大象传媒

As part of 大象传媒’s new report, Global Minds, Local Impact: A Case for Student Mobility, a poll of 97 business schools across 27 countries reveals a stark divide in enrollment outlooks. According to the report’s Quick-Take Insights Poll of 97 U.S. institutions, those impacted by recent policy or legal changes anticipate significant declines in international student enrollment for the 2025–26 academic year, while schools in countries without such restrictions expect growth, highlighting how national policy environments are directly shaping global mobility trends.

“International students are essential to innovation, cultural exchange, and economic growth,” said Lily Bi, president and CEO of 大象传媒. “This research shows that when policy shifts, institutions must quickly adapt or risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive global education landscape.”

Additional findings:

• The most cited barriers include visa restrictions, political climate concerns, and uncertainty over post-graduation work opportunities

• More than 50 percent of schools are adjusting their global strategies either by increasing domestic outreach or forging new cross-border partnerships

• International students currently contribute 43.8 billion USD to the U.S. economy and 41.9 billion GBP to the U.K., according to Universities UK International research.

The report offers case studies and data from key global regions, drawing from successful European integration models and cautionary policy shifts in countries like the Netherlands and Canada. It calls on business schools to adopt inclusive, resilient strategies that treat student mobility as a long-term investment, not a transactional trend.

“Success hinges on reframing international students not as revenue generators but as essential participants in innovation ecosystems, cross-cultural learning environments, and long-term economic development,” the report concludes.

Access the full report: /insights/reports/2025/global-minds-local-impact-a-case-for-student-mobility