A recent survey by IDP Education reveals a shift in preferences among international students for top study abroad destinations, with the popularity of the UK, Canada, and Australia on the decline. Meanwhile, the United States and New Zealand are seeing modest increases in student interest. Conducted in August and September 2024 with over 6,000 students from 114 countries, the survey points to evolving visa policies and geopolitical changes as major influences on these choices.
The survey analyzed the popularity of the top five study destinations — the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Data shows that only the US and New Zealand recorded year-on-year increases in student interest, which is notable as these are the only two countries among the five that have not implemented stricter visa and immigration regulations over the past year. According to IDP, the primary reasons for the declines in the UK, Australia, and Canada are tied to recent policy changes that have introduced more rigorous visa requirements and immigration restrictions, impacting prospective international students’ choices.
Australia, typically a strong contender in global study abroad preferences, saw its popularity slip by 1%, with 24% of respondents choosing it as their destination compared to previous years. Similarly, the UK also witnessed a 1% decline, with only 21% of students indicating it as their preferred destination. The most significant decrease was observed in Canada, which saw a substantial 9% drop in popularity, down to just 16% of students selecting it. This decline is particularly significant given Canada’s previous status as a top destination, especially among Indian students.
The reduction in Canada’s appeal can be attributed to various factors, including recent diplomatic tensions with the Indian government, which remains one of Canada’s largest sources of international students. Additionally, Canada’s tightened visa rules have added complexity and cost to the application process, discouraging some students from applying. These political and policy shifts have made Canada less attractive to students who prioritize easier immigration pathways and stable diplomatic relations.
On the other hand, the US observed a notable increase in preference, chosen by 23% of surveyed students — a 4% rise over the past year. New Zealand, another emerging study destination, saw a 1% increase and is now preferred by 5% of international students. As these two countries have refrained from tightening visa restrictions in recent years, they have become more attractive options for students seeking stable pathways for post-graduation employment and residency.
The IDP report highlights the major factors influencing students’ choice of study abroad destinations, with visa and residency pathways being the most crucial. According to the survey, the ability to apply for post-study work visas or permits was the top consideration for 52% of respondents. Other critical factors included the path to permanent residency (43%), financial requirements for student visa eligibility (42%), student visa fees and associated costs (41%), and the flexibility to switch between different visa types. Additionally, factors such as the ability for dependents and spouses to work (29%), the option to bring dependents regardless of visa type (28%), and the lack of strict caps on enrollment (24%) were also significant. Interestingly, 20% of students noted that a change in government could influence their study abroad choice.
The report also shows a trend toward students considering multiple study destinations rather than focusing on a single country. Globally, 66% of respondents are now exploring more than one country for their study abroad plans, marking a shift from previous years. In August 2024, 16% of students were considering more than five destinations, while 13% had four in mind. Another 20% had at least three options, and 17% were considering two, with only 34% focusing on a single destination. This represents a significant decrease from previous years; in August 2022, 44% of students had only one country in mind for their studies abroad. By March 2023, this figure had dropped to 39%, further declining to 36% in March 2024, and down to 34% by August 2024.
Overall, the IDP survey emphasizes that international students are increasingly considering multiple factors when choosing where to study, with visa policies, residency options, and financial requirements playing key roles. Countries like the US and New Zealand, which have kept policies more favorable to international students, appear to be gaining traction, while stricter regulations in Canada, the UK, and Australia seem to be impacting their appeal. As competition among study destinations intensifies, it is clear that countries aiming to attract international talent will need to consider the balance between policy changes and student preferences.
