One-third of prospective students are open to reconsidering their preferred study destination due to changes to the policy environments in key destination markets, according to new research by IDP Education.
Conducted in January 2024, The Voice of the International Student Pulse Survey collated the views of more than 2,500 prospective, applied and current international students from 67 countries, finding that student choice is being impacted by the changing policy environments in Australia, Canada and the UK.
The research found that 47 per cent of the prospective student cohort is reconsidering or unsure of their plans to study in Australia. This is only slightly ahead of the UK, which is the most impacted by the changing policy environment, with almost half (49 per cent) of its prospective student cohort reconsidering or unsure of their plans, and behind Canada (43 per cent).
Simon Emmett, IDP Connect’s Chief Executive Officer, said the research indicates international students are seeking stability and certainty when looking into opportunities to study abroad.
“This latest pulse survey highlights that international students are highly attuned to the ongoing discussions regarding policy changes and that this is impacting the standing of the top global study destinations at a time when competition between destination countries is at an all-time high,” Mr Emmett said.
“As key destinations apply more restrictive measures and barriers to entry for students, the study destination choices will shift accordingly, presenting an opportunity for other destinations.”
With the spotlight on changes in Australia, Canada and the UK, the USA has been the largest beneficiary and is now the most attractive destination for international students who are reconsidering where to study.
The results of the Pulse Survey are a clear indication that policy changes affect international students’ perceptions of a destination.
