According to UNESCO and the World Migration Report, the mobility of international students is a key driver of global academic exchange and economic impact. Since COVID-19, a surge has been seen in terms of the number of international students. Majority of the students are exploring educational opportunities globally. Here is a detailed analysis you must go through for a better understanding of the global education trend in 2025.
5 Best Countries To Study Abroad
1. United States
The United States is the top destination for international students. Its wide range of academic programs and world-leading universities attracts students from all corners of the globe. US offers one huge advantage, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to all international students. This helps them in gaining work experience after completing their studies,
| Year | International Students | YoY change | Students migrated |
| 2020 | 914,095+ | – 15.0% | China, India, South Korea |
| 2021 | 948,519+ | +3.8% | China, India, South Korea |
| 2022 | 1,057,188+ | +11.4% | China, India, South Korea |
| 2023 | 1,126,690+ | +6.6% | India, China, South Korea |
| 2024 | 1,150,000 (est.) | +2.1% | India, China, South Korea |
Over the past few years, the number of international students has steadily grown, reflecting a strong recovery from the decline caused by the pandemic
2. Canada
Canada’s popularity has risen quickly among international students for good reasons. The country offers high-quality education and a welcoming, multicultural environment. In recent years, students have sought academic excellence and long-term career opportunities. Canada’s immigration-friendly policies include post-graduation work permits and permanent residency options.
| Year | International Students | YoY change | Students migrated |
| 2020 | 530,540+ | -16.9% | India, China, France |
| 2021 | 622,000+ | +17.2% | India, China, France |
| 2022 | 807,750+ | +29.8% | India, China, France |
| 2023 | 1,040,985+ | +28.9% | India, China, Nigeria |
| 2024 | 997,820+ | -4.1% | India, China, Philippines |
While 2024 saw a minor drop in numbers, the overall track records over the last few years has been significantly increased.
3. Australia
After the pandemic, Australia has seen impressive growth in its international student population. Its strong academic institutions, combined with vibrant cities and generous post-study work opportunities, make it a compelling choice. Majorly, students from countries like China, India, and Nepal continue to make up a large portion of enrolments.
| Year | International Students | YoY change | Students migrated |
| 2020 | 882480+ | -7.8% | China, India, Nepal |
| 2021 | 637,415+ | -27.8% | China, India, Nepal |
| 2022 | 746,390+ | +17.1% | China, India, Nepal |
| 2023 | 1,095,298+ | +46.7% | China, India, Nepal |
| 2024 | 1,095,298+ | 0.0% | China, India, Nepal |
The numbers from recent years show just how quickly the country has bounced back, reinforcing its status as a global education hub.
4. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom, even after the recent changes in visa policies, retains its appeal among international students. One of the major pull factors is the Graduate Route visa, which allows students to stay and work in the country for up to two years after completing their degrees.
| Year | International Students | YoY change | Students migrated |
| 2020 | 605,130+ | +12.3% | China, India, Nigeria |
| 2021 | 679,970+ | +12.4% | China, India, Nigeria |
| 2022 | 758,855+ | +11.6% | China, India, Nigeria |
| 2023 | 732,285+ | -3.5% | India, China, Nigeria |
| 2024 | 732,290+ | – | India, China, Nigeria |
Although there has been a slight decrease in student numbers recently, the UK’s strong academic heritage and career opportunities continue to attract students from across the world.
5. Germany
Germany offers high-quality education with almost no tuition fees at public universities. The country focuses on research and its prominence in engineering and technology fields to attract students. While some countries have seen fluctuations in student numbers, Germany’s growth has been steady.
| Year | International Students | YoY change | Students migrated |
| 2020 | 411,601 | – | China, India, Syria |
| 2021 | – | – | |
| 2022 | – | – | |
| 2023 | 469,485 | – | China, India, Syria |
| 2024 | 405,000 (est.) | – | China, India, Syria |
*YoY – Percentage increase or decrease in the total number of international students compared to the previous year.
*Sources –Open Door, IRCC, CBIE May 2024 , Aust. Dept. of Education, HESA
International Student Growth: Year-over-Year Change by Country (2020–2024)
| Year | United States | Canada | Australia | United Kingdom | Germany |
| 2020 | -15.0% | -16.9% | -7.8 % | +12.3 % | – |
| 2021 | +3.8 % | +17.2% | -27.8% | +12.4% | – |
| 2022 | +11.4% | +29.8% | +17.1% | +11.6% | – |
| 2023 | -+6.6% | +28.9% | +46.7% | -3.5% | – |
| 2024 | +2.2% | -4.1% | – | – | – |
Countries Sending the Most International Students (2020–2024)
International students majorly come from India & China, making them the largest source countries for the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany. For the United States, India has recently overtaken China as the top source country.
| Destination Country | Year 2020 | Year 2024 |
| United States | China, India, South Korea | India, China, South Korea |
| Canada | India, China, France | India, China, Philippines |
| Australia | China, India, Nepal | China, India, Nepal |
| United Kingdom | China, India, Nigeria | India, China, Nigeria |
| Germany | China, India, Syria | China, India, Syria |
Meanwhile, countries like South Korea and Nigeria represent smaller yet significant student populations in various destinations. For Canada, France was once a key source but has been replaced by countries like the Philippines and Nigeria in recent years.
Most Popular Fields of Study Among International Students
Global student interest often aligns with job market demands and immigration-friendly pathways. The most sought-after disciplines reflect where opportunities lie:
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- The dominant category, especially computer science, data analytics, and engineering programs.
- Why it’s popular: High demand across countries for tech and innovation roles, plus strong post-study work benefits.
Business & Management
- Continues to attract students due to its versatility and international scope.
- Focus Areas: Finance, marketing, international business, and entrepreneurship.
Health Professions
- Increasingly favored due to growing healthcare needs worldwide.
- Programs in demand: Medicine, nursing, public health, and allied health sciences.
*Sources: OECD
Most Preferred Exams to Study Abroad
English Proficiency Tests
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Widely accepted in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other countries.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Accepted by over 11,000 universities and institutions worldwide, including in the USA, Canada, and Australia. It is held throughout the year
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): Recognized by universities in the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada. It offers a computer-based testing format with quick results.
- Duolingo English Test: An emerging online test accepted by several institutions, offering flexibility and affordability.
Undergraduate Admission Tests
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): Dominant in the USA, it assesses mathematical and verbal reasoning skills.
- ACT (American College Testing): An alternative to the SAT, focusing on English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning.
Graduate Admission Tests
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination): Required for many graduate programs, it evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Essential for admissions to business schools worldwide, assessing analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills.
Professional and Specialized Exams
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): Mandatory for medical school admissions in the USA, Canada, and Australia, covering biology, chemistry, physics, and critical analysis.
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test): Required for law school admissions in the USA, Canada, and other countries, focusing on reading and verbal reasoning skills.
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): A professional credential for investment and financial professionals, with over 200,000 charter holders globally.
| Exam | Approx. Annual Test Takers | Acceptance / Popularity Highlights |
| IELTS | 3.5 million+ | Most popular globally for English proficiency |
| TOEFL | 2.3 million+ | Widely accepted, especially in North America |
| PTE Academic | 300,000+ | Fast-growing computer-based English test |
| Duolingo | 1 million+ (since 2016) | Flexible and affordable English test |
| SAT | 2 million+ | Most popular undergraduate test globally |
| ACT | 1.3 million (mostly US) | Less preferred outside USA |
| GRE | 600,000+ | Main grad admission test worldwide |
| GMAT | 75,000-80,000 | Business school test |
| MCAT | 87,000 | Medical school test (North America) |
| LSAT | 100,000 | Law school test |
| CFA | 300,000 | Finance professional certification |
Sources: IELTS Test Statistics, TOEFL iBT® Test, Duolingo, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT
Studying abroad opportunities in 2025 offers vast choices. Every country gives distinct benefits to students, from top universities to post-study work options. As you plan your journey, Gurully will help you prepare for language proficiency exams like PTE, IELTS, Duolingo & CELPIP. This online platform gives full-length mock test with instant AI-scoring that mimics the actual test environment.
Conclusion:
International education is evolving rapidly by offering vast opportunities. With changing policies and rising global demand, making informed choices is more important than ever. This data will help you carefully select your destination, course, and exams to shape your future. Start early, and prepare through a trusted platform like Gurully.
FAQ
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Also Read:
- Gurully’s PTE Study Material – Guide for Your Exam Success
- Gurully – Your All-In-One Solution For English Language Proficiency Exams
- From Practice to Perfection: Gurully Ensuring Result Accuracy
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