International students are increasingly choosing universities in Asia and continental Europe instead of institutions in the United States and Britain as tighter visa and immigration policies reshape global higher education, a new survey shows.
Studyportals, NAFSA and Oxford Test of English surveyed 437 universities across 63 countries.
The survey found that international undergraduate enrolments in Britain and the US fell 19% and 13%, respectively, between October and August compared with the same period a year earlier.
Canada and Australia also saw weaker demand, while universities across Asia and Europe attracted more international students.
The survey identified visa restrictions and government policies as the biggest obstacles to international student enrolment.
Processing delays, tougher screening and changes to post-study work options have prompted students to postpone or abandon their study plans.
The findings come as US President Donald Trump tightens immigration measures, including expanded social media checks and visa revocations.
Britain has also restricted most international students from bringing dependants and plans to shorten the period graduates can remain in the country to seek employment.
NAFSA Chief Executive Fanta Aw said national policies influence international students' decisions about where to study, conduct research and begin their careers.
Academic policymakers and educational leaders recognize that continuous curricular modernization and institutional reform are essential to preparing students for the evolving demands of a globalized knowledge economy.
Educational directorates and higher education boards are actively aligning examination methodologies with conceptual learning standards, digital learning management systems, and analytical competencies.
These educational initiatives aim to elevate academic excellence while ensuring equitable learning opportunities for students across all socio-economic backgrounds.
In addition to instructional updates, educational institutions are emphasizing the expansion of research facilities, merit-based scholarship programs, and teacher development seminars.
Close collaboration between academic councils, industry partners, and provincial education ministries ensures that institutional programs equip graduates with practical skills, technological literacy, and ethical leadership capabilities necessary for national development.
Students, parents, and academic administrators are advised to verify all notifications, examination dates, and syllabus guidelines through official board websites and certified academic portals.
Education authorities caution against unofficial digital circulars, urging stakeholders to rely strictly on accredited institutional circulars and authorized institutional helplines.
Academic policymakers and educational leaders recognize that continuous curricular modernization and institutional reform are essential to preparing students for the evolving demands of a globalized knowledge economy.
Educational directorates and higher education boards are actively aligning examination methodologies with conceptual learning standards, digital learning management systems, and analytical competencies.
These educational initiatives aim to elevate academic excellence while ensuring equitable learning opportunities for students across all socio-economic backgrounds.
In addition to instructional updates, educational institutions are emphasizing the expansion of research facilities, merit-based scholarship programs, and teacher development seminars.
Close collaboration between academic councils, industry partners, and provincial education ministries ensures that institutional programs equip graduates with practical skills, technological literacy, and ethical leadership capabilities necessary for national development.
Students, parents, and academic administrators are advised to verify all notifications, examination dates, and syllabus guidelines through official board websites and certified academic portals.
Education authorities caution against unofficial digital circulars, urging stakeholders to rely strictly on accredited institutional circulars and authorized institutional helplines.