United States colleges and universities are bracing for declines in international student enrolments in the coming autumn (fall) semester, a prospect that could lead to a loss of revenues as high as US$4.5 billion and further slow the momentum of overseas recruitment, a pair of reports examining the impact of COVID-19 on US higher education suggest.
The reports also raise concerns about the potential long-term consequences, including jobs lost and missed opportunities for global learning, if study abroad opportunities for US students are scaled back dramatically because of the uncertainties around public health.
Nearly 90% of 599 schools responding to a study conducted by the non-profit Institute of International Education (IIE) said they expect international student enrolments to drop this autumn, and 30% of them anticipated a “substantial” decline. About 85% anticipated a decline in interest of students in going abroad in the 2020-21 academic year. ♦
