Education agents talk to students every day, which makes their view of the market an early signal. ICEF Monitor published the results of the 2026 ICEF Agent Voice Survey on 5 November 2026, based on responses from more than 900 agents in 109 countries.
Where demand is moving
- United States: 50% of agents said demand is lower, after 48% in 2025.
- Australia: 42% reported falling demand, 13 points more than a year earlier.
- United Kingdom: demand stays more stable, but the share of agents seeing growth fell from 48% to 31%.
- Canada: 27% reported more demand, up from 18% in 2025, while 34% saw less.
Students moving away from the US most often turned to Canada (60% of agents), Australia (57%) and the UK (53%).
What students worry about
Costs and visas are the main concerns students bring to agents. Among agents' own concerns, visa issues rose to 73%, and post-study opportunities became the third most common. 62% of agents say students ask for career advice before they start studying.
Which levels look strongest
More than half of agents expect enrolments abroad to stay the same or grow in 2027. Optimism is highest for graduate study (79%) and undergraduate or foundation programmes (78%). It is much lower for language courses (28%) and vocational study (26%).
Why it matters
When the traditional destinations become harder or more expensive, students look further. Clear visa routes, manageable costs and good career prospects decide the choice more than ever.
Key points
- Over 900 agents in 109 countries took part in ICEF's 2026 survey.
- Half of agents see lower demand for the US; 42% see lower demand for Australia.
- The UK is stable and Canada is recovering.
- Costs, visas and post-study prospects are students' top concerns.
Weighing costs, visas and careers abroad? Book a consultation with Study and Work Abroad and we will compare your options and handle your application and visa.
Source
- Global agent survey provides an early indication of how international student markets are taking shape this yearICEF Monitor · Nov 5, 2026
Written by the Study and Work Abroad team in our own words from the sources above. Rules change often: before you apply, ask us to check the current rules for your case.
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