How policies in popular countries are redirecting students towards alternative options

Recently, most traditional destination markets have introduced changes to their international education policies, which have impacted international student sentiment and mobility. 

This article explores how policy changes in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are redirecting students towards alternative education markets.

Since 2019, the UK has experienced exponential growth in international student numbers. Following a policy shift and greater focus on net migration figures in the final year of the previous UK Government, this did begin to slow. 

In the year ending March 2024, over 446,000 study visas were granted to main applicants in the UK, marking a 6.2% decrease from the previous year. 

Restrictions introduced in January 2024 mean that most international students are no longer able to bring dependents with them. 

This policy, alongside less welcoming rhetoric from the previous Government, are largely thought to have contributed to the decline in international student numbers this year.

On 4th July 2024, a new Government led by Sir Keir Starmer was elected, welcomed by universities committed to growing their international student numbers. 

The new Government prioritizes economic growth, with international students playing a major role, especially with the continuation of the Graduate Route, allowing international students to work for two years after completing their studies.

Canada has updated its International Student Program, including a temporary two-year cap on study permits for incoming international students, except for Master's, PhD, and K-12 students, as well as current permit holders. 

The minimum financial requirement for study permit applications increased to C$20,635, reflecting the rising cost of living. From May 15, 2024, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program is unavailable to new students at public-private partnership (PPP) institutions.

Source : https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/study/how-policies-in-popular-countries-are-redirecting-students-towards-alternative-options/articleshow/112103697.cms