Conrad and Eden break down China's new K visa - a precision-targeted strategy to attract elite AI and STEM talent from top-tier universities. This isn't immigration reform; it's talent warfare in the global AI race.

Sources

1. https://english.www.gov.cn/policies/featured/202508/18/content_WS68a31850c6d0868f4e8f4ea7.html
2. https://thepienews.com/what-does-the-k-visa-mean-for-chinas-search-for-global-talent/

While edtech unicorn ApplyBoard faces a 74% valuation collapse, strategic consolidation continues in international education with two key acquisitions targeting Australian student pipelines. This episode breaks down what these deals mean for agencies navigating the consolidation wave.

ApplyBoard's Reality Check

• Valuation plummeted 74% from $3.2 billion peak to approximately $800 million
• $2.4 billion in value wiped out, highlighting the gap between venture capital hype and market realities

Strategic Acquisitions Continue

• EaseMyTrip-Planet Education Deal: Indian travel platform acquires 49% stake for £3.5 million in Sydney-based education provider
• StudyIn-SUN Education Merger: UK-based StudyIn acquires Indonesian recruitment agency with 2,000 annual placements, primarily to Australia

Sources

1. https://thepienews.com/easemytrip-enters-sector-with-almost-50-stake-in-planet-education/
2. https://thepienews.com/exclusive-studyin-acquires-indonesian-student-recruitment-agency-sun-education/
3. https://thepienews.com/a-moment-in-time-applyboard-responds-to-valuation-decrease-claims/

International students are making calculated decisions about their UK education, and the data tells a clear story. This episode examines the significant shifts in field of study preferences among UK international students from 2019 to 2024, revealing how employment prospects and visa pathways are driving program selection.

Key Headlines

Computing/IT Surge: Up 3 percentage points since 2019 among UK international students Health Demand Steady: 11% of all new international entrants choose health/medicine programs
Arts Decline: Social sciences and humanities down 5 percentage points since 2019

Market Drivers

Employment-First Mentality: Students increasingly choose programs based on job prospects rather than academic prestige

NHS Workforce Shortage: Healthcare demand driven by domestic staffing needs and specialized visa pathways like Health and Care Worker visas

Tech Sector Growth: Students responding to clear career pathways in expanding digital economy

Looking Ahead (2025+)

• AI/Machine Learning: Expect continued growth in computing programs
• Healthcare Crisis: International recruitment will remain priority for NHS-connected programs
• Career-Focused Selection: Students prioritizing ROI over traditional university rankings

Sources:

1. https://www.applyboard.com/applyinsights-article/what-fields-of-study-are-driving-international-demand-in-the-uk
2. https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa
3. https://www.nurses.co.uk/blog/impact-on-nhs-of-the-nursing-workforce-shortage-in-2025/