Asia and the Middle East Open Doors to More International Students

As shifting political climates and tightening visa policies reshape traditional study abroad destinations like the US and UK, countries across Asia and the Middle East are positioning themselves to absorb the growing pool of international students. Governments from Kazakhstan to the UAE have announced ambitious enrollment targets and policy reforms aimed at attracting foreign learners.

Japan surpasses international targets and welcomes more

Japan set a goal of enrolling 312,000 students by 2027, with a longer-term target of 400,000 by 2033. According to the Japanese Student Services Organization (JASSO), the country surpassed its initial benchmark, with a record of 336,000 international students enrolling in 2024.

The government has supported these gains through policy changes, including the expansion of English-taught programs, streamlined visa processes, and enhanced post-study employment pathways. In 2020, 86 Japanese university departments offered degrees taught in English; by 2024, that number had grown to 90, with a target of 200 by 2033.

• The University of Tokyo plans to launch UTokyo College of Design in Fall 2027, offering a 5-year Bachelor's/Master's program taught in English.
• Japan has also launched recruitment initiatives targeting specific regions, including the Study in Japan for Africa program focused on STEM subjects.

If you're in IT and computer science, there's more good news: Japan is projecting a shortage of 450,000 IT professionals by 2030 and views international students as part of the solution.

South Korea aims to reach 300,000 students by 2027

South Korea now hosts more than 226,000 international students, a 14.8% year-on-year increase. The government aims to reach 300,000 international students by 2027 through its Study Korea 300K Project and has stated ambitions to rank among the top 10 study abroad destinations globally.

The country is taking every opportunity to make itself more attractive to international students:

• The government funds research institutions and offers scholarships, including the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), which covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
• South Korean universities, including Seoul National University and KAIST, have established joint degree programs with international partner institutions.
• A 2-year post-graduation working visa provides pathways for graduates seeking employment.

For US students specifically, enrollment in South Korea has grown from 834 in 2002-2003 to 5,909 in 2022-2023, according to data from the Institute of International Education and South Korea's Ministry of Justice.

China expands transnational education programs

China is expanding its transnational education (TNE) programs, with approximately 800,000 Chinese students currently enrolled. The government aims to grow enrollment to 8 million, though no specific timeline has been announced.

Earlier this year, the government approved 113 new TNE projects, with another 46 approved in September, including 16 joint institutes. Partnerships extend beyond traditional Western institutions to include programs with Brazil, New Zealand, Germany, France, Malaysia, and South Korea.

In 2023, approximately 680,000 international students studied in China. TNE programs, often taught in English, can also expand opportunities for inbound international students.

Malaysia sets its sights on 250,000 students by 2026

Malaysia previously set a target of 250,000 international students by the end of 2025 and saw an almost 25% increase in applications from China between 2023 and 2024.

Source: Education Malaysia, 2025

The 12-month Graduate Pass, originally available to graduates from 23 countries, including the US, UK, and Australia, was recently extended to Indian and Chinese students under specific conditions. The policy allows graduates to work without employer sponsorship. Visa processing currently takes as little as 10-14 days, and the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education has announced plans for a centralized admissions system using blockchain technology to verify qualifications.

Students in Malaysia are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. The Malaysian government reports that the country attracts significant numbers of students from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Egypt, partly due to its status as a Muslim-majority nation.

UAE expands the number of branch campuses from the West

Dubai has set a target for 50% of its university enrollment to be international by 2033, part of efforts to establish a global education hub in the region. As a part of that goal, 3 more Western universities will open branch campuses in Dubai in 2026 alone.

Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said:

"Our aim is to enhance the global competitiveness of Dubai’s graduates, increase educational tourism tenfold by 2033, integrate a new generation of Emiratis into the workforce and future sectors, and contribute to doubling Dubai’s economy over the next decade, positioning the city among the world’s top three economic hubs."

United Arab Emirates government offers many merit scholarships for ambitious students from abroad across many study fields and origin countries.

Vietnam proposes work permits for international students

Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training has submitted a draft resolution proposing to allow international students to work up to 20 hours per week, aligning the country with policies in other study destinations. The country currently has no rules on international student work allowances.

The proposal is part of Resolution No. 71, which outlines broader education reforms. The government plans to develop at least 3 world-class universities by 2027 and aims for 15 to 20 internationally recognized universities by 2030. The Education Ministry is also pushing for 5-year visas and work permit exceptions for academics recruited from abroad.

Ten Vietnamese institutions appeared in global university rankings for 2026, and five more earned international accreditation in 2025. Vietnam currently sends nearly a quarter of a million students abroad annually and is working to become a net receiver of international students.

Kazakhstan plans on welcoming 150,000 students by 2029

Kazakhstan has tripled its government investment in education and expanded university partnerships with institutions abroad. Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek has led initiatives including opening branch campuses of foreign universities in the country.

The initiatives are already bringing results:

• At Nazarbayev University, international student enrollment went from just four students in 2014 to 5% of the total student population in 2024.
• Nationwide, Kazakhstan has reached record numbers with more than 30,000 international students from India, Russia, China, and other countries.

The government has set a target of 150,000 international students by 2029.

What's next?

For international students considering their options, Asian universities are actively working to make enrollment easier. Many of these countries offer streamlined visa processes, growing numbers of English-taught programs, and clear post-graduation employment pathways.

• Students who prioritize affordability may want to look closely at Malaysia, where tuition and living costs remain significantly lower than in Western countries.
• Those interested in technology and innovation could consider Japan or South Korea, both of which offer strong STEM programs and are actively recruiting international talent to fill workforce gaps.
• If you're looking for a unique cultural experiences, consider studying in Kazakhstan or Vietnam, where education systems are rapidly developing and international student communities are still growing.

Several Asian institutions now rank among the world's top universities, including Tsinghua, Peking, Tokyo, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and the National University of Singapore. For students weighing their options, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul, or Astana may offer academic quality and career opportunities comparable to traditional destinations like London or New York.

As these countries continue to expand scholarship programs, simplify admissions procedures, and improve support services for international students, the range of viable study abroad options is widening. Students planning to apply in the coming years should monitor policy developments and new program launches in these regions.