Brain drain US style: Trump's win sparks student exodus wishes - at least for a moment

Trump's re-election seems to have made American students consider fleeing the country faster than you can say '.' Studyportals, a global study choice platform based in Eindhoven, saw a mind-boggling 500% spike in study abroad inquiries on November 7th. The UK, Canada, and even the Netherlands are suddenly hot tickets. But here's the kicker: while US students want to pack their bags, international students give Uncle Sam the side-eye. It's too soon to say this will shake up redefine global education, but for Studyportals, the signals were extraordinary.

The aftermath of Donald Trump's re-election has caused a whirlwind of activity among American students. On November 7th, Studyportals reported a staggering increase in inquiries as students began exploring educational opportunities abroad. In just one day, the number of students seeking information about studying in other countries increased five-fold. According to University World News, this surge could indicate a significant shift in sentiment, possibly driven by the political climate and its implications for education and future career prospects.

"The day after Donald Trump’s election win, we’ve seen a five-fold surge in interest from US students looking to study abroad", a Studyportals spokesperson said.

This chart shows the huge spike in interest in on-campus study outside the US, across all levels.

So where are prospective students from the US looking to study abroad? Our data shows the biggest spikes in student interest for Ireland, followed by Canada, Sweden, and the UK.

The global classroom shuffle

While US students look outward, the rest of the world reevaluates its stance on American education. According to a Keystone Pulse survey, 42% of prospective international students are now less inclined to study in the US. Another 41% remain uncertain, their decisions hanging in the balance. This hesitance might be attributed to the potential policy changes under the new administration, particularly regarding immigration and work opportunities post-graduation.

International students contribute approximately $40.1 billion to the US economy, making them a crucial component of the higher education sector. Any significant decline in their enrollment could have profound financial implications for universities. Moreover, the cultural exchange and diversity these students bring to campuses across the country play a vital role in fostering global understanding and collaboration.