The Market Monitor Digest (week 04/2026)
We're glad to bring you the key highlights from this week’s industry news. Thanks to the research from the BONARD Market Monitor team, you’re always in step with the latest market trends.
International Education
China: China greenlights 122 new TNE projects as it eyes enrolment boost
By The PIE News, Jan 15, 2026
China's transnational education (TNE) boom is in full swing, after a tranche of new international higher education projects were approved by the country's Ministry of Education at the end of last year.
Canada: Canada freezes post graduate work permit eligible fields of study list for 2026
By The Economic Times, Jan 16, 2026
Canada’s immigration department has confirmed that it will not make any changes to the list of educational programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in 2026, bringing clarity for international students planning to study and work in the country.
US & Nigeria: Nigerian student interest in the US falls by 50%
By The PIE News, Jan 16, 2026
Nigerian student interest in the US has dropped by over 50% since the expansion of Donald Trump’s travel ban, with European destinations benefitting most as students turn elsewhere. China has also seen a 17% boost in interest from Nigerian students, while interest in Australia grew by 21%.
Malta: University of Malta Scholarships for International Students 2026/2027
By Mastere, Jan 18, 2026
The University of Malta (UM) offers Master’s by Research and PhD scholarships designed to attract students from non-EU/EEA countries. These scholarships take the form of a partial or full tuition fee waiver (from 40% to 100%), awarded to the most deserving applicants. Professional doctorates and MBA programs are not eligible.
Saudi Arabia: Can the private sector help Saudi meet its demand for HE?
By University World News, Jan 19, 2026
Saudi Arabia’s higher education sector is the largest of the six countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Of 2.2 million students enrolled in 2024, 94% study in public or semi-public institutions (29 institutions), while private higher education providers (39 institutions) currently account for only 6% of enrolments.
Finland: Finland plans to tighten checks on residence permits of international students
By The Economic Times, Jan 19, 2026
Finland is planning to strengthen monitoring of residence permits issued to international students, with a proposal that could allow authorities to revoke permits if students receive social assistance. The reform aims to prevent misuse of education-based permits and applies to students arriving from outside the EU and EEA.
Australia: Australia tightens agent commission rules for onshore transfers
By The PIE News, Jan 20, 2026
Australia has moved to ban agent commissions for onshore course transfers by international students. The amendment bars education providers from paying agent commissions for recruiting international students who have already started studies with another provider, with limited exceptions.
UK: UK’s new international education strategy seeks to build education exports to £40 billion by 2030
By ICEF Monitor, Jan 20, 2026
On 20 January 2026, the Labour government released a new International Education Strategy outlining a plan for the UK to increase education exports and global engagement, especially through transnational education and bilateral partnerships. The Strategy does not mention foreign enrolment targets, but it includes an aim to build education exports to £40 billion per year by 2030.
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