2022 was indeed a year of great uncertainty. The emergence of the pandemic brought about great changes and unpredictability in different sectors of the country’s economy, even the education sector. There was a slowing down in production which brought about shortages and inflation.
Now, we are in 2023. Although the virus still hangs around, we are, however, relieved by the progress made in providing an effective COVID-19 vaccine. 2023 poses as a year for individuals and nations to reflect and look forward. In different countries and states, we have seen several restrictions and measures put in place all over the world, which held back many businesses, even migration, being relaxed. It is also necessary to consider what 2023 will bring to the field of education (especially the international education sector).
International education is dynamic based on different factors such as international diplomacy, immigration policies, border control laws, etc. Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a major factor determining the processes of international education. The pandemic ushered in new ways of learning. Classes are now being taken online. Other options of learning such as the hybrid delivery option have been adopted. There are a lot of predictions as regards international education sector in 2023 and beyond. In this article, we have detailed top predictions for students: to serve as a guide in their international education plan.
While making international education plans, students put certain factors into consideration. Before now, the program offered and university rankings were the major factors considered. The case, however, is different today. Nowadays, students consider the cost of living, post-study work opportunities, even tuition fees, as major factors.
Here are the Top 5 International Education Predictions for 2023:
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A Significant Increase in Number of Students Studying Abroad
No doubt, the international education sector was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant reduction in international student population was observed all over the world in 2020 into 2021. However, as significant progress is made in COVID-19 vaccine, and several measures put in place to curb the spread of the disease, the days are looking brighter for the international education sector. Thus, it is predicted that there will be a significant increase in the number of students studying abroad in 2023. This trend is expected to continue even beyond 2023.
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Post-Study Work Permit Will Be a Key Determinant for International Students
In choosing where to study abroad, a lot of students consider the possibility of working in a country after their study. According to a study carried out in 2022, it was discovered that over 60% of international students planned to stay and work in their study destination upon graduation. As the world steps out from the pandemic which has ravaged the world, many an international student will still be attracted to countries offering post-study visas. Furthermore, many international students will be attracted to institutions that connect students with local employers. In 2023, it is predicted that this will remain a key factor in the student’s international education plan.
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Student’s Decision Will Be Determined by Cost Of Living and Tuition Fees
The cost of living and tuition play a vital role in determining student’s study destination. In 2022, it was observed that many international students opted for institutions with flexible tuition payment plans. Also, international students are attracted to study destinations where institutions are located in areas with low to moderate cost of living. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 and beyond. On this note, institutions seeking to attract a large number of international students will consider making their tuition payment plans low, and flexible.
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A Significant Decline and Rise in Online Learning and Hybrid Delivery Option Respectively
The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic altered how learning was delivered worldwide. 2022 saw a lot of institutions switch to online mode of learning. However, in 2023, it is predicted that there will be a significant drop in full online delivery of courses. The ease of restrictions has resulted in students switching to in-person learning. Much more, many a student have chosen the hybrid method of delivery where they commence their studies online, then switch to complete their studies on campus. This method of delivery provides students with a whole lot of flexibility. Several institutions, in 2023, will offer all three forms of learning – in-person, hybrid and online.
Read More: International Students and the Post-Pandemic Education
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Other Study Abroad Destinations Will Be Explored
Restrictions in top study destinations due to the pandemic made a lot of international students consider and explore several other study destinations offering post study visas and better migration laws. This trend, which started towards the end of 2022, is predicted to continue into 2023 and beyond.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 ravaged the world, and impacted a lot of sectors worldwide, even the international education sector. Thus, it is important to reflect and look forward to 2023, and what it holds for the international education sector. Several predictions as regards the international education sector in 2023 have been given, and we have detailed some of them in this article to serve as a guide for international students as they make their international education plans. Some of the predictions are a significant increase in number of students studying abroad, other study abroad destinations being explored by students, among others.
We trust this article was helpful to you. Do you have your own thoughts as regards predictions for the international education sector in 2023? You can add yours in the comment section below.
