The Market Monitor Digest (week 38/2026)
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: August applications for UK study visas fall 16% in just a year
By The Pie News, Sept 10, 2026
Concerns are mounting about the falling number of international students applying to study in the UK, with new government figures showing a marked drop off in visa applications.
South Korea: Korean government introduces new quality controls for universities and agents
By ICEF Monitor, Sept 10, 2026
A mostly voluntary system of compliance with standards of recruiting and hosting foreign students is being replaced by mandatory requirements. Universities meeting or exceeding the new standards are rewarded with streamlined visa processing and other benefits, while those failing to meet them can penalised to the point they can no longer enrol international students.
US: Temporary win for sector in duration of status lawsuit
By The Pie News, Sept 15, 2026
New rules establishing strict time limits on US study visas will not begin on September 15.
New Zealand: New Zealand’s rebound signals shift in student demand
By The Pie News, Sept 15, 2026
New Zealand’s international education recovery is being driven by a shift in how students view the destination, rather than simply a post-pandemic rebound, according to Education New Zealand chief executive David Downs.
Global: EC English closes all schools, student support schemes activated
By Study Travel Magazine, Sept 14, 2026
Global ELT group EC English Language Centres has announced that it will commence formal insolvency, administration and/or winding up processes at all schools globally, following what it described as “challenging financial conditions and the failure to secure additional investment”.
Netherlands: International students benefit government finances
By Study Travel Magazine, Sept 16, 2026
International students in the Netherlands are a net benefit to government finances through taxation and restricting student numbers will do little to address housing prices, according to a study commissioned by the government.
Canada: Number of new international grad students soars in Canada
By The Pie News, Sept 16, 2026
A new Canadian government initiative to attract more graduate students is paying off, with the number of study permits issued to them doubling this spring compared to 2025.
Australia: Ban on student dependents, new visa extension rules
By Study Travel Magazine, Sept 17, 2026
Tony Burke, Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, has unveiled a package of reforms aimed at reducing net migration, including barring most new students from bringing family members, ensuring students can only progress upwards when extending visas, and a lottery system on the second and third year working holiday maker visas.
LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS IN YOUR MAILBOX
Stay informed via our complimentary Market Monitor
Tap into a personalised daily digest of recent developments, planing at destinations, market activity, and transactions in international education.
