Industry Update I May 2026
Stay ahead in the international education sector with the latest news, events, and insights.
Join us for the 2026/2027 student recruitment forecast
Join our Q2 2026 Global Student Flows Briefing for a forward-looking view of international student mobility flows, visa signals, and source market trends shaping 2026/27 student recruitment.
We will explore how student flows have developed so far in 2026, which source markets appear stable, growing, or worth testing, and how student recruitment leaders can use early data signals to plan with greater confidence.
By Ivana Bartosik
Study abroad demand remains strong, but is spreading across more study destinations
International student flows are changing. The traditional dominance of the Big Four is gradually weakening as students increasingly consider study destinations that offer affordability, clearer visa pathways, and stronger policy stability.
Read the full blog to understand how student distribution is evolving and what study destinations are well-positioned to benefit from this shift.
By Daria Simonova
Ireland’s higher education enrolments are rebounding faster than in other key destinations
In the academic year 2024/25, publicly funded higher education institutions in Ireland reported 44,540 non-Irish domiciled enrolments, a year-on-year increase of 10.2%. Non-EU students now make up most of that cohort, totalling 32,940 enrolments.
Discover what our data-driven forecasts reveal for Irish higher education in 2026/27.
2026 UK ELT statistics: pressure, shifting demand and opportunity
The latest English UK annual student statistics, underpinned by BONARD Education research, signal a moderate downturn: a sector under pressure, yet clearly still active, with demand shifting rather than receding.
The evidence points to programme design, pricing, and market selection as key areas for providers to watch.
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Designed for international education leaders, student recruitment teams, education providers, associations, and sector stakeholders navigating global student recruitment trends.