While the US and Canada have historically dominated the study abroad market, the tides are shifting. The Online Result Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey 2025 reveals a significant downturn, with 82% of Canadian universities and nearly half of US institutions reporting a decline in international undergraduate intake. As student preferences evolve, we look at the rising alternatives reshaping global education.
“The tables are turning. It’s not that there’s less interest globally. It’s really driven by massive restrictive government policy in those key destinations,” said Online Result CEO Edwin van Rest in a 2025 webinar.
Building on the insights from our latest benchmark research, we examine changing student priorities and identify the top international education hubs to watch throughout 2026.
Understanding student motivations
A 2024 report by QS Global analyzed the primary factors driving international students toward the traditional “big four” countries (Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK), highlighting four core pillars of student decision-making.
- Scholarships
- High-quality teaching
- Welcoming environment for international students
- Good reputation for the chosen degree
However, for many prospective students, stringent government regulations and complex visa hurdles have undermined a primary requirement: the promise of a welcoming, inclusive environment.
This growing friction leads to an essential question:
If students can find high-quality English-taught programs in more welcoming, accessible countries, will they make the switch? According to the Online Result Benchmark Survey, that shift is already well underway.
We are navigating one of the most dynamic moments in international education, driven in no small part by shifts in U.S. visa and immigration policy. The ripple effects of these policy changes are being felt across campuses and communities around the world.
Fanta Aw, Executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Below, we highlight 7 study destinations to consider for 2026. While some are established favorites, others are emerging as regional powerhouses, each having recently invested heavily in expanding their international student support systems.
1. Germany | Germany strengthened its position as a study abroad destination in 2025, having welcomed over 400,000 students. According to the German Academic Exchange Service, nearly all higher education institutions in the country have at least one English-language degree programme. |
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Largest international student country of origin | India, China |
2. France | During the 2025 US visa turbulence, several French universities stepped up to support displaced students. Institutions like the Grenoble School of Management fast-tracked applications for those affected by US policy shifts. Overall, France successfully welcomed over 440,000 international students in 2025. |
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Largest international student country of origin | Morocco, Algeria |
3. New Zealand | As major English-speaking destinations like Canada, the US, and Australia tighten visa policies, New Zealand follows a different path. Study with New Zealand, the country’s official education website, uses the tagline “We’re Open, You’re Welcome.” Actively investing in international student growth, the country also relaxed its student visa work rights. As of 2025, student visa holders can work 25 hours per week, up from 20. |
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Largest international student country of origin: | China, India |
4. Ireland | If you want to study in an English-speaking country in the European Union, Ireland is a great option. The country recorded 44,500 international student enrolments in 2025, which is an all-time high. Health and Welfare and Business degrees stand out, likely reflecting the country’s strong pharmaceutical sector. 19 of the world’s top 20 global pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies are based in Ireland. |
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5. South Korea | South Korea is aiming to attract 300,000 international students by 2027, and it has taken several steps towards it. Most international students come from Vietnam, China, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and Nepal. South Korea is geographically closer to these countries than many Western destinations, giving it a strong advantage. There is an increasing number of English-taught programmes, especially in degrees related to Business and Engineering. |
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Largest international student country of origin | Vietnam, China |
6. Malaysia | An emerging study destination, Malaysia is increasingly positioning itself as a regional education hub. It attracts students with affordability and English-taught programmes while investing in education quality. In the 2025 QS University Rankings, 65% of Malaysian universities improved their position. |
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Largest international student country of origin | China, Bangladesh |
7. United Arab Emirates (UAE) | Much like how South Korea and Malaysia are capturing attention in Asia, the United Arab Emirates is becoming a higher education hub in the MENA region. One of the UAE’s key advantages is the strong presence of international branch universities, offering students access to globally recognised degrees. Graduates also enjoy the post-study work options, especially in Dubai, a city with plenty of job opportunities. |
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Largest international student country of origin (for Dubai) | India |
Final thoughts
In 2026, the global education landscape is truly expanding beyond the traditional US, Canada, and Australia axis. It is time to think bigger:
- There are many English-taught degrees around the world, with many universities adding more each year.
- Some countries are easing visa requirements to attract more international students.
- It’s still possible to get US or Canada degrees without going there, thanks to remote options and branch universities.
Inspired? Start your journey and explore postgraduate degrees on Online Result.