Opinion… from the Editor, 11.09.25

Data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) this week shows fewer international student permit holders arrived in Canada between January and June 2025, versus the same period last year.

It’s safe to say the drop in arrivals was largely expected and is undoubtedly the early effect of the new caps and stricter requirements enacted to reduce international student permit volumes at the beginning of 2024. However, this is just the beginning. More significant effects of the new measures will only start to appear a few months after they begin, warned IRCC, and if fewer students are applying for a study permit or indeed even qualifying under the stricter rules, there’s a fear this could push the decline significantly further.

Nicola Hancox, Editor of StudyTravel Magazine

Tighter immigration policies in Canada, Australia, and the UK have dampened international student mobility across many segments of international education, with the English Language Teaching (ELT) sector particularly affected. According to Bonard’s Global ELT Annual Report 2025, which covers eight major English language teaching destinations – Australia, Canada, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and the USA – there was a 10 per cent decrease in student weeks and a six per cent dip in student numbers in 2024.

ELT schools are hugely dependent on short-term enrolments and pathway students, both of which are more vulnerable to tougher visa requirements, higher proof-of-funds thresholds, and tighter post-study work rules. With many learners studying English as a first step toward further education or migration, policy uncertainty in major destinations has translated into weaker demand for ELT programs.

As entry barriers rise in traditional destinations, more students are turning to emerging ELT markets such as the Philippines and Dubai, a factor highlighted in the Bonard report. Positioning themselves as affordable and accessible alternatives, with fewer visa hurdles and lower living costs, these markets will likely continue to reshape student preferences.

The diversification of destination choice was highlighted by Donatienne Hissard, Dean of Campus France, in another news story this week, highlighting record numbers of international students studying in France in the 2024/25 academic year. “The challenge for Europe and France is to position themselves as an alternative in this unprecedented landscape,” she said.

Elsewhere this week, two UK universities announced a trailblazing collaboration providing a stronger financial foundation for both institutions that will help them better navigate current and future economic challenges. The University of Kent and the University of Greenwich plan to work together formally, a partnership that could serve as a blueprint for other institutions.

The acquisition of Indonesian-based agency Sun Education by global agency group StudyIn, meanwhile, is another example of an agreement that promises to unlock greater opportunity for students. It will also give existing university partners direct access to a rapidly growing student recruitment market, the companies said.

Expanding its presence in the US market this week is global student housing operator, YUGO, which has absorbed Campus Advantage, adding to its growing portfolio and, like the examples above, ultimately securing new opportunities for students and clients worldwide.

Program and product announcements for 2026 have been plentiful this week with Centre of English Studies set to launch a new residential summer program in Dublin; global provider Kings Education announcing Kings Oxford will relaunch as a specialist school of sciences, and ILAC Education Group (Tamwood Camp) is reimagining student travel with the launch a new leadership-themed summer camp at the University of Central Florida in partnership with Walt Disney World!

Last but not least, please note that voting for the sixth edition of the StudyTravel Secondary School Awards 2026 has officially opened! If you’re an institution, service provider or agency working in the growing high school study abroad sector and want to show your appreciation for partners that have made a difference to your day-to-day, make sure you cast your vote!