IDP consolidates 15 Indian student placement
IDP Education is consolidating 15 student placement offices in India into larger nearby locations, citing changing student demand and visa conditions.
IDP Education will consolidate 15 of its student placement offices across India into larger nearby locations. The company confirmed the move to The PIE News, stating it follows a review of its network and reflects evolving student demand and visa conditions in key destination countries.
An IDP spokesperson said the decision aims to maintain high-quality student recruitment and strong outcomes. "The changes reflect evolving student placement demand in certain locations, as well as our continued focus on high-quality student recruitment, strong student outcomes and an effective service model," they stated. The company did not specify which offices will close or when the changes will happen.
Around 200 employees are understood to be affected. IDP provided no details on potential job losses or redeployment plans. Following the consolidation, IDP will retain 52 offices in India, where it first established a presence over thirty years ago.
The company says it has proactively informed affected students. They will continue to receive counselling and support through the nearest remaining office and IDP's wider service network. "Our priority throughout the transition is to maintain continuity of service and the high standards expected by students and partner institutions," the spokesperson added.
Financial pressures and global downturn
This consolidation follows two difficult financial years for IDP. Tighter immigration policies in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US have dampened global student mobility. In its 2026 financial year, IDP reported a 9% fall in revenue to AUD $795.4 million. Student placement volumes dropped sharply by 27%.
The company cut roughly 1,250 roles, about 20% of its global workforce, during that period. It also drastically reduced its global IELTS testing network from around 1,500 venues to fewer than 600. IDP achieved AUD $32 million in cost savings, surpassing its AUD $25 million target, and plans a further AUD $15 million reduction in the 2027 financial year.
| Financial Metric | FY26 Performance |
|---|---|
| Revenue | AUD $795.4 million (down 9%) |
| Student Placement Volumes | Down 27% |
| English Testing Volumes | Down 8% |
| Cost Reductions Achieved | AUD $32 million |
| Target for FY27 | Further AUD $15 million reduction |
Contrasting performance by destination
The 2026 decline compounded a challenging previous year. In FY25, revenue fell 15% to AUD $882.2 million, and global university placement volumes decreased by 29%. The downturn varied significantly by destination country.
Placements fell in Canada, Australia, the UK, and the US. In contrast, IDP reported increases in placements to New Zealand and Ireland.
| Destination Country | FY25 Placement Volume Change |
|---|---|
| Canada | Down 56% |
| Australia | Down 22% |
| United Kingdom | Down 18% |
| United States | Down 25% |
| New Zealand | Up 40% |
| Ireland | Up 37% |
Specific challenges in the Indian market
The downturn was especially sharp in India, a critical source market for IDP. IELTS testing volumes in India fell by 50% in FY25, after a 42% decline the year before. IDP's earnings across Asia dropped 40%, with the company citing its Indian operations as a contributing factor.
IDP is a co-owner of the IELTS test and has delivered all IELTS tests in India since acquiring the British Council's local testing operations for £130 million in 2021. The company began implementing cost reductions in 2024, forecasting a 20-25% contraction in the international education market.
Broader strategic shifts
IDP's changes extend beyond India. The company has launched a multi-year transformation program focused on simplifying operations, reducing costs, and adopting an AI-enabled model. It is investing in technology and AI-supported student counselling.
In July 2026, IDP outsourced its onshore visa-support services in Australia to Bravo Migration. Separately, it expanded its student placement services into Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates in 2026, responding to demand for alternatives to traditional major destinations.
Despite the office consolidation, IDP reaffirmed its commitment to India. The spokesperson said the company remains "deeply committed to India and to working closely with our university and institution partners to handle changing market conditions." India is still considered central to IDP's long-term growth ambitions.
