How the Profile of an International Student Has Changed Over the Past 5 Years

The landscape of international education has been rapidly changing over the past few years, and with it, students’ ambitions and needs. A new generation has learned to adapt to political uncertainty and shifting economic realities. And while global interest in studying abroad remains high, today’s applicants are choosing new paths and prioritizing their own interests and long-term goals above all else.

Modern students have more control over their educational journey than ever before. They’re well-informed, pragmatic, and comfortable navigating a fast-changing world. They evaluate multiple factors at once — from cost of living to post-graduation prospects — and are no longer limiting themselves to “classic” destinations like the US, the UK, or Canada.

So, what really matters to an international applicant in 2026? What are the key global trends, and how has student mobility evolved? Let’s break it down in this article.

Contents:

• Global trends in international mobility
• How the geography of mobility has changed
• How international students’ motivation has shifted
• The impact of digitalization on the admissions process
• Challenges and opportunities for future applicants
• Help with studying abroad

Global Trends in International Student Mobility

According to the latest estimates, around 7 million international students are studying worldwide today — a historic high. For comparison, in the early 2000s, only about 2 million people pursued education abroad.

Global student mobility continues to grow and evolve despite very real challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, tighter migration policies, and increasing competition.

Impact of the pandemic on student mobility

The COVID-19 pandemic created serious barriers to mobility, but it didn’t stop overall growth. According to OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) reports, international student mobility in these countries continued to increase even during this period — though at a slower pace than in previous years.

This shows that interest in international education remains strong, even amid global crises and uncertainty. Universities and countries, in turn, proved their ability to adapt to new realities: online and hybrid learning formats emerged, visa processes were simplified, and opportunities for student employment and support expanded.

Fortunately, by 2026 COVID is no longer a limiting factor for applicants — and that’s a major shift. In the early 2020s, any kind of travel — especially moving abroad to study — felt risky. Today, both universities and students are back to long-term planning.

Broader geography of mobility

In the 2025/26 academic year, international mobility is becoming less centralized. While traditional destinations (the US, the UK, Canada, Australia) remain important, their share of overall mobility is gradually declining. At the same time, countries in continental Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are gaining ground, with more students seriously considering these alternative study destinations.

International students as a core part of education systems

According to the OECD, the share of international students in total enrollment continues to grow in many countries, especially at the master’s and doctoral levels. International students are no longer just an “add-on” to national education systems — they’re a core part of the structure, and education policies increasingly take them into account.

For future applicants, this is both good and bad news. On the one hand, universities are more globally oriented than ever. On the other, this also means tougher competition among applicants.

Key takeaways:

• By 2026, international mobility has become the norm, not the exception.
• The number of students studying abroad has stabilized at a historically high level — around 7 million worldwide.
• Applicants are choosing countries and universities in a more thoughtful and strategic way.
• Today’s international student is a key player in the global education market.

How the Geography of Student Mobility Has Changed

By 2026, international student mobility has become less “one-polar” and far more diverse. Today’s students are much less likely to follow classic routes or limit themselves to just a few popular destinations. At the same time, the balance among traditional student-sending countries has also shifted.

Let’s take a closer look at this trend.

Where students are coming from: countries shaping the global flow

According to the latest analytical data from the OECD and ICEF, international student mobility is still largely driven by Asia. However, the internal structure of this flow has changed significantly:

• India has become the world’s largest source of international students. According to ICEF Monitor, this steady growth is driven by demographic pressure, limited capacity within the national higher education system, and a strong focus on building international careers.

• China remains one of the key “exporters” of international students, although its share of the global flow has declined compared to the late 2010s. This is not due to falling demand, but rather to a diversification of educational paths: some students are choosing regional destinations or alternative study formats.

• South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are strengthening their role as source regions. The OECD notes that growth in mobility is increasingly fueled by countries with fast-growing youth populations and limited access to high-quality higher education at home.

Destination countries

As mentioned above, traditional destinations are still holding on to their leading positions, but their share has been declining in recent years. ICEF and industry analysts point to an important shift: students no longer see these countries as the only viable option and are actively exploring alternatives.

Visa restrictions, rising living costs, and changes in work regulations are having a particularly strong influence on applicants’ decisions.

• The US, the UK, Canada, and Australia — the so-called “Big Four” — still remain the top destinations and host the largest number of international students in absolute terms.
• Continental Europe (especially Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries) is becoming increasingly attractive thanks to a combination of strong academic quality, more affordable costs, and relatively stable migration policies. The OECD notes a growing share of international students across European countries.
• Asia and the Middle East are also strengthening their positions as study destinations, with more students choosing Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, and the UAE.

Key takeaways:

• By 2026, international students are no longer focused on a single country but are considering several options in parallel.
• Applicants are comparing not only universities, but also long-term employment and immigration scenarios. Education is increasingly part of a broader life strategy.
• Choosing a country and a university has become far more rational than it was five to seven years ago.

How International Students’ Motivation Has Changed by 2026

When choosing a country to study in, today’s student is no longer guided solely by reputation or the prestige of the degree listed on the diploma. They think much more strategically.

The motivation of international students has shifted significantly — primarily under the influence of new economic constraints, migration policies, and a stronger focus on career outcomes and quality of life.

1. Cost and affordability are the top priority

Financial pressure has become one of the key factors when deciding where to study. A 2025 study showed that four out of the five leading decision-making factors are directly related to finances:

• tuition fees (mentioned by 91.4% of surveyed students);
• career opportunities after graduation (87.8%);
• cost of living (76.7%);
• opportunities to work while studying (74.6%).

As a result, choosing a country has become largely an economic decision for international students. University rankings are no longer the main reference point: students are evaluating return on investment (ROI) and how in-demand their degree will be on the job market.

2. Employment after graduation

Most international students see studying abroad as the first step toward a career overseas. That’s why programs and universities that partner with employers and offer internships with industry companies are especially attractive.

The ApplyBoard Student Pulse Survey 2025 found that:

• a high graduate employment rate matters to 62% of prospective students;
• having a clear pathway to a chosen career is important for 54%;
• internship opportunities (including integrated internships) matter to 42%.

3. Living conditions and safety

For today’s students, feeling comfortable and safe during their studies plays a major role — and it directly affects destination choice. Surveys show that students assess how “welcoming” a country is. This includes the availability of support infrastructure, student communities, integration assistance, and more.

4. Political uncertainty

National policies — especially visa and migration rules — also influence student decisions. Stricter visa requirements, tougher post-graduation work conditions, and limited quotas for international students all push many applicants to look for alternative destinations.

In particular, interest is growing in regions with more stable and predictable policies, such as countries in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Key takeaways:

Today’s international student is a true strategist. They are looking for maximum economic and professional return from their studies, while also paying close attention to safety and quality of life in the host country. Personal interests and long-term plans have become the deciding factors when choosing a university, outweighing external markers like prestige and ranking positions.

The Impact of Digitalization on the Admissions Process

Technology has radically changed not only how students study, but the entire applicant journey — from choosing a university to final enrollment. This opens up new opportunities, but also creates new challenges.

1) Online applications via digital platforms

Digital tools have made the application process faster and more transparent, eliminating the need for physical presence. All required documents can be uploaded in just a few minutes through a personal online account; applicants can also track their application status and receive feedback directly from the university. Simple, fast, convenient.

2) Virtual education fairs

Traditional in-person fairs and campus open days have increasingly been replaced by virtual events that allow students to:

• attend online sessions without leaving home;
• communicate directly with university representatives;
• ask questions and get first-hand answers;
• compare programs and universities more quickly (saving time).

3) Digital campuses and 3D tours

Just imagine this: today’s applicant can “walk” around a university campus before ever setting foot there. For our parents — and especially earlier generations — this would have sounded like pure science fiction. For us, it’s becoming normal. We can explore Harvard or Cambridge classrooms, check out dorm rooms, stroll through courtyards, and get a feel for campus life without leaving our own room.

4) Artificial intelligence

When talking about modern technology, it’s impossible not to mention AI. Neural networks have had a major impact on the admissions process — on both sides. Universities and students alike are actively using AI today, each for their own purposes. We take a closer look at the additional challenges AI creates for applicants here.

Challenges and Opportunities for Future Applicants

The new reality requires international students not only to prepare more carefully, but also to have a much clearer understanding of migration rules and post-graduation employment options.

Here’s what future applicants should pay close attention to:

1. Admission requirements

By 2026, admission requirements have become stricter and more complex. Many universities are raising their standards for academic performance, language proficiency, and additional skills — especially for competitive, high-prestige programs.

On top of that, enhanced applicant screening — including stricter checks of financial documents — increases preparation time and makes the process more complicated. That’s why future applicants should start early: prepare their portfolio, language test scores and GPA, motivation statements, and proof of financial stability well in advance.

The cost of mistakes is rising. Even small typos or inconsistencies in documents can result in a rejection.

2. Visa policy and post-graduation employment

Immigration rules in some countries continue to change, and this directly affects applicants’ choices:

• Many countries have tightened visa requirements and introduced additional conditions for applications. As a result, the visa process has become longer, less predictable, and more preparation-intensive.
• The EU, the UK, and several other countries are introducing stricter student selection mechanisms to prioritize candidates with clear career prospects and reduce the risk of misuse of migration pathways.

National policies affect not only student visa approval, but also the ability to stay after graduation through special visas and graduate programs. For example, the UK has shortened the duration of its Graduate Visa — decisions like this can reduce international student inflows, especially among those who planned to work after finishing their studies.

This means that planning academic mobility today must include not only program selection, but also realistic post-graduation options.

3. Competition among applicants

Leading destination countries are shifting their focus from the quantity of international students to their “quality” — meaning level of preparation, motivation, and long-term potential. Universities are competing for talent, which raises the entry bar, especially for top-tier programs.

Universities and governments are introducing quotas for international students and tightening requirements to select candidates who bring the greatest academic and economic value. It may sound a bit cynical, but that’s the reality. The better you understand this system, the higher your chances of a successful admission.

Help with Studying Abroad: 3 Simple Steps

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What if I haven’t decided on a university yet?

Choosing a country and a university is a major strategic decision. A personalized consultation with an expert can help. In just one hour, you’ll get:

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