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Independent Singapore
29-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Top countries attracting international students beyond American shores
Even though America seems to be rolling back the red carpet for international students, they are not starved of choices. They could consider other countries if their visa applications have been put on hold by US embassies ordered to pause interviews while the Trump administration weighs stricter vetting of visa applicants' social media activity. According to Study International, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, China and Germany are among the leading host countries for international students. France and Japan are also in the big league. And let's not forget Singapore. A small island, it obviously cannot house the same large numbers as the big players in education, but it's a magnet, too, for foreign students. There were about 65,400 international students in Singapore at end-April 2022, up roughly 10 per cent from 59,100 in April 2021, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a combined reply to queries from The Business Times back then. The figure included student pass holders in all school types, including schools under MOE, universities, polytechnics and private education institutions. The foreign students in Singapore came mainly from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, China and India. From 2008 to 2017, out of 7,251 foreign students who applied for permanent residency on their own merits, close to 82% (5,932) were granted PR, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Of those granted PR between 2008 and 2017, 1,072 (18%) subsequently took up citizenship as of end-2017. International student numbers have been rising worldwide, reaching 6.9 million in 2022. China and India remain the two largest source countries, collectively sending over 1.6 million students abroad in 2022. India alone accounted for around 622,000, while China contributed more than a million. Key destinations United Kingdom: The UK, hosting over 750,000 international students in 2022–2023, continues to be an elite academic destination. However, recent immigration policy changes have made it more restrictive. Still, the UK remains attractive due to its globally respected institutions, cultural richness, and strong career prospects—especially in business, engineering, medicine, and technology. Public opinion remains largely supportive, though housing concerns are mounting. Canada: Canada has experienced rapid growth, hosting over one million international students by late 2023. Its strengths lie in clear post-graduation pathways to permanent residency and a reputation for inclusivity. Canada retains one of the highest international student retention rates globally — 44% remain ten years after starting their studies However, surging demand has placed strain on housing and public services, prompting a new study permit cap. See also Louis Koo donates to buildings schools in China Australia: Long favoured for its lifestyle and quality, Australia has also introduced tighter immigration controls. New rules include higher English proficiency demands and stricter financial requirements. These measures aim to ease housing and labour market pressures. Australia, which hosted over 463,000 foreign students in 2020, maintains a solid international student retention rate of 29%. However, recent surveys point to rising dissatisfaction among foreign students, driven in part by negative public sentiment and regulatory uncertainty. China: In 2020, China hosted nearly half a million international students. Although permanent residency remains elusive for most, the Chinese government is relaxing immigration policies to compete with Western countries. China's appeal lies in strong universities, affordable living costs, and career prospects in sectors like English teaching, engineering, and finance. Germany: With over 469,000 foreign students between 2023 and 2024, Germany has become a standout example of integrating international students into its labour force. Germany offers tuition-free education at public universities, a solid economy, and strong job prospects — particularly in IT, healthcare, and engineering. The country's 45% retention rate after ten years is among the highest globally. France: France hosted over 430,000 international students in 2023–2024 — a 21% rise in five years. It is on track to meet its 2027 goal of 500,000 students. France remains highly attractive for its rich culture, relatively low tuition, and access to the Schengen area. Strong ties between universities and industries enhance student employability, particularly in business, engineering, and the humanities. See also Education's Moonshot Moment Japan: Japan is working to attract more international students to address its demographic decline and labour shortages. It hosted over 228,000 international students in 2020 and aims to exceed 300,000 annually. While Japan's educational quality and cultural appeal draw students, its immigration system remains strict. Job offers are mandatory for all migrants. Although over half express a desire to stay, Japan's retention rate remains low — just 30% post-graduation and 21% over ten years. The government now targets a 50% retention rate. Choose with care: The global education landscape is in flux. Countries like Canada and Germany have a record of integration and long-term retention, recognising international students as vital contributors to their economies and demographics. Others, such as the UK and Australia, are recalibrating under domestic political and social pressures. Students face complex choices. Beyond academic excellence, they must now weigh immigration rules, post-graduation work rights, social climate, and long-term career opportunities.
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Daily Mail
I fled California and now live on $1,100 a month in quaint European city... it's the best decision I've made
A young American has revealed how he escaped California's crippling cost of living to build a new life in a quaint European city - where he now lives comfortably on just $1,100 a month. Colby Grey, 24, grew up in rural San Luis Obispo, California, where international travel was so rare that 'not many people in my town had passports,' he told CNBC Make It. 'You didn't really travel much and you didn't go to school very far either,' he told the outlet. 'I was one of the ones that went further and then when I studied abroad, I was one of the first to leave the country.' Now the university graduate has left the Golden State's astronomical rents and education costs for an idyllic European lifestyle in Leuven, Belgium. Leuven comes with affordable housing, universal healthcare, and the freedom to explore nearby countries on a whim. 'As a student, though, there is no better cost of living,' he said. 'There is nothing better economically than being in Europe. There's no reason to go into debt here, so it just makes sense at this stage in my life.' Grey's journey began when he left his hometown to attend the University of California, Santa Cruz - a two-hour drive that at the time was the furthest he'd ever traveled at that point. The COVID-19 pandemic forced him to go back to his parents' home during college before he finally got an opportunity to study abroad in Copenhagen. A young American has revealed how he escaped California's crippling cost of living to build a new life in a quaint European city - where he now lives comfortably on just $1,100 a month Now the university graduate has left the Golden State's astronomical rents and education costs for an idyllic European lifestyle in Leuven, Belgium (Pictured: View of the city of Leuven) ″[Denmark] managed the pandemic really well and had a very high vaccination rate,' he said. 'I fell in love with it and decided I wanted to do more. Those six months in Denmark ultimately changed the trajectory of his life. When he arrived back in Santa Cruz after traveling, Grey experienced what he described as 'reverse culture shock' - along with a brutal housing market. He was left to share a two-bedroom apartment with three roommates at $1,340 per month for his portion alone. But the final straw came when he realized the staggering cost of his education wasn't worth the price. The average annual cost of in-state tuition at UC Santa Cruz was $44,160 for the 2024-2025 academic year and many of the classes had gone entirely online. 'It just didn't seem like I was getting what I paid for even with a ton of federal and state funding,' Grey said. 'I knew there had to be a better system and a better way to get an education. Through my study abroad job, I realized I could just get a visa and study as an international student for a sixth of the price.' 'I wanted to continue my education, but I wanted to use that as a pathway towards residency.' Grey found out that he could pursue a master's degree in Europe 'for a sixth of the price' while using it as a pathway to residency. Colby Grey, 24, grew up in rural San Luis Obispo, California, where international travel was so rare that 'not many people in my town had passports,' he told CNBC Make It Grey's journey began when he left his hometown to attend the University of California, Santa Cruz - a two-hour drive that at the time was the furthest he'd ever traveled at that point (Pictured: San Luis Obispo, California) He decided on Belgium's KU Leuven university, where annual tuition runs approximately €3,800 ($4,310) - less than 10 percent of what he'd pay in California. Grey arrived in Belgium with just two checked bags and a backpack. He settled into a four-bedroom house with three housemates for just €500 ($567) monthly - 'a third of the price' he paid in California. 'It was fantastic. I mean I was paying a third of the price to get my own room. 'When I first got here, it was daunting. I was aware of the fact that I had no friends here and I was totally on my own,' he continued. 'I think that was the first time I ever felt like that in my life. I worked really hard to make friends and make a community here.' After graduating last summer, he moved to an even more affordable home just outside the city center, where he now pays just €420 ($477) monthly including utilities, with some toiletries and food included. His total monthly expenses come to approximately €998 ($1,132), allowing him a comfortable lifestyle that includes regular dining out, gym membership, and wellness activities. Grey emphasized his love for Leuven's car-free city center with '15-minute city' design, where most daily necessities can be reached within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. 'That was one of the things that I loved about living in Europe, I never felt like I needed a car to live,' he said, adding that Belgium's central location means 'there are four different countries around me within a three-hour train ride.' Grey emphasized his love for Leuven's car-free city center with '15-minute city' design, where most daily necessities can be reached within a 15-minute walk or bike ride Since first visiting Europe in 2021 and relocating in 2023, Grey has traveled to 20 different countries, while hosting visits from family and friends He also expressed his fondness over the city's work-life balance and easy access to other countries. Since first visiting Europe in 2021 and relocating in 2023, Grey has traveled to 20 different countries, while hosting visits from family and friends. 'The community feels so strong here and I have a really great balance between my work life and my home life,' he said. 'It's such a slower pace of life here and it's really beautiful.'
