NAFSA, APLU and INTO Report Identifies Factors Influencing International Student Enrollment and Maps Out Ways for Universities to Reverse Recent Declines

Washington, DC

While COVID-19 and recent misguided federal policy changes are significant factors in the recent decline of international student enrollment, increased competition from other countries predates both factors and is a primary force that demands a renewed focus on internationalization from U.S. research universities, according to a new report from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities; and INTO University Partnerships.

Analyzing data from nearly a dozen publicly available sources, the three groups today released, Factors Influencing International Student Enrollment Growth and Decline: A Multi-Factor Analysis of Two Decades of Data with Implications for the Future, which details the factors influencing international student enrollment levels over a period of two decades and provides a roadmap for how U.S. universities can reverse recent declines.

Among other factors, the report found that those institutions with a significant international student population already in place were able to attract additional international students.  Other prominent factors include national and international recognition for institutions and whether schools have a third-party recruitment (pathway) partnership to facilitate what is often a difficult transition for international students. The report presents lessons from the past and a glimpse of future implications for international enrollment management at U.S. institutions.

Detailed findings:

Factors influencing growth 

• Top-50 S. News and World Report-ranked institutions grew international enrollments by 5.5% between 2015 and 2018, while all other universities experienced a 1.2% decline. 
• Institutions with an international student population of more than 2,500 were 1.94x more likely to experience international enrollment growth during the same period. 
• Institutions with third-party pathway partnerships were 1.73x more likely to experience international enrollment growth during the same period.

Factors fueling decline 

• Driven in part by a significant decrease in the number of sponsored Saudi Arabian students, international enrollments in intensive English language programs fell by 39.7% between 2015 and 2018, which contributed to a 1.2% decline in undergraduate enrollments.
• Largely due to increased U.S. visa denials and growth in Canada, the U.K. and Australia, lower numbers of Indian student enrollments drove a 3.8% decrease in international enrollments at the master’s level from 2019 to 2020.
• Increased international competition contributed to international student enrollment declines across six of the top 10 sending markets from 2019 to 2020, with the exceptions of Brazil, Canada, Taiwan and Nigeria.

 Implications for the future

• Innovating new revenue streams and implementing more efficient operations will be key for universities combatting the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.
• Institutions will need an even sharper focus on delivering student outcomes and concentrating their offers on what really matters to students and their families.
• In addition to delivering classes online, institutions must find ways to recreate the cultural exchange that is integral to an international education in a digital setting.
• As student interests shift due to greater emphasis on digitalization and public health, institutions must develop solutions to offer students work experience without their being in the U.S.
• International educators must work with institutional colleagues to support long-term advocacy efforts for sensible immigration policies that welcome international students to the U.S.

Download the full report.

Download this announcement.

INTO University Partnerships accepted onto the Office for Students Register

INTO University Partnerships is delighted to announce that our application to the Office for Students (OfS) has been successful and we’re now a registered English Higher Education Provider (HEP) on the OfS Register. This registration came with no specific conditions attached.

Acknowledging dedication to enriching student lives

OfS is the regulator of higher education in England. Its Register is an authoritative reference point for students reflecting providers’ regulatory status, listing all the English Higher Education Providers that are officially registered with the OfS.

The Register has strict conditions of registration to which a provider needs to adhere in order to maintain their registration status. INTO’s registration demonstrates our commitment to supporting students through, and succeeding in, their higher education journey. It acknowledges we provide a high-quality academic experience for international students who are given the necessary skills to progress to further study and/or employment. 

INTO’s registration

The following INTO Centers are included in our registration:

• INTO Manchester
• INTO Newcastle University
• Newcastle University London
• INTO City, University of London
• INTO University of Exeter
• INTO London World Education Centre
• INTO University of East Anglia

INTO Centers located in the devolved nations will continue to secure formal Educational Oversight through Quality Assurance Agency reviews.

For more information visit the Office for Students.

INTO Signs New Partnership Agreement with the University of Arizona

San Diego, CA

INTO University Partnerships is delighted to announce a new agreement with the University of Arizona, one of the world’s top 100 institutions. The partnership will support Arizona’s ambitious global strategy to provide world-class education opportunities to students wherever they are located. INTO in turn will leverage its extensive global recruitment network to ensure students discover the opportunity and are guided to the programs most appropriate for them.

As part of the University’s Global Campus strategy, students have the option to start their academic journey at the University’s main campus in Tucson, AZ, at one of the University’s Microcampuses in multiple global locations, or in a blended online formatwhere they can begin their academic program virtually and then complete their degree in-person on campus in Tucson, Arizona.

"The Global Campus is a long-term effort toward meeting the United Nations' sustainable development goal of providing accessible quality education to the world," University of Arizona President Robert Robbins said in a statement. "We are truly making affordable, world-class education available to global citizens around the world and, in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has never been needed more.”

This will be INTO’s latest partnership in the United States and the first which focuses exclusively on ensuring students from around the world have the opportunity to experience world-class American higher education from wherever they are in the world.

“We are delighted to partner with the University of Arizona, a university with an incredibly strong global brand, a stellar academic reputation and a deeply innovative approach to education delivery.” said John Latham, Chief Executive Officer of INTO, on announcing the agreement.

“We want students to have options. If they want to join us on campus in Tucson, that’s great – but we also want to provide students the opportunity to receive a UA degree anywhere in the world – not just Arizona. This partnership with INTO enables us to work with one of the world’s most experienced and successful international education organizations. Most importantly an organization which shares our vision and values” said Brent White, VP of Global Affairs at UA.

For more information:

University of Arizona https://everywhere.arizona.edu/

INTO University Partnerships https://www.intoglobal.com/ 

Illinois State University and INTO Partner for International Success

Normal, ILLINOIS, March 22, 2018 – INTO University Partnerships has signed a long-term agreement with Illinois State University (ISU) to enhance campus diversity and increase international enrollment. The partnership will play an integral role in supporting Illinois State’s goal of increasing the international student population on campus from the current two percent of overall enrollment to 10 percent within 10 years.

INTO Illinois State University, as the partnership is known, starts recruiting this spring. The first students will arrive on campus in the Fall of 2018.

"In today’s globally connected society and economy, it is more important than ever that our students benefit from a diverse education and interaction with students from different backgrounds and perspectives.” said Larry Dietz, President of Illinois State University. “The increase in international students will not displace any Illinois students who meet our academic standards, but will instead enhance the learning environment. Through this partnership with INTO we aim to provide talented and ambitious students with even more opportunities to study alongside those from other countries. We believe Illinois State will play a full role in the creation of the next generation of global citizens and leaders."

"We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Illinois State University. As competition to attract the world’s most ambitious students intensifies, our partnership will enable Illinois State to reach, recruit and support those students in ways that would not be possible alone," said John Latham, Chief Executive Officer of INTO.

"We look forward to supporting the University as it fulfills its global potential. Illinois State’s commitment to exceptional teaching, highly rated programs, among them one of the Nation’s most highly respected insurance degrees and excellent graduation rates resonate powerfully with students across the United States today. Paired with its location in one of the best college towns in America, these outstanding qualities will resonate just as powerfully with students from all over the world." added John Sykes, Co-Founder of INTO and Executive Vice President, North America

Working together, ISU and INTO have developed academic Pathway programs for international students to improve their English language comprehension while preparing them to be successful, degree-seeking students at the University. The Academic English, International Year One and Graduate Pathway programs developed through this partnership will be taught by ISU faculty with admissions decisions determined by ISU.

Illinois State is the 11th university in the United States to team with INTO. The company specializes in building deeply embedded partnerships that enable universities to achieve their international enrollment ambitions while also supporting students as they transition into studying at a US university.

Illinois State is located in Normal, Illinois, which has been ranked in the Top 10 College Towns in America by the American Institute for Economic Research. International students at ISU enjoy the friendly and welcoming culture of the Midwest while benefitting from being in one of the most vibrant job markets in the United States. The State of Illinois is ranked fourth in the Nation for the most Fortune 500 companies’ headquarters and the campus’ proximity to Chicago offers students access to one of the largest cities in the United States as well as many professional opportunities.

More than 67 countries are represented on campus, making Illinois State University a destination for students and scholars from around the world. The partnership will help develop and foster the diverse community at ISU. For more about the university, please visit its website.

ABOUT INTO UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS

INTO University Partnerships specialises in large-scale transformational partnerships that support and drive leading universities' internationalization goals. Within university-led partnerships, INTO expands opportunities for international students to pursue higher education, investing in the resources, systems and processes to deliver remarkable student experiences and exceptional student outcomes.

INTO has developed partnerships with 22 universities around the world to help them expand access and transform the quality of the international student experience.

INTO currently operates a student recruitment network with 38 offices in 17 countries – attracting more than 14,000 students form 120 countries each year to our partners.

Students benefit from university-designed and delivered programmes, highly supportive learning environments and state-of-the-art learning and living spaces while enjoying full access to their host university's campus facilities, resources and services.

In 2016, INTO’s first partnership INTO University of East Anglia was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the UK’s most prestigious business honor.  In 2011 INTO  was named Higher Education Provider of the Year in the Education Investor awards and was highly commended as Education Business of the Year in 2013.

The company has over 1,500 staff working on INTO projects and generates annual revenues in excess of $250m

INTO US PARTNERS:

Oregon State University, University of South Florida, Colorado State University, Marshall University, Drew University, George Mason University, St Louis University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Washington State University, Suffolk University Boston, Illinois State University.

Illinois State University Campus picture, courtesy of Illinois State University 

Suffolk University, Boston to work with INTO to boost diversity

INTO University Partnerships has signed a long-term partnership with prestigious Boston-based Suffolk University. The new partnership is INTO’s tenth in the United States, and the agreement builds on Suffolk’s international reputation as a magnet for ambitious students from around the world.

INTO Suffolk, as the new venture is known, will start recruiting this fall, and the first students will arrive on campus in the spring of 2018.

"We are thrilled to partner with Suffolk University and to amplify the University’s reach worldwide. We share common values and a belief in the importance of a globally diverse student community,” said John Sykes, Co-Founder of INTO and Executive Vice President, North America, on announcing the partnership, which is INTO’s first in New England.

"The range of programs, the wonderful location in the center of Boston and, most of all, the commitment of faculty and leadership at Suffolk to delivering a first-class experience and a great education augur well for the future of this partnership and the continued success of the University."

"Forging our 10th partnership in the US is a major milestone for INTO. The Suffolk partnership constitutes a real win-win for our growing US business – a university with a proven reputation for attracting international students, located in a high demand, destination city," added INTO CEO John Latham.

In addition to being named as a first-tier national university by The Wall Street Journal (2016), Suffolk is recognized as a top destination for international students, having been ranked fifth in the US among national universities for international students as a percentage of total student population according US News & World Report’s 2017 Best Colleges rankings.

"Suffolk University has been an innovator in higher education for more than a century, and through this partnership, we are innovating again to fulfill our mission in an increasingly global and competitive environment," said Suffolk University Acting President Marisa Kelly.

INTO Suffolk will offer one, two and three-semester Pathway programs that blend academic preparation and intensive English-language training to prepare students for a Suffolk University degree program. The Academic English, Undergraduate and Graduate Pathway programs offered at INTO Suffolk will be taught by Suffolk faculty, and students will be assessed according to the University’s exacting standards before being admitted onto degree programs.

"We were attracted to INTO because of its commitment to strong academic programs - Pathway programs that really help to ensure the educational success of the students who move through them," added Marisa. "Like Suffolk, INTO understands the importance of the international experience in education, for the students who are coming from abroad, but also for domestic students. Exchanging ideas and perspectives with peers from around the world is educational in itself."

Suffolk University is located in the heart of Boston, which today is known for its diversity and dynamism. Home to 50,000 international students, Boston is seen as one of the most innovative cities in the United States, recognized for entrepreneurial growth and innovation by the US Chamber of Commerce.

“In this time of continued dynamic globalization, we owe students expansive opportunities for multi-faceted exposure to international perspectives," added Suffolk Board Chair Robert C Lamb. "Our partnership with INTO establishes a long-term, sustainable means of providing an education that prepares students for success in whatever dimension of the global marketplace they may encounter in their careers."

Suffolk University has extending higher education to the world at the heart of its mission, having been founded in 1906 in order to provide academic opportunities to immigrants arriving in America. For more about the University please visit their website.

INTO Oregon State University and Corvallis Public Schools Foundation Team Up for Kids

CORVALLIS, OREGON (June 28, 2016) – The Corvallis Public Schools Foundation announced today a partnership with INTO Oregon State University to help area children succeed in school. International students at OSU will serve as mentors and launch student-led fundraising efforts tied to key CPSF programs.

An initial grant from INTO OSU will support the foundation’s summer programs at Corvallis High School. Across the district, more than 350 students take part in these programs each summer. INTO OSU will support interventions designed to help English language learners and students who aspire to be first-generation college students. The summer programs have served as a catalyst in improving high school graduation rates in the Corvallis School District by more than 18 percent since 2012.

“Local individuals, businesses and organizations have played a critical role in boosting graduation rates through these programs,” explained Liv Gifford, CPSF executive director. “This has been a community-wide effort, and we are pleased to have INTO OSU join us in this work.”

INTO OSU, a unique university-private partnership that helps recruit and support international students for Oregon State University, began a search for a local partner earlier this year to bolster the company’s international charity, INTO Giving. Founded in 2008, INTO Giving raises funds for projects that help educate disadvantaged children in developing nations. Eight years later, the charity is expanding its reach to help students in local communities like Corvallis.

“We want to partner with a local organization to help grow educational access in Corvallis,” said Bob Gilmour, INTO OSU executive director. “The Corvallis Public Schools Foundation helps young people living in difficult circumstances have access to an excellent education—it’s a great fit for INTO Giving and INTO OSU.”

The Corvallis Public Schools Foundation works to reduce barriers to education for traditionally disadvantaged students, expand excellence through enrichment opportunities and provide pathways to graduation. The organization also offers educator grants and recognition and college scholarship opportunities.

INTO OSU already has begun working with Corvallis High School administrators to create opportunities for international students to volunteer. Gifford said these college volunteers will be important contributors as the Corvallis School District serves a student population that is increasingly diverse, with students from 70 countries speaking nearly 50 languages. In particular, Arabic and Chinese language skills are in high demand, she said. 

“INTO OSU’s international student volunteers will be an asset in our schools because of their ability to connect with young students who are English language learners,” said Gifford. “As college students, these young people have left their home countries and are now working toward their college degrees. Their hard work and dedication will set an outstanding example for our summer program participants.” 

For more information about INTO Giving, visit: into-giving.com

ABOUT CORVALLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

The Corvallis Public Schools Foundation was founded in 1996 with the vision to unite private donors with educators in order to provide the best possible education for Corvallis students. The Foundation reduces barriers to education for low-income and homeless students, provides pathways to graduation for students who need extra help and expands excellence through enrichment opportunities. For more information visit: www.cpsfoundation.org

ABOUT INTO OSU and INTO

Oregon State University is the first U.S. partner of INTO University Partnerships, a global company that helps leading world universities expand educational access for international students by creating highly supportive academic environments and delivering university-designed Pathway and English language programs. Since 2006, INTO has launched joint venture partnerships to help internationalize 20 universities in the U.S., U.K. and China. These partnerships have helped more than 15,000 students from more than 130 countries begin their studies at partner institutions in the U.S., including Oregon State University, University of South Florida, Colorado State University, Marshall University, George Mason University, Drew University, Saint Louis University and The University of Alabama at Birmingham.

For more information visit: www.into-corporate.com

INTO University of East Anglia celebrates tenth anniversary with 2016 Queen’s Award for Enterprise (International Trade)

(BRIGHTON, UK, 04.21.2016) Ten years since INTO University of East Anglia, (INTO UEA) was established in 2006, the partnership wins a Queen’s Award for Enterprise (International Trade), the United Kingdom’s highest accolade for business success.

INTO UEA is a joint venture partnership between the University of East Anglia and INTO University Partnerships and was established to support the internationalisation goals of the University, namely to increase the number of high quality international students, to broaden its global presence and to invest in world class facilities. INTO UEA delivers pathway programmes which prepare international students for university study.

The partnership, located in a purpose built building in the heart of the UEA campus in Norwich, combines the academic reputation of one of the world’s leading universities with the reach and resources of the private sector. It has educated more than 5,000 students, generating approximately £60m in additional annual revenue for the University and local community.

UEA vice-chancellor, Professor David Richardson, said: “I would like to congratulate INTO UEA on this prestigious enterprise award. INTO UEA was the first of its kind and has not only enjoyed both excellent student satisfaction and academic results, but has also made a significant contribution to both UEA and our local economy.”

Debbie Price, INTO UEA centre director since 2007 said: “I am enormously proud of our achievements at INTO UEA. Local jobs have been created, the University and the local economy have benefited and most important of all, thousands of young people from around the world have received a British university education, with over 2,500 qualifying to progress to the University of East Anglia. This award tops off our 10^th year birthday celebrations in a spectacular way.”

Commenting on the award, John Sykes, INTO’s chief executive said: “We are thrilled and honoured to have received this award. It is a testament to the power of partnership and the enduring global prestige of the University of East Anglia. The INTO UEA partnership, which continues to thrive, has served as a blue print for the establishment of a global network of 20 university partnerships in the United Kingdom, United States and China. This award is dedicated to all of those who have worked so hard to help international students reach their full potential.”

Ends

About INTO University of East Anglia

INTO University of East Anglia was the first of the INTO partnerships, established in February 2006. It has become a beacon of successful campus internationalisation.

Since inception, the University has grown international undergraduate student enrolments at three times the UK average and more than 5,000 students have progressed on to further study at the University, generating an estimated £50m in mission-enabling capital.

Today INTO University of East Anglia provides tangible proof of the power of carefully designed public-private partnerships to deliver transformational change in higher education.

Performance:

• The most recent student experience results indicate 93 per cent satisfaction (including 95 per cent satisfaction with learning).
• Of the 243 former INTO undergraduate students graduating in 2015, 66 per cent achieved first or upper second class degrees

The INTO Study Centre provides a world-class student experience, allowing students to live and learn in one innovatively designed building on the University of East Anglia campus. The INTO Centre boasts stylish, modern teaching facilities and accommodation for over 400 students, along with outstanding social facilities and 24/7 student support.

Amongst the firsts

• In September 2008, the partnership opened the UK’s first dedicated, on-campus living and learning centre for international students
• The partnership launched the Newton A-level programme for gifted and talented students across the world. In April 2016, former Newton student Chan Lok Yan became the first student to graduate with a medical degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
• In 2014, the partnership launched the world’s first MOOC for international students on the Future Learn platform.
  

For more information about INTO UEA, please click here. 

About INTO University Partnerships

INTO University Partnerships specialises in large-scale transformational partnerships that support and drive leading universities' internationalisation goals. Within university-led partnerships, INTO expands opportunities for students to pursue higher education, investing in the resources, systems and processes to deliver remarkable student experiences and exceptional student outcomes.

INTO has developed partnerships with 20 universities around the world to help them expand access and transform the quality of the international student experience.

The partnership model provides investment and access to resources beyond the scope and capacity of individual universities.

INTO currently operates a student recruitment network with 31 offices in 17 countries – attracting 14,000 students form 120 countries each year to our partners.

Students benefit from university-designed and delivered programmes, highly supportive learning environments and state-of-the-art learning and living spaces while enjoying full access to their host university's campus facilities, resources and services.

In 2011, INTO was named Higher Education Provider of the Year in the Education Investor awards and was highly commended as Education Business of the Year in 2013.

INTO China's short-term study abroad courses have been voted in the world's top ten study abroad experiences by Abroad 101 and STA Travel.

The company has over 1,500 staff working on INTO projects and generates annual revenues in excess of £200m

In the June 2012 I-graduate survey, the international student polling organisation revealed that three of the top five most highly recommended higher education operations are INTO joint ventures.

For more information, please visit www.into-corporate.com

For media enquiries:

University of East Anglia
Andrew Stronach
a.stronach@uea.ac.uk
01603 591520

INTO University Partnerships
Tim O’Brien
Vice President, Global Business Intelligence & Development
tim.obrien@intoglobal.com
M: +44 (0) 7912194744

Download the press release as a PDF