The Market Monitor Digest (week 33/2025)
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
Australia: Before the Australian election, both parties wanted to cut international student numbers. So why are they going up?
By The Guardian, Aug 10, 2025
Last year, amid partisan debate over international student numbers, Universities Australia accused both sides of parliament of using the tertiary sector as a “political plaything”. Fast forward to 2025, and the federal government has back flipped on its plan to cap foreign student entries, announcing last week that it would increase places by 25,000 next year.
Global: Is it time to get serious about quality standards in TNE?
By Times Higher Education, Aug 10, 2025
In transnational education the delivery of degrees abroad – the question of oversight is becoming more pressing. Facing mounting financial challenges and immigration restrictions at home, Western institutions are increasingly expanding their operations abroad. Most recently, a wave of Western branch campuses have been announced in India, for instance, including at least six from the UK.
Australia: Equity in international student enrolment — New research calls for a rethink
By The Koala News, Aug 12, 2025
A new paper by Professors Richard Heller and Stephen Leeder has called for a stronger focus on equity in Australia’s international student enrolment policies. International student enrolment rates per 100,000 population vary widely between countries and regions — and do not reflect global need for higher education. A national strategy should prioritise reducing global inequity in access to higher education.
Malaysia: International students flock to Malaysia as demand surges
By The PIE News, Aug 11, 2025
As per a 2024 Acumen report, over 50,000 Malaysian students studied abroad in destinations like Australia, Japan, and China, the same Asia-Pacific countries Malaysia now sees as key in its bid to attract 250,000 international students.
Germany: Most international students aim for careers in Germany – but need support
By The PIE News, Aug 12, 2025
A new survey shows 64% of international students in Germany want to stay and work – but many will need a boost to make it happen. Among the two-thirds of international students who viewed staying in Germany after graduation positively, those studying economics, engineering, and computer science were the most enthusiastic.
US: Universities pay the price of transnational paranoia
By University World News, Aug 12, 2025
Politically motivated schemes by the Trump administration to attack and hinder the enrolment of international students are shortsighted and damaging not only to American colleges and universities but also to the nation’s economy. Trump’s demand for an arbitrary 15% cap at Harvard is part of a larger effort to subjugate and extort that elite private university that probably will not hold up in the courts.
South Korea: Overseas Korean language provision expands to meet demand
By Study Travel, Aug 14, 2025
The King Sejong Institute Foundation, which oversees Korean language education abroad, is expanding its network by 11 new centres in nine countries to meet growing demand for Korean classes worldwide. The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the 11 new centres last month, bringing the total number of King Sejong Institutes (KSI) to 252 in 87 countries.
US: F-1 visa students may see the ‘Intent to Leave’ Rule scrapped
By Financial Express, Aug 13, 2025
Current F-1 visa requires proof of intent to return home after studies. Students must show strong ties to home country (e.g., property). Bill proposes making F-1 visas “dual intent” – students could have intent to either return or stay. Aim: remove visa denials caused by inability to prove intent to return.
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