Global ELT recovery stalls: BONARD Education’s report reveals 2025 ELT student mobility trends
BONARD Education has published the third edition of the Global ELT Annual Report, featuring extensive data on eight ELT study destinations, a ranking of source markets, and insights from key sector associations
September 2025 - Following a steady recovery in 2023, the global English Language Teaching (ELT) sector slowed in 2024, reflecting mounting policy and economic pressures. BONARD Education’s Global ELT Annual Report 2025 shows that recovery has stalled for most major destinations, with only Ireland and Malta surpassing their pre-pandemic performance.
“The data shows two dominant forces reshaping student mobility: visa barriers and affordability,” said Sarah Verkinova, Head of International Education at BONARD Education.
“This has pushed many students to explore alternative destinations such as Dubai and the Philippines, which together attracted more than 100,000 ELT learners in 2024.”
Key highlights:
In 2024, the global ELT sector recovered to 73% of 2019 student volume and 75% of student weeks – slower than expected following a steady recovery in 2023;
Stricter immigration policies in destinations such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, combined with economic pressures in source markets, were the key drivers of the slowdown;
Brazil overtook Colombia as the largest global source market despite a 14% drop in student weeks;
China posted the highest growth (+21%), though volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels;
Emerging markets like Nepal (+96%), UAE (+107%), and Kazakhstan (+26%) are gaining traction, while Dubai and the Philippines together enrolled over 100,000 ELT students in 2024.
Destination performance: Uneven outcomes across ELT markets
Ireland was the only destination to exceed pre-pandemic levels in both student numbers (109%) and student weeks (107%).
Malta also surpassed 2019 student weeks, though average stays shortened.
The UK remained the largest ELT destination, capturing 38% of the market share, largely due to strong junior enrolments.
Australia remained top in student weeks but recorded the steepest decline in 2024, impacted by high visa refusal rates and rising fees.
Canada saw further declines amid caps on international students and higher financial requirements for study permits.
New Zealand grew by 44% year-on-year but remains the slowest overall to recover (47% of 2019 levels).
South Africa reached 95% recovery and is seeing momentum from emerging African markets.
The USA continues to lag, at around 63% recovery in student numbers, with visa denials and competition weighing on growth.
Source market ranking: Brazil leads despite declines
Brazil, China, and Colombia led globally, though only Mexico and Colombia among the top 10 fully recovered to 2019 levels. Growth from Nepal, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan further signalled diversification beyond traditional markets.
“2024 may serve as the new benchmark year for China, as further rapid growth is unlikely. The increasing availability of local ELT options in countries like Malaysia and the Philippines, along with rising competition from in-country providers, is reshaping student preferences toward more cost-effective and accessible destinations,” explains Kristina Benedikova, an International Education Consultant at BONARD Education.
Outlook for 2025: Policy, AI, and emerging destinations reshape ELT
The report notes that stricter immigration rules, persistent affordability issues, and the rise of AI-based English learning will challenge traditional ELT destinations.
Education providers are urged to:
Diversify into fast-growing emerging source markets;
Adapt programmes to shifting demand (e.g. shorter junior stays, English-plus formats);
Proactively tackle visa barriers;
Highlight the unique value of in-person learning: cultural immersion, social interaction, and academic pathways.
“2024 has brought a slowdown across major ELT destinations,” said Dr Ivana Bartosik, International Education Director at BONARD Education. “With growth unlikely in 2025, language educators must respond decisively - by diversifying into emerging markets, exploring new destinations, adapting to shifting demand, addressing visa barriers, and grounding every strategy in real-time market intelligence.”
Access the report and webinar recording
The findings were presented during BONARD Education’s webinar on 4 September 2025, featuring panel contributions from English UK, EnglishUSA, English Australia, Languages Canada, and English Education Ireland.
Access the webinar landing page or request the report by filling out the contact form below.
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