#Internationalstudents

A major new analysis warns that new international student enrollment could fall by 30–40 percent this fall. The study links the drop to recent visa policy changes and processing disruptions that began in late May (NAFSA report).

The finding matters for Thai students and Thai education partners. Many Thai families and recruitment agents plan fall admissions now.

The study comes from NAFSA and JB International. The groups used SEVIS and State Department visa data for their model (NAFSA report).

Thousands of Thai students planning to study in American universities this fall face an unprecedented crisis that could devastate their educational dreams and Thailand’s pathway to global knowledge. A comprehensive analysis by the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers and JB International reveals shocking projections that new international student enrollment could plummet by 30-40 percent this academic year, triggered by visa processing catastrophes that began in late May.

The implications ripple directly through Bangkok’s education consultancy offices, where anxious Thai families have invested hundreds of thousands of baht in American university applications and preparation programs. These projections represent more than statistical abstractions—they signal potential educational exile for an entire generation of Thai students who have spent years preparing for American higher education opportunities.

Southeast Asian students are suddenly at the center of a global tug‑of‑war over talent. Governments from Australia to Norway are rewriting rules and budgets to pull in learners from ASEAN, while Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are rolling out ambitious targets and post‑study work routes to keep students in the region. A new report by DW synthesizes these moves and the intensifying competition for international enrollments, underscoring that Southeast Asia has become the third‑largest source region for outbound students globally. For Thai families weighing where to study, and for Thai universities deciding how to compete, the landscape is changing fast—and in their favor if they act quickly and strategically.

An extraordinary global competition has erupted for Southeast Asian students, transforming international higher education recruitment into a high-stakes diplomatic and economic battleground. Universities across continents are dismantling decades-old admission policies and launching multi-million-dollar campaigns specifically targeting ASEAN learners, recognizing Southeast Asia as the world’s third-largest source of mobile students. This unprecedented shift represents far more than simple enrollment competition—it signals a fundamental realignment of global academic power that positions Thai students and institutions at the center of a transformative opportunity. Recent comprehensive analysis reveals that governments from Australia to Germany are implementing radical policy changes, offering unprecedented scholarships, and creating entirely new pathways designed exclusively for Southeast Asian applicants. For Thai families contemplating international education and Thai universities seeking global partnerships, this moment presents both remarkable opportunities and critical strategic decisions that will shape educational trajectories for the next generation.

In a move set to reshape international education choices, New Zealand’s government has announced a significant easing of work restrictions for foreign students, raising the limit on in-study work hours from 20 to 25 per week starting November 3, 2025. The policy change is a central feature of the country’s newly launched International Education: Going for Growth Plan and is expected to enhance the nation’s appeal to overseas learners, including a rising number of Thai students seeking international experience and supplementary income while studying (NDTV).

Australia continues to cement its status as a global education powerhouse, attracting a growing number of international students who are not only seeking world-class degrees but also life skills, cross-cultural friendships, and a gateway to global careers. New research and updated reports highlight how universities, policymakers, and students themselves are evolving to foster a thriving environment—while navigating challenges in academics, cost of living, mental health, and migration rules (The Economic Times).

As the United States grapples with shifting immigration policies and intensifying global competition, the future of its 1.1 million international students—and the vast contributions they make—hangs in the balance. Latest developments, including a temporary suspension of new student visa appointments and heightened social media vetting, have left international students anxious and universities concerned about the long-term impact on the nation’s educational standing and economic strength (Al Jazeera).

Recent moves by the US government, particularly the State Department’s decision on May 27th to pause scheduling new student visa appointments, have intensified an atmosphere of apprehension among current and prospective international students. The policy comes in the wake of several other restrictions, notably expanded social media screenings. For international students—such as a junior at Georgetown University recently interviewed—these changes have fueled anxieties about deportation or sudden policy shifts that could jeopardize their studies and futures.