The Global Enrollment Benchmark Survey, which gathered data from 240 institutions across 48 countries, highlights how policy decisions are dramatically reshaping the landscape of international education, particularly in the United States under the new Trump administration.
"Amid sweeping political shifts in the United States, this survey offers a powerful snapshot of how policy turbulence is reshaping global student mobility," said Dr. Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. "The message is unmistakable: international students are paying attention—and increasingly turning away from the traditional 'Big Four' destinations in search of stability, opportunity, and affordability."
The survey, which focused on the January to March 2025 intake period, revealed that 62% of institutions identified government policies and visa challenges as significant barriers to enrollment. This issue was particularly acute in Canada (93%), Australia (86%), and the United States (70%).
For postgraduate programs, where most international students are enrolled, 34% of institutions reported a decline compared to the previous year, while 29% reported higher enrollments and 37% indicated stable numbers. The sharpest postgraduate enrollment drops were observed in Canada (down 31%), followed by the U.S. and Australia (both down 13%).
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has seen a strong rebound in postgraduate enrollments (up 18%), recovering from a sharp drop in January 2024 following new legislation on dependent visas.
The Trump administration's impact on U.S. higher education is already evident. According to the press release, "From proposed funding cuts to Fulbright and other international exchange programs, to sudden and inexplicable student visa revocations and arrests, to interference in research, free speech, and academic freedom on college campuses, the United States is an extremely volatile environment for international students seeking a safe and rewarding educational experience."
