The Market Monitor Digest (week 23/2026)
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
Japan: Greater availability of in-country English programmes is exerting some downward pressure on outbound mobility
By ICEF Monitor, May 28, 2026
A new survey of 41 study abroad service providers in Japan reveals an uptick in the popularity of group-based educational travel. However, students are feeling less urgency to go abroad on their own for language/foundational studies given a greater supply of English-language options in Japan. Australia, Taiwan, and the US stand out as the most popular destinations. New Zealand is by far the most popular among younger students going for high school studies.
Asia: Understanding Asian higher education is no longer optional
By University World News, May 29, 2026
Asia has emerged as the epicentre of global higher education transformation. The Mapping Higher Education in Asia briefing offers one of the most comprehensive recent attempts to capture this shift, presenting a wide-ranging analysis of 16 diverse territories.
US: Decline in international student numbers and weeks for US IEPs in 2025
By Study Travel Magazine, May 29, 2026
The number of international students studying on an intensive English programme in the USA decreased by five per cent in 2025 compared with the previous year, in the first decline in numbers since 2019.
UK: Home Office issues amendment after The PIE reports on BCA blind spot
By The Pie News, June 01, 2026
The Home Office has published an amendment to the student sponsor compliance policy, clarifying that only visa refusal decisions that are successfully overturned by administrative review will be exempt from BCA calculations.
UK: UK universities flying blind as visa refusals force admissions rethink
By The Pie News, June 02, 2026
University leaders in the UK have warned that institutions are increasingly making high-stakes admissions and compliance decisions without enough shared data, as visa refusals, rising student costs and recruitment pressures reshape international recruitment strategies.
New Zealand: New Zealand confirms start date for new post-study work routes
By Study Travel Magazine, June 03, 2026
Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and an extension of post-study work rights eligibility will take effect from November, expanding opportunities for tertiary students below degree level.
UK & China: Newly approved UK-China TNE partnerships in May 2026
By British Council, June 03, 2026
China approves 50 new partnerships with UK universities, 23% of the overall total.
US: US World Cup visa processing sidelines international students
By The Pie News, June 03 2026
US educators are increasingly concerned about the state of international enrolments next fall, as students wait in long queues behind World Cup visa applicants and travel bans endure.
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