Foreign students bypassing U.S. universities to study elsewhere

The United States’ loss is Australia’s and Canada’s gain, according to preliminary data from the Institute of International Education. A new study found enrollment by foreign nationals in U.S. colleges and universities fell 7% in the 2017-2018 school year, while surging 12% in Australia and 18% in Canada.

Reacting to the study, higher education advocates said the U.S. needs to continue attracting international students to retain a leadership position in scientific disciplines.

Other nations luring foreign students who might otherwise have matriculated in the U.S.: China, Japan, New Zealand and Spain.