New Delhi: Rising tuition fees and higher proof-of-funds requirements in the traditional “big four” study-abroad destinations — Canada, the US, UK and Australia — are forcing students to reconsider their choices, according to a new report.

The “2026 Trends Report: Building and Rebuilding Global Education” by ApplyBoard, an international student mobility technology platform, says international students are becoming increasingly strategic, prioritising affordability, employability and policy stability over prestige.

“Financial pressures are taking centre stage. Rising tuition fees and higher proof-of-funds requirements in the big four destinations are forcing students to rethink their options. Germany and Ireland are now viewed as more affordable, offering lower fees and flexible post-study work windows,” the report said.

“France and Spain are attracting record enrolments, supported by national housing initiatives and simplified visa routes,” it added.

The report said policy tightening continues to disrupt the traditional flow of international students to English-speaking countries.

“In Canada, new study permits are projected to fall 54 per cent year-over-year in 2025, while post-graduation work permits could drop 30 per cent. Australia and the UK are maintaining stable volumes but face tempered demand amid stricter compliance standards and higher living costs,” it said.

While global demand remains strong, volatility in policies and economic pressures are pushing Indian students and families to evaluate return on investment more closely.

“The decision to study abroad is now a financial calculation. Students are focusing on tangible outcomes, affordable education, post-study work opportunities and destinations with policy consistency,” said Meti Basiri, co-founder and CEO of ApplyBoard.

The report also noted that non-anglophone destinations are refining policies to welcome more students.

“Germany surpassed 4,00,000 international students in winter 2024-25, supported by strong study-to-work transitions and dual citizenship reforms. France plans to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030, pairing clear employment pathways with centralised housing support. South Korea and the UAE are expanding enrolments through extended work rights and streamlined immigration,” it said.

Global student mobility is projected to grow, potentially reaching 10 million international students by 2030, driven by more diversified and economicall