Students are increasingly applying to study in multiple countries, moving away from a focus on the US and UK. According to the 2024 Destination Survey, 71% of Cambridge graduates who studied abroad chose Australia, Canada, the UK, or the US. In the 2025 cohort, this number dropped to 64%. Further analysis reveals a 3-percentage point decline in students opting for each of these traditional destinations, Canada, the USA, and the UK, among responding schools.
The University of Hong Kong has risen in the QS university rankings from 17th to 11th globally. It was the 14th most popular university choice for Cambridge students this year. This shift reflects a broader trend of students exploring universities beyond the traditional top choices, as noted by Bennett Yim, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange at HKU, who highlights Cambridge students’ critical thinking and passion for learning as key strengths.
Why the shift in study destinations?
Visa restrictions and the rising cost of overseas education have influenced students’ choices. However, this hasn’t deterred them from studying abroad entirely. Instead, students are diversifying their applications, often considering their home country and two others. This trend is reflected in the growing popularity of universities in Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, Australia, and Mainland China. Additionally, Dubai and Europe are emerging as attractive alternatives due to their more favorable tuition fees and visa policies compared to the US and UK.
Universities in Indonesia and Pakistan have entered the top 20 destinations for Cambridge students for the first time. The University of Indonesia, National University of Sciences & Technology, and Institute of Business Administration are now attracting Cambridge students. This diversification is further evidenced by the rise of destinations like Italy, Spain, and Ireland, which were previously less common choices.
Australia remains a popular choice
Despite a decline in students choosing the US and UK, Australia has seen an increase in popularity, with a 2-percentage point rise from the previous year. From June 2025, students with three Cambridge International A Levels can be considered for an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank through the Universities Admissions Centre. This change opens up opportunities for Cambridge students to study in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, further solidifying Australia’s appeal.
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