Work opportunities top priority for international students when selecting study destination

The Emerging Futures Survey, which gathered responses from over 6,000 students across 114 countries, revealed that "post-study work opportunities" (52%) ranked as the top priority for students choosing where to study.

This was followed by "pathways to permanent residency" (43%) and "the amount of savings required to be eligible for a student visa" (42%).

Notably, 62% of respondents indicated they would consider changing their preferred study destination if doing so would improve their chances of obtaining post-study work visas or permits.

Globally, 66% of students are exploring multiple countries as potential study destinations, the highest rate recorded in recent years. However, the survey highlighted a decline in interest for traditionally popular destinations like Canada, Australia, and the U.K., where fewer students are naming these countries as their first-choice study destinations.

Canada saw the highest percentage of students opting out after initially considering it, with 19% of prospective students deciding not to pursue studies there. Australia followed at 15%, and the U.S. at 13%.

Rising costs emerged as the leading reason for students abandoning their plans to study abroad. Among respondents, 49% cited tuition fees as being "beyond their financial reach," 35% pointed to the high cost of living, and another 35% expressed concerns over expensive student visa fees.

The IDP report noted that students are responding negatively to recent policy changes in several traditional study destinations. This has led many to reconsider their plans, with some opting for alternative destinations like Spain or deciding to study at home. Others are delaying their study plans in hopes of more stable and predictable policies in the future.

"Younger students, in particular, are demonstrating a shift in preferences, reflecting concerns about affordability and policy uncertainty," the report stated.