Visa Uncertainty and Affordability Top Concerns for International Students in 2026

A major survey of education agents has revealed that international students are facing heightened uncertainty when planning their study abroad journeys. Conducted in May 2026, the 2026 Navitas Agent Perception Survey gathered responses from 870 agents across 64 countries, shedding light on the key concerns shaping students' decisions.

## Visa Issues and Financial Pressures Dominate Concerns

The survey found that visa uncertainty and affordability are the top concerns for students. Agents reported that students are worried about sudden changes to visa rules and the rising cost of living, particularly in traditional study destinations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US. These concerns have led many students to reconsider their study abroad plans, with some opting for alternative destinations or even staying home.

In addition to visa issues, students are also grappling with a range of other concerns, including:

- Safety and security - Exchange rate volatility - Risk of travel disruption - Increased cost of air travel - Breakdown in country-to-country relations - Rising fuel and energy costs

## Students Seek More Support Amid Growing Challenges

The survey revealed that students are facing greater financial strain and require more academic and mental support compared to the previous year. Over half of the agents (54%) noted increased financial strain among students, while 78% reported a higher need for academic support, and 82% observed a greater demand for mental and social support.

Another significant concern is the impact of AI on career prospects. Three-quarters of agents (75%) said that students are worried about how AI will affect their future job opportunities.

## Visa Rejection Rates Deterring Strong Candidates

High visa rejection rates in top study destinations are discouraging even the most qualified students from applying. Agents reported that 80% of students with strong academic and financial profiles are reconsidering their applications due to visa uncertainty. Additionally, 76% of agents noted that these students are more likely to choose alternative destinations with higher visa approval rates.

## Students Explore Alternative Destinations and Backup Plans

In response to the uncertain climate, students are adopting various strategies:

- 82% of agents said students are applying to more destination countries than before. - 85% reported that students are applying to more institutions within each destination country. - 77% noted an increase in applications to alternative destinations. - 72% observed that students are more likely to have a backup plan to study in their home country. - 68% said students are more likely to abandon study abroad plans due to affordability issues.

## Study at Home Gains Appeal

Nearly half of the agents (49%) reported that students now perceive universities or branch campuses in their home countries as offering an equal quality of education to institutions abroad. Affordability remains the primary reason for students choosing to study at home, with 87% of agents citing it as the top factor.

## Destination Trends and the Role of AI

The survey highlighted shifts in perceptions of top study destinations:

| Destination | Perception Trend | |-------------|------------------| | Australia | Stabilised | | Canada | Improved | | UK | Declined | | New Zealand | Outperforming | | US | Poorest image |

While AI is changing how students research study abroad options, it is not replacing the role of education agents. Students often use AI for initial research but rely on agents to validate and interpret the information. Over 40% of agents said students are consulting them more despite AI, while 30% reported no change in engagement. Only 4% said AI has led to much less reliance on agents.

Navitas Group CEO Scott Jones emphasized the importance of the survey findings, stating that the data provides valuable insights into the evolving international education landscape. The report suggests that destinations and institutions offering stability, strong student support, and clear post-study work opportunities may gain a competitive advantage.