Why are students choosing Germany, France and Spain over the Big Four?

International student mobility has undergone rapid diversification in recent years. Mobility now hardly touches the traditional "Big Four" host countries - the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The rapid growth from expanding demand and new destinations is stated in projection numbers regarding international enrollments, which are set to go from 6.9 million in 2024 to more than 10 million by 2030. A mix of policy changes regarding visas and post-study work rights, mounting living and tuition costs, a clearer transition from study to employment in new markets, and targeted initiatives for housing and talent retention, subtracting uncertainty, have dictated students' choice of alternatives.

Germany Strengthens Its Global Position

Germany continues to stand out as a preferred destination, expected to surpass 400,000 international students by the winter semester of 2024-25. An important reason for this is the seamless connection of the study and work life provided by the German context, made all the more attractive by the policies enforcing long-term retention.

Fast-track citizenship, however, suffered the same fate as other programs and was discontinued from October 2025; but international students are now encouraged to make use of dual citizenship and standard naturalisation, which typically takes five years. The report shows that approximately two-thirds of Germany’s international students want to stick around and work after graduating; fiscal models estimate that each cohort of international graduates every year contributes more €15.5 billion in public revenue than it receives in state benefits.

Germany is also investing in student-friendly initiatives. The Academic Horizons – Attracting Global Minds program was launched in January 2025 to attract postgraduate talent mainly in AI and climate-neutral mobility. At the same time, the Junges Wohnen construction scheme, which promotes affordable and modern student housing, adds even more appeal to Germany.

France Expands Its International Education Goals

France became the main European alternative study destination and enrolled record numbers of 443,500 international students in the 2024-25 academic year, representing a 3 per cent increase from the year before. The French government sets a target to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030, in conjunction with a general aim of improving its global footprint in education.

In furtherance of this goal, France initiated the 2025 Student Housing Plan in September, which will, through the Mon Logement Étudiant platform, construct 45,000 new student residences by 2027. Furthermore, new regulations on visas simplify the transition from study to employment by combining complex routes and adding a clear national salary benchmark. These upgrades have made the post-study work pathway more transparent and accessible for international graduates.

Spain Builds a Student-First Framework

Spain is emerging as another key destination in global education. The ApplyBoard report highlights the EduBridge to Spain programme, approved in June 2025, which fast-tracks admission and visa processes for international students affected by US visa restrictions. New immigration regulations implemented in May 2025 further ease study and work opportunities. Students are now allowed to work up to 30 hours per week, complete half their programmes online, and include employment offers as proof of financial stability. Family members can also apply for residence permits from within Spain.

Last year, Spain had approximately 242,000 international students, meaning an 8% increase from the previous academic year, with a considerable increase coming from Colombia and Mexico. The student-centred policies of the country and the very smooth visa system make it an increasingly attractive choice among global learners. The 2026 Trends Report by ApplyBoard says international education is becoming increasingly dynamic, with Germany, France and Spain among the top European choices. Each is putting its heavy investment into housing, visa reforms and study-to-work pathways to attract and retain global talent.

More than 10 million students are anticipated to study abroad by 2030. The emerging countries for foreign studies herald the dawn of a new era in international student mobility. For universities, governments and ultimately students, the real challenge will be making sure that such policies provide not just attraction of foreign students but also sustainable mechanisms for education, employment and long-term integration.

Editor's note:

Change is taking place in international education as it shifts into another stage. For many years, the four primary destinations chosen by students were the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. That has now changed. Rising costs, tougher visa regimes, and limited post-study work opportunities are forcing students to consider alternative options. And Europe has become a strong contender, with Germany, France and Spain leading the pack. The new destinations are offering students a lot more than just degrees. Germany offers a clear study-to-work transition with policies to encourage graduates to remain within the country and contribute to its economy. In France, the government is enhancing housing and streamlining visa processes for a convenient study-work transition. Spain, on the other hand, has developed flexible immigration requirements that allow for study-work, online education options, and family accompaniment. These measures altogether demonstrate how governments can advertise global education sustainably. Such developments would be of interest in an Indian context. While a good number of Indian students are still opting for the Big Four, there lies an opportunity to strengthen India's own position as a host country. By enhancing student accommodation, formulating clear post-study work routes, and bettering the links between universities and employers, India can position itself to attract more foreign students. At the same time, Indian students gain from having Europe open up towards them with cheaper pathways and clearer career prospects. This development sheds light on the transformations in world education. Students today are not only concerned with academic quality but security, affordability, and opportunities post-graduation. The ApplyBoard report states that there will be over 10 million students studying abroad by 2030. Knowing where such students go, and why, would help with choices, be it for the benefit of the universities, governments, or the students themselves in a rapidly changing environment.

Skoobuzz highlights that the rise of Germany, France and Spain as study destinations shows how international education is diversifying beyond the traditional Big Four. With over 10 million students expected to study abroad by 2030, the challenge will be to ensure these new pathways deliver not only access but also sustainable opportunities for learning, work and long‑term integration.

FAQs

1. Why are more students choosing Germany, France and Spain to study?

Students are increasingly choosing these countries because they offer affordable tuition, strong post‑study work opportunities, and supportive housing policies. Rising costs and stricter visa rules in traditional destinations such as the US, UK, Canada and Australia have also encouraged learners to explore Europe as an alternative.

2. What makes Germany a top destination for international students?

Germany is attractive because of its close link between study and employment. Many courses have low or no tuition fees, and graduates benefit from clear pathways to stay and work. Policies such as dual citizenship and a five‑year naturalisation route make long‑term settlement easier, while investment in affordable student housing adds to its appeal.

3. Can I work in Spain after graduation?

Yes. Spain has introduced flexible immigration rules that allow international graduates to work after completing their studies. Students can work up to 30 hours per week during their course, and new visa pathways make it easier to transition into full‑time employment after graduation.

4. How expensive is student life in France compared to Germany?

France generally has higher living costs than Germany, especially in major cities such as Paris. However, France is investing in affordable housing through initiatives like the Mon Logement Étudiant platform, which aims to build 45,000 student homes by 2027. Germany’s housing schemes, such as Junges Wohnen, also help reduce costs, making both countries competitive compared with traditional destinations.

5. Do European universities offer affordable higher education?

Yes. Many European universities, particularly in Germany and Spain, provide lower tuition fees compared with the US, UK, Canada and Australia. Public universities often charge minimal fees, and governments are investing in housing and visa reforms to make education more accessible. This affordability is one of the main reasons Europe is becoming a preferred study destination.