How are schools and agents adapting to rising visa rejection rates?

from ICEF Podcast · host Michal Sestak, Martijn van de Veen, Shawn Silverstone, Craig Riggs

• News & developments - Global survey highlights new phase of internationalisation: From a “market era” to a “managed era” - Report projects need for greater diversification in international student recruitment this year• Main topic: How are schools and agents adapting to rising visa rejection rates? • Keys to the market: East AfricawithMichal SestakManaging Director and Principal migration agentAustraliaOnlineShawn Silverstone Director, International Marketing and Recruitment Coquitlam School DistrictCraig Riggs Editor in Chief ICEF MonitorMartijn van de Veen (host)CBDOICEF

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Mar 27, 2025

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What this episode covers

The rapid rise in student visa rejection rates across prominent study destinations has a major impact not just on the students, but equally on the schools and agencies handling their recruitment. Higher rejection rates have led to changes in how pre-paid student fees are managed within the sector, for example, and have placed new financial pressures on both schools and agents. It appears higher rejection rates have also contributed to some high-profile school and agency closures in recent months, which have been, partly attributed to a reliance on projected rates of visa approvals – all of which underscores how uncertainty around visa processing affects our sector and its stakeholders. In this episode, we'll take a closer look at the challenges in the visa process, such as processing delays and rejection rates, and explore their impact on educators, agents, and students. We'll also discuss insights and best practices to mitigate the risks associated with visa processing uncertainties.