The Market Monitor Digest (week 16/2026)
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
Canada: Canadian immigration officials move to ease rules around student work permits
By ICEF Monitor, April 09, 2026
As of 1 April 2026, international students will no longer need a separate work permit in order to participate in co-op placements or internships that are required elements of their post-secondary studies. The Canadian government has also put forward proposals to allow students to work while waiting for a study permit extension or post-graduation work permit decision.
Australia: Student visa refusal rates reach record high amid weakening demand from China
By ICEF Monitor, April 09, 2026
Chinese visa applications for Australian higher education were down -39% in February 2026 versus February 2025, part of a longer period of decline. In February 2026, one in three applicants to an Australian university had their visa refused – a record high. Refusals rise much beyond that for students from key markets such as India and Nepal.
US: US to face “critical shortage” of expertise on China
By The Pie News, April 13, 2026
The US is set to face a “critical shortage” of China expertise as the number of Americans studying in China reaches new lows, a new report has warned. The study, published by the US-China Education Trust (USCET) last month, laid bare the rapidly declining rate of US students travelling to China, with fewer than 2,000 Americans currently at Chinese universities, down from 11,000 before the pandemic.
Vietnam: Viet Nam pushes for global talent and nationwide innovation
By British Council, April 14, 2026
The Government of Viet Nam has recently issued Decision No. 530/QĐTTg dated 31 March 2026, approving a programme that would attract foreign experts and scientists, as well as overseas Vietnamese, to teach, conduct research and work at local higher education institutions (HEIs) and vocational education institutions.
UK: UK universities ‘foolish’ to bank on overseas student growth
By Times Higher Education, April 15, 2026
Foreign students no longer a magic bullet for cash-strapped universities as visa changes and pricing wars force leaders to reconsider growth strategies.
Europe: British Council set to become National Agency for Erasmus+
By The Pie News, April 15, 2026
The UK has taken the final steps to rejoin Erasmus+, as the British Council is named the country's National Agency for the initiative. Following December’s announcement of the UK rejoining Erasmus+ in 2027, today EU and UK policymakers legally formalised the deal under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
South Korea: South Korea’s 310k int’l student surge brings sustainability into focus
By The Pie News, April 15, 2026
According to the latest data from the Korean Immigration Service under the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), South Korea hosted 314,397 international students as of February, including 238,905 in higher education institutions, 75,033 on Korean language programs, and a further 459 on other language training.
Global: Arab-Eurasian corridor: A ‘breakthrough’ for HE cooperation
By University World News, April 15, 2026
As part of efforts to enhance cooperation between Arab and Eurasian higher education institutions, a new project has been unveiled which includes joint academic programmes, student and staff mobility initiatives, research partnerships, digital academic exchange and knowledge sharing.
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