The higher education sector is expanding rapidly. According to recent data from QS, the number of international students globally is projected to reach an estimated 8.5 million by 2030.
Historically, the US, UK, Australia, and Canada have taken the majority of these students. However, the market is shifting. Major source countries like Nigeria and India are producing more students than their domestic universities can accommodate. Nigeria alone has an estimated 2 million students competing for limited spots.
These students are looking for alternatives, and a new group of destinations is emerging to meet the demand.
The Rise of New Destinations
We are moving away from a market dominated solely by English-speaking giants. Countries such as Germany, South Korea, France, Malaysia, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, China, and the UAE are gaining traction.
These nations are actively competing for students by offering quality education, lower costs, and better work opportunities after graduation.
Ireland and Malaysia
Two prime examples of this trend are Ireland and Malaysia, both of which are seeing record-breaking growth.
Ireland has reached a record high of 44,500 international enrollments, a 10% increase from the previous year. This growth is led by students from India (up 30%) and the US (up 8%), showing that Ireland’s focus on education quality is working.
Malaysia is seeing similar success, reporting a 26% increase in international applications. With a goal of 250,000 international students by 2030, it is establishing itself as a regional hub, drawing students from across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Competitive Advantage: Student Experience
Attracting students requires more than just capacity. The universities seeing the most success are those with a clear, supportive application process.
Institutions that actively help students navigate admissions and visas (and provide consistent follow-up) are performing better. In a competitive market, this level of support is essential for converting applicants into enrolled students.
Looking Ahead
As we approach 2030, the demand for international education is rising, but the destinations are changing. To help institutions capture this growing demand, Global Admissions connects universities with qualified students from emerging markets. Our platform simplifies the admissions process, solving the support gap and helping you build a diverse, global campus. If you are interested in exploring a partnership, please complete the form here to request a call.
