaking destinations, in part due to increased domestic education investment in India. Understanding such shifts early is critical for building sustainable recruitment strategies.

Working with a global, technology-driven partner like 星空影视helps ensure institutions and states can stay ahead of these trends. 星空影视provides access to real-time data, AI-powered recruitment tools, and a global network of vetted recruitment partners to help institutions reach the right students, in the right markets, at the right time. We also offer strategic insights and market intelligence to help you respond quickly to shifting demand and policy changes.

For personalized insights and strategies to maximize your institution鈥檚 potential, reach out to your Partner Relations Manager or contact ApplyBoard鈥檚 Partner Relations team at schoolpartnerships@applyboard.com.

About the ApplyInsights Team

FOOTNOTES:

1. For comparison, Australia鈥檚 2023/24 fiscal year saw the number of granted student visas drop by 26%. Similarly, every Canadian province issued at least 8% fewer student visas in 2024 than the previous year, with some of the larger provinces declining by nearly 50%.

2. Academic years span from July of one year to June of the next year (for example, July 2023 to June 2024 was the 2023/24 academic year).

3. All data courtesy of .

4. Australia, for example, launched a dedicated online platform to support Latin American recruitment shortly after the pandemic.

5. California hosted a total of 2.5 million students in 2023/24, compared to 1.6 million in Texas and 1.1 million in New York.

The post The Evolution of International Student Enrolment in Major US States appeared first on ApplyBoard.

The international education sector has faced near-constant change over the past year. Yet despite these shifts, the demand for studying abroad remains high as millions of students choose to pursue an international education every year.

To better understand what future international students are looking for, we launched the first 星空影视Student Pulse Survey in 2022. Since then, we’ve heard from over 3,500 students! For the Spring 2025 edition of the Student Pulse Survey, nearly 850 students shared their thoughts on international education.¹ Their answers helped to reveal which factors are most likely to shape their study journey, what motivates them, how affordability may be shifting their plans, and a few dreams for their future.

Let’s take a closer look at which study destinations are gaining ground, how policy updates are affecting students’ plans, as well as a few study level trends.

Affordability is Central to Many Future Students’ Plans

International students have many factors to keep in mind as they consider their study journey, including course and visa applications, housing, and travel. As the cost of living continues to rise around the world, we wanted to specifically gauge how this change was affecting their plans and influencing their decisions. Throughout our Spring 2025 Student Pulse Survey, students’ attention to affordability was clear:

Despite rising costs, most students don’t want to wait: only 9% plan to defer their studies due to financial concerns. Instead, 16% are considering different programs than they’d initially planned to pursue, while 11% are looking at shorter programs.

This cost-conscious shift means that institutions which offer accelerated programs or three-year bachelor’s degrees may see more students applying to their programs in the coming months. Additionally, institutions that create and highlight alternate paths for international students may capture an audience who are still interested in studying abroad and building their career, but who are more economical than previous cohorts.

Cost concerns also impact which destination countries students are willing to consider. Students remain curious about more affordable鈥攊f less popular鈥攍ocations, a shift in student behaviour which institutions in top study destinations must wrangle with in 2025 and beyond. In fact, just over one quarter of surveyed students were looking into different destinations than they’d initially planned on for affordability reasons.

This increased frugality also spilled into responses to other questions. For example, when we asked where students were considering beyond the Big Four,² Germany, and Ireland, one student noted simply: “Spain, Lithuania, and other European countries with lower tuition.” And, when asked which factors were most important to students when choosing a study program, affordable tuition fees was the most popular choice, selected by 77% of respondents.³ The next most popular choice, a high graduate employment rate, was at 57%. Rounding out the top five choices were a program that leads into the student’s chosen career (49%), high-quality teaching (47%), and the program’s reputation (45%).

Changing destination interest levels noted in this survey were echoed in recent search trends. Search engine data from 2024 showed that the number of “study in” queries for Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK have dropped from the highs seen in 2022 and 2023.

African Countries Rising as Study Destinations

This rising focus on affordability was also reflected in the wide array of study destinations prospective students told us they were considering. In our Spring 2025 Student Pulse Survey, 35% of respondents were considering study destinations beyond Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Among these alternative destinations, 7 of the top 10 write-in answers were European countries. Nigeria, New Zealand, and Japan rounded out the top 10:

As the third-most popular answer, Nigeria led a group of African countries which future students are considering as study destinations. And, while Nigerian students were the largest cohort of participants in this survey, Nigeria’s increased investment in post-secondary education through initiatives like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund⁴ may also lead students from neighbouring countries to consider studying abroad鈥攂ut a little closer to home.

In general, compared to our past Student Pulse Surveys, respondents were more openly considering both studying abroad and domestically. When compared to previous surveys, more respondents were also thinking about studying in China, Pakistan, or Ghana.

Interest in Postgraduate Studies Increases Among Future International Students

While study destination interests have shifted, interest in different levels of study were fairly constant compared to our Fall 2024 survey. However, some differences emerge when compared to our Spring 2024 Pulse Survey results:

Graduate studies have seen the most positive shifts over the past year. Interest in doctoral degrees like PhDs rose by four percentage points year-over-year, and as in our Fall 2024 survey, over half of the students surveyed in Spring 2025 were considering master’s degrees.⁵

However, interest in undergraduate and postgraduate certificates and diplomas was down versus our Spring 2024 survey findings. It’s a small change, but it may reflect how post-study work opportunities, support for students’ dependents, and other quality-of-life or career factors are increasingly oriented toward degree-based study鈥攑articularly advanced degrees鈥攊n top study destinations.

Canada Leads Among Popular Study Destinations

When we asked where future students would like to study, a higher proportion were focused on established destinations than in the past two Student Pulse Surveys. In fact, 65% of respondents were only interested in studying in one or more of the following destinations: Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the UK, and the US. This is up one percentage point from our Fall 2024 survey results, and is eight percentage points higher than it was in Spring 2024.

We also looked at how students saw each of these popular destinations in comparison to one another:

As in our Fall 2024 survey, more students were “extremely interested” in studying in the US than in any of the other featured destinations in Spring 2025. However, because more students were “very interested” and “moderately interested” in studying in Canada, Canada remained the top choice by weighted average. Across the pond, strong interest (“extremely” and “very” interested) for studying in the UK and Germany remained relatively unchanged, but strong interest in studying in Ireland was up by three percentage points.

In 2024, the international student population in the US was the largest it’s ever been. Take a closer look at which student populations contributed to this boom, and how F-1 student visa issuances evolved over 2024.

Interest in Top Anglophone Destinations Resilient through Policy, Government Changes

In arguably good news for the sector, surveyed students’ desire to study abroad remained strong despite ongoing policy changes and recent elections over the past year in top Anglophone study destinations. In fact, student sentiment was at least twice as positive as it was negative around how recent policy or government changes affected their desire to study in these destinations:

Policy and government changes had the most effect鈥攑ositive or negative鈥攐n students’ desire to study in Canada or the United States. Only 29% of students noted “no change” to their desire to study in either destination due to these shifts. Conversely, nearly 50% of respondents noted no change in their desire to study in Australia due to recent policy and government changes.

As Canadians and Australians will head to the polls in 2025, our team will return to this question in our Fall 2025 survey to gauge how those elections may shift student sentiment.

Innovation and Care Are Central to Future Students’ Careers

Finally, we asked students about the last step in their student journey: their post-graduation career. What do their dream careers look like? The answer is multifaceted:

In our Spring 2025 Student Pulse Survey, “engineer” appeared more than any other word. Most students knew their engineering specialization, as well: only 18% had a general response of “engineer.” Software engineering was the most popular choice, followed by civil engineering.

The second-most popular response was “nurse,” highlighting (along with “health care”) a strong interest in health sciences, in alignment with current labour market trends. After 鈥渘urse鈥�, there was a tie between “lecturer,” “researcher,” and “human resources,” illustrating students’ desire to continuously learn and share their knowledge, whether as an instructor, academic, or private sector employee.

Students’ interest in tech careers also remained very strong: IT, cybersecurity, and data analysis were among the top 20 careers, with data science, computer science, and artificial intelligence following close behind.

International students aren’t afraid to take a chance on themselves, so it’s not surprising to see careers like “entrepreneur” and “business owner” also appear in the top 10 results. “Consultant” rose up the ranks in this edition of the survey, as well. Many students view : a way to get experience with different businesses and in different fields, before leveraging their experience into a more specific career.

How Institutions Can Leverage These Survey Results

International student preferences are constantly evolving, based on global trends in affordability, accessibility, and career opportunities. Regularly assessing and adapting to current student preferences is an important part of building your institution’s international student population.

Based on our survey results, here are some suggestions which can help your institution thrive:

• Don’t underestimate the power of customization when attracting diverse student audiences. Where possible, offering multiple program schedules (like regular and accelerated) may boost your institution’s appeal to students with different timelines and budgets.
• Only 3% of international students we surveyed didn’t intend to work while studying abroad. So, including clear work-while-studying guidelines as part of the welcome or orientation materials for international students can set new students up for success. This is also a good opportunity to emphasize the importance of following the conditions of their student visa.
• In an era of fluctuating currency valuations, variable visa approval rates, and shifting geopolitical relations, diversification of student source markets is imperative to a thriving international student population on campus. This is doubly true as emerging destination markets continue to broaden their appeal to future students.

A hearty thank you to the hundreds of students who participated. Your observations give us valuable insights into what your study journey looks like鈥攊ncluding what your plans are and how they’re changing鈥攁llowing tech companies like 星空影视and individual academic institutions to determine how we can help unlock your potential and set you up for future success.

We hope that these insights are helpful to you and your team. Our next Pulse Survey report will look at the sector from the perspectives of our network of international recruitment professionals. Stay tuned for that report in April.

About the ApplyInsights Team

FOOTNOTES:

1. The 星空影视Spring 2025 Student Pulse Survey ran between February 25, 2025, and March 12, 2025. We received 840 responses from individuals in 84 student markets.

2. “Big Four” refers to the most popular destinations for post-secondary study in English: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

3. Students could choose up to five different factors in their answer to this question.

4. Olosula Blessing, MSME Africa, “.” March 15, 2025.

5. In this question, students could express interest in more than one level of study, which is why the total percentages do not add up to 100.

The post International Student Survey Findings Show Engineering Programs in Demand, Affordability Top Concern appeared first on ApplyBoard.

The UK鈥檚 international education sector experienced significant shifts in 2024, following a series of policy changes that reshaped student mobility. The Sunak government鈥檚 restrictions on student dependants had an immediate influence on student flows, particularly on applicants from key source markets where bringing family is a major priority. and uncertainty surrounding the Graduate Route鈥攚hich has since been resolved鈥攁lso created barriers that dampened student demand.

Of course, the UK was not alone in experiencing softened student interest. International education sectors in Canada, the US, and Australia all faced declines in 2024. Encouragingly for the UK, early signs point to positive momentum in 2025, with than in the same time last year.

That鈥檚 why today, we鈥檙e taking a close look at the latest UK Home Office data release, covering all of 2024. We鈥檒l break down the latest study visa trends, highlight which student populations were most affected, and examine which markets remained resilient. Read on to see what these trends mean for UK institutions heading into 2025.

Main Applicant Demand Declined by 12% in 2024

While the UK has long been a top destination for international students worldwide, demand for UK study visas peaked in 2022, when nearly half a million applications from main applicants were processed. Global disruption in international student flows following the COVID-19 pandemic was a factor that contributed to this high-water mark. Main applicant submissions then dipped slightly in 2023鈥攃oinciding with post pandemic stabilization and a host of , including the announced dependants restrictions鈥攂efore dropping significantly in 2024:

The UK processed over 423,000 sponsored study visas for main applicant international students in 2024. This represents a 12% decline from the previous year and a 15% drop from the 2022 high-point. While this drop was more mild than student visa decreases seen in other destinations in 2024, it still accounts for over 50,000 fewer processed applications in a single year.

Withdrawn applications also tell a story of softened student demand, likely related to policy changes. Nearly 6,600 main applicants withdrew their study visa application in 2024, a 127% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, this was following a huge spike in withdrawals in Q4 2023, when 2,000 students withdrew their application in that quarter alone鈥攁 366% increase from Q4 2022. In short, after a wave of unwelcoming messaging from the Sunak administration in mid-to-late 2023, fewer international students applied for UK study visas, and withdrawals hit record highs.

Nearly 63,000 UK study visa main applications were processed in Q4 2024. This represents a growth of 9% over Q4 2023, possibly signalling renewed student confidence.

Largest Demand Drops Come From International Student Populations With High Dependant-to-Main-Applicant Ratios

Shortly after the restrictions on dependants were announced in 2023, we flagged that the policy risked softening demand from student populations with a high dependant-to-main-applicant ratio, including Nigeria and India. The table below shows the student populations that had the highest dependant to main applicant ratio in 2023, and how the number of main applicants changed in 2024:⁴

Seven of the 10 student populations with the highest dependant-to-main-applicant ratios saw significant declines in main applicants in 2024 compared to 2023. Interestingly, main applicant volumes from Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh remained resilient despite these student populations traditionally being more likely to bring their families with them. In fact, study visa applications from Nepalese applicants grew a striking 61% in 2024.

Nepal has one of the highest outbound student mobility ratios in the world. Read more about how Nepalese students will help alter the international student landscape in the coming decade.

Does this mean concerns about the new policy were overstated since not all high-ratio student populations saw declines? Not quite. The seven countries that experienced declining interest鈥擭igeria, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and India鈥攁ccounted for seven of the eight largest main applicant declines last year, with Russia (-21%) slightly surpassing Saudi Arabia.

While the impact of the dependants policy wasn鈥檛 uniform, it played a major role in shaping student mobility trends in 2024. For UK institutions looking to rebuild confidence in the key markets affected by this new policy, clear communication around post-study work opportunities, financial support, and campus resources will be essential. Proactively addressing concerns can help restore trust and re-engage prospective applicants moving forward.

Where Did Student Demand for a UK Study Visa Remain Resilient in 2024?

As noted above, seven of the eight largest study visa application declines came from student populations that traditionally had high dependant ratios. But beyond these declines, which student populations showed increased demand in 2024? The table below highlights the top 10 student populations that saw growth in 2024:⁵

Nepal and Pakistan stand out not just for defying the broader trend of declines among high-ratio dependant student populations, but also for the scale of their growth. Nepal ranked first overall, with the highest year-over-year increase in main applicants (+61%), while Pakistan (+11%) secured the fourth spot. Their resilience suggests that factors beyond dependant policies鈥攕uch as economic conditions, domestic education capacity, and long-term aspirations for post-study work鈥攃ontinue to shape student decision-making.

Beyond these two countries, growth in 2024 was spread across a range of regions. Kenya and Myanmar (Burma) saw some of the largest increases, pointing to emerging demand from parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. Elsewhere, European countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Italy posted moderate gains. And, the presence of Mexico and Kazakhstan in the top 10 further underscores the increasingly global nature of student mobility to the UK.

Just outside this top 10, main applications from Kuwait and Turkey also notably grew in 2024.⁶ These two markets may be worth closer attention as UK institutions adapt to shifting student mobility trends.

Top 10 Student Populations Issued a UK Study Visa in 2024

The policy-driven softening of demand led to significant shifts in the UK鈥檚 international student body in 2024. At the top, Chinese students reclaimed their position as the largest recipients of UK study visas this year:

With 103,000 study visas issued, Chinese students reclaimed the top spot as the largest new student population by main applicants in 2024. This cohort overtook Indian students for the first time since 2021, making the impact of the dependant restrictions clear. China, with a historically low dependant-to-main-applicant ratio (less than 1 in 100), saw just a 6% decline in issuances鈥攄emonstrating steady demand despite a challenging global landscape. Indian students, by contrast, faced a 26% drop, underscoring the outsized impact of the policy on high dependants-ratio markets.⁷

Other previously growing student populations also demonstrate the impact of this shift. In 2022, study visa issuances for Nigerian main applicants were rising quickly and seemed on track to surpass 100,000, alongside India and China. That trajectory has since reversed. In 2024, issuances for Nigerian main applicants fell to 18,900, representing a 68% drop from the 2022 peak. This lost demand from Nigerian students outweighs the promising growth UK institutions have seen in Pakistani and Nepalese students over this period, driving overall volumes down.

Although Bangladeshi applications remained strong in 2024, visa issuances did not reflect the same growth. The 6,500 visas issued to main Bangladeshi applicants represent a 30% decline from 2023, driven by a striking 18% refusal rate. This was the highest refusal rate among the top 10 student populations, with only Pakistan (12%) also exceeding 10%.

In total, the UK issued 397,000 study visas to main applicants in 2024, a 14% decline over the previous year.

Looking Ahead

The UK鈥檚 international education sector faced considerable challenges in 2024, with policy changes reshaping student mobility patterns. The sharp declines in student demand from key markets highlight the impact of these shifts, particularly for countries where bringing family is a major factor in study decisions. However, the resilience of many student populations鈥� especially Nepalese and Pakistani students鈥攄emonstrates that demand for UK education remains strong in key regions across the globe.

星空影视is actively contributing actionable data, insight, and recommendations as the new UK Labour Government refreshes its International Education Strategy. At this stage鈥攁nd despite calls from some in the sector鈥攚e don鈥檛 anticipate imminent steps to reverse the dependent policy, nor do we think it鈥檚 likely that the Government will opt to take international students out of the net migration figures. That said, we鈥檝e already seen a much more and we expect this to be sustained and reflected in the launch of the new strategy.

Beyond the government’s broader strategy plans, for UK institutions looking to rebuild confidence in affected markets, targeted recruitment efforts will be critical. Clear communication around post-study work opportunities, financial support, and student resources can help re-engage prospective applicants. Meanwhile, growing demand from markets like Kenya, Myanmar, Kuwait, and Mexico presents an opportunity for institutions to diversify their recruitment strategies.

Understanding these shifts and responding with agility will be key to sustaining enrolment growth in 2025 and beyond. With ApplyBoard鈥檚 advanced data insights and recruitment solutions, institutions can identify emerging opportunities and connect with high-intent students in a rapidly evolving landscape. Reach out to learn how we can support your international recruitment efforts and help you navigate the road ahead.

About the ApplyInsights Team

FOOTNOTES:

1. All data courtesy of the , unless otherwise stated.

2. The dependant to main applicant ratio refers to the number of dependants divided by the number of main applicants for a given student population in the given year. A higher ratio indicates that a significant portion of students from that country tend to bring family members when studying in the UK.

3. Consider all student populations with a minimum of 1,000 applications in 2024.

4. Minimum of 1,000 sponsored study visa applications.

5. Minimum of 1,000 applications from main applicants.

6. The 5,700 main applicants from Kuwait was a year-over-year growth of 4%, while the 5,200 applicants from Turkey represent a 3% growth rate.

7. Note, however, that Indian student inflows dropped across all 鈥渂ig four鈥� English study destinations鈥擜ustralia, Canada, the UK, and the US鈥攊n 2024. Our 2025 Trends Report explored how India is investing heavily into its higher education sector in order to attract more students to study domestically.

The post After a Dip in 2024, are UK International Student Visas Poised to Return to their Previous Peak? appeared first on ApplyBoard.

2024 was a year of change across the Canadian international education sector. Study permit¹ approvals were on track to drop by 45% compared to 2023, based on our projections. A major factor in this change was a series of policy updates, including caps on some study permits, and shifting sentiment towards Canada as a destination.

As a result of these policy and sector shifts, the number of new Canadian study permits issued² in 2024 declined for the first time since 2020鈥攁nd the latter was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.³ A central contributing factor to 2024鈥檚 drop was that fewer study permits were issued to college-bound students, although this cohort still received the largest proportion of study permits.

These major student shifts affected Canada鈥檚 top provincial and city study destinations, as well as the distribution of students across different levels of study significantly. Read on to learn more about the latest study permit issuance data across Canada鈥檚 largest metropolitan areas and what that might mean for 2025.

Study Permit Issuances Slowed Across Canada in 2024

By volume, Ontario remained the top provincial destination for new international students, followed by British Columbia (BC) and Quebec. However, over a year of rebalancing, 2024 saw the number of study permits issued to every province, and the territory of Yukon, decrease compared to 2023:

Use the series field above the line chart to select which province or territory you’d like to see.

Every province saw at least 8% fewer study permits issued in 2024 than in the previous year. This change was steered, in part, by policy. In late 2023 and early 2024, the Government of Canada placed a cap on some study permits.⁴ Prior to their final adjustments, these caps were , encouraging closer alignment between student enrolment rates and regional demographics.⁵ This resulted in some provinces like Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and Saskatchewan receiving room to grow under their cap’s targets. However, this growth didn’t occur.

Out of these four provinces, Quebec welcomed the most students in 2024 with over 50,000 permits issued to new students at Quebec institutions. This represented a drop of 8% from 2023, the smallest year-over-year change among all 10 provinces.

By comparison, 17% fewer permits were issued to students going to Alberta, dropping from 30,500 in 2023 to just under 25,400 in 2024. Even so, issuances for Alberta-bound students remained higher than they were in 2022, signaling potential room for growth. Fellow prairie province Saskatchewan saw issuances drop by 35% year-over-year to just over 6,000 permits.

Meanwhile, on Canada’s east coast, study permit issuances to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2024 also dropped, with totals 22% lower than in 2023.

Study Permit Issuances Shift Among Provinces Most Limited by the Caps

As the caps were announced, four of the other six provinces’ study permit approval allocations were capped at 10% less than their 2023 levels.⁶ However, Ontario and BC, the provinces historically welcoming the highest number of international students, were subject to a greater rate of change.

With a study permit approval cap for 2024 set at 41% below its 2023 issuance total, institutions in Ontario weathered a challenging year. Ultimately, study permit issuances to Ontario-bound students dropped to 137,000 in 2024鈥攔oughly half of the 2023 total. It’s a shift with far-reaching consequences, as institutions announced restructuring efforts and put study programs on pause. This level of change wasn’t unique to Ontario: 48% fewer study permits were issued to students headed to Nova Scotia in 2024 versus 2023, returning the province to 2019 levels.

Meanwhile, BC-bound students were issued 65,000 study permits in 2024, a year-over-year reduction of nearly 33%. While BC remained the second-largest destination within Canada for new international students, total issuance levels were similar to 2021.

In 2024, Canadian study permit approval rates dropped from a national average of around 60% to about 50%.

Proportion of Study Permits Issued to College Students Shrink in 2024, K-12 Permits Rise

Many of these provincial impacts were influenced by student volumes shifts by study level. When we look at how issuances of new Canadian study permits by study level have shifted over the last eight years, some notable patterns emerge. First, while the proportion of permits issued to college-level students grew consistently since 2017, this trend reversed sharply in 2024. Second, while the proportion of new permits issued to primary or secondary school (K-12) students hovered between 13% and 19% in recent years, it climbed to over 20% in 2024:

To look closer at a specific study level, click on it in the chart’s legend to filter the results.

In the late 2010s, college students were issued between 33% and 39% of all new study permits. Through the early 2020s, inbound international college students received a progressively larger portion, which peaked in 2023 with nearly 48% of all new study permits issued (247,000). In 2024, however, college students received just over 125,400 permits, 39% of the new study permits issued. As Ontario hosts the majority of international college students鈥�68% of new college-level study permits issued between 2017 and 2024 were for students at Ontario institutions鈥攖his downturn disproportionately affected Ontario.

Fewer study permits overall were issued to university-level students in 2024 as well. Generally, however, their share of the permits stayed fairly steady. The proportion of permits issued to undergraduate students held at 13% for a third year running. Meanwhile, postgraduate studies accounted for 13% of all new study permits issued, rising from 11% in 2023. A higher proportion of postgraduate study permits is good news for cities like Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto, home to institutions which attract many new master’s and PhD students.

In 2024, the proportion of Canadian study permits issued to K-12 students was the highest it’s been in the last eight years. Last year, just over one in five study new permits issued went to a student headed to a Canadian primary or secondary school. While the overall number of issuances dropped鈥攆rom 80,000 in 2023 to 67,800 in 2024鈥攖he proportion of issuances grew by five percentage points year-over-year. While Ontario and BC attract the most K-12 students, the number of study permits issued to students in Quebec institutions actually grew between 2023 and 2024, suggesting steady interest in French-language education.

Montreal Returns as Top Undergrad Student City in Canada in 2024

Quebec also saw steady interest as a destination for new international undergraduates. Last year, Montreal edged ahead of Toronto, issuing more new study permits at the university undergraduate degree level for the first time since 2020:

In 2024, the ten census metropolitan areas (CMAs)⁷ whose universities attracted the most new bachelor’s students spanned six different provinces, as it has since 2021. Ontario and BC topped the list with three destinations each.

Year-over-year, the number of permits issued to bachelor’s degree students headed to Montreal dropped by less than 100, while the difference was greater for students headed to other major Canadian cities. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of permits issued to Toronto-bound bachelor’s degree students dropped by over 2,300. Meanwhile, nearly 1,800 fewer permits were issued to students headed to Vancouver and around 1,500 less to new students in Winnipeg.

Vancouver Remains Number One for New Postgraduate Degree International Students in 2024

Although Montreal was the top spot for new international undergrads, postgrad students were more likely to aim for BC. Last year, the most new study permits for master’s and doctoral degree students were issued to students going to Vancouver:

Nearly 7,400 new postgraduate international students started programs in Vancouver in 2024. However, that total is down by 41% compared to 2023. Similar鈥攖hough not always as steep鈥攕hifts occurred across the most popular⁸ CMAs for permit issuances at this level of study. Out of the top 20 CMAs, fewer new study permits were issued to students heading to 18 destinations. Two Ontario cities were the only exceptions: 40 more postgrad students were issued permits to London universities, and just under 600 more postgrad students were issued permits to study in Toronto universities in 2024 versus 2023.

Is this change in study permit volumes a demand challenge? While the answer is nuanced, in 2024, we reported on how lower student interest at the postgraduate level was reflected in fewer study permit applications received by IRCC over the first half of 2024 versus 2023.

Toronto Stays the Top City for New International College Students in 2024

At the college level, Toronto kept a comfortable lead as the destination of choice for new international students:

Along with Toronto, five of the most popular destinations for college-level international students were in Ontario last year (Kitchener, Brampton, Mississauga, and London). Alberta and BC tied for the next most popular provinces, with both Calgary and Edmonton represented in the top 10 CMAs for Alberta, and Vancouver and Surrey for BC.

Even with student populations shifting the most dramatically at the college level, Ontario remained a powerhouse for college education: 58% of college-level study permits were issued to students headed to Ontario colleges last year. That said, changes to overall volume were notable. In 2023, 60,400 new study permits were issued to students headed to college in Toronto. In 2024, that number dropped to 21,100, representing a drop of 65%.

Colleges across Canada were affected by the new student cap, although how much permit issuances changed varied fairly widely. For example, future college students in Vancouver were issued 13% fewer study permits in 2024 compared to 2023. Permits issued to Calgary-bound college students, meanwhile, dropped by 21%.

Key Takeaways

International students planning to study in Canada in 2025鈥攁nd the institutions that host and support them鈥攎ust navigate a changed landscape. Canada鈥檚 study permit caps will continue this year, with a lowered target of 437,000 study permits issued. However, about 12% of the 2025 caps’ capacity is now reserved for postgraduate degree studies. While this is relatively in line with these students’ recent proportion of study permit issuances, the caps now also .

These changes are compounded by further limitations affecting college students鈥� options, like new field of study and language proficiency criteria for post-graduation work permit eligibility. That said, the government did expand the PGWP-eligible program list in response to constituent concerns, adding in-demand programs in child care and education. They also recently amended PGWP limitations such that college degree graduates are no longer subject to field of study requirements. Despite these revisions, collective policy changes will likely create a more competitive environment for students applying to popular institutions, especially in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia.

For institutions, driving continued student success may necessitate continued advocacy for key programs, and working with other institutions and associations. On the student front, institutions should ensure their teams understand updated PGWP guidelines so they can effectively highlight programs which fit new criteria.

In a time of heightened uncertainty, working collaboratively across sectors to shape program design, share career pathways, offer mentorship, and build the next generation of skilled workers is vital. This united approach can help people across the sector illustrate the many reasons why Canada remains an accessible, welcoming, and top-tier study destination.

About the ApplyInsights Team

FOOTNOTES:

1. The terms student visa and study permit are generally used interchangeably for Canadian international students. Rather than student visas, Canada provides accepted international students with study permits, which allow those students to enrol in classes at Canadian institutions. When a student is accepted for a study permit, they are also usually provided with a visitor visa, which allows that student to enter Canada for their studies.

2. The term “issued,” when talking about study permits, refers to when an eligible student is given their study permit after arriving at a Canadian port of entry. Here and throughout this piece, we’re also referring to new study permits issued, not including study permit extensions.

3. All data is sourced from unless noted otherwise.

4. The study permit caps limited how many study permit applications would be accepted for review under the new guidelines, and how many would be approved. Both of these steps happen before study permit issuance (which occurs onshore in Canada), and are calculated differently than issuance.

5.聽It鈥檚 worth noting that this methodology does not inherently consider factors like institutional capacity or local labour market needs.

6. Under the revised study permit cap guidelines, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, all of which would have had study permit approvals reduced between 16% to 28%, were capped at a 10% decrease.

7. Statistics Canada, “.” Accessed Mar. 2025.

8. The IRCC data in this chart spans from 2017 through 2024. “Most popular” here refers to the 20 CMAs which attracted the highest number of new study permit holders at the postgraduate degree levels within that timeframe.

The post These Canadian Provinces and Cities Welcomed the Most New International Students in 2024 appeared first on ApplyBoard.

The global landscape for international education is shifting, and student perceptions are evolving alongside it. As prospective students explore their study abroad options, they鈥檙e encountering a growing wave of online discussions鈥攕ome informative, others cautionary. Concerns about affordability, visa policies, and job prospects are surfacing more frequently in media and online coverage, influencing where and whether students choose to study abroad.

At the same time, online search trends reflect changing interest in major study destinations. Keyword search volume about studying in Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia are down from post-pandemic high-water marks, hinting at broader shifts in demand.

By examining global sentiment and search data, we can gain a clearer picture of how student interest developed in 2024, and how it may shape student mobility trends in 2025. Below, we break down the latest trends to see which destination markets are experiencing the most significant changes鈥攁nd what they could mean for international education.

All references to sentiment data throughout this article refer to the proportional amount of media coverage. For example, 鈥�20% negative coverage鈥� would mean that 20% of all relevant media coverage was negative. Any discussion related to volume of coverage will be noted as such.

Global Sentiment About Studying in Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia

Media coverage of international education grew in 2024, with the volume of stories increasing by 8% for the UK and more than 20% for Canada, the US, and Australia compared to 2023:

While sentiment remained relatively stable for the UK, the US saw a notable shift, with positive coverage rising to 34%鈥攁 six-percentage-point increase from the previous year. Australia also experienced a rise in positive stories, reaching 34%, up three percentage points from 2023. For Canada, both positive and negative stories edged up by one percentage point, reaching 21% and 19%, respectively.

On social media, however, sentiment about the big four English-speaking destinations was much more negative compared to traditional news:

On global social media, one in four posts about each of the major English-speaking destinations carried a negative sentiment. The US saw the highest share of negative sentiment at 36%, though it also recorded the second-highest positive sentiment among the big four at 19%, just behind the UK鈥檚 20%. Canada and Australia had closely aligned sentiment rates, with their positive, negative, and neutral shares all falling within a narrow two-percentage-point range of each other.

It鈥檚 not surprising that sentiment on social media skewed more negative than in traditional media, where coverage tends to be more structured. However, these trends highlight the need for institutions to take a proactive approach to their online presence. Engaging authentically on social platforms can help shape the conversation, counter misinformation, and reinforce a strong, positive brand that resonates with prospective students.

Learn more about how leveraging technology solutions will be essential for institutions seeking to match students with programs that best meet their goals and timelines.

Global Keyword Search Trends in 2024

Does polarizing content about studying abroad lead to lower student interest? While it鈥檚 important not to mistake correlation with causation, search engine data shows that interest in each of the big four study destinations have dropped from their post-pandemic high-water marks:⁴

The chart above shows the average monthly keyword search for 鈥渟tudy in [destination country]鈥� over a 12-month period, year ending January.⁵ The 13,600 monthly keyword searches for 鈥渟tudy in Canada鈥� in the year ending Jan 2025 represent a 34% decline year-over-year, and a drop of 52% from its post-pandemic high-water mark.

Searches for the UK were down 32% from their all-time high in 2023. Searches from individuals in India and Nigeria accounted for 75% of this drop, two student populations we flagged as being most likely to be impacted by the previous Sunak government鈥檚 implementation of restrictions on student dependants.

Both the US and Australia saw slight year-over-year upticks, though both remained down from their highest points by 27% and 9%, respectively.

Declining search interest about the big four destinations suggests that policy shifts and broader narratives are influencing where students consider studying. For institutions, this underscores the importance of not only attracting student interest, but also converting it into enrolments. By offering clear, compelling messaging on affordability, career outcomes, and support systems that directly address student concerns, institutions can mitigate weakened demand and engage students on positive, impactful topics.

Leveraging ApplyBoard鈥檚 data on student field of study interests can help institutions align their programs with emerging career trends and better attract prospective students.

Sentiment Data About Studying in Canada from Major Student Populations

To better guide online strategies for institutions in each major English-speaking destination, let’s take a closer look at shifting student sentiment among key student populations. With online news sentiment shifting, we specifically explored whether certain international student populations are encountering more polarized coverage than others.

The chart below breaks down how sentiment toward Canada has evolved across key student source countries, offering insight into how prospective students may see this destination:

Canada received significant positive sentiment in English-language online news in China (47%), the Philippines (33%), and Malaysia (31%). Positive news sentiment actually increased year-over-year in six of these nine major student populations, a surprising trend given the numerous policy changes Canada enacted over the year. By contrast, the three countries that saw positive sentiment decline were the UAE (by ten percentage points), Nigeria (seven percentage points), and Pakistan (three percentage points).

News sources from Ghana were arguably the most polarized in 2024. 31% of Ghanaian coverage about international students in Canada had negative sentiment. Meanwhile, 24% of coverage was positive. This resulted in Ghana having the lowest neutrality rate among these nine major student populations.

These trends suggest that while Canada鈥檚 policy changes have not universally dampened sentiment, they have created uneven perceptions across student markets. Institutions should be mindful of these shifts, reinforcing Canada鈥檚 strengths鈥攕uch as its robust Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, quality of education, and diverse student experience鈥攊n markets where positivity is growing while addressing concerns in regions where sentiment is cooling.

Sentiment Data About Studying in the US from Major Student Populations

While sentiment toward Canada has shifted in key source markets, the US has seen its own share of evolving perceptions. Here鈥檚 how online news sentiment toward studying in the US unfolded across major student-sending countries in 2024:

Positive sentiment about the US grew year-over-year by at least five percentage points in seven of these nine major student populations. Only Pakistan (down three percentage points) and UAE (down one percentage point) did not follow this trend.

In fact, eight of these countries saw positive news coverage surpass 30% in 2024. Ghana saw the most positive coverage at 45%, closely followed by both the Philippines and China at 39%, with India not far behind at 37%. It鈥檚 also exciting to see that five of these major student-sending countries鈥擟hina, Ghana, Malaysia, Nigeria, and the Philippines鈥攈ad negative sentiment below 10% in 2024.

These trends suggest a strengthening perception of the US as a study destination in several key markets. With rising positive sentiment and minimal negative coverage in many student-sending countries, institutions can leverage this momentum by showcasing student success stories, emphasizing post-graduation opportunities, and fostering stronger engagement with prospective applicants.

The US issued 130% more F-1 visas to Nepalese students in 2024 than in 2023. Learn more about US F-1 visa issuance data for 2024.

Sentiment Data About Studying in the UK from Major Student Populations

While UK policies largely stabilized in 2024, news sentiment continued to shift. The chart below shows how online news sentiment toward studying in the UK evolved across key source countries:

China and the UAE had the highest share of positive sentiment toward the UK, at 44% and 45%, respectively. In fact, positive sentiment about studying in the UK in Chinese news jumped nearly 16 percentage points year-over-year. India, Malaysia, and the Philippines also saw over a third of coverage framing the UK favourably.

Positive sentiment in Nigeria dropped to 8% in 2024, half of what it was a year earlier. As noted above, Nigerian students were arguably the most impacted by the previous Sunak government鈥檚 decision to restrict dependants, so this decline in positive sentiment is not entirely unsurprising.

Interestingly, Pakistan and Vietnam experienced a more mixed sentiment landscape, with positive and negative coverage both sitting in the 20鈥�25% range.

These shifts in sentiment highlight how policy decisions can leave a lasting imprint on student perceptions, even after their immediate implementation. In regions with growing interest, reinforcing institutional strengths, such as research excellence, industry partnerships, and alumni networks, can help sustain momentum. And in markets where sentiment has softened, proactively addressing concerns鈥攚hether about visa policies, affordability, or job prospects鈥攖hrough transparent communication and support initiatives can help rebuild confidence in the UK as a study destination.

Sentiment Data About Studying in Australia from Major Student Populations

As a destination that has debated and implemented significant policy reforms, Australia鈥檚 international education sector has seen shifting narratives in global media. Here鈥檚 how sentiment about studying in Australia trended in major source markets in 2024:

China and India recorded the highest share of positive sentiment toward Australia, at 43% and 40%, respectively. Positive coverage in Malaysia and the Philippines also remained strong, with both countries seeing roughly a third of their coverage frame Australia in a favourable light.

The UAE had the highest share of negative sentiment at 34%, making it the only market in this group where negative coverage surpassed 20%. Meanwhile, Nigeria had the lowest positive sentiment at just 14%, though most coverage remained neutral (76%), indicating limited polarization in media discussions about Australia in this market. By comparison, Pakistan and Vietnam saw a more balanced sentiment mix, with both countries recording positive sentiment near 25鈥�30% and negative sentiment between 16鈥�22%.

With sentiment varying across markets, institutions must address key factors influencing how students perceive Australia as a study destination. In regions where sentiment has cooled, clarifying changes to visa processing times, post-study work rights, and student visa conditions鈥攑articularly under Ministerial Direction 111鈥攃an help rebuild confidence. Meanwhile, in markets with steady or growing interest, highlighting Australia鈥檚 strong job market in sectors like healthcare and engineering, as well as pathways to regional study incentives, can reinforce its attractiveness.

Looking Ahead

As sentiment around international education continues to evolve, institutions must remain attuned to how students in different markets perceive their study options. While some destinations are experiencing rising positive sentiment, others face growing skepticism鈥攔einforcing the need for institutions to communicate their value in ways that resonate with diverse student audiences, particularly in the social media sphere.

To remain competitive, institutions should focus on the factors that matter most to prospective students: clear career pathways, financial accessibility, and a strong support network for international learners. Proactive engagement鈥攚hether through digital outreach, transparent messaging on post-graduation opportunities, or strategic partnerships鈥攃an help ensure that institutions are reaching and converting students effectively.

ApplyBoard鈥檚 sector-leading technology and global reach make it easier than ever for institutions to connect with prospective students, refine their recruitment strategies, and strengthen their brand presence online. With millions of students engaging with ApplyBoard鈥檚 content and platform, institutions can leverage these insights to navigate shifting sentiment and drive student interest in an increasingly competitive landscape.

For direct commentary on how sector changes in our destination markets may affect both students and institutions, we invite you to follow .

About the ApplyInsights Team

FOOTNOTES:

1. All sentiment data courtesy of , and limited to online, English-only media. We鈥檝e removed media coverage from Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia from the global analysis. News stories filtered by having to include 鈥淸country]鈥� and at least one of 鈥渋nternational student,鈥� 鈥渋nternational students,鈥� 鈥渟tudent visa,鈥� or 鈥渟tudying in [country].鈥�

2. Social media data limited to X (formerly Twitter).

3. All keyword search data courtesy of . This data measures the average number of monthly searches over a 12-month period ending June of the given year. For example, 鈥�2024鈥� would mean the period of July 2023 to June 2024. Search results limited to English results on Google only.

4. For the US, we鈥檙e specifically using the 鈥渟tudy in USA鈥� keyphrase, as it had the most volume out of 鈥渟tudy in US,鈥� 鈥渟tudy in the US,鈥� 鈥渟tudy in the USA,鈥� 鈥渟tudy in the United States,鈥� and 鈥渟tudy in the United States.鈥� For the UK, 鈥渟tudy in UK鈥� had more volume than 鈥渟tudy in the UK.鈥�

5. Year ending January means the 12-month period covers February of the previous year to January of the giver year. For example, this means 2025 is for February 2024 to January 2025.

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