The past two years have seen major changes across the international education sector, yet demand from future students remains high. In fact, international student advisors from 40 countries shared in the most recent ApplyBoard Recruitment Partner Pulse Survey (1) that, despite shifting policies, international students remained dedicated to their academic goals. Read on to learn which factors are currently affecting future students' destination decisions, how interest levels and student perceptions are changing, and which study destinations are top-of-mind. The UK, Canada, and the US Remain the Most Attractive Study Abroad Options When asked how attractive different destinations were to their students, the US was a compelling option for many respondents. 67% said their students thought the US was a 'very attractive' or 'attractive' option :

Over the past several months, the education community has closely followed and responded to policy decisions that have significantly affected the recruitment of international students to U.S. institutions. As we continue to navigate these evolving challenges, Leap GeeBee and our university partners remain committed to driving forward, supporting not only yield efforts for the Fall 2025 intake but also encouraging applications for future terms. Several recent strategic discussions with our institutional partners have revisited the concept of application incentives and flexibility on admissions requirements. While such incentives encourage students to submit applications, do they ultimately work? And, do they simply drive up application volume or do they actually improve other points of the application funnel? Application fee waivers Application fees serve a variety of purposes in the admission process. Practically speaking, there are real costs to be covered in the processing of application materials. Conceptually, the application fee can be an intentional barrier, requiring students to have enough genuine interest in a school to pay the fee. However, incremental costs build quickly as students prepare their application materials, and seemingly nominal amounts in US dollar terms can be significant in the home countries of potential students. Additionally, the initial application is only one of many touchpoints during the admissions process when a university can engage with great students. Lessening the barriers to apply brings more students into a university’s funnel, thus increasing the volume of potential students to admit and ultimately enroll But, what does the data tell us? Out of 138 universities recently reviewed, 98 of the institutions (71%) provided application fee waivers. Perhaps not surprisingly, these institutions received 98.2% of applications submitted during the observed time frame. Admit rate was effectively the same across the two pools. However, offer acceptance as measured through I-20 issuance was lower for fee waiver schools, at 36% compared to 48% for those who required the fee. While conversions for app fee waiver schools were lower by 12 percentage points at the I-20 issuance stage, the higher volume generated by these schools provided a strong enough base to outweigh these losses in ultimate enrollment numbers.

AIRC is pleased to release our 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report. Take a look at AIRC's successes this past year and our future plans. 

Millions of students pursue international education every year. It's a movement that's continued through global shifts in affordability and access, and will continue to grow. In fact, some sources project there will be over 9 million international students by 2030. To see how future students' priorities are shifting and what factors are shaping their journey, the team at ApplyBoard, an international student mobility platform, runs a semi-annual Student Pulse Survey. Since the first survey in 2022, over 3,500 students have shared their thoughts. The most recent survey ran between February 25, 2025, and March 12, 2025, and collected insights from nearly 850 students. Let's take a closer look at which programs and careers students are aiming for, how changing policies are affecting their plans, and which study destinations are gaining ground. Key Findings: In the survey, affordability was the most commonly cited determining factor when choosing a study program. It was noted as important by 77% of respondents. 92% of surveyed students indicated some level of interest in studying in the US. Due to rising costs, just over one in four students are considering different study destinations than they'd initially planned. Strong Interest for Studying in the US Rises When asked where they'd like to study, 65% of respondents were only interested in studying in one or more of the following destinations: Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the UK, and the US. The survey also looked at students' specific levels of interest in these destinations: 

New insights | Rebuilding trust by rethinking priorities in international student recruitment By Riccardo Lanza Studying abroad in the United States has a stellar reputation; it is the most popular destination for international students, hosting over one million students in the last academic year. We all know, however, that recent times have been challenging - the Trump administration cutting research funding, the immigration crackdown on international students and now, competition from emerging markets is intensifying as some of the European Union’s most high-profile leaders gathered to launch the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ initiative early in May. It seems the threats keep coming. It is time for universities in the USA to reassert their leadership by focusing not just on academic excellence, but on delivering the outcomes and experience today’s students value most. Edvoy’s recent research into student preferences and institutions’ perceptions of what students are looking for highlights an essential truth: student priorities are changing in subtle but significant ways. By acting on what they say, we can rebuild trust in the USA as the ultimate destination. A changing market: strategic students, choosing differently Edvoy’s latest data confirms international students are increasingly acting like consumers. Applicants are outcome focused, with value for money and employability standing out as integral to their decision-making. The top three factors for making their final choice on where to study were: Opportunities for industry placements and work experience , especially important to students from Nigeria, Nepal and Pakistan Access to scholarships or financial support , a critical consideration for particularly undergraduates from lower-income countries Cultural alignment and sense of community , where the perceived ease of fitting in and feeling welcomed had a strong influence on their decision. What is noticeable by its absence, compared with previous insights, is the university’s ranking. Over 60% of institutions ranked university reputation among their top three assets in marketing their university, whereas only 38% of students said it had a decisive impact , particularly those in Saudi Arabia, India and Bangladesh. One Indian student commented, “I knew what country I wanted, but the university came down to job links and cost. I actually ruled out a higher-ranked school because it didn’t have paid internship options.” In contrast, more than half of the students surveyed listed scholarships in their top criteria, whereas fewer than one in three institutions viewed them as a major attractor. This is a major challenge for USA universities that expect the highest tuition fees for international students, globally, with an average of $20,000-$50,000, going up to an average yearly cost of $45,000-$70,000 including accommodation and living expenses. For most, studying abroad is more than an academic pursuit - it's a major investment, often funded through family resources or loans. A degree alone is no longer the end goal; it's a gateway to better career opportunities, higher earning potential, and, for some, a path to long-term residency or international work experience. This is why features like post-study work opportunities, industry partnerships, and robust career support are playing an increasingly pivotal role in where students choose to study. Their perceived value comes with the promise of greater return on investment from the initial outlay. Changing the narrative: aligning student priorities with international student recruitment strategy The USA is renowned for its academic excellence, boasting some of the world’s top universities that consistently dominate global rankings. To compete with emerging markets, offering lower costs, it’s important to talk about more than these credentials. And you won’t have to do it on your own. While 32% of students listed university websites among their top three research tools - placing them ahead of social media (25%) - the most trusted source of guidance was clear: 44% of students said they rely on recruitment agents or study abroad consultants to help them decide what and where to study. The impact of these conversations is significant. Globally, 38% of students change their original choice of course or destination after speaking with an advisor - a figure that rises to over 60% in South Asia and East Africa . Working with, and training, partners and agents on how to talk differently about your university is vital. Here are some key areas to focus on to help them be successful: Circulate latest scholarship information for agents to promote to their student networks, updated visa and admissions guidance ensures transparency and reflects ease to apply. Showcase career opportunities , such as paid-for internships during study, mentorships or graduate employment rates . Successful alumni may even be open to talk to your agents as well. Celebrate diversity ! Many campuses offer cultural celebrations on their campuses but seldom talk about it during the application process. Share photographs with your recruitment network, and talk about how you welcome international students and help immerse them in their new country. Finally, adapt partner training based on regional priorities . For instance, students from Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia focus more on rankings; those from Nigeria, Pakistan and Nepal care more about affordability and post-study work opportunities. A student-centred strategy will win! To remain a top destination for international students, USA universities must move beyond traditional markers of prestige and also focus on what students truly value today: affordability, employability, and a sense of belonging. Rebuilding trust means listening more closely and aligning recruitment strategies with students’ evolving priorities. By highlighting practical outcomes, strengthening agent partnerships, and tailoring messaging by region, institutions can better meet the needs of a new generation of globally minded learners - and ensure the United States remains a compelling and competitive choice in a shifting global education landscape. 

AIRC Addresses Student Document Authenticity and AI in Institutional Admission Applications

As a member of the U.S. for Success Coalition’s Advisory Council, we are pleased to share the following updates from the U.S. for Success with the AIRC community. With so much happening, we wanted to provide an update on some of the biggest developments impacting the ability of international students from all parts of the globe to study and contribute their talents in the United States. Our strategy remains to communicate, collaborate and coordinate our coalition members’ in order to Remind key policymakers (especially in Congress) that welcoming and retaining international students should remain a national priority, as a way to apply pressure on the Administration to refrain from harmful policies. Pursue litigation when needed to protect rights and due process. Support higher education institutions and their students in facilitating international student success at every part of their journey to study and live in the United States. Shape the public narrative about the overwhelmingly positive contributions of international students . When international students choose the United States to study, live and work, everyone wins. Update on SEVIS Terminations Since mid-March, NAFSA has been collecting reports of SEVIS terminations and other actions targeting international students, and in April, released initial analysis showing several important findings showing that all levels of study, every region of the world, and all types of institutions in all regions of the United States were affected. On April 9th, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration , a member of the Coalition’s Executive Committee, joined in support by eighty-six institutions and associations, submitted an amicus brief in AAUP v. Rubio , a case challenging the administration’s revocation of visas and detentions of non-citizen students and scholars. The Presidents’ Alliance also filed a lawsuit together with several impacted international students, challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) unlawful mass termination of SEVIS records for F-1 students and participants in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Amidst more than 100 court cases and 50 restraining orders issued from federal judges, on April 22, a federal judge in Georgia ordered the Trump administration to reinstate the legal statuses of 133 international students after their F-1 student visas were suddenly terminated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security (DHS). Read more: Federal judge orders ICE to reinstate legal status of 133 foreign students: The students argued that their visas were revoked without prior notice and proper explanation (Fox News) and International students stripped of legal status in the U.S. are piling up wins in court (PBS News) Then, starting around April 24, 2025, DSOs and attorneys began reporting that some SEVIS records previously terminated by DHS were being restored to Active SEVIS status. Politico reported on April 25 that the Department of Justice (DOJ) said in court that recent SEVIS terminations would be reversed. During an April 25 court hearing in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the terminations, a DOJ attorney stated: “ICE is developing a policy that will provide a framework for SEVIS record terminations. Until such a policy is issued, the SEVIS records for plaintiff(s) in this case (and other similarly situated plaintiffs) will remain active or shall be reactivated if not currently active." While encouraging, caution is warranted. As Heather Stewart and Erica Stewart of NAFSA, a U.S. for Success Executive Committee member, note in a new NAFSA blog post , “we have not seen the end of ICE-generated SEVIS record terminations.” Miriam Felblum, Executive Director of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, noted that activations highlight the impact of legal and collective action, but they do not undo the harm already done to students or institutions, nor do they clarify the origins of the policy. Continued careful monitoring of the reality on the ground, collective advocacy, and legal challenges remain essential to seek full relief, prevent future harm, and protect not only students’ rights but also the wellbeing of our communities and our nation. Making a Case for What’s at Stake On March 24, NAFSA hosted a LinkedIn Live Town Hall entitled, Seismic Changes in the United States: Implications for IE. Watch it here . The media continues to report on the negative impact that policies are having not only on international students but also on U.S. communities. We are working daily to remind decision-makers about the overwhelmingly positive contributions of international students. Many thanks to U.S. for Success members for sharing stories and data with the media to keep this story in the headlines while we work with the courts and Congress. Just a few highlights of the kind of stories we are collectively generating: Efforts to Halt Student Deportations Risk Trump Retaliation: Institutions are scrambling to quell panic caused by visa revocations, while seeking to avoid incurring wrath of regime intent on cutting fundin g , Inside Higher Ed, April 11, 2025 (quotes Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration) International students are being told by email that their visas are revoked and that they must ‘self-deport.’ What to know , CNN, April 19 2025 (quotes NAFSA) Losing International Students Could Devastate Many College s, New York Times, April 19, 2025. If the Goal Is Jobs and Trade, Make it About Jobs and Trad , LinkedIn, Tom Dretler, Executive Director of Shorelight, Coalition Executive Committee member eAlso of note a new NBC Poll found that Gen Z opposes Trump’s hard-line immigration tactics on college campuses, though there are differences by party identification and gender. A full 92% of Gen Z adults believe it is important that people in the United States who hold student visas, work visas and green cards are given due process protections when facing criminal or civil charges. A majority of nearly every demographic said those due process protections are important — including Republicans and those who identify with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Thank you for everything each of you are doing to stay informed and provide support to international students, and take strategic action. Take Strategic Action : We need everyone to send letters to Congress to urge them to impress upon top Administration officials that welcoming international students should remain a priority if we are to be able to compete globally and benefit from the innovation and cross-cultural perspectives of these talented students. Our Coalition launched a campaign to ensure welcoming and retaining international students remains a national priority, and sent this joint Coalition letter to Congressional leadership. Your Voice is Needed Now. As a member of the Coalition, we invite you to: Join NAFSA and the Coalition in sharing this Action Alert  widely with your networks to urge individuals (colleagues, students, family members) to amplify our collective voice to ensure the United States remains open to talent from around the world. Share this Higher Education Institution Template Letter to Support International Students and Scholars in the U.S. Amid Recent Immigration Actions. The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration developed this template institutional letter in partnership with the U.S. for Success coalition for colleges and universities to use to communicate with their Senate and House delegations about the positive impacts of international students and scholars in the United States and the adverse consequences of the recent immigration actions. The letter could easily be adapted for businesses as well. Use these talking points from the Coalition and new infographic produced by NAFSA to make the case for what’s at stake. If you have questions or have resources that can help support other coalition members in their work to facilitate international student success, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@usforsuccess.org .

Employment prospects are increasingly linked to student perception of high-quality education Career development opportunities remain the most influential factor determining where international students pursue global education, according to new research conducted by international education specialist IDP Education in March 2025. The Emerging Futures 7 – Voice of the International Student research, which collected responses from more than 6,000 students from over 100 countries, shows a growing number of students are linking graduate employment prospects with their definition of high quality of education. According to the research, students’ understanding of whether an institution provides ‘high-quality education’ is now largely based on its ‘graduate employment rate’. This outranked ‘institution ranking’, ‘facilities available to students’ and ‘quality of academic staff’, showing that students are seeking tangible outcomes from their studies. The research also identified that ‘Job outcomes from the institution’ was the top non-academic factor when choosing an institution for 58% of international students. Simon Emmett, Chief Partner Officer at IDP Education, stated that these findings underscore the mutually beneficial relationships between international students and host countries. "We know that international students choose their study destination based on factors that help them become job ready, with access to post-study employment being the key influence,” said Emmett. “Simultaneously, we observe that international students are increasingly able to address essential skill shortages in the destination workforces. "The research serves as a timely reminder for governments and policymakers to embrace international students, who go on to fill vital skill gaps and foster long-lasting diplomatic ties between their home and host countries,” he said. While the research showed that there were positive sentiments among students, it also revealed they are struggling with study-related costs and increasing cost of living. “Financial considerations, such as the cost of visa, and savings requirements are weighing on students’ minds. One in two students told us they would consider switching to another destination country if it had lower savings requirements,” said Emmett. “Additionally, two thirds of students cite tuition fees, living costs and extra expenses as their biggest worry.” Despite the varying external pressures impacting each study destination, international student preferences for first-choice destination remained steady. Australia still holds the top spot, followed by the USA, the UK and Canada respectively. Australia has seen a five percentage point increase since March 2024, while Canada has continued to see a drop in the number of students choosing it as their first-choice destination, down six percentage points since March 2024. International students’ interest in graduate employment opportunities is positive news for the US, which currently faces a critical labor shortage, fueled by demographic headwinds and an increasing demand for skilled labor. In a recent white paper , IDP explored how international student graduates represent an untapped source of eager and skilled talent in the U.S. which can help fill the country’s labor gaps. Current employment pathways for international students, such as OPT, are underutilized, as many employers are unaware that it does not require employer sponsorship, has no lottery or cap, and has no associated costs to the employer. As the results of this latest Emerging Futures research show that international students are heavily motivated by what will happen after graduation, the US can use this to its advantage to address critical labor shortages.  Download the infographic report to explore key findings: https://resources.idp-connect.com/ef7-us

Disclaimer: The following blog post is sponsored by ECE. The content represents the sponsor's views and not necessarily AIRC's. Please contact staff@airc-education.org with any questions.