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Canada News.Net
09-08-2025
- Business
- Canada News.Net
Other countries gain as US limits international student enrolment
LONDON, U.K.: As the Trump administration ramped up pressure on U.S. colleges to reduce their reliance on international students, while tightening immigration rules and adding more scrutiny for foreign applicants, other countries began to see an opportunity. The U.S. government sparked outrage in the spring by targeting international students who took part in pro-Palestinian protests. Some were threatened with deportation, and the legal status of thousands of international students was suddenly revoked — in some cases over minor infractions like traffic tickets. These moves added to the growing sense of uncertainty among international students in America. Although the U.S. is still a top destination for higher education, many students are now seriously looking at other countries they may not have considered before. This shift could have lasting consequences for American universities and the broader economy. One sign of the trouble is that long visa delays in China have led many students to give up on studying in the U.S. entirely. Universities in Hong Kong report a rise in transfer requests from international students currently enrolled in the U.S., while the U.K. has seen a surge in applications for undergraduate programs. According to a study by NAFSA, an organization that promotes global education, international enrollment in the U.S. could fall by 30 to 40 percent this fall. That would result in an estimated US$7 billion loss to the American economy. Many international students pay full tuition, so their absence also creates financial strain for colleges. Britain, the second-most popular country for international education, stands to gain. Even as the new Labour government vows to tighten immigration and limit the length of time foreign graduates can stay and work, admissions experts say the U.K. is still seen as the most welcoming among the four major English-speaking destinations: the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia. Recent numbers back this up. Undergraduate applications from international students to U.K. universities rose 2.2 percent this fall after a drop last year. Applications from China grew 10 percent, and U.S. applications hit nearly 8,000 — a 14 percent rise and the highest in 20 years. Graduate school acceptances from international students also climbed by about 10 percent, especially in business and management programs, according to UniQuest, a firm that works with British universities. Mike Henniger, CEO of Illume Student Advisory Services, said it will take until the fall to get a clear picture of how significant the shift really is. But already, he said, "the American brand has taken a massive hit — and the U.K. is the one that is benefiting." In Asia, demand from Chinese students is growing fast for universities in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, said Will Kwong of AAS Education, a Hong Kong-based consultancy. Many Western universities have offshore campuses in these regions that are less expensive and easier to access than studying in the U.S. or U.K. Kwong added that some Asian families no longer see the U.S. as their automatic first choice due to the political climate and visa troubles. Many students are still waiting for U.S. visa interviews and are likely to miss the start of the fall semester. Still, some remain hopeful. Alisa, a Chinese undergraduate studying data science, plans to attend an exchange program this fall at the University of California, Berkeley. Despite the growing difficulties, she hopes to stay on for a master's degree in the U.S. But she is also looking into other options, "just so I could still go to school if the extreme scenario occurs," said Alisa, who spoke on condition of partial anonymity out of fear of being targeted.
NDTV
06-08-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Trump Cracks Down On Foreign Students, College Applications Rise Outside US
LONDON: In China, wait times for US visa interviews are so long that some students have given up. Universities in Hong Kong are fielding transfer inquiries from foreign students in the US, and international applications for British undergraduate programs have surged. President Donald Trump's administration has been pressuring US colleges to reduce their dependence on international enrollment while adding new layers of scrutiny for foreign students as part of its crackdown on immigration. The US government has sought to deport foreign students for participating in pro-Palestinian activism. In the spring, it abruptly revoked the legal status of thousands of international students, including some whose only brush with law enforcement was a traffic ticket. After reversing course, the government paused new appointments for student visas while rolling out a process for screening applicants' social media accounts. The US remains the first choice for many international students, but institutions elsewhere are recognising opportunity in the upheaval, and applicants are considering destinations they might have otherwise overlooked. The impact on US universities - and the nation's economy - may be significant. New international enrollment in the US could drop by 30% to 40% this fall, according to an analysis of visa and enrollment data by NAFSA, an agency that promotes international education. That would deprive the US economy of $7 billion in spending, according to the analysis. Many international students pay full price, so their absence would also hurt college budgets. As the second most popular destination for international students, Britain is positioned to benefit. The country's new Labour government has vowed to cut migration, and officials have imposed time limits on post-study visas, allowing graduates to stay and work. But admissions consultants say the United Kingdom is still seen as the most welcoming of the traditional "big four" English-speaking destinations in higher education - the US, UK, Canada and Australia. After declining last year, the number of international applications for undergraduate study in the UK this fall grew by 2.2%, official figures show. A record number of applications came from China, up 10% compared with the previous year. Applications from the US also reached nearly 8,000 students - an increase of 14% and a 20-year high. Acceptances of international students for graduate programs in the UK grew an estimated 10% from last year, driven by demand for business and management courses in particular, according to data from UniQuest, which works with many British universities on admissions. Data showing the extent of any impact will not be available until fall, said Mike Henniger, CEO of Illume Student Advisory Services, a consultancy that works with colleges in the US, Canada and Europe. "But the American brand has taken a massive hit, and the UK is the one that is benefiting," he said. Demand from Chinese students has risen rapidly for university places in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, said Will Kwong, managing director of AAS Education, a consultancy in Hong Kong. Many Western universities have offshore campuses there that are more affordable than going to the US or the UK. "Opting for study in Asia has been a trend since the easing of COVID-19," Kwong said. "But it's been exacerbated by the change of administration in the US" Some Asian families have told him the U.S. is no longer their clear first choice because of political turbulence and visa difficulties; many are still waiting for US visa interviews and will likely miss the start of the fall term, Kwong said. Chinese college student Alisa, who is studying data science, plans to attend an exchange program this fall at the University of California, Berkeley. She hopes to pursue a master's degree in the US. But she is also looking into other options, "just so I could still go to school if the extreme scenario occurs," said Alisa, who spoke on condition of partial anonymity out of fear of being targeted. Hong Kong will welcome any students who are denied entry to the US, the city's leader, John Lee, has said. Last year, the Chinese territory decided to allow international students to work part-time. Hong Kong University said it has received over 500 inquiries from students in the US and is processing around 200 applications for transfer. At another school, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, international undergraduate applications have surged by 40% from last year, said Alison Lloyd, associate provost for institutional data and research. Countries, including the United Arab Emirates, have invested heavily in attracting international students by partnering with universities elsewhere to host branch campuses. These arrangements could appeal to students who fear being denied access to the US. Dubai, which has designs on becoming a global education hub, hosts dozens of international institutions' satellite campuses. It saw international student numbers grow by a third in 2024-2025. Lisa Johnson, principal of Dubai's private American Academy for Girls, said her mostly Emirati student body is increasingly looking away from the US for college. "Every student wants and dreams to go to Harvard," she said. "But as college options increase in the United Arab Emirates, more and more students are staying." Kazakhstan has similar ambitions, said Daniel Palm, who has helped US universities set up campuses abroad. Illinois Tech and the University of Arizona are among colleges offering degree programs in the Central Asian country, drawing students mostly from China and Russia. "All of a sudden, US colleges are asking how to provide diversity, provide access," Palm said, "because you have students who want to come to the US and can't." (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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First Post
06-08-2025
- Business
- First Post
Chinese students giving up American dream as US keeps them waiting for visa
In China, wait times for US visa interviews are so long that some students have given up. Universities in Hong Kong are fielding transfer inquiries from foreign students in the US, and international applications for British undergraduate programs have surged read more In China, wait times for US visa interviews are so long that some students have given up. Universities in Hong Kong are fielding transfer inquiries from foreign students in the US, and international applications for British undergraduate programs have surged. President Donald Trump's administration has been pressuring US colleges to reduce their dependence on international enrollment while adding new layers of scrutiny for foreign students as part of its crackdown on immigration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US government has sought to deport foreign students for participating in pro-Palestinian activism. In the spring, it abruptly revoked the legal status of thousands of international students, including some whose only brush with law enforcement was a traffic ticket. After reversing course, the government paused new appointments for student visas while rolling out a process for screening applicants' social media accounts. The U.S. remains the first choice for many international students, but institutions elsewhere are recognizing opportunity in the upheaval, and applicants are considering destinations they might have otherwise overlooked. The impact on US universities — and the nation's economy — may be significant. New international enrollment in the US could drop by 30% to 40% this fall, according to an analysis of visa and enrollment data by NAFSA, an agency that promotes international education. That would deprive the U.S. economy of $7 billion in spending, according to the analysis. Many international students pay full price, so their absence would also hurt college budgets. Britain stands to gain as the US takes 'a massive hit' As the second most popular destination for international students, Britain is positioned to benefit. The country's new Labour government has vowed to cut migration, and officials have imposed time limits on post-study visas allowing graduates to stay and work. But admissions consultants say the United Kingdom is still seen as the most welcoming of the traditional 'big four' English-speaking destinations in higher education — the US, UK, Canada and Australia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After declining last year, the number of international applications for undergraduate study in the U.K. this fall grew by 2.2%, official figures show. A record number of applications came from China, up 10% compared with the previous year. Applications from the US also reached nearly 8,000 students — an increase of 14% and a 20-year high. Acceptances of international students for graduate programs in the UK grew an estimated 10% from last year, driven by demand for business and management courses in particular, according to data from UniQuest, which works with many British universities on admissions. Data showing the extent of any impact will not be available until fall, said Mike Henniger, CEO of Illume Student Advisory Services, a consultancy that works with colleges in the US, Canada and Europe. 'But the American brand has taken a massive hit, and the UK is the one that is benefiting,' he said. Staying in Asia is becoming more popular Demand from Chinese students has risen rapidly for universities places in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, said Will Kwong, managing director of AAS Education, a consultancy in Hong Kong. Many Western universities have offshore campuses there that are more affordable than going to the US or UK. 'Opting for study in Asia has been a trend since the easing of COVID-19,' Kwong said. 'But obviously it's been exacerbated by the change of administration in the US.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some Asian families have told him the US is no longer their clear first choice because of political turbulence and visa difficulties, many are still waiting for US visa interviews and will likely miss the start of the fall term, Kwong said. Chinese college student Alisa, who is studying data science, plans to attend an exchange program this fall at the University of California, Berkeley. She hopes to pursue a master's degree in the US. But she is also looking into other options 'just so I could still go to school if the extreme scenario occurs,' said Alisa, who spoke on condition of partial anonymity out of fear of being targeted. Hong Kong will welcome any students who are denied entry to the US, the city's leader John Lee has said. Last year, the Chinese territory decided to allow international students to work part-time. Hong Kong University said it has received over 500 inquiries from students in the US and is processing around 200 applications for transfer. At another school, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, international undergraduate applications have surged by 40% from last year, said Alison Lloyd, associate provost on institutional data and research. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Upheaval could be a boon for countries with satellite campuses Countries including the United Arab Emirates have invested heavily in attracting international students by partnering with universities elsewhere to host branch campuses. These arrangements could appeal to students who fear being denied access to the US. Dubai, which has designs on becoming a global education hub, hosts dozens of international institutions' satellite campuses. It saw international student numbers grow by a third in 2024-2025. Lisa Johnson, principal of Dubai's private American Academy for Girls, said her mostly Emirati student body is increasingly looking away from the US for college. 'Every student wants and dreams to go to Harvard,' she said. 'But as college options increase in the United Arab Emirates, more and more students are staying.' Kazakhstan has similar ambitions, said Daniel Palm, who has helped US universities set up campuses abroad. Illinois Tech and the University of Arizona are among colleges offering degree programs in the Central Asian country, drawing students mostly from China and Russia. 'All of a sudden US colleges are asking how to provide diversity, provide access,' Palm said, 'because you have students who want to come to the US and can't.' With inputs from agencies
Indian Express
06-08-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
As US tightens student visas, countries in Asia, the UK see enrollment surge
In China, wait times for US visa interviews are so long that some students have given up. Universities in Hong Kong are fielding transfer inquiries from foreign students in the US, and international applications for British undergraduate programs have surged. President Donald Trump's administration has been pressuring US colleges to reduce their dependence on international enrolment while adding new layers of scrutiny for foreign students as part of its crackdown on immigration. The US government has sought to deport foreign students for participating in pro-Palestinian activism. In the spring, it abruptly revoked the legal status of thousands of international students, including some whose only brush with law enforcement was a traffic ticket. After reversing course, the government paused new appointments for student visas while rolling out a process for screening applicants' social media accounts. The US remains the first choice for many international students, but institutions elsewhere are recognising opportunity in the upheaval, and applicants are considering destinations they might have otherwise overlooked. The impact on US universities — and the nation's economy — may be significant. New international enrolment in the US could drop by 30 per cent to 40 per cent this fall, according to an analysis of visa and enrolment data by NAFSA, an agency that promotes international education. That would deprive the US economy of USD 7 billion in spending, according to the analysis. Many international students pay full price, so their absence would also hurt college budgets. Britain stands to gain as the US takes a 'massive hit' As the second most popular destination for international students, Britain is positioned to benefit. The country's new Labour government has vowed to cut migration, and officials have imposed time limits on post-study visas allowing graduates to stay and work. But admissions consultants say the United Kingdom is still seen as the most welcoming of the traditional 'big four' English-speaking destinations in higher education — the US, UK, Canada and Australia. After declining last year, the number of international applications for undergraduate study in the UK this fall grew by 2.2 per cent, official figures show. A record number of applications came from China, up 10 per cent compared with the previous year. Applications from the US also reached nearly 8,000 students — an increase of 14 per cent and a 20-year high. Acceptances of international students for graduate programs in the UK grew an estimated 10 per cent from last year, driven by demand for business and management courses in particular, according to data from UniQuest, which works with many British universities on admissions. Data showing the extent of any impact will not be available until fall, said Mike Henniger, CEO of Illume Student Advisory Services, a consultancy that works with colleges in the US, Canada and Europe. 'But the American brand has taken a massive hit, and the UK is the one that is benefiting,' he said. Staying in Asia is becoming more popular Demand from Chinese students has risen rapidly for universities places in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, said Will Kwong, managing director of AAS Education, a consultancy in Hong Kong. Many Western universities have offshore campuses there that are more affordable than going to the US or UK. 'Opting for study in Asia has been a trend since the easing of COVID-19,' Kwong said. 'But obviously it's been exacerbated by the change of administration in the US.' Some Asian families have told him the US is no longer their clear first choice because of political turbulence and visa difficulties, many are still waiting for US visa interviews and will likely miss the start of the fall term, Kwong said. Chinese college student Alisa, who is studying data science, plans to attend an exchange program this fall at the University of California, Berkeley. She hopes to pursue a master's degree in the US. But she is also looking into other options 'just so I could still go to school if the extreme scenario occurs,' said Alisa, who spoke on condition of partial anonymity out of fear of being targeted. Hong Kong will welcome any students who are denied entry to the US, the city's leader John Lee has said. Last year, the Chinese territory decided to allow international students to work part-time. Hong Kong University said it has received over 500 inquiries from students in the US and is processing around 200 applications for transfer. At another school, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, international undergraduate applications have surged by 40 per cent from last year, said Alison Lloyd, associate provost on institutional data and research. Upheaval could be a boon for countries with satellite campuses Countries including the United Arab Emirates have invested heavily in attracting international students by partnering with universities elsewhere to host branch campuses. These arrangements could appeal to students who fear being denied access to the US. Dubai, which has designs on becoming a global education hub, hosts dozens of international institutions' satellite campuses. It saw international student numbers grow by a third in 2024-2025. Lisa Johnson, principal of Dubai's private American Academy for Girls, said her mostly Emirati student body is increasingly looking away from the US for college. 'Every student wants and dreams to go to Harvard,' she said. 'But as college options increase in the United Arab Emirates, more and more students are staying.' Kazakhstan has similar ambitions, said Daniel Palm, who has helped US universities set up campuses abroad. Illinois Tech and the University of Arizona are among colleges offering degree programs in the Central Asian country, drawing students mostly from China and Russia. 'All of a sudden US colleges are asking how to provide diversity, provide access,' Palm said, 'because you have students who want to come to the US and can't.'
Boston Globe
06-08-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
College applications rise outside US as Trump cracks down on international students
Advertisement The US remains the first choice for many international students, but institutions elsewhere are recognizing opportunity in the upheaval, and applicants are considering destinations they might have otherwise overlooked. The impact on US universities — and the nation's economy — may be significant. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up New international enrollment in the US could drop by 30 percent to 40 percent this fall, according to an analysis of visa and enrollment data by NAFSA, an agency that promotes international education. That would deprive the US economy of $7 billion in spending, according to the analysis. Many international students pay full price, so their absence would also hurt college budgets. Britain stands to gain as the US takes 'a massive hit' As the second most popular destination for international students, Britain is positioned to The country's new Labour government has vowed to cut migration, and officials have imposed time limits on post-study visas allowing graduates to stay and work. But admissions consultants say the United Kingdom is still seen as the most welcoming of the traditional 'big four' English-speaking destinations in higher education — the US, U.K., Canada and Australia. Advertisement After declining last year, the number of international applications for undergraduate study in the U.K. this fall grew by 2.2 percent, official figures show. A record number of applications came from China, up 10 percent compared with the previous year. Applications from the US also reached nearly 8,000 students — an increase of 14 percent and a 20-year high. Acceptances of international students for graduate programs in the U.K. grew an estimated 10 percent from last year, driven by demand for business and management courses in particular, according to data from UniQuest, which works with many British universities on admissions. Data showing the extent of any impact will not be available until fall, said Mike Henniger, CEO of Illume Student Advisory Services, a consultancy that works with colleges in the US, Canada and Europe. 'But the American brand has taken a massive hit, and the U.K. is the one that is benefiting,' he said. FILE - Graduating students take photos outside Senate House at Cambridge University, England, May 17. 2024. Joe Giddens/Associated Press Staying in Asia is becoming more popular Demand from Chinese students has risen rapidly for universities places in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, said Will Kwong, managing director of AAS Education, a consultancy in Hong Kong. Many Western universities have offshore campuses there that are more affordable than going to the US or U.K. 'Opting for study in Asia has been a trend since the easing of COVID-19,' Kwong said. 'But obviously it's been exacerbated by the change of administration in the US.' Advertisement Some Asian families have told him the US is no longer their clear first choice because of political turbulence and visa difficulties, many are still waiting for US visa interviews and will likely miss the start of the fall term, Kwong said. Chinese college student Alisa, who is studying data science, plans to attend an exchange program this fall at the University of California, Berkeley. She hopes to pursue a master's degree in the US. But she is also looking into other options 'just so I could still go to school if the extreme scenario occurs,' said Alisa, who spoke on condition of partial anonymity out of fear of being targeted. Hong Kong will welcome any students who are denied entry to the US, the city's leader John Lee has said. Last year, the Chinese territory decided to allow international students to work part-time. Hong Kong University said it has received over 500 inquiries from students in the US and is processing around 200 applications for transfer. At another school, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, international undergraduate applications have surged by 40 percenttt from last year, said Alison Lloyd, associate provost on institutional data and research. Upheaval could be a boon for countries with satellite campuses Countries including the United Arab Emirates have invested heavily in attracting international students by partnering with universities elsewhere to host branch campuses. These arrangements could appeal to students who fear being denied access to the US Dubai, which has designs on becoming a global education hub, hosts dozens of international institutions' satellite campuses. It saw international student numbers grow by a third in 2024-2025. Lisa Johnson, principal of Dubai's private American Academy for Girls, said her mostly Emirati student body is increasingly looking away from the U.S. for college. Advertisement 'Every student wants and dreams to go to Harvard,' she said. 'But as college options increase in the United Arab Emirates, more and more students are staying.' Kazakhstan has similar ambitions, said Daniel Palm, who has helped US universities set up campuses abroad. Illinois Tech and the University of Arizona are among colleges offering degree programs in the Central Asian country, drawing students mostly from China and Russia. 'All of a sudden US colleges are asking how to provide diversity, provide access,' Palm said, 'because you have students who want to come to the US and can't.' ___ Associated Press writers Kanis Leung in Hong Kong; Albee Zhang in Washington, D.C.; and Gabe Levin in Dubai contributed.
