Rising costs and visa hurdles push international students beyond the US, UK

The United States, long seen as the leading destination for international students, is facing increasing uncertainty. Tightening immigration laws, unpredictable visa rules, and rising tuition costs have made many students reconsider the value of studying there, according to a report by The Times of India. A notable example came when the Trump administration moved to revoke Harvard University’s license to host foreign students. Although courts blocked the move, the incident raised concerns about the country’s reliability as an academic host.

According to the US State Department, 1.12 million international students in the country contribute over $50 billion to the economy. But funding cuts to universities and tuition fees crossing $100,000 have started to weaken the country’s academic appeal. Similar trends are emerging in other English-speaking countries.

In the UK, the government is reportedly considering reducing the post-study work visa from two years to 18 months. Restrictions introduced in 2024 also prevent most graduate students from bringing dependents, as reported by Times Higher Education. Canada, which once welcomed international students in large numbers, has now placed a two-year limit on new enrolments. ICEF Monitor notes that foreign students previously made up 2.5% of the Canadian population. Australia has also imposed enrolment caps, raised visa fees, and increased oversight, with Reuters attributing these moves to domestic political pressure.

While traditional destinations impose new limits, several countries are positioning themselves as alternatives. These include nations that are facing ageing populations and shrinking youth numbers.

Japan, where the population of 18-year-olds has nearly halved in 30 years, aims to host 400,000 international students by 2033, according to The Hechinger Report. South Korea is targeting 300,000 students by 2027, with one in five people already over the age of 65, CNN reports. Singapore has relaxed permanent residency rules for foreign graduates. Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia are also expanding their reach in the international education market.

India has announced plans to attract 500,000 foreign students by 2047. With its growing education system and widespread English instruction, the country is seeking to become a serious destination for international education.

Several European countries are seeing a rise in international enrolments as well. Germany and Spain recently hit record numbers. Though English-language programs remain limited, lower tuition fees are drawing interest. For example, Japan’s average annual tuition is about $4,000.

Some US universities are now opening campuses abroad to bypass immigration hurdles. Other institutions are stepping in to fill gaps. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology recently announced plans to admit students affected by US visa uncertainties.

"The university will provide unconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures, and academic support to facilitate a seamless transition for interested students," the institution stated on its website.

These developments suggest a shift toward a more distributed and competitive global education system. While the US, UK, and Australia remain influential, they no longer dominate. With global politics and demographics in flux, students are now choosing based on visa policies, costs, and career prospects as much as academic prestige.

The global education landscape is undergoing change, and new players are emerging with long-term strategies to attract international talent.

(With inputs from TOI)