Amidst economic downturns, inflation crises, political tensions, wars, immigration policy changes, and restricted student quotas, some argue that 2024 isn't notably worse than past years. Yet, we've experienced better times. However, should prospective international students review their plans to study abroad?
International students impacted by the global economic situation
Prospective international students considering Canada, Australia, or the UK are having a challenging time lately. In France, the recent changes in immigration laws have left international students feeling anxious. Since the law was passed on January 26, the strict measures have been relaxed. But for how long? International students are staying cautious, taking cues from the experiences of those in Canada, Australia, the UK, and the Netherlands.
Could 2024 be a setback for international student mobility? We might be inclined to believe so, considering the tightening of regulations in countries historically popular among international students, especially Canada. While the country justifies its measures and claims to be working to improve conditions and safeguard international students, the changes are being frowned upon. Canada intends to issue 364,000 study permits this year, marking a 35% decrease from 2023.
Do government restrictions affect the plans of potential expatriates? Yes, according to a survey conducted by IDP Education in January 2024 involving 2,500 students from 67 countries. The majority of students surveyed are reconsidering their plans. The UK, Australia, and Canada are significantly losing appeal, with 49%, 47%, and 43% of respondents expressing reluctance to move to these countries. The United States is capitalizing on this situation to attract international students.
Overall, international students are keeping a close eye on global events. According to the study's authors, immigration reforms and the political climate significantly influence international student mobility.
Focus on the Netherlands
In early 2023, the Netherlands made the news headlines with its plan to decrease the influx of international students. Although international students comprised only 15% of higher education enrollments in 2022-2023, the Ministry of Education proposed a bill to reduce their numbers. Additionally, the bill suggested mandating Dutch as the official language, at least for bachelor-level programs, and imposing limits on English-taught courses. Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf had already advocated for universities to halt the "recruitment" of foreign students in 2021, citing concerns over the "quality of Dutch education" and accommodation pressure. The victory of the far-right in November's parliamentary elections has sent shockwaves through the universities.
In February 2024, Dijkgraaf's proposal materialized into a bill. The legislation, titled "For a balanced approach to internationalization in Dutch higher education," urges universities to manage the influx of international students and prioritize access for domestic students. However, Dijkgraaf acknowledges the importance of skilled international students and aims to keep attracting talent, particularly in sectors facing shortages.
Focus on Canada
The updated Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) guidelines have been implemented. Graduates from Designated Educational Institutions (DEIs) are no longer automatically eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). DEIs are institutions authorized by the federal or provincial government to enroll international students. Previously, graduates from DEIs were automatically eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa Program (TCDP). The new protocol establishes a list of Eligible Educational Institutions (EEIs) authorized to offer programs that qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa Program (TGVP). This measure is part of Canada's new strategy to regulate the influx of international students. According to authorities, the objective is to provide better support for young international graduates seeking employment opportunities and address concerns about misconduct observed in some institutions.
Ending the existence of "questionable schools" to protect international students
In a speech on February 27, 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller called on the provinces to take action and warned of the potential closure of schools in provinces that fail to comply. Miller emphasizes that it's the responsibility of the provinces to ensure the smooth operation of post-secondary education. However, various investigations, including those conducted by the Migrant Workers Alliance and other immigrant advocacy groups, have uncovered instances of exploitation of international students. These include private establishments located in shopping malls, exorbitant tuition fees for online courses, absentee professors, and low-quality courses. Investigations by the Immigration Department have reached similar findings.
British Columbia is taking heed of the government's warnings. As the second-largest province for international students, with 175,000 enrolled in both public and private institutions (54% in the private sector), it is cracking down on "questionable schools" within its jurisdiction. The province has implemented a two-year suspension on the enrollment of international students, as announced by Post-Secondary Education Minister Selina Robinson on January 29, 2024. During this period, new institutions will not be able to accept international students. Additional regulations, such as language proficiency requirements, are being introduced to enhance the protection of international students and better prepare them for life in Canada. The Minister acknowledged that the current education system is not functioning as intended. Ontario is also taking measures to penalize its "dubious schools."
Better support for foreign postgraduates
Canada is taking a dual approach: combating institutions that exploit international students while ensuring their successful integration into the job market. Since February 15, 2024, international students enrolled in a master's program lasting at least 2 years (minimum of 8 months) can obtain a 3-year post-graduation work permit. However, programs lasting less than 8 months are not eligible for this permit. The Canadian government specifies that the permit's validity depends on factors such as the program of study, its duration, or the expiry date of the passport. Additionally, other factors, like programs completed, diplomas earned abroad or in Canada, etc., also influence the application for the post-graduation work permit.
For Sarom Rho, national coordinator of Migrant Students United (a member of the Migrant Workers Alliance), a failing institution should not be allowed to accept international students, let alone charge astronomical tuition fees.
Focus on Australia
There has been a significant decline in the number of international students in Australia, with a 20% decrease in student visas issued in February 2024, marking the lowest figure in 20 years. Australia has initiated an extensive reform of its migration system, mainly targeting student visas. Applicants now face more stringent requirements, including higher scores in English language tests, which are more rigorous than before. Additionally, applicants must pass the "Genuine Student Test" to prove their authenticity. Moreover, the age limit for applicants has been reduced from 50 to 35. While Australia continues to seek foreign workers to address labor shortages, it is intensifying efforts to remove international students who overstay without securing employment in sectors facing shortages.
The Australian government is also reconsidering its post-study permits. Previously, eligible bachelor's, master's, and PhD students could stay longer in the country (4 to 6 years) depending on their level of study. However, in late February, the Ministry of Education reverted to the original terms: 2 to 3 years. Starting in mid-2024, international students will no longer have the option to apply for an extension to their post-study permit. The Australian government justifies this decision as part of its efforts to enhance the quality of international education. The implementation of the Genuine Student Test, replacing the Genuine Temporary Entrant, is a key component of this strategy.
The Australian government's new policy represents a shift in focus: international graduates are primarily seen as a solution to address labor shortages. The main purpose of the study permit is not to offer a pathway to permanent residency but rather to train workers to fill shortages in key sectors. Australia, already recognized for its strict migration policies, plans to cut its net migration by half: from 375,000 this year to 250,000 by 2025, returning to pre-Covid levels. According to the Australian Department of Education, the increase in immigration numbers (510,000 between June 2022 and June 2023) is largely attributed to the rise in international student enrollment (reaching 768,000 in October 2023). Despite facing an aging population and significant labor shortages, the Australian government has notably increased the annual quota for immigrant workers from 35,000 to 190,000 as of September 2023.
The bottom line
So, should you delay our plans to move abroad in light of the challenges surrounding international student mobility? Not really. In fact, most of these restrictions are pushing international students to explore alternatives. For instance, those turning away from Canada are considering the United States instead. Moreover, countries like the United Arab Emirates, Germany, South Korea, and Japan are actively seeking to attract international students. Many of these nations share common challenges, such as demographic decline and labor shortages. Therefore, we are very far from the end of global student mobility.
Useful links:
Canada: Post-Graduation Work Permit
US: international student visa
France: Studying in France - Campus France
Australia: support for international students
United Arab Emirates (UAE): studying in the UAE
