As Australia, the UK, and Canada all tinker with immigration policy, which directly affects students, new research from IDP indicates the US is growing in popularity.
IDP Education’s latest Emerging Futures, Voice of the International Student research report #5 collated the views of more than 11,500 prospective, applied, and current international students from 117 countries.
As stated in the release issued by IDP:
The US, which ranked last of the four leading study destinations in the previous iteration of Emerging Futures in October 2023, has claimed the top spot of first-choice destination for the first time since IDP began surveying students on this question. Canada has felt the biggest impact, falling from equal first to fourth. Australia, previously tied first with Canada, has dropped to second, and the UK retains third place. Student perceptions of New Zealand and Ireland as first-choice study destinations improved.
Simon Emmett, IDP Connect Chief Executive Officer, said these results reflect the impact restrictive policy changes are having on prospective international students, more than half of whom have changed their minds on their first-choice destination.
“This is the first time we’ve ever seen the US ranked as the most popular study destination for international students in the Emerging Futures research,” said Mr Emmett.
“The growth in the US and emerging markets demonstrates that students remain committed to bringing their global study dreams to life but are sensitive to policy changes. The results are a reminder that governments in the UK, Australia and Canada need to provide clarity on international student policies in order to maintain the competitive advantage they have in this global industry. He said.
Tennealle O’Shannessy, IDP Education Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said that with so much visa and policy disruption, students are reliant on IDP’s quality advice more than ever, while institutions are turning to IDP’s real-time demand data and global network intelligence to better understand students’ needs. “As governments in some countries adopt measures which impact international students, demand is inevitably being affected and it is increasingly difficult for driven and bright students across the world to pursue their global goals,” said Ms O’Shannessy.
“IDP’s trusted team of counsellors worldwide are by students’ sides providing essential support and guidance at this critical time.
“IDP will continue to champion the voice of international students and equip institutions with the latest emerging trends to inform their strategies. We will work together with the sector to ensure that students are across the latest information, feel part of a supportive network and can thrive in their chosen study destination.”
IDP lists approximately 400 higher education institutions in the USA where they place students.
