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Journalism of Courage
The recent visa and immigration changes brought in by the governments of the UK, Australia and Canada are reflecting in the student choice, a recent survey by IDP Education on study abroad has revealed. The report is based on a survey conducted over August and September 2024 with over 6,000 students from 114 countries.
Among the top five study abroad destinations — the UK, US, Canada, Australia and, New Zealand — it is only the US and New Zealand where the year-on-year data has shown an increase in popularity, Interestingly, these are the only two countries, out of the five, that have not brought in stricter rules for visa and immigration in the past year.
As per the IDP survey, Australia was chosen by 24 per cent students, which is a decline of one per cent from past year. Similarly, the UK also saw a similar decline and was chosen only by 21 per cent. The biggest decline in popularity was observed in Canada (9 per cent), which was sought out by only 16 per cent students.
Canada, which is usually one of the top choices for Indian students, has been facing increasing diplomatic spats with the Indian government, and has also brought in stricter visa rules, both of which can be the reasons behind this decline.
While the US observed an increase of 4 per cent and was chosen by 23 per cent, New Zealand (the upcoming study abroad destination) saw an increase of one per cent and was preferred by 5 per cent students.
The major factors that influence students’ choice of study abroad destination are the ‘ability to apply for post-study work visas/permits’ (52 per cent), path to permanent residency (43 per cent), amount of savings required to be eligible for a student visa (42 per cent), student visa fees and associated costs (41 per cent), ability to switch between different types of visas, and ability for dependents/spouses of international students to work (29 per cent), ability to bring dependents/ spouses regardless of visa type (28 per cent), no strict limits or caps on seats (24 per cent), and a change in government (20 per cent).
The report also stated that globally, 66 per cent of respondents are considering more than one destination to study in or receive their international qualification from; the most in recent years.
In August 2024, 16 per cent students were considering more than five study abroad destinations, 13 per cent were considering four, 20 per cent had at least three destinations as options, 17 looked at two and 34 per cent only had one option. As per the report, the number of students who used to keep only one country as an option for their study abroad plans has decreased from 44 per cent in August 2022 and March 2023 to 39 per cent in August 2023, 36 per cent in March 2024 and now further down to 34 per cent in August 2024.
