Discover the outstanding study abroad trends in 2025-2026

Choosing a major is also a key factor affecting future job opportunities. With the strong explosion of AI technology, many young people no longer consider information technology, engineering, or computer science as the only option when studying abroad. Instead, they gradually turn to potential and highly personalized fields of study such as psychology, vocational education, culinary, liberal arts, or fields related to mental and physical health. This is a clear reflection of a generation of international students who understand themselves well, grasp the times, and choose the right path instead of chasing the "hot industry."

At the same time, vocational training abroad in developed countries such as Australia, Canada, or New Zealand also attracts a lot of attention from international students. These professions not only help you quickly gain solid skills but also open up many stable job opportunities. Many programs also allow work-study to help students accumulate practical experience and financial independence right from the time they are in school.

However, in order to stay in the right direction between the current trend of studying abroad, you should consider your personal preferences and market trends when choosing majors and job opportunities after studying abroad to optimize career opportunities and create sustainable value for yourself.

In order to maintain its attraction in the global education race, countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand are constantly expanding preferential policies for international students – from generous scholarships to work opportunities and settle down after graduation.

Australia: In the period from January to April 2025, the total number of international students studying in Australia is 723,265, a slight increase of 3% over the same period last year. In which, Vietnam contributed 33,378 students, holding the 4th position in the top countries with the highest number of international students in Australia, only behind China, India and Nepal (according to the Department of Education, Australian Government).

The strong presence of Vietnamese students shows the sustainable attraction of Australian education to the Vietnamese international student community, and reflects the growing awareness of career opportunities and the quality of international training. During their studies in Australia, international students have the opportunity to work 48 hours of overtime every two weeks during the semester and have no limit on working hours during holidays. More specifically, the Australian government has updated the list of industry groups eligible for the 485 visa extension, helping students have more time to work after graduation

With a wide range of policies to support international students, diverse scholarships and a clear immigration pathway, Australia continues to be the preferred choice for many young Vietnamese looking for an open academic and professional future.

UK: In the UK, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours of overtime per week during the semester and full-time during the holidays. With the Graduate Visa policy, international students are allowed to stay for 2 years after graduation to find a job, or 3 years if they graduate from the doctoral level – creating excellent conditions to gain experience. In addition, the government especially encourages international students to pursue key disciplines such as Medicine – Pharmacy, Law and TESOL and supports many valuable scholarships, applicable to all levels of study.

America: Studying in the U.S. is increasingly attracting international students thanks to its many preferential policies and diverse study opportunities. According to the latest data for the 2023/24 academic year, up to 21,900 Vietnamese students are enrolled in universities and colleges across the United States – an increase of 4.1% compared to the previous year. Vietnam is currently ranked 6th globally, only behind countries such as India, China, South Korea, Canada, and Taiwan (Open Doors Data, 2024).

In particular, American universities provide many valuable scholarships, especially for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors, which are chosen by a large number of students.

A highlight in the trend of studying in the United States is the choice to study at community colleges. These schools have moderate entry requirements, are affordable, and offer flexible pathways to bachelor's degrees at top universities. In addition, international students also benefit from the OPT (Optional Practical Training) program, which allows them to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduating on an F-1 visa.

Canada: Canada has always stood out as an ideal destination for international students thanks to its friendly policies and many attractive incentives. Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time on vacations, helping you cover your expenses and gain experience. In addition, Canada also attracts international students with the Co-op (Co-operative Education) program, which provides paid internship opportunities right while in school, helping you earn more income and accumulate valuable experience. Canada also implements many priority immigration pathways for international students through the Express Entry program and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Notably, the mental health of international students is increasingly being paid attention to by universities. After the pandemic, a series of universities have invested heavily in psychological counseling services, cultural adaptation workshops and integration support, helping international students overcome homesickness, study pressure and feeling out of place when starting a new life.

All of these policies not only show the efforts of countries to attract talent, but also create conditions for international students to truly develop comprehensively both academically and spiritually when studying abroad.

As the global labor market continues to move, the choice of majors and study abroad destinations also needs flexibility. Instead of chasing the hot industries of the moment, consider combining your personal interests with new study abroad and recruitment trends to make smarter and more sustainable choices for the future.

If you are still wondering which country or major is right for you, don't hesitate to contact IDP for free study abroad advice. You can also participate in a series of study abroad festivals throughout the year or events organized by IDP to meet representatives of prestigious schools, discuss your study path, and study abroad life directly.

At IDP, you'll not only be guided to choose the right country and school, but you'll also be supported in finding scholarships to study, preparing your application, applying, and tracking your admission progress—all of which will be carefully accompanied until you receive an offer letter from the school. In addition to the existing offices in cities, you can connect to IDP's online office and use utility services right at home.

You can also proactively estimate all tuition fees and expenses throughout your study abroad process with IDP's Cost of Living Calculator Tool. And if you want to shorten the waiting time, try the IDP Live app experience with the Fastlane feature, which allows you to track your application progress and receive an offer letter 2-3 times faster than the traditional application method.

Sign up for a consultation with IDP today!

Free study abroad advice hotline: 19006955