Yet today, that status is being dismantled not by academic competitors, but by political choices.The Trump administration has openly urged US universities to reduce their reliance on international students. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has seen a 40% spike in international undergraduate applications. Hosting dozens of branch campuses from international institutions, Dubai saw a 33% jump in international students between 2024 and 2025.Kazakhstan is also rising on the academic radar. With universities like Illinois Tech and the University of Arizona operating satellite campuses, the Central Asian nation is quietly building itself into a regional education hub.For many international students, the shift is not just logistical—it’s philosophical. For now, the answer may be playing out not in Boston or Berkeley, but in Birmingham, Dubai, and Hong Kong.

Source: The Times August 06, 2025 13:16 UTC