Understanding student hesitation – Why do students rethink their international education plans?

Many international students pay close attention to the evolving global policy landscape and a range of other factors which influence their study abroad plans; they are well-informed and discerning. However, as governments recalibrate immigration and education policies to attract students who can help address labour shortages and drive economic growth, universities are under growing pressure to adapt their international recruitment strategies. This comes at a time when students are increasingly focused on outcomes such as career prospects and return on investment.

IDP’s Emerging Futures surveys provide timely insights into the changing motivations, concerns, and decision-making processes of international students, including those who have chosen not to pursue overseas study. The research shows us that:

• 43% of ‘decliner’ respondents said tuition costs now made international education beyond their financial reach.

• 66% of students across all study statuses worry about tuition, living costs, and extra expenses.

• 47% of students are concerned about obtaining or maintaining a visa.

• Career development (67%) and education quality (67%) are the top motivators for international study.

Affordability solutions, clarity on visa processes, and strong career pathways are the main factors that will win back hesitating students.

These findings provide a valuable roadmap for institutions seeking to reconnect with decliners so they can refine their approach in a rapidly shifting environment.

This article explores why students decline, what concerns them the most about embarking on their international education journey, the motivations that matter, and how to reengage with the decliners.

A portion of student respondents in our Emerging Futures 7 research who had previously been considering studying abroad told us they are now opting to stay at home or pursue education in neighbouring countries. Among these ‘decliners’, the top five intended destination countries had been Australia (18%), Hong Kong (18%), Canada (17%), the USA (12%), and the UK (11%).

Affordability emerged as the strongest barrier among decliners:

• 43% said tuition costs are now beyond their financial reach.

• 37% cited the rising cost of living.

• 28% pointed to expensive student visa fees.

• 25% found local study options more appealing.

• 22% found the visa process too difficult.

When comparing data with our Emerging Futures 6 research, 'affordability' remains a critical barrier to international education. In Emerging Futures 7, 'cost of tuition' and 'cost of living' stand out as the main deterrents, particularly for decliner students from India, Indonesia, and the Philippines (although the sample sizes are small).

However, since Emerging Futures 6 (August 2024), cost of tuition as reason for declining has fallen by six percentage points and student visa cost has declined by eight percentage points.

Interestingly, the choice of ‘study options in my home country have become more appealing’ has increased by 11 percentage points as a reason for declining. This is the largest change of any factor and demonstrates that study options closer to home are becoming more appealing for some students and is now a more persuasive factor among those declining to study internationally.

Notably in this survey, China had the highest number of ‘decliners’ and a significant portion of them (45%) had intended to study in Hong Kong.

We asked All students (prospective, applied, current, and completed) what their greatest concerns about studying overseas are/were; unsurprisingly, cost and finances were the top concern:

• 71% of prospective students and 66% of applied students globally worry about tuition, living costs, and extra expenses.

• Among prospective and applied students from different source markets, this concern is particularly high in the Philippines (85%), Ghana (78%), Indonesia (75%) India (74%), and Nigeria (74%).

Visa-related stress is also significant:

• Among prospective and applied students, 56% and 46% respectively are concerned about obtaining or maintaining a visa.

• This is especially true in Ghana (71%), the Philippines (68%), Kenya (67%) and Nigeria (63%).

Post-graduation employment is another key issue, with 47% of prospective and 42% of applied students expressing concern about finding jobs or internships after their studies.

Despite concerns, the desire for international education remains strong. Students (All cohorts) continue to be driven by:

• Career development (67%): Especially in the Philippines, Bangladesh, and India, students see international qualifications as a pathway to better jobs and higher earnings.

• Education quality (67%): High-ranking institutions and access to top-tier academic resources remain a major draw, particularly in Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia.

• Global knowledge and professional exposure (56%): Many students value the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications, global perspectives and experience. Professional networking opportunities are particularly important among students from the Philippines, Ghana, Indonesia and Nigeria.

Motivations vary by region. For example, students from China and Indonesia place relatively less emphasis on career development as a motivation and more on education quality.

While some students have stepped back from international study, 31% of these decliners say they are likely to reapply within the next two years (this is down from Emerging Futures 6).

Undergraduate students are slightly more optimistic about reapplying than postgraduate level students, suggesting that early engagement and tailored messaging could be key to winning them back.

Those students who were initially bound for Canada and the USA stated a higher likelihood of reapplying compared to those heading to Australia and the UK (although some of the sample sizes are small).

To remain competitive, universities must address the concerns of international students directly:

• Affordability solutions: Highlight availability of scholarships, flexible payment plans, and cost-of-living support.

• Visa clarity: Simplify application processes and provide transparent, student-friendly guidance, be available to support students with their queries on visa processes.

• Career pathways: Highlight post-study work opportunities, internships, and industry partnerships. Internship and alumni success stories, and peer-to-peer engagement can be potent tools in this respect.

Institutions that can demonstrate a clear return on investment – both academically and professionally – will be better positioned to attract international students.

Rachel MacSween, Director of Client Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement, UK International and Europe, said, “The international education landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Financial pressures, visa complexities, shifting motivations and a seemingly ever-changing policy landscape are reshaping student decisions.

“However, the core appeal of international study for career advancement, academic excellence, and global exposure remains strong. By aligning recruitment strategies with student priorities and continuing to provide quality education and strong outcomes, universities can not only navigate these changes but thrive in a more competitive global market and win back those students who may be hesitating.”