The demand for international education is at an all-time high with students from around the world, including India, remaining keen on studying abroad. With student visa applications up at least 23% in each of the major English-speaking destination countries in 2022, as per a survey conducted by the ApplyBoard.
The unprecedented demand is a new reality, not a post-pandemic bubble. Aging destination countries need to attract and train international students to replace retirees, but housing shortages and shifting public policies are impacting student sentiment, read the release.
ApplyBoard’s new report, ‘Alignment for Student and Institution Success: Top Trends in International Education for 2024 and Beyond’ leverages industry data, proprietary ApplyBoard intelligence, exclusive surveys and candid student interviews to uncover the trends most likely to impact student mobility going forward.
As per the survey, the major English-speaking destination countries are facing heightened competition from non-Anglophone destination markets entering 2024.
- Germany will be the biggest contender for international students after hosting a record high 368,000 students in 2022/23. Nearly 40% of international students in Germany stay in the country long-term.
- Spain, Portugal, Chile and Mexico are building pathways with LATAM students. Chile was the fastest-growing destination in the world from 2017 to 2022.
- China, South Korea and Taiwan are also expected to be top competitors.
- English-speaking destinations are aging and need students and new graduates to replace retirees. Post-graduation work opportunities remain vital for students.
- Replacing retirees will require alignment on stay-and-work messaging, with 48% of students interested in studying in North America and the UK are looking for a clear path to permanent residency post-degree.
Opportunity to develop student skills in health-related fields:
- Aging populations require increased health care services. The industry is facing shortages across the world and those gaps are only forecasted to grow, with the WHO estimating a global shortfall of 10 million health workers by 2030.
- Job demand in healthcare is expected to grow by at least 13% by 2031 in Canada and the US, creating a critical need for international students to fill workforce gaps.
- The National Medical Commission of India recently received recognition status from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). This will pave the way for Indian medical graduates to pursue postgraduate training and practice medicine in countries that require WFME recognition—including Canada, the US, and Australia.
STEM shortages:
- Significant skills shortages in STEM fields are anticipated, but international students lack knowledge and mentorship in these areas, hindering their ability to address shortages.
Influence of External Factors
- Housing shortages, upcoming elections in Canada, the US and UK and new government policies will shape student sentiment in 2024 and beyond.