Visa curbs drive students towards Asia, Europe

INTERNATIONAL BUREAU —International students are increasingly turning away from universities in the United States and Britain in favour of institutions in Asia and continental Europe, as tighter visa restrictions and immigration policies reshape global higher education, a survey showed on Thursday. The survey, conducted by Studyportals, NAFSA and Oxford Test of English, covered 437 universities across 63 countries.

It found international undergraduate enrolments in Britain and the US fell 19% and 13%, respectively, between October and August compared with the same period a year earlier. Canada and Australia also experienced weaker demand, while universities across Asia and Europe reported stronger growth in international student enrolments.

Visa restrictions and government policies emerged as the biggest obstacles to enrolment, with processing delays, tougher screening and changes to post-study work arrangements prompting students to postpone or abandon their plans. The findings come amid tighter immigration measures under US President Donald Trump, including expanded social media checks and visa revocations.

Britain has also restricted most international students from bringing dependants and plans to shorten the period graduates can remain to seek employment. "National policies matter to international students making major decisions about where to study, conduct research, or start a career," NAFSA chief executive Fanta Aw said.