Educonnect Mid-July 2025
POPULAR STUDY DESTINATION UPDATES
U.S. International Student Recruitment Under Pressure
Indian F-1 visa approvals dropped 27%. The Trump administration’s Harvard subpoena, revived visa scrutiny, and aggressive social media vetting are eroding trust. The reinstatement of visas for Southern University students and the proposed “Big Beautiful Bill” education.
UK July Snapshot: Digital Visas & First Dip
The UK has fully transitioned to E-Visas, June saw a 1.1% drop in study visa applications. Nord Anglia International Schools expanded into Italy with three new campuses, while 2025 IB students posted improved scores, highlighting stronger academic performance.
Canada July Snapshot: Rising Financial Bar
Canada will increase the study permit proof-of-funds requirement. Decline in student has already led to 10,000 job losses in colleges. The University of Regina and Howard University have partnered, while NSERC introduced new funding to boost research.
Australia July Bulletin
Australia raised student visa fees and capped new international enrollments. Universities facing intake limits raised tuition fees. South Australia’s SACE program sees rising global demand, Victoria continues investing in student through its “Yes to International Students” fund.
New Zealand July Update
New Zealand announced to double its international education sector by 2034, targeting an increase from 83,700 to 119,000 international students. Immigration removed the International Qualification Assessment requirement for Indian degree holders, simplifying the visa process.
Japan Expands English Programs, Adjusts PhD Funding
Japan has expanded its English-taught degree offerings to boost international student recruitment. Japan plans to phase out annual living stipends of up to ¥2 million (~$16,700) for foreign PhD students, reflecting a shift in funding priorities.
India Accelerates Student Mobility Partnerships
JNU cut tuition fees by up to 80% for non-SAARC students. 101 Indian students secured Erasmus+ scholarships. Delhi Technological University unveiled global expansion plans. ESCP Business School strengthened its India presence. India and Malaysia agreed to deepen collaboration in education.
China Boosts Returnee Integration
Over 80% of top Chinese firms are now actively recruiting overseas-educated returnees. The government has launched national job fairs and micro-major programs, creating new pathways for both domestic and internationally educated talent.
South Korea Accelerates Student Recruitment
South Korea now allows international graduates to stay up to three years post-study to seek employment, with fast-track residency for STEM majors and broader work rights. Universities are also boosting global engagement through expanded summer school programs.
Europe | Accelerates Student Recruitment
Ireland record-high international student enrolment, Germany proposes to cap international students to 30-40%. France strengthens ties with UK. The Netherlands and Sweden, continue expanding international partnerships, while Eastern Europe maintains significant foreign enrolment, including Belarus hosting 30,000 international students, Ukraine enhancing global university collaboration and Russia intensifying tensions with Yale University.
ASIA UPDATES
- Vietnam issued over 40,000 student visas in 2024, marking a 20% rise since 2019 and solidifying its position as a stable growth market. Australia saw ~35,000 Vietnamese enrolments in 2023-24.
- Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) organised the opening ceremony for the Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship (IACS) 2025 on July 7, drawing 12 participants from 10 different countries.
- Malaysia reinforced its appeal to international students at the Mega Ayo Kuliah di Malaysia fair in Jakarta. At the same time, a new 6% service tax on private education for foreigners took effect on July 1, raising affordability concerns.
- The Sri Lankan Cabinet approved a scholarship program for top performers of the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination to pursue their first degree at foreign universities. An allocation of Rs 200 million has been made in the 2025 budget.
- Data from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) indicates that Indian students now constitute 42% of the international student population in Dubai’s higher education institutions.
- Dubai has reinforced its status as a leading global destination for international students and investors, driven by strategic initiatives enhancing education, innovation, and business ecosystems.
AFRICA UPDATES
- Nigeria’s Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, declared admissions outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). A $40 million ICT project has been launched to modernise tertiary education. AWS Academy partnership is set to revolutionise digital literacy across Nigerian universities.
- Kenya’s KUCCPS has placed 310,467 students into higher education institutions for 2025, with 153,274 joining universities and the rest enrolled in diploma and certificate programs across colleges and TVETs.
- Ghana has launched the “No Fees, No Stress” policy, covering fees for over 15,000 first-year tertiary students. The Vice President Bawumia reaffirmed the government’s stance on non-interference in public university affairs.
- Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education announced the opening of the electronic coordination portal (“Tansik”) for aptitude test registration. This period marks the registration window for programs (Art, Architecture, Music, Sports Sciences, etc.).
- Estonian universities have reported their highest admission numbers, led by the University of Tartu and Tallinn University of Technology. The rise is driven by streamlined digital admissions and Estonia’s growing reputation for affordable, tech-savvy education.