The Market Monitor Digest (week 17/2026)
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: New international student permit approvals for Canada fell below COVID levels in 2025
By ICEF Monitor, April 16, 2026
The number of new study permit approvals dropped by nearly two-thirds between 2024 and 2025. That declining trend is strongly linked to two more: study permit application volumes were down significantly in 2025 and approval rates were also notably lower than in 2023 or 2024. Meanwhile, two recent government reports make it clear that the impacts of Canada’s international enrolment cap have been far greater than policy makers intended.
UK: UK international enrolments down 30% year on year
By The Pie News, April 17, 2026
BUILA survey points to sharp declines across South Asian markets as institutions tighten recruitment before new Home Office compliance measures take effect.
Global: A common challenge: Strengthening student confidence in the ROI of study abroad
By ICEF Monitor, April 16, 2026
More restrictive government policies in the Big Four countries are creating uncertainty about the return on investment (ROI) offered by those leading destinations. This is a key reason that alternative destinations are picking up a larger share of student demand. Designing better career supports that result in concrete employment outcomes can go a long way to restoring student confidence.
UK: UK universities warned of rising competition in Asia
By The Pie News, April 21, 2026
New data has revealed South Asian students are increasingly pivoting away from the UK in favour of Asian destinations, as stakeholders warn of concurrent demand and supply-side challenges.
China: China's international student enrolment recovery
By British Council, April 22, 2026
380,000 international students studied in China during the 2024–2025 academic year.
Brazil: Brazil eyes bigger global role as global student flows shift
By The Pie News, April 22, 2026
With demand for international education rising and students increasingly favouring non-traditional destinations, Brazil is striving for a greater piece of the pie – positioning itself as a “bridge” between education systems in the global North and South.
Australia: Multiple data indicators signal further declines ahead for international student numbers
By ICEF Monitor, April 22, 2026
Several student visa trends paint a troubling picture of future international enrolments in Australia. Aside from those enrolling in higher education, the number of new students coming into the country is not enough to replenish the number who are leaving. Two sub-sectors are already suffering very steep declines – English-language training (ELICOS) and vocational education (VET). Higher education is beginning to see decreases in demand from China and high refusal rates for other top markets.
Asia: Asia Universities Summit: key considerations ‘often overlooked’ in TNE
By Times Higher Education, April 23, 2026
University leaders often forget to ask the most important questions when setting up offshore, summit hears.
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