fbpx
Market intelligence for international student recruitment from ICEF
16th Jun 2021

Japanese agents report that they sent 76% fewer students abroad in 2020

Short on time? Here are the highlights:
  • Japanese agencies report a 76% drop in the number of students they sent abroad in 2020 compared with 2019
  • They also report that students are still interested in study abroad post-COVID
  • Safety concerns are paramount for students in considering destinations

Japan, an important source market for many study abroad destinations, sent 76% fewer students to other countries in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline was reported by JAOS (Japan Association of Overseas Studies) on the basis of a survey among 43 of its agency members conducted in March 2021. Those agencies sent only 18,374 students abroad in 2020 compared with 77,953 in 2019.

Despite the decline, JAOS provides an optimistic note in its report, adding that, “its agencies continue to receive daily inquiries from those desiring overseas educational opportunities when the pandemic settles.”

Number of Japanese students referred for study abroad by agencies, 2019 and 2020. Source: JAOS.

Before COVID, the top three destinations for Japanese students remained the US, Australia, and Canada, which held 22%, 20%, and 17% share of the Japanese outbound market, respectively. Demand had also been picking up among Japanese students for English-language study in the Philippines, Ireland, and Malta.

JAOS member referrals to the top ten study destinations for Japanese students, 2019 and 2020. The percentage value indicated shows the proportion of total referrals abroad for 2020 for each destination. Source: JAOS.

Students are looking for safe destinations

JAOS says that many of the inquiries its members receive include questions about safety issues in destination countries, highlighting the need for foreign educators to make their safety protocols and procedures front and centre on their websites and in all communications with agents and students.

JAOS states that its members are currently helping students to make decisions with safety risk factors in mind, and the advice they give is “based on the collective experience and knowledge of member organizations, of the destination counties, cities and institutions.”

Japan’s borders remain closed to foreign students

Even as Japanese students continue to plan for study abroad, Japan currently has some of the strictest border policies in the world, similar to those in Australia, China, and New Zealand. International students have launched petitions urging the Japanese government to let them in and feel that their situation is particularly unfair given the government’s plans to welcome Olympics athletes and delegations in Tokyo this summer despite COVID.

But while Japan has had relatively low infection rates throughout most of the pandemic, there was a recent surge in cases in May 2021 and it is unlikely the government will change border policies until cases fall further and vaccination rollouts pick up speed.

For additional background, please see:

Most Recent

  • Language travel sector leaders call for a focus on value amid persistent discount pressure Read More
  • Canada: List of non-degree college programmes linked to post-study work rights has changed Read More
  • US administration revives proposal to limit terms of student visas Read More

Most Popular

  • Which countries will contribute the most to global student mobility in 2030? Read More
  • Research shows link between study abroad and poverty alleviation  Read More
  • Beyond the Big Four: How demand for study abroad is shifting to destinations in Asia and Europe Read More

Because you found this article interesting

Language travel sector leaders call for a focus on value amid persistent discount pressure A June 2025 forum convened by ALTO (Association of Language Travel Organisations) confirmed that price discounting in language...
Read more
Canada: List of non-degree college programmes linked to post-study work rights has changed The Canadian government is continuing its policy of linking eligibility for a post-study work permit (PGWP) – at...
Read more
US administration revives proposal to limit terms of student visas The Trump administration has given notice of a proposed rule change that seeks to limit the term for...
Read more
How have changes in policy settings impacted international student recruitment at Australian universities? Over the past couple of years, Australian universities have been operating within a policy framework that makes it...
Read more
ICEF Podcast: Together for transparency – Building global standards for ethical international student recruitment Listen in as ICEF’s Craig Riggs and Martijn van de Veen recap some of the latest news and...
Read more
New analysis sounds a note of caution for UK immigration reforms Within the UK’s higher education system, there are a group of institutions known as “Post-1992 universities”. The term...
Read more
US warns of expanded travel ban that could affect key African markets “The United States is considering restricting entry to citizens of an additional 36 countries in what would be...
Read more
Breaking: US resumes student visa processing On 18 June, the US State Department sent a cable to all US diplomatic posts abroad instructing them...
Read more
What are you looking for?
Quick Links