"Global Education Sector is Adapting to Shifts"
As we look ahead to 2026, the landscape of global student mobility is evolving in ways that both challenge us and reaffirm the value of international education. Recent policy developments in the United States and geopolitics are reshaping student decision-making, and for all of us committed to empowering learners through global experiences, this moment calls for clarity and purpose.
Across the U.S., ongoing policy shifts – including heightened scrutiny of visa applicants’ social media, potential changes to duration of study & degree pathways, and other evolving visa & immigration regulations – are influencing how international students view the U.S. as a destination for higher learning. Many higher education leaders have noted that these changes have introduced uncertainty into the traditionally strong appeal of American institutions, contributing to declines in incoming enrollments and complicating recruitment efforts.
As a result, as the global education sector adapts to these shifts, we are seeing increased interest in alternatives to traditional degree-seeking study, particularly a move toward short-term models that offer flexibility and tangible outcomes.
SAF's Programs Continuing to Reflect Current Demand
In 2026, SAF will continue to lead with a portfolio that meets students and partner universities where they are now.
We anticipate sustained growth in our semester-based, non-degree programs that strike a balance between impact and flexibility. These programs build confidence, cultivate global competencies, and inspire lifelong curiosity – all qualities that employers increasingly value and a clear return on the investment of immersing yourself in another culture and academic environment.
SAF is also expanding access to short-term study abroad options, from summer courses and customized group offerings to intensive IES Global Center-based study tours, all of which offer academic learning and cultural immersion without the constraints of long-term study. These formats are rising in popularity precisely because they are adaptable and responsive to the diverse needs of today’s learners.
Internships are growing in demand, too – across the world’s most dynamic cities and especially in STEM fields. These placements give students practical, career-connected skills that pair naturally with a study abroad experience, and SAF continues to innovate in how these opportunities are designed and delivered.
Study Abroad is Diversifying; SAF is Expanding Access & Options
It’s important to note that international student mobility does not appear to be diminishing overall; it is simply diversifying as more students are looking beyond the U.S. and for a variety of program models and durations.
SAF is well positioned to support that shift through our network of more than 60 partner universities, including long-standing partnerships across Europe and Asia, where visa and entry policies are becoming more streamlined and welcoming.
Our global reach extends even further through IES Global. With its worldwide network of academic study abroad centers, featuring more than 250 programs across 30+ destinations, SAF can offer students meaningful study options across Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and beyond.
Learn more about why more and more international students are embarking on our IES Global programs
Through all of this, SAF remains steadfast in our commitment to global student mobility. In 2026 and beyond, we are focused on delivering academically enriching, immersive, and affordable options that support students in building the skills and networks needed to thrive in a complex world.
Together, we continue to champion international learning that is accessible and forward-looking.
Zachariah Simon
Executive Director, SAF
