Australia, Canada, UK, USA, Europe in Current scenario 2024
Introduction
Recently, the demand for international students is slowing in countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and the USA due to factors such as stricter visa policies, rising tuition fees, and post-study work restrictions. These changes are making it more challenging for students to stay and work after their studies. On the other hand, countries like the USA, Germany, Italy, and Austria are seeing more interest from prospective students. These countries offer attractive education options, affordable tuition, and opportunities for students to stay and work after graduation, making them more appealing to international students.
What are the new Regulations 2024?
Australia
Australia has implemented new rules for international students in 2024, which includes all this
Visa Restrictions:
From July 1, 2024, some visa holders (like Visitor and Temporary Graduate visa holders) can’t switch to a student visa while in Australia. This is to stop people from jumping between visas and ensure only genuine students apply.
Limits on Student Numbers:
The government will control how many international students can enroll in different regions, universities, and courses to manage the overall student population.
Two new visas are being introduced in Australia:
Skills in Demand Visa: This visa will replace the current Temporary Skill Shortage Visa. It will allow workers with skills needed in Australia to come and work in the country.
National Innovation Visa: This visa will replace the Global Talent Visa. It will bring in talented people with special skills, like in science and technology, to help improve Australia’s innovation.
Also, starting March 2024, students who want to study in Australia will need to show they have better English skills than before. This is to ensure students can understand their studies and communicate well in Australia.
Better options after finishing studies.
Graduates who get skilled jobs after studying can apply for a new 4-year Skills in Demand Visa, which might lead to permanent residency.
These rules are meant to control the number of international students, make sure only real students are allowed, and stop people who are not following the rules.
Canada
In 2024, Canada has introduced new rules for international students, including:
Study Permit Limit:
Starting September 1, 2024, Canada will approve only 292,000 new study permits for international students each year, with a two-year limit.
Higher Proof of Funds:
Students must show they have at least C$20,635 when applying for a study permit.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
New students at certain schools like public-private partnerships cannot apply for a PGWP.
Language Skills:
From November 1, 2024, all students applying for a PGWP must show they know French or English.
Spouse Work Permit:
It will be harder for the spouses of international students to get work permits. This means they will have fewer chances to work in the country while their partner is studying.
Education Quality:
More checks will be done on schools to make sure they meet high standards. If a school fails, it may lose its accreditation or the chance for students to get a work permit after graduation.
United Kingdom
Starting January 1, 2024, the UK has new rules for international students:
Family Visas:
International students can’t bring their families unless they are studying a research course (like a PhD or research Master’s) and have a government scholarship. This rule doesn’t apply to students in regular courses, only research-based ones.
Financial Requirements:
International students in London must prove they have £1,483 each month to cover living costs. Students studying outside of London need to show £1,136 per month. This ensures students can support themselves while studying in the UK.
To Apply for a UK Student Visa:
You must:
Be 16 or older-You need to be at least 16 years old to apply for a student visa.
Have a place on a course from a licensed sponsor- You must have an offer of a place on a course from a licensed sponsor, which means the educational institution you will attend is approved by the UK government.
Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course- You need to show that you have enough money to cover both your living expenses and the cost of your course. This ensures you can support yourself during your studies without relying on public funds. Be able to speak, read, write and understand English. – You must be able to demonstrate that you can speak, read, write, and understand English, as this is essential for studying in the UK. This can be shown through a recognized English language test like IELTS.
United State of America
In 2024, there are new rules for international students in the US and other countries:
F-1 Visa Restrictions:
Five-Month Rule: F-1 students cannot be outside the U.S. for more than five months in a row during their studies. If they stay abroad for longer than this period, their student status may be canceled, and they may need to reapply for a new visa to return to the U.S
Visa Wait Times:
The wait time for Indian applicants to get a visa is now 75% shorter. This means it will take much less time for them to get their visa approved and travel or study abroad.
Rules for people moving to a new country.
Many countries are tightening their immigration rules to manage the number of people moving there. These stricter regulations aim to control the flow of immigrants and ensure that only those who meet specific criteria can enter or stay.
Cost-of-Living Requirements:
In Canada, international students must show they have $20,635, which covers 75% of the minimum income requirement. They also need enough money to pay for their first year of tuition and travel costs.
Europe
Europe is introducing new rules for international students in 2024, including work rights, visa rules and support for student integration. Many countries are focusing on making the transition easier for students while maintaining standards.
UK:
From January 1, 2024, international students in the UK can only bring their families if they are studying for a PhD or a postgraduate research program. This rule limits family reunification for students in other types of courses.
Germany:
Starting March 1, 2024, international students in Germany can work more easily due to a new law that offers them more job opportunities, giving them greater freedom to balance work and studies.
Other Trends:
Other trends in international education include countries tightening their migration rules, making it harder for students to move or work abroad. In China, there are fewer job opportunities for graduates. Students are also becoming more selective in their choices. Additionally, the exchange rate is affecting students’ ability to afford studying abroad. Some of the best places to study in Europe include Germany, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and Sweden, which offer strong educational systems and opportunities.
Trends over the past five years (2017–2024)
2017–2019:
Between 2017 and 2019, international student numbers showed steady growth. During this period, the USA, Canada, and the UK continued to be the leading destinations for students pursuing education abroad.
2020:
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in international student mobility. Travel restrictions and the rise of online learning reduced the appeal of traditional study destinations, making it harder for students to study abroad.
2023–2024:
In 2023-2024, international student numbers started recovering after the pandemic, with many students opting for countries like Germany and Italy. These destinations are becoming more popular due to their supportive policies, offering opportunities like affordable education and welcoming environments for international students.
| Category | Details |
| Overall Growth (2001–2021) | Global international student numbers increased from 2.2 million (2001) to over 6 million (2021). |
| Recent Growth (2017–2021) | International student numbers rose by 7% from 2022 to 2023. |
| Pandemic Impact | Slight increase in international student numbers between 2020 and 2021 despite COVID-19 restrictions. |
| Top Countries of Origin (2021) | China, India, Vietnam, Germany, Uzbekistan, France, United States. |
| Top Countries of Destination (2021) | United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Canada, France, Turkey, China, Netherlands, Republic of Korea. |
| Market Share Trends (2000–2020) | The United States lost market share to the UK, Australia, and Canada, especially between 2015 and 2020. |
| Recent Data (2023/24) | |
| United States (2023/24) | Hosted over 1.1 million international students, with India surpassing China as the top sending country. |
| United Kingdom (2023/24) | Issued over 432,000 sponsored study visas to international students for the year ending June 2024. |
| Australia (2024) | 824,951 international students enrolled from January to September 2024. |
| Canada (2024) | International student applications dropped by 32% in the first two quarters of 2024. |
| Europe (2024) | Decline in international student numbers in some European countries due to stricter immigration policies. |
Pandemic Impact (2020–2021):
Pandemic Resilience: Despite the significant disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the international student numbers still saw a slight increase from 2020 to 2021. While travel restrictions, border closures, and online learning posed challenges, some countries adapted by offering online or hybrid learning formats, allowing students to continue their studies. Additionally, there was a shift in student preferences, with some destinations being perceived as safer or more accessible.
Recent Data (2023/24):
This section presents the most up-to-date information on international student trends in 2023/24, highlighting specific country developments:
United States (2023/24):
Over 1.1 million international students were hosted.
India has now surpassed China as the largest sending country. This reflects growing ties between India and the U.S., with more Indian students seeking education in the U.S. for its world-renowned institutions and opportunities in technology and research.
United Kingdom (2023/24):
The UK issued over 432,000 sponsored study visas to international students by the year ending June 2024. The UK’s international student market is growing rapidly, particularly due to government policies such as post-study work visas, which encourage students to stay and work after graduation.
Australia (2024):
The number of international students in Australia reached 824,951 between January and September 2024. Australia’s education system continues to be attractive due to its diverse offerings, high-quality education standards, and the lifestyle it offers international students.
Canada (2024):
Canada experienced a 32% drop in international student applications during the first half of 2024. This could be due to several factors, including stricter immigration policies or potential challenges related to visa processing times or student accommodation shortages.
Europe (2024):
Some European countries are facing a decline in international student numbers, attributed to stricter immigration policies that limit the ease with which students can work, stay, or transition into the workforce after their studies. Countries like Germany and France remain popular, but others in Europe are seeing fewer enrollments due to these challenges.
Before Regulations in Global Trends for International Student Mobility
Australia
More flexible visa switching-
Students who entered Australia on Visitor or Temporary Graduate visas could easily switch to Student visas without needing to leave the country.
This flexibility made it easier for people to change their visa status if their situation changed, like choosing to study more or learn new skills.
The English skill requirements were not as strict.
Before, the rules for English skills were easier, so it was simpler for people who don’t speak English well to get a student visa.
This allowed more international students, including those who didn’t meet higher English skill levels, to study in Australia.
Few options for skilled graduates to stay permanently.
There were ways for skilled graduates to stay permanently, but they were not clear or many.
For example, there were no special visa programs for highly skilled or creative graduates, like the Skills in Demand Visa or the National Innovation Visa. This made it harder for international students to stay in Australia after graduating.
Canada
Before, Canada didn’t limit how many study permits it gave. The money needed to prove you could support yourself was lower. Students from certain schools could apply for a work permit after graduation and the language skills needed for the permit were easier.
U.K
In the past, international students in the UK could bring their families with them, regardless of their program. The financial requirements for living costs were also easier to meet. However, recent changes have made these rules stricter.
USA
In the past, international students in the U.S. on F-1 visas had fewer rules about how long they could stay outside the country. However, students from India had to wait more time to get their visas. In the past, international students in the U.S. on F-1 visas had fewer restrictions on how long they could stay outside the country. However, students from India faced longer wait times for visa processing.
Europe
In the past, Europe had fewer rules about moving and working for international students. There were fewer restrictions on bringing families or finding jobs while studying, making it easier for students to balance their education and personal life.
What is the reason that students are leaving their favorite country and going to other countries?
Several factors are contributing to international students’ shifting preferences, including:
Stricter Visa and Immigration Policies: Countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK are tightening their visa regulations, making it harder for international students to stay and work after graduation.
Financial Constraints: Increased proof of funds requirements and higher living costs are discouraging students from choosing certain countries.
Better Opportunities in Other Countries: Countries like the USA, Germany and Austria are becoming more attractive due to their favorable policies and better job prospects.
Job Market Limitations: Students are facing fewer job opportunities in some countries, especially in China, which has made students more selective about their study destinations.
Now what can be the remedial measures for the students?
Diversifying Options: Students should consider multiple destinations and be aware of the visa and work policies in different countries.
Improve Language Skills: With stricter language proficiency requirements, students should invest time in improving their English or French skills to meet the requirements of popular study destinations.
Research Financial Aid: With increasing financial requirements, students should research scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options to ease their financial burden.
Consult Education Consultants: Students should work with education consultants who can provide updated information on the latest regulations and help them make informed decisions about their study destinations.
Conclusion
In 2024, the global student mobility landscape is changing due to stricter visa policies and shifting student preferences. Countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA are tightening rules, making it harder for international students to stay and work after graduation. For example, Australia has introduced stricter English requirements and visa limits, while Canada has limited study permits and increased financial proof requirements. Similarly, the UK has raised financial requirements and restricted family visas for students.
These changes are making students look for other options, with countries like the USA, Germany, Italy, and Austria becoming more attractive due to better work policies and lower costs.
To adapt, students should research visa rules and work opportunities in different countries. Improving language skills, seeking scholarships, and consulting education experts can help.
Overall, although traditional study destinations are getting tougher, new countries offer exciting educational and career opportunities for students.
