The Market Monitor Digest (week 12/2025)
It's our pleasure to be your go-to for the week’s key industry news. Thanks to the information collected by the BONARD Market Monitor team, you can now keep your finger on the industry pulse.
International Education
UK: Increase in visa and ETA fees for the UK
By Study Travel, Mar 20, 2025
The UK Home Office has confirmed an increase in visa fees, including for student visas, visitor visas and electronic travel authorisations. From April 9th, 2025, the fee for a student visa for main applicants and dependents will rise from the current price of UK£490 to UK£524, an increase of seven per cent. The short-term study visa for English language programmes between six and 11 months will also increase by seven per cent, rising from UK£200 to UK£214.
US: International student interest in the US endures under Trump
By The PIE News, Mar 20, 2025
Despite unprecedented policy changes, Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House has improved international students’ perception of the US in some markets. Students from Bangladesh recorded the greatest improvement in perception ofthe US, with 64% expressing that the appeal of the country had increased since the election.
UK, Scotland: Big drop in overseas students at Scottish universities
By BBC, Mar 20, 2025
The number of overseas students at Scottish universities dropped by more than 10,000 last year. The decline comes after foreign student numbers reached an all-time high in the previous year, making their tuition fees an important source of funding for universities.
India & Global: Indian students abroad fall by 15% and in Canada by 41%
By University World News, Mar 19, 2025
International student recruitment experts say Indian students are increasingly re-evaluating their options for higher education abroad as visa policies become more stringent. Affordability and job opportunities during and after studies are also major considerations.
UK & Bangladesh: Transnational education in Bangladesh
By British Council, Mar 18, 2025
Bangladesh is home to a growing demand for higher education, particularly from students seeking access to internationally recognised A significant increase in Bangladeshi students to the UK has been observed in recent years, however, the UK TNE has not shown signs of growth in Bangladesh despite the increase in demand in its neighbourhood, such as Sri Lanka and India.
Europe: EU’s global strategy ‘hurt by underinvestment in research’
By Times Higher Education, Mar 19, 2025
Leading international university associations have urged the European Commission to boost investment in research, innovation and higher education through its €300 billion (£252 billion) “Global Gateway” infrastructure project, established to “narrow the global investment gap worldwide”.
Australia: Australian student visa withdrawals surpass 15,000, tripling from previous years
By VN Express, Mar 17, 2025
More than 15,300 international students withdrew their Australian visa applications last year, significantly up from approximately 5,000 in 2023 and 2019, according to government's data. Withdrawn visa applications rose from 4,156 in 2019 to about 5,700 in 2023, representing roughly 1% of total applications in both years.
UK & Sri Lanka: University of Essex expands offering to Sri Lanka with NIBM
By The PIE News, Mar 18, 2025
A new partnership between Sri Lanka's National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) and the University of Essex in the UK will provide a gateway to global higher education in Sri Lanka through the launch of psychology programs. The partnership will see psychology programs delivered at NIBM in collaboration with the university, allowing Sri Lankan students to gain a global perspective and propel their careers.
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