Japan’s Study Abroad Numbers Rebound in 2024, Australia Leads as US Interest Declines
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Japan’s outbound study abroad figures have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Japan Association of Overseas Studies (JAOS). In its 2024 data report, JAOS revealed that 70,253 Japanese students studied abroad last year, a rise of 4,246 from 2023 reaching 90% of the numbers recorded in 2019.
This rebound reflects Japan’s growing push to internationalise its youth. The government has set an ambitious target of sending 500,000 Japanese students overseas by 2033, with strong backing from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
A key contributor to this growth is the surge in school-organised study tours, which now account for 22% of all outbound student numbers. “Expanding the study tour sector is the most reliable and feasible strategy to reach our goal,” said Tatsu Hoshino, executive secretary at JAOS.
The report shows a significant shift in destination preferences. For the first time, Australia overtook the US as the most popular study destination for Japanese students, with an increase of over 4,300 students. The US dropped to second, while Canada and the UK held third and fourth place respectively. The UK notably saw a rise of around 1,300 students.
Meanwhile, Asian destinations such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea surpassed their pre-pandemic numbers. English study tours in the Philippines have seen a sharp increase, thanks to improving perceptions and growing affordability. Programmes like summer camps and parent-child language tours are gaining traction.
“There’s a clear trend towards more affordable and flexible destinations,” said Hoshino, citing currency depreciation and global inflation as key reasons students are exploring alternatives like Malaysia and Taiwan for full undergraduate degrees.
As Japan continues its education diplomacy push, the rebound signals not just recovery, but a shift in how and where Japanese students engage with the world.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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