The international student mobility arena has seen a drastic change, with English-speaking nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia seeing a dramatic fall in international student intakes. The cause of this decline can be attributed to a number of new policy reforms, including tighter financial controls, more documentation, and greater questioning over student intentions, all of which have served to make these nations less appealing to potential international students.

As per a recent poll by MSM Unify, Canada witnessed the sharpest fall in applications. The nation saw a 46% fall in 2024, with applications declining from 868,000 in 2023 to as low as 469,000. Australia trailed close behind with a 36% fall, receiving only 176,000 applications in 2024, down from 390,000 the year before. The UK also experienced a 16% fall, with student applications at 294,000, down from 351,000. The USA also had an 11% fall, with student applications dropping to 322,000, down from 699,000.

The main reason for this fall is the tightening of immigration rules. For example, Canada imposed more stringent proof-of-funds conditions, doubling the amount in some areas, making it harder for students to establish their financial status. In addition, the new eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) have left students uncertain about their future after graduation. The changes have also added to the rising level of fear among potential international students.

In Australia, the new Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) policy requires a more rigorous assessment of students’ intentions, and thus there is a higher level of uncertainty among applicants. Besides, there is increasing anxiety over post-graduation working opportunities in both Australia and the UK, with numerous students feeling that their right to remain and work following graduation has been greatly curtailed. The increasing cost of living in these nations, fueled by international inflation, has compounded the issue. As costs of living rise, it is becoming tougher for most students to keep body and soul together while in school, resulting in overall declines in the number of applications.

As the Anglophone destinations struggle, other European states like Germany, France, and Finland have gained popularity with international students because of their forward-thinking policies, low living expenses, and open door to permanent residence.

Germany, for example, has been a major player in the global education market. The nation had 380,000 foreign students during the academic year 2023-24, up by 3% compared to the last year. Germany has established the Skilled Immigration Act (FEG), where students are permitted to work for more hours while studying and enjoy an easier route to permanent residency. Further, Germany’s very low costs of tuition, where some of its programs are given free, have also placed it within easy reach for overseas students. Its focus on inserting students into the economy, especially in the sciences and technology streams, has seen it become an attractive option for individuals seeking work immediately after graduating.

France has also emerged as an increasingly attractive option for foreign students, taking 436,000 students in the 2023-24 session, up from the previous academic year by a 5%. France has come up with student integration policies of providing free language courses in French and increasing residence options for international students. It has also hugely subsidized the costs of tuition fees for foreign students, further appealing to them. France’s dedication to providing an open welcome for students and ensuring education is affordable has been a great factor in its increasing popularity.

Finland, with its excellent educational system, has witnessed an upsurge of applications for programs taught in English, especially business and health studies. Finland has made its residency routes easier and more suitable for international students to move their families and settle down in the country. Finland has also raised the financing of scholarships to support students from developing countries, making it possible for deserving students not to be deterred by costs to move to the country for higher studies.

The trend of falling numbers of international students in traditional English-speaking destinations is not just impacting students but also has a huge bearing on the finances of institutions in these countries. Falling international enrollments are translating into diminished revenues for universities, which have traditionally depended upon tuition fees from international students to run their operations. In addition, international students have been viewed for a long time as a premium source of highly skilled labor, especially in health care and STEM fields. Most countries, including Canada, have relied on foreign graduates to meet pressing labor gaps in these areas. With fewer students entering, these labor gaps are likely to become more severe, causing problems for education institutions as well as the broader economy.

In summary, the changing policies in Anglophone nations are redefining the international student mobility trajectory. Although these nations have been popular with international students in the past, increased tuition fees, tightening immigration laws, and increasing costs of living are making them less attractive. Therefore, Germany, France, and Finland, which have liberal policies, low education costs, and desirable residency opportunities, are emerging as attractive alternatives for students pursuing higher education outside their countries.