A survey of more than 400 universities in 63 countries finds that most institutions in Australia, Canada, the UK and the US saw lower postgraduate enrolments this autumn, while continental Europe and Asia grew. Visa and policy barriers are named as the biggest obstacle
A new international survey of universities shows a shift in where students are choosing to study. According to the Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey, reported by Times Higher Education on November 12, 62% of universities in the four largest English-speaking destinations (Australia, Canada, the UK and the US) reported lower international postgraduate enrolments between August and October 2026, against 27% of universities elsewhere. Continental Europe and Asia reported growth. The survey measures institutions' self-reported figures, not a count of students.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The survey: The Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey, run by Studyportals, the Association of International Educators and the Oxford Test of English. It covers more than 400 universities in 63 countries and tracks enrolments from August to October 2026
- Big four (Australia, Canada, the UK, the US): 62% of universities reported lower international postgraduate enrolments, compared with 27% of universities elsewhere
- UK: 79% of institutions reported lower postgraduate recruitment, up from 50% a year earlier. 43% reported fewer undergraduates
- US: 59% of institutions reported a drop in postgraduate enrolments, and 37% expect a further decline next year
- Canada: Signs of stabilisation. Average falls were 4% for undergraduates and 3% for postgraduates, and more than half of institutions reported unchanged postgraduate numbers
- Continental Europe: Half of institutions reported higher undergraduate enrolments, with average growth of 4%. Postgraduate enrolments rose by 2% on average
- Asia: 59% of universities reported higher postgraduate enrolments, with average growth of 7%
- Biggest obstacle: Visa constraints and restrictive government policies were named as the single biggest obstacle to recruitment
- What the report does not say: The coverage gives no India-specific figures and no Australia-specific figures, and the percentages describe the share of institutions reporting a change, not the size of the change in student numbers
What this means for applicants
For Indian students, the survey is a market signal, not a ranking of destinations. It shows that many universities in the big four are recruiting fewer international postgraduates, and that universities in continental Europe and Asia are seeing growth. This fits the pattern in other recent reports, including the record Indian enrolment in Germany and the rise in international first-year students in the Netherlands.
The survey is not a reason to rule any country out. The 79% figure for the UK is the share of institutions that reported lower postgraduate recruitment, so it says how widespread the decline is among institutions, not how large it is. Canada shows signs of stabilising, and the survey names visa and policy barriers as the main obstacle in every market. For students with strong profiles, a market where universities are working to recruit can mean more choice and, in some cases, more scholarship and support options, but the survey does not say this, so applicants should check each university directly.
The practical lesson is to compare more destinations, not fewer. Students who once looked only at one country may find that a wider shortlist, including Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Japan and South Korea, gives a better fit on cost, course and post-study options.
What you can do
- Widen your shortlist. Compare at least two or three countries on tuition, living costs, programme quality and post-study options.
- Apply early. Visa and policy rules change often, and early, complete applications are the best protection against delays.
- Check each country's current rules. Use official sources for visa requirements, funds and work rights, not social media summaries.
- Look at scholarships. Universities seeking to attract international students may offer funding, so check each university's scholarship page.
- Keep documents consistent. Prepare transcripts, language results and financial evidence carefully, since visa constraints are the biggest obstacle the survey names.
IRS Study Abroad, Kottayam, helps students compare destinations, choose programmes and prepare accurate applications and visa files, so that you can decide on the facts, and not on headlines. Our team can help you build a balanced shortlist for the 2027 intake.
Source: Times Higher Education, "Europe and Asia gain as 'big four' lose international students" (November 12, 2026), reporting the Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey by Studyportals, the Association of International Educators and the Oxford Test of English. The survey's own report was not reviewed. Figures are as reported and reflect institutions' responses, not student counts.
