Trump’s US visa crackdown pushes UAE students toward UK, Europe, beyond

Lengthy visa waits and toughened immigration rules under the Trump administration are pushing some UAE students to abandon the US as their top destination for universities. The fallout is shaking up traditional education pathways and fuelling demand for alternatives closer to home and across the globe.

Lisa Johnson, Principal of the American Academy for Girls in Dubai, confirmed a “noticeable shift” in student preferences.
“Many students and families are expressing growing concern about the unpredictability of US visa processes, including both delays and, in some cases, revocations. This uncertainty has led some students to reconsider their plans to study in the US, despite previously strong interest.”

Echoing this sentiment, Chris Goodbourn, Director of GEMS For Life, pointed out that visa concerns and questions about return on investment have cooled US university appeal.
“Families are becoming more thoughtful in how they choose higher education pathways, and we see this clearly among GEMS Education students.”

According to NAFSA – US-based association of international educators, new international student enrolment in the US could decline by 30 to 40 per cent this fall, resulting in an overall 15 per cent drop, which would result in nearly $7 billion in lost revenue and more than 60,000 fewer jobs.

The UK, Europe, Canada, and Australia are surging ahead.
“The UK and Europe continue to offer globally recognised institutions and clearer student visa pathways,” Johnson said. “Canada is highly appealing due to its welcoming immigration policies and post-graduation work opportunities. Australia has recently regained popularity post-COVID due to favourable visa policies and high-quality education,” she pointed out.

According to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) – the UK-based organisation providing educational support services, the number of international undergraduate applicants has increased 2.2 per cent compared to June last year.

“The UK remains the top overseas destination for our graduates, offering academic strength and proximity,” Goodbourn noted.

Closer to home, the UAE is fast becoming a regional education powerhouse thanks to its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and easier visa and employment pathways. Significantly, satellite campuses of top international universities in the UAE offer high-quality programmes without the stress of international relocation or visa complications.

Paul Riad, Sales Manager at University of Europe for Applied Sciences, has noticed a gradual increase in the number of students choosing the UAE as their study destination compared to the US.
“This trend is largely driven by factors such as the strategic location, world-class infrastructure, diverse cultural environment, competitive tuition fees, and the presence of internationally accredited universities offering globally recognised degrees,” Riad said.

Goodbourn highlighted that the UAE offers safe, affordable, and rapidly improving quality in local universities.

“The UAE continues to be our top destination, with a large number of students remaining in the region,” Goodbourn added.