Expressnews
Chennai 20 Nov 2024 ApplyBoard, the leading international student mobility technology platform, released its fourth annual trends report, “Navigating Global Student Mobility: Top Trends in International Education for 2025 and Beyond.” The report provides a detailed examination of the pivotal changes impacting international education, including policy shifts, the rise of alternative study destinations, and the growing influence of AI and technology on education.
The report reveals significant changes in international student flows in 2024, even as global student mobility remains strong. Analysis of government data, proprietary surveys, and industry forecasts shows traditional English-speaking destinations experiencing notable declines in student demand, while alternative markets are gaining momentum. This shift is largely driven by major policy changes in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
“Students remain eager to pursue international education, but they’re becoming more strategic in their choices. In 2025, we anticipate students will actively seek destinations that offer the complete package: quality education, affordability, and strong career opportunities,” said Saif Iqbal, Vice President ApplyBoard. “Our comprehensive report equips Indian students with the insights they need to make informed decisions about their academic journeys and position themselves for success in the evolving global workforce.”
Key Findings from the Report:
Declining International Application Volumes to Major Anglophone Destinations
● Canada, Australia, and the UK have all reported significant drops in student visa application volumes in 2024, with further declines predicted for 2025. In 2024, Canada, Australia and the UK, all experienced student visa application declines of at least 10%. Canada and Australia reported drops of 31% and 36%, respectively.
● These trends are largely attributable to policy changes implemented by the respective governments, including increased proof of funds requirements, revised post-study work permit eligibility, and other measures aimed at managing international student inflows.
Emergence of Alternative European Destinations
● Non-Anglophone countries are emerging as popular alternatives for students. In 2023/24, Germany saw a 3% increase in international enrolments, while France hosted over 436,000 international students, rising 5% from the previous year. These countries attract students with affordable programs and robust post-study work opportunities.
● Germany, the Netherlands, and other European nations are attracting growing interest from international students as they refine policies to boost their appeal as study destinations.
● Germany, in particular, has made notable strides, easing regulations for international students, such as increasing the permitted weekly work hours and expanding access to the labour market for high-demand, high-skilled positions.
● In ApplyBoard’s Fall 2024 Recruitment Partner Pulse Survey, 72% of respondents agreed that Germany was an affordable study destination, outpacing perceptions of the “Big Four” Anglophone markets.
The Rise of Non-Anglophone Destinations
● Many countries with high outbound student populations are making significant investments to retain their students and attract international ones.
● India has expanded its education loan programs, increased support for skill development, and is developing permanent residency pathways for international students.
Navigate the Future Workforce
How Demographic Shifts Will Reshape the Workforce
● Demographic changes are set to transform the global workforce, with citizens over 65 projected to make up more than 20% of the population in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US by 2030. As retirements create significant gaps in the labour market, international students will play a vital role in addressing these workforce needs.
● In Canada, nearly 8 million job openings are expected from 2022 to 2031, with 63% driven by retirements. Similarly, Australia’s labour market is projected to grow by 14%, adding almost 2 million jobs by 2033. In the UK, employment levels are anticipated to reach 37 million by 2035, a 4% increase from 2025 levels. Meanwhile, the US workforce is predicted to grow by 6.7 million jobs between 2023 and 2033, marking a 4% overall increase.
Health Care and Social Services a Key Pathway to Career Success
● Health care and social services sector employment is expected to grow at least 7% in each of Australia, Canada, the UK, the US, and the EU by 2035, creating millions of jobs.
Tech and STEM Fields Offer Strong Career Opportunities
● With STEM occupations projected to grow over 10% in the US alone between 2023 and 2033, tech and STEM fields present strong pathways for international students.
Guide Students To Build Digital Skills
● AI and digital tools are reshaping the future of work, and businesses are investing big. McKinsey reports that 67% of global leaders plan to increase AI spending in the next three years, particularly in HR and recruitment. For international students, mastering these technologies isn’t optional—it’s the key to thriving in modern workplaces and a tech-driven job market.
● Students should seek out programs that focus on developing digital skills to excel in industries driven by technological innovation. According to Microsoft’s 2023 Work Trend Index, 82% of business leaders view AI-related skills as essential for the future workforce.
“The findings in our report underscore the rapidly evolving nature of global student mobility,” added Iqbal. “By understanding these transformative trends, Indian students can navigate this dynamic landscape with confidence and position themselves for success, both during their studies and in their future careers.”
To access the full “Navigating Global Student Mobility” report, please visit [report].
