International Education Predictions for 2025

The international education sector is set for continued change in 2025, influenced by government policies, shifting student preferences, and emerging study destinations. Key predictions include:

1. Government Policy Will Shape Student Mobility
   • Australia: Policy changes in 2024, including visa restrictions and enrolment caps, have reduced student interest. The upcoming election in May 2025 may bring further shifts.
   • Canada: Study permit caps introduced in 2024 led to declining international enrolments. With a possible early election due to Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation, further major policy changes are unlikely.
   • UK: Student interest rebounded in late 2024, helped by Labour government support for international education.
   • US: With Donald Trump returning to office, uncertainty around visa policies may impact student mobility. However, outbound US student interest in studying abroad has risen.
2. Countries Who Will Attract More International Students
   • Germany: International student numbers are growing, aided by policies like the Skilled Immigration Act.
   • Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030 aims to transform the country into an education hub through scholarships, partnerships, and research programs.
   • Malaysia: Affordable tuition, strong university rankings, and faster application processing are driving student interest, especially from East Asia.
3. Study Choices Will Align with In-Demand Careers
   • Governments are incentivising students to pursue high-demand fields like STEM, healthcare, and engineering.
   • South Korea’s Study Korea 300K project is attracting STEM students and offering streamlined residency pathways.
   • Canada’s new policies favour international students in nursing, education, and engineering for spousal work permits.
   • ApplyBoard search data shows rising student interest in health sciences and other high-demand careers.
4. Institutions Will Form More Partnerships and Specialise
   • Universities facing budget cuts may consolidate programs, particularly in costly fields like health sciences and skilled trades.
   • Industry-university partnerships, especially in the US, are growing, providing funding and research opportunities but also posing challenges like intellectual property disputes.

Conclusion

2025 will see continued shifts in international education, with student choices shaped by government policies, affordability, and career prospects. Other countries are emerging as strong competitors, and institutions are adapting through specialisation and collaboration.