Beyond the “Big Four”: 450,000 international students are shifting – here’s where they're going and why

^{Useful sources and references:}

^{Global international student numbers triple over two decades}

^{In the past twenty years, the number of higher education students studying abroad has surged, growing from 2.1 million in 2000 to almost 6.9 million by 2022.}

^{Source: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/global-international-student-numbers-triple-over-two-decades}

^{Beyond the Big Four: How demand for study abroad is shifting to destinations in Asia and Europe}

^{Recent research from INTO University Partnerships reveals that prospective students are now applying to more programmes than in the past - usually four or five - and are considering a wider range of institutions and countries. This pattern is expected to persist in the years ahead.}

^{Source: https://monitor.icef.com/2024/10/beyond-the-big-four-how-demand-for-study-abroad-is-shifting-to-destinations-in-asia-and-europe/}

^{Top study destinations outside the “big four” in 2024}

^{While the US, UK, Canada, and Australia still host over half of all international students, other destinations are growing. Germany expects over 400,000 international students in 2024/25, and France, with 430,000+ in 2023/24, is expanding its “Study in Europe” initiatives.}

^{Source: https://thepienews.com/top-study-destinations-outside-the-big-four-in-2024/}

^{South Asia: student mobility trends and 2025 expectations}

^{South Asia's student mobility is growing and will account for 15% of global international students by 2030. Visa restrictions in Canada and Australia are pushing students to consider Europe and Asia-Pacific instead.}

^{Source: https://thepienews.com/south-asia-student-mobility-trends-and-2025-expectations/}

^{Three of ‘Big Four’ see steep drop in postgrad enrolment}

^{Postgraduate enrolments are falling in the US, Canada, and Australia, while the UK is seeing some growth. The Big Four's share of international students has dropped to 28% by early 2025. More students are choosing countries like France, Austria, Ireland, Spain, China, Japan, and Malaysia instead.}

^{Source: https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20250505205911862}

^{US vows to use ‘every tool’ in crackdown on international students}

^{The US is cracking down on international student visas, creating uncertainty for students. Many students are now looking at other countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and destinations in Asia. This shift could weaken the US's position as a top study destination.}

^{Source: https://www.ft.com/content/fb8a97db-991e-4d47-93f5-a663884f12a9?utm}

^{For Some International Students, U.S. Dreams Dim Under Trump}

^{Once drawn to American universities as havens, some students from abroad are finding the United States is not the bedrock of free speech they had expected.}

^{Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/16/world/europe/us-international-students-college-trump.html}

^{UK universities face growing struggle to recruit international students}

^{Applications for sponsored visas have plummeted since new restrictions brought in, raising financial fears}

^{Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/article/2024/jul/12/uk-universities-face-growing-struggle-to-recruit-international-students}

^{More Southeast Asian students are choosing to pursue international education within their own region}

^{Students from Southeast Asia are increasingly choosing to study in nearby countries like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan instead of traditional Western destinations. This shift is driven by affordability, proximity, and attractive post-study work options within the region. Additionally, transnational education is growing, with many students opting for international programmes delivered locally.}

^{Source: https://insights.acumen.education/key-trends-in-south-east-asia-2024/}