ApplyBoard’s Trends Report 2027 highlights major declines for traditional leaders. Canada’s new post-secondary study permits are projected at just 160,000 for 2026, down from 749,754 in 2023. US F-1 visa issuances fell 33% to 259,839 in 2025 and were down 38% year-over-year early in 2026. The UK and Australia also face projected drops. In contrast, Germany issued 78,572 first long-term student permits in 2025, up 60% from 2024, becoming Europe’s top option. South Korea reached over 307,000 international students, with Vietnamese enrollees surpassing Chinese ones for the first time. According to Financial Express, shifting policies have eroded trust in the Big Four, opening the field for alternatives in 2027.