The Market Monitor Digest (week 29/2026)
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
UK: UK unis must pivot towards partnerships as China market evolves
By The Pie News, July 10, 2026
UK universities must move beyond viewing China as a recruitment market and instead build deeper strategic partnerships if they are to remain competitive, delegates heard at the British Universities China Association's (BUCA) ninth annual conference.
US: Decline in Indian demand a major factor in softer outlook for foreign enrolment in US higher education in 2026/27
By ICEF Monitor, July 09, 2026
In a survey of US higher education institutions, 59% are reporting lower international application volumes for this year and 63% expect a decline in foreign student numbers for 2026/27. Among major sending markets, softening demand for India appears to be an important contributor to the outlook for the coming academic year with 61% of responding institutions reporting declining application volumes from India in particular.
Japan: Weak yen ‘driving decline’ in number of Japanese studying abroad
By Times Higher Education, July 10, 2026
The yen’s continued depreciation is discouraging Japanese from studying abroad, a trend that has prompted concerns about “asymmetry” as international students continue to flood into the country, according to scholars.
New Zealand: New Zealand adds more flexibility to pathway visa
By Study Travel Magazine, July 14, 2026
Immigration New Zealand has announced changes to the Pathway Student Visa (PSV) for international students which it said will provide more flexibility on study options and more time to complete English language studies, moves that have been welcomed by sector peak bodies.
Scotland: Scottish minister urges UK government to “get behind” international higher education
By The Pie News, July 14, 2026
International collaboration has “never been more important” and the UK must “stand up for the benefits of higher education as a true UK asset”, Scotland’s tertiary education minister told the BUILA conference in Glasgow.
UK: Pakistani market shrinking ahead of September intake
By The Pie News, July 15, 2026
The number of Pakistani students accepting a place or being issued a CAS from a UK university has fallen sharply year on year, according to preliminary data from Enroly.
Europe: Two master’s courses awarded first European joint degree label
By Times Higher Education, July 15, 2026
Two master’s programmes offered by European university alliances have become the first to receive a new quality label awarded by the European Commission that recognises joint degree programmes across the continent.
Australia: New strategy for Victoria's international education sector launched
By Study Travel Magazine, July 16, 2026
The government of Victoria has published a new international education strategy, aiming to increase student enrolments, improve the student experience, boost connections across the sector and create more post-study work opportunities.
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