WWEC SPECIAL EDITION
| Reflecting on 2024 and looking forward to 2025 |
From the CEO’s desk
As we near the end of the year, I want to appreciate the incredible resilience and hard work you’ve shown during the challenging times in the Canadian education sector. I understand that the recent changes from IRCC have brought added uncertainty and stress for everyone involved.
While some of these changes were necessary to address the long-term issues, I truly believe that once we are past this, Canada will once again stand out as a top study destination — just like it has in the past.
In the meantime, we at WWEC are doing everything to help lighten the load. We’re working on introducing AI-driven technologies to make the student application process smoother, more cost-effective, and easier. We’re also partnering with innovative companies in recruitment, career support, immigration, and accommodation to boost the reputation of our partner institutions.
Our Mission Canada events continue to showcase the best of Canada, thanks to the dedication of our amazing teams worldwide. I’m also thrilled to share some exciting news: we’re growing! Along with expanding our Southeast Asian and Chinese teams, we’ll officially launch operations in Colombia next year.
As we head into the holiday season, I wish you joy and a New Year filled with hope and opportunities. Thank you for your efforts in making Canada a welcoming place for students. I’m grateful to have you on this journey. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue this journey with you, explore new ideas, and embrace the future together.
WWEC 2024 top highlights
In recent months, we’ve made significant strides to better support your unique needs and goals. While we take great pride in our achievements, we will continue to work more relentlessly to help you navigate the complexities while expanding globally.
We expanded our presence in China and Latin America and have plans to have an in-country representative in Colombia soon.
This year, we onboarded the University of Louisiana and Lafayette College to our existing network of institutions.
The Mission Canada Roadshow involved 10 public universities* visiting authorized agent branches to promote Canada, and engaging with 200+ prospective students at each agent’s office.
*Brock University, College of the Rockies (COTR), Cambrian College, Durham College, Georgian College, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), University of Lethbridge, University of Windsor, and Vancouver Island University
The year gone by | Shifts in student enrolment
Applications for study visas in August, the peak of recruitment season, were 17% lower in 2024 than in 2023. With changes in policy framework, prospective students are considering options closer to their home, with Europe, Asia and the Gulf seen as alternatives outside the ‘big four’. Let’s look at the biggest news this year.
According to the Open Doors report, international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities increased by 12% in 2022-23. Read more here
Study visa applications in the UK for the first three quarters of the year dropped by 16% compared to the same period in 2023. Read more here
Between October 2023 and August 2024, Australia saw a 38% reduction in overall study visas granted compared to the previous year. Read more here
The number of new study permit applications processed by the government could drop by 54% in Q2 2024 versus Q2 2023. Read more here
The year gone by | Shifts in student enrolment
If you are pressed for time and want to unlock key updates from 2024, read the 2024 summary here.
Looking ahead to 2025
In this section, we highlight some pressing trends that underscore the complex interplay between opportunities and challenges in the current educational landscape
| Rising competition We expect the educational sector to face heightened competition from other global destinations. | Increasing costs As cost pressures from inflation surge, this could impact accessibility to global education. | Focus on STEM The demand for STEM programs remains strong, with expanded OPT opportunities. |
| Policy changes Growing concerns regarding visa policies and extended processing time could hinder recruitment efforts. | New emerging markets Strong growth observed from emerging markets such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America (LATAM). | New emerging markets Strong growth is observed from emerging markets such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America (LATAM). |
How institutions can thrive in 2025
Here are 10 tips to enhance the student experience when transitioning from their home country to their study destination.
- Develop local recruitment strategies for emerging markets like Vietnam, Nigeria, and LATAM.
- Implement data analytics to track enrollment patterns and student success metrics.
- Enhance digital infrastructure by upgrading virtual campus tour capabilities and online information.
- Embrace localization by developing multilingual website content and application processes.
- Expand housing support services, such as pre-arrival guidance and airport pickup.
- Developing bridge programs for different academic systems and learning styles.
- Provide financial support by increasing scholarship opportunities and clear information about living costs.
- Provide student support by including mental health and wellness resources with multicultural competency.
- Offer career counseling workshops to help navigate the local job market and cultural workplace norms.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- For International Recruitment Solutions: https://worldeduconnect.com/
- Maple Assist curated Blog: https://www.mapleassist.com/blogs/
- Maple Assist Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXFhQ5_uIF4cQLidiOO_m-Q