Around 66% of international students are considering more than one study destination, the ‘highest in recent years’, according to IDP Education.
IDP’s newest ‘Emerging Futures’ report puts the spotlight on policy changes and the effect they have on students’ destination choice. For the first time, the report also includes data from ‘decliners’―those who are no longer pursuing international study.
The report surveyed more than 6000 people from 114 different countries between August and September 2024. Most respondents were prospective students or had applied to study, with 56% at postgraduate level.
For the majority of students, post-study opportunities were the biggest driver behind destination choice, with 52% of respondents agreeing that post-study visas or permits have a strong influence on their choice. Additionally, 62% of students expressed they would be willing to change their study destination for the same reason.
‘The unpredictability of visa policies really adds pressure, making it quite hard to navigate studying,’ said one student from the Philippines.
Finances are also an important factor for students; 42% felt influenced by the required savings amount to qualify for a visa, and 41% felt influenced by visa fees and other associated costs. If an alternative destination meant lower required funds (58%) or cheaper visa fees (57%), students agreed they would be willing to change where they intend to study.
For decliners, costs and finances were similarly at the top of their priorities; almost half (49%) claimed tuition as a reason they decided to stop their pursuit of international study. The cost of living (35%) and student visa costs (35%) were also key drivers.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Canada recorded the highest rate of ‘decliners’. Canada’s recent caps on study permits, increased proof of finances requirement, and changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits are likely to be behind this drop. Back in September, ApplyBoard predicted an almost 50% decline in study permit approvals for 2024.
‘It’s an environment of unstable policy settings,’ said Chief Partner Officer of IDP, Simon Emmett. ‘We can see the impact policy changes are having on Australia, Canada and the UK who are now behind the US for perceptions of quality, value for money and graduate employment opportunities.
‘Now is the time for governments in major destinations to provide clarity, a path forward and a more stable policy environment in order to entice students back.’
