IDP student research shows USA gaining from rivals’ policy changes

The latest Emerging Future, Voice of the International Student research report by IDP Education  is based on the responses of 11,630 prospective, applied and current international students from 117 countries.

First-choice destination

In the previous edition of Emerging Futures, published in October 2023, the USA ranked fourth as a first-choice destination yet in the latest survey has taken top spot for the first time since IDP commenced the research series, with 24 per cent indicating the USA as top choice.

Canada, which was joint first in the previous survey, slipped to fourth with 19 per cent – the first time it has ever had less than a quarter of the vote – while Australia was second on 23 per cent and the UK remained in third place with 22 per cent.

The first-choice destinations in the latest Emerging Futures research by IDP Education.

The proportion of students that selected New Zealand (four) and Ireland (two) as a first-choice destination also improved, IDP said.

Policy changes

Australia released its Migration Strategy in December and has recently introduced the new Genuine Student Test as well as stricter English language requirements, while stakeholders have cited a spike in visa refusals.

The UK has banned master’s students from bringing dependents and has commissioned a review of the Graduate Route of post-study work rights, while visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge have increased.

Canada, meanwhile, announced a cap on study permits for the next two years, which will impact on post-secondary study below master’s level. It has restricted student dependents below master’s level and brought forward an end to Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility for students at public-private colleges.

Students switching

A snap survey of 2,500 students conducted by IDP in February suggested that prospective students were reconsidering options in light of policy reforms, and that the USA was the most likely destination to switch to, and the new research gives more evidence of that trend.

Simon Emmett, IDP Connect Chief Executive Officer, said the latest results reflected the impact that recent policy changes were having on international student choices.

“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.

“Acknowledgement of the rich cultural, academic and economic contributions made by international students to their communities is also required to ensure these countries are seen as welcoming and attractive destinations.”

Among prospective and applied students that indicated Australia, Canada or the UK as a first-choice destination, 54 per cent said they were aware of policy changes in their chosen destination, and 41 per cent of prospective students said they were reconsidering their study abroad policies.

For those considering changing to another destination, 20 per cent said that the USA was their next choice. While some students indicated they would likely switch to Australia, Canada or the UK, nine per cent indicated New Zealand, eight per cent cited Ireland and six per cent preferred Germany.

Destination factors

Looking at student perceptions of individual factors, the USA ranked highest for quality of education, as it traditionally always has in the research, but also this time for graduate employment opportunities and value for money.

Canada remained top for post-study work policies and international student policies. The UK was ranked as second for perceptions of quality and value for money, while Australia came second for graduate employment and post-study work policies.

A ‘high quality of education’ was cited as the key driver in destination selection by students, followed by good employment opportunities after graduation, safety, availability of scholarships, part-time work opportunities, and support for international students.

Tennealle O’Shannessy, IDP Education Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said that with so much visa and policy disruption, students were more reliant than ever on quality advice.

“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.”