The US and Canada have always been popular study abroad destinations. But given the current landscape, will there be a shift towards other places? According to the Studyportals’ Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey 2025, 82% of Canadian universities experienced a decline in international undergraduate student enrolment. In the US, 48% of institutions reported declines, and 32% mentioned gaining students.
“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 Studyportals CEO Edwin van Rest in a 2025 webinar.
In light of the findings of the Benchmark Report, we take a closer look at student motivations and alternative destinations to consider in 2026.
Understanding student motivations
A 2024 report by QS Global explored the reasons why international students chose the “big four” most popular destinations (Canada, the US, Australia, the UK). The answers centred around four key themes:
- Scholarships
- High-quality teaching
- Welcoming environment for international students
- Good reputation for the chosen degree
However, from a student’s perspective, restrictive government policies and visa processes can put one key expectation at risk from the start: a welcoming environment.
This brings around a new question:
If students find what they’re looking for (high-quality English language programmes in a welcoming environment) in other destinations, wouldn’t they consider them? Based on the Studyportals Benchmark Survey, that’s what’s happening right now.
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
7 study abroad destinations rising in 2026
Below are 7 destinations to consider for your studies in 2026. Some are already popular, others are emerging within their regions. But they’ve all recently crossed milestones or announced investments in international education.
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 student visa challenges in the US in 2025, some French universities went the extra mile. Grenoble School of Management, for example, announced it would fast-track applications for students who have already been accepted to US business schools. The country 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, international education is beyond the US, Canada, and Australia. Think about it:
- 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? Find your next destination: check out undergraduate degrees on Bachelorsportal and postgraduate degrees on Mastersportal.
