Students flee from the United States: from Great Britain to Canada, applications for enrollment increase
In British universities they grew by 12% compared to the previous year, going from 5,980 to 6,680. In Vancouver +27%
The exodus from American universities has already started, with the students fleeing to more hospitable beaches due to the attacks of Donald Trump to the academic institutions made in the USA and more generally of the heavy political climate overseas. But the president does not attach the grip, indeed the mail doubles: Trump came to ask Harvard the names of foreign students and the countries of origin. A « filing » that follows the announcement against young people who arrived from abroad and who will only enlarge the files of those who intend to repair elsewhere.
Great Britain
The first destination is Across the Pond, beyond the pond, as they say here, that is, in Great Britain, for obvious cultural and linguistic reasons. For the next academic year 2025-26, applications for enrollment by young Americans in British universities have grown by 12% compared to the previous year, going from 5,980 to 6,680. But many others are willing to follow their example: specialized agencies in helping foreign students to enter British universities report that questions from the USA have doubled since January.
In addition to the escape from Trump, other factors also play, such as the lower straight lines and a less competitive admission process than the American elite universities. Last but not least, the role of some very popular stars and stripes influencers, who study at Oxford or Cambridge and regularly post stories on their fabulous life in the city of dreamy spiers or in similar places.
In any case, the favorite university is in any case, where they studied William and Kate – which sees almost 20% of the members coming from the States. But they are not just students: The influx of « political refugees » from Trump’s America saw the requests for British citizenship doubled compared to three years ago. In addition to London, the Americans settled in the Cotswolds, the idyllic countryside near Oxford, as the actress Ellen Degeneres did, a well -known democratic activist.
Hong Kong
There are also those who are actively moving to intercept students fleeing America, such as the Chinese city with special statute: Hong Kong education minister asked its universities to facilitate the arrival of foreign students affected by the Trumpian call. And so the prestigious University of Science and Technology offered Harvard students unconditional places, simplified admission procedures and academic support …
France and EU
President Emmanuel Macron was ready to take the opportunity of Trump’s policies to propose France and the European Union as an attractive alternative, especially for researchers. The « Choose France for Science » initiative, launched on May 5 alongside the president of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, aims to attract to France – « And in Europe », added Macron between some controversy – Scientists and researchers from all over the world.
That program made one think of a general French opening, but in reality for extra-European students things are not so easy. In recent years, restrictions have multiplied by French -speaking students, especially coming from Africa, often suspected of using enrollment in a university as a pretext to settle in Europe. In 2023-2024 about 430 thousand foreigners were enrolled in French higher education, an increase of 4.5% compared to the previous year, however lower than that recorded by other European countries. According to Eurostat figures, 1.66 million foreigners study in EU universities. Germany is the country that attracts more, with 23.3% of the total, France 16% and the Netherlands 10%. Italy is stopped at 4%.
Canada
Canada is also trying to differentiate themselves from the United States. But, like France, he must serve a restrictive policy launched a few years ago. In Vancouver, the University of British Columbia recorded a 27% increase in applications for registration by American citizens, But it is not clear how many can be satisfied because from 2023 Canada has reduced the number of study permits for foreign students. The Ottawa government will release only 437 thousand this year, with a 10% reduction compared to 2024. Foreign students are considered co -responsible for the accommodation crisis.
