Welcome to this bi-weekly edition of The International Ed Brief, your essential update on key developments shaping international education. Canada introduces major changes to PGWP eligibility, faces significant reductions in new student visas, and plans new permanent residency pathways-highlighting a challenging balance between sustainability and competitiveness. Internationally, the U.S. resumes student visa processing with enhanced scrutiny, while UK policy changes disproportionately impact regional universities and Norway revisits tuition policies after enrolments plunge. This edition also dives into digital marketing insights, spotlighting why authentic, student-driven storytelling is crucial in today’s recruitment landscape. Let’s explore these trends shaping the future of international education!
🇨🇦 Updates from Canada
- Canada overhauls PGWP-eligible programs: On June 25, IRCC unveiled major changes to which study programs qualify for Post-Graduation Work Permits. 119 new fields of study (in areas like healthcare, education, trades) are now PGWP-eligible, while 178 fields (many in agriculture, environment, supply chain management.) were removed to align with labor market needs . The new rules apply to non-degree program students applying after Nov 1, 2024; earlier applicants are grandfathered under the old eligibility list. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/update-requirement-post-graduation-work-permits.html
- New international student visas projected to plunge about 70%: Stricter federal caps are drastically curbing Canada’s intake of new international students in 2025. ApplyBoard forecasts only about 124,000 new study permits will be approved this year – a 50% drop from 2024 and nearly 70% fewer than in 2023 . Over 60% of permits are now going to extensions for students already in Canada (rather than new students), sparking concerns for institutional revenues and Canada’s long-term competitiveness. https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/canadas-international-students-capping/
- IRCC plan signals new PR paths, keeps study cap: Canada’s 2025–26 immigration plan outlines upcoming initiatives relevant to education. The government will launch a new permanent residence pathway (by making the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot permanent) and create a new work permit stream for agriculture/fish processing workers by end of 2025 . It also reaffirms the cap on study permit applications (437,000 in 2025) as part of efforts to limit temporary resident inflows . Other measures include reviewing PGWP criteria (as seen with recent program list changes) and prioritizing temporary residents in Canada for PR admissions. https://www.cicnews.com/2025/06/major-changes-announced-in-irccs-2025-2026-departmental-plan-0657047.html
🌍 From Around the Globe
- U.S. resumes student visa processing with extra screening: After a four-week pause, the U.S. State Department instructed consulates on June 18 to restart F-1/M-1/J-1 visa interviews for students . The halt – which began in late May – had raised alarms during peak season. Along with the restart, visa officers must now conduct enhanced online and social media vetting of all student applicants’ profiles for security concerns before approval . The added checks could slow processing as embassies work through backlogs ahead of the fall intake. https://monitor.icef.com/2025/06/breaking-us-resumes-student-visa-processing/
- UK report: cuts to foreign enrolment hit “post-92” universities hardest: A new Tony Blair Institute analysis warns that efforts to reduce international student numbers will disproportionately hurt newer, regional UK universities. These post-1992 institutions – often in less affluent areas – rely heavily on overseas fee revenue and have slim financial buffers. The report cautions that policies like visa crackdowns and fees levies could undermine local economies and social mobility, since many of these universities serve as key employers and educate large shares of low-income domestic students. It urges policymakers to weigh the trade-offs between lower migration and the economic growth these students drive. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/post-92-universities-hardest-hit-student-visa-restrictions
- Norway to ease tuition fees after 80% drop in foreign students: The Norwegian government has proposed rolling back parts of its new tuition policy for non-European students after a dramatic enrollment decline. Officials admit that charging full fees to overseas students (introduced in 2023) caused a ~80% plunge in new international enrolments and made recruitment difficult amid Norway’s high cost of living. In response, the ministry plans to allow universities to set lower tuition rates (removing the current full-cost minimum) to attract more talent. The flexibility aims to reverse the downturn while keeping Norway academically open and globally connected. https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20250623145440863‘
💡 Digital Marketing Insight
- Shift from static to story-driven content – In recent posts, my colleague Parth Mehta emphasizes that generic lead-gen ads aren’t cutting it anymore. Instead, institutions should weave narratives around real student journeys, showcasing lived experiences-not polished brochures. Short, episodic content, like “day in the life” clips, mini-documentaries, or challenge-style reels, sparks genuine interest and encourages engagement. When that content is paired with low-key retargeting, recruitment teams see stronger click-throughs and better-qualified inquiries. This approach aligns with data showing users spend more time engaging with personal, story-led content. It’s a meaningful way for higher ed institutions to build credibility, highlight student success, and stand out in crowded channels.
Stay tuned for next edition as we unpack more changes and exciting updates from across the world.
