The latest Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO) statistics show a 13% decrease in the number of Japanese university students studying in the UK through exchange agreements in 2016/17 but a slight increase in non-exchange agreement students. The total number of university students who studied abroad through exchange agreements or their own arrangements increased by 14% compared to the previous year. The latest statistics reveal that South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand have emerged as increasingly popular destinations.

TheJASSO statistics show the number of students studying abroad for any period, from less than one month to over a year during the recording period of April 2016 – March 2017. Students studying abroad through individual arrangements often need to fully finance themselves. The key trends from the latest report are outlined below:

Short term study abroad through institutional agreements

• Overall, the number of Japanese short-term students studying abroad through institutional exchange agreements grew by 11% on the previous year.
• The number of Japanese short-term students studying in the UK through institutional exchange agreements decreased by 13% from 4,008 (2015/2016) to 3,479 (2016/2017).
• Competitor countries witnessed growth in the number of incoming Japanese students: Australia (+16%), Canada (+7%), US (+6%).
• Some Asian countries such as South Korea (+24%), Taiwan (+27%) and Thailand (+25%), saw a remarkable increase in the number of Japanese students.

Short term study abroad through students’ own arrangements

• Overall, the number increased by 20%.
• Significant growth for competitor countries, such as Australia (+20%), US (+12%) and Canada (+10%).
• Notable growth for the UK: an increase of 3% from 2,273 (2015/2016) to 2,348 (2016/2017).

Commentary by Rui Ogura, Projects Officer (Education), Japan

The significant decrease in the number of students studying in the UK through inter-university agreements can be attributed to the introduction of IELTS for UKVI in 2015 and negative perceptions around Brexit. A slight increase in the number of students studying in the UK independently (i.e. not through exchange agreements) could arguably be down to the characteristics of those students who tend to be highly motivated and therefore less likely to be affected by these circumstances. While university partnerships are still important in recruiting students, UK institutions are encouraged to focus their marketing strategies on self-financed students looking for short-term study options as this cohort is undergoing significant growth.

Asian countries such as South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand are winning the market with their summer/winter programmes taught in English. To attend such programmes, students are not required to have good proficiency in English or the local language and living costs are lower than in English speaking countries. Programmes in Asian countries are also popular as they provide students with opportunities to gain work experience in Asia which may improve their future employability. Cultural and geographical proximity has also helped boost growth in these markets.