SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — 30 OCTOBER 2026
For many years, Australia has been a major draw for international students from around the world, attracted by its high-quality academic qualifications, globally recognised multicultural environment, and excellent career opportunities. But something alarming might jeopardise its status in the global academic market today: the tendency of students to shift their interest towards the United Kingdom and the United States.
As stated in new research that was published by IDP Education on October 28, 2026, Australia lost around a quarter of its attractiveness to international students during the past six months. Nowadays, Australia is even considered the first-choice destination by just 24% of would-be international students, raising concerns about Australia’s ability to compete in the foreign education market.
The information stated by The PIE News indicates that the percentage of students considering the two destinations rose by eight during the period of six months from March to August 2026. Although Australia maintains its first position in the list of foreign students’ preferred destinations, the difference between it and other countries is steadily diminishing.
Among the many indicators, one of the most notable signs of trouble is related to the international education policies of Australia. It was the only major study destination to suffer from a reduction in its policy rating, which fell from 6.6 to 6.3. According to Simon Emmett, IDP’s Chief Partner Officer, continuous changes in policy are influencing students’ choices more and more.
The fears are not limited only to immigration regulations. The prospects of approval for visa applications, along with the stability of policy and clarity of post-study employment opportunities, have become vital for the decision-making process much earlier than before. The majority of prospective and already applying students who participated in the survey stated that the likelihood of approval of visa applications was decisive in their choice of destination.
Economic factors also bring complications into the equation. The share of students who stopped considering international education rose from 11% to 16% compared to the results of the previous IDP survey. Moreover, among those who expressed preference for studying in Australia, one in four identified living expenses as their major concern – the highest percentage out of four leading English-speaking countries.
The implications may impact much more than merely university campuses. Students from abroad are a key source of talent for the sustainable growth of Australia’s economy. Emmett pointed out that more than half of the qualified STEM workforce in Australia consists of individuals born outside the country and emphasised the necessity of overseas professionals.
Simultaneously, transnational education (TNE) is on the rise, allowing students to access foreign university curricula without leaving their country. 52% of those surveyed see lower overall expenses as the main reason for becoming interested in this type of education.
During the research, 4,834 students from 106 countries were asked their opinions between 18 August and 16 September 2026.
The issue Australia has to confront is no longer to bring in international students but to convince them that studying in this country is safer, cheaper and provides more opportunities than its competitors. If political instability and a high cost of living prevail, Australia could lose its position not only in education but also as a source of international talents, despite the country’s strong academic merits.
