Business schools: Policy shifts are undermining international student mobility (AACSB survey)

"Institutions impacted by recent policy changes anticipate an average 16% drop in international student enrollment for the 2025-26 academic year. Meanwhile, schools in countries without such restrictions expect enrollment to increase by as much as 10%, highlighting how national policy environments are directly shaping global mobility trends", reports AACSB on 23/07/2025.

The accreditation organisation cites a survey of 97 business schools across 27 countries from its new report, 'Global Minds, Local Impact: A Case for Student Mobility'.

“International students are essential to innovation, cultural exchange, and economic growth. This research shows that when policy shifts, institutions must quickly adapt or risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive global education landscape", states Lily Bi, president and CEO of AACSB.

According to the survey, the most cited barriers include visa restrictions, political climate concerns, and uncertainty over post-graduation work opportunities.

As institutions across 27 countries brace for enrollment declines, 50% of them are adjusting their…