The Market Monitor Digest (week 35/2025)
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
UAE, Dubai: Dubai’s education sector - 25 new schools, ECCs, universities to open up
By Gulf Business, Aug 25, 2025
Dubai’s private education sector is set for another significant growth spurt as the city welcomes six new schools, 16 early childhood centres (ECCs), and three prestigious international universities in the 2025–26 academic year. The expansion reflects Dubai’s continued evolution as a global hub for high-quality education and family-friendly living.
US: Beyond the US - the changing face of student mobility
By The PIE News, Aug 25, 2025
Times are changing in the world of international higher education. Donald Trump’s public battles with some of America’s elite education institutions has led to many lurid headlines about a mass exodus of students from US shores. For both US and UK students, America remains home to some of the world’s most prestigious institutions and continues to attract ambitious applicants seeking academic excellence and opportunity.
Australia: How bad are the quality problems in the international VET sector?
By The Koala News, Aug 26, 2025
Dirk Mulder, published fact-based piece of analysis examining the language used to describe the international VET sector and the apparent extent of the problems within it. He is right to point out that there is a huge disconnect between the actions of the regulator, ASQA, and the claims made about shonks and crooks in the international VET sector.
UK: UK visa grants recovering this year
By Study Travel, Aug 26, 2025
The number of student visas granted to main applicants by the UK decreased by four per cent in the year ending June 2025, according to the latest data released by the Home Office, but there were signs of growth in the first half of the current calendar year.
Indonesia: More Indonesian scholarships will ‘drive growth in TNE
By Times Higher Education, Aug 27, 2025
Indonesia will increase scholarships for overseas study and seek to use strategic research to boost economic development after again allocating 20 per cent of its total national budget to education. In its 2026 state budget, the government has earmarked IDR 757.8 trillion (£34.5 billion) to fund improvements in teacher and professor "welfare", the upgrading of campuses and an expansion of scholarships.
US: Visa delays persist, causing some students to defer to spring
By Inside Higher Ed, Aug 27, 2025
International students face major visa delays and denials at the start of the 2025–26 academic year. Many cannot secure appointments; some are deferring to spring or starting online. Biggest impact: master’s students from India (largest source of U.S.-bound students). Students uncertain, some arriving late after semester begins. Institutions working hard to retain and accommodate international students despite challenges.
Australia & Hong Kong: Australia issues lowest number of student visas for Hongkongers in 20 years. Why?
By South China Morning Post, Aug 28, 2025
Australia issued only 2,600 student visas for Hongkongers pursuing higher education in the 2024-25 financial year, the lowest number in two decades and following a spike in approvals when the country rolled out a bespoke “study-to-emigrate” pathway in 2022-23.
South Korea: Korea welcomes international students but employability barriers remain
By The PIE News, Aug 27, 2025
With more than 270,000 international students now in Korea, a figure expected to reach 300,000 within two years, the country faces mounting pressure to bridge the gap between graduates and employers.
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