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Canada hosts 785,830 study permit holders as of July 2025, following significant policy adjustments aimed at sustainable immigration levels after reaching peak enrollment of 1,023,785 in January 2024, representing a 23% strategic reduction aligned with government targets. The country's 96 universities, 127 colleges, and over 1,300 designated learning institutions offer world-class education across 10 provinces and 3 territories, though 2025 has seen transformative reforms including annual study permit caps of 408,000 for 2026 (155,000 new arrivals, 253,000 extensions) down from 437,000 in 2025. International education contributed CAD $22 billion to the economy in 2023, with 60% of graduates historically pursuing permanent residency through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs. Students benefit from up to 3 years Post-Graduation Work Permits for programs 2+ years, with all institutions requiring designation by provincial governments meeting Standards for Educational Quality Assurance, degrees recognized globally through Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada membership.

Ireland is a leading English-speaking study destination in Europe, enrolling over 40,400 international students in 2023/24, the first time the country crossed the 40,000 mark. The higher education system is closely aligned with high-growth sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and data science, supported by the European headquarters of global employers. International graduates benefit from 12–24 months of post-study work rights, strong employment outcomes, and clear pathways into Ireland’s labour market. Academic quality is regulated nationally by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) under the oversight of the Higher Education Authority (HEA)

New Zealand hosts 85,535 international students between January-August 2025, representing a 14% increase over 2024 and strong recovery toward pre-pandemic levels (72% of 2019's 115,705 total). The country's eight universities, 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (now consolidated under Te Pūkenga/New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology), and over 500 registered Private Training Establishments offer world-class education with 87% student satisfaction rates (2025 International Student Experience Survey, up from 86% in 2024). International education contributes NZD $4.2 billion to New Zealand's economy in 2025 (projected), making it one of the nation's top 10 export sectors at 13.6% of services exports, with ongoing growth targets to reach NZD $7.2 billion by 2034. Students benefit from up to 3 years post-study work rights for Bachelor's degrees and above, with 77% of New Zealanders supporting maintaining or increasing international student numbers (ENZ 2025 survey). The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) ensures all 500+ registered institutions meet rigorous quality standards.

Europe hosts over 2.5 million international students across 49 countries in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), offering world-class education in over 30 languages with 4,000+ institutions participating in the Erasmus+ program. In 2024, Erasmus+ supported 1.5 million mobility opportunities with a €4.7 billion budget, funding 34,400 projects across 85,600 organizations, while 23% of participants chose low-emission transport demonstrating commitment to sustainable education. Germany leads with 402,083 international students in Winter 2024/25 (6% increase, India surpassing China as top source), while France, Spain, and Italy show 7-10% annual growth. The Bologna Process ensures 180-240 ECTS degree recognition across all EHEA nations, with national quality frameworks maintaining standards. Post-study work permits range from 6-24 months depending on country, with EU Blue Card offering permanent residency pathways for skilled graduates earning above €45,540 in Germany, varying by nation.

Dubai has emerged as a major regional education hub, enrolling 42,026 students across 41 higher education institutions in 2024/25, reflecting strong year-on-year growth driven by international and domestic demand. The emirate hosts one of the world’s largest concentrations of international branch campuses, offering globally recognised degrees under UAE regulatory oversight. Students benefit from a tax-free employment environment, competitive salaries, expanding post-study work options, and proximity to Middle East, African, and Asian job markets. Academic quality and licensing are regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) with local oversight by KHDA in Dubai.

Japan is one of Asia’s fastest-growing study destinations, enrolling 336,708 international students as of May 2024, a 21% year-over-year increase and the highest on record. With a strong government push targeting 400,000 students by 2033, Japan combines academic depth with expanding global accessibility. The country offers structured tuition at national universities, growing English-taught programs, and clear post-study pathways including job-hunting and specialist visas. High safety standards, advanced infrastructure, and close integration with Asia-Pacific markets make Japan a strategic choice for long-term career outcomes.