International students are becoming more cautious about studying abroad as visa uncertainty and rising living costs increasingly influence their decisions. A 2026 Navitas Agent Perception Survey of 870 education agents across 64 countries found that students are placing greater importance on predictability, affordability and the likelihood of securing a visa before choosing a study destination.

The findings are particularly relevant for major English-speaking destinations such as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, where changing immigration policies and higher costs are influencing international education decisions.

While perceptions of Canada showed signs of improvement compared with the previous year, concerns about visa processing delays and policy changes remain important factors for prospective students.

Visa Policy Changes Are a Major Concern

According to the survey, agents reported that students are particularly worried about the possibility of sudden changes to visa rules.

For students planning to spend several years studying abroad, uncertainty can make it difficult to assess the risks associated with a destination. Applicants may be concerned not only about whether they will receive a visa, but also whether immigration rules could change during their studies.

This uncertainty is encouraging some students to compare more destinations before making a final decision.

The survey found that:

• 82% of agents said applicants are applying to more destination countries than before.
• 85% said students are applying to more institutions within each destination.
• 77% reported greater interest in alternative study destinations.
• 72% said students are more likely to have a backup plan to study in their home country.
• 68% said students are increasingly likely to abandon overseas study because of affordability concerns.

These findings suggest that international students are becoming more strategic when assessing study-abroad opportunities.

Rising Living Costs Are Affecting Study Abroad Choices

Affordability has become another major consideration for students and their families.

Tuition is only one component of the total cost of studying internationally. Students must also consider accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, flights and other everyday expenses.

The survey indicates that financial pressure is influencing students’ willingness to pursue education overseas. Among students who decide to remain in their home countries, 87% of agents identified affordability as the leading reason.

This could create greater competition among international education destinations, particularly as students compare the total cost of studying and living abroad rather than focusing only on tuition fees.

Even Strong Students Are Considering Alternatives

Visa uncertainty may be affecting students who otherwise have strong academic and financial profiles.

According to the survey, 80% of agents said awareness of high visa rejection rates in major destinations is discouraging applications from strong students who could potentially have a good chance of approval.

Meanwhile, 76% of agents said students with strong academic and financial profiles are increasingly choosing destinations where visa approval is perceived as more predictable.

For prospective students, this means that having strong qualifications may not be the only consideration when selecting a destination. Perceived immigration certainty is also becoming part of the decision-making process.

Students Are Looking Beyond the Traditional Destinations

The survey indicates that students are widening their search.

Instead of automatically choosing one of the traditional major study destinations, applicants are increasingly comparing multiple countries and institutions.

The survey identified several additional concerns influencing destination choices, including:

• Safety and security;
• Exchange-rate fluctuations;
• Potential travel disruptions;
• Higher air-travel costs;
• International political relations; and
• Rising fuel and energy costs.

This broader evaluation means universities and countries may need to demonstrate not only academic quality but also affordability, stability and strong support for international students.

Canada’s Image Shows Signs of Recovery

Despite ongoing concerns, Canada’s perception as a study destination has improved compared with the previous year, according to the survey.

The report found that perceptions of Australia had stabilised, Canada’s image had improved, while perceptions of the UK continued to decline. New Zealand was reported as outperforming the traditional major destinations in terms of positive perceptions, while the United States recorded the weakest image among the destinations discussed.

However, improving perceptions do not eliminate concerns surrounding immigration policies.

For Canada, maintaining confidence among prospective international students may depend partly on communicating its current visa requirements, processing procedures and available study and post-study opportunities clearly.

International Students Need More Support

The survey also highlights growing support requirements among international students.

Compared with the previous year:

• 54% of agents said students are more likely to experience financial strain.
• 78% said students need more academic support.
• 82% said students need more mental and social support.

These increases suggest that students are looking beyond the classroom when assessing an international education experience.

Institutions that provide comprehensive academic, financial and social support may be better positioned to respond to these changing expectations.

Artificial Intelligence Is Another Source of Student Anxiety

Immigration and affordability are not the only concerns affecting prospective international students.

The survey found that 75% of agents said students are concerned about AI’s impact on their future careers.

As artificial intelligence changes employment requirements across industries, students are increasingly interested in whether their education will provide relevant skills and lead to sustainable career opportunities.

This may make program selection increasingly focused on employability, practical skills and long-term career outcomes.

Students Still Value Human Guidance

Although students are using artificial intelligence to research study-abroad options, the survey suggests that AI has not replaced education agents.

Students may use AI to gather information and then consult education agents to validate, interpret or apply that information to their individual circumstances.

More than four in ten agents said students are relying on them more despite the availability of AI, while three in ten reported no change.

This highlights the continuing importance of reliable human guidance when students are making complex decisions involving education, immigration and finances.

What This Means for Students Considering Canada

Prospective international students considering Canada should carefully evaluate their study plans before submitting an application.

Students should consider:

1. Current visa requirements and whether they meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Total study and living costs, rather than tuition alone.
3. Financial preparedness, including funds for accommodation and daily expenses.
4. Institution and program suitability based on academic and career goals.
5. Current immigration rules, including any requirements that could affect their plans.
6. Alternative options, particularly if visa timelines or affordability are significant concerns.

Immigration policies can change, so applicants should rely on current official information when making decisions.

Canada’s International Education Competitiveness Could Depend on Certainty

The survey highlights a broader shift in how international students assess study destinations.

Academic reputation remains important, but students are increasingly weighing visa certainty, affordability, safety, support services and career prospects alongside education quality.

For Canada and other major destinations, providing clear and consistent information could become an increasingly important part of attracting international talent.

For students, the message is equally important: researching immigration requirements and the full financial commitment before choosing a destination can help reduce uncertainty later in the process.