EF Education First reports a notable uptick in language study activity among international students, with Singapore leading as a preferred destination. The organization notes that 53% more learners enrolled in language programs in Singapore this year compared with the previous year, and overall demand has nearly doubled from pre-pandemic levels. Among the seasonality patterns observed, the summer months emerged as the peak period for studying in Singapore, a trend corroborated by SocialBites and EF’s published findings.
On a single day, August 4, EF counted more than 140 new entrants from Russia choosing Singapore as their study destination. This spike underscores Singapore’s growing appeal for language immersion among Russian learners, alongside broader regional interest.
Dmitry Fedorov, chief commercial officer at EF Education First Russia, highlighted that the trend toward travel for study began to take shape in 2022, even amid travel and visa restrictions. This shift reflects a broader interest in mobility for education that persisted through evolving global conditions.
Beyond Singapore, EF notes significant activity in other locales. In 2023, Singapore hosted over 1,400 EF students, while Australia welcomed more than 450 and Cape Town surpassed 400 in language-focused programs. The United Kingdom continues to be a stable option for both language study and higher education, attracting approximately 1,200 students.
There appears to be a decline in demand for study trips to the United States, attributed to visa challenges. Short-term study remains feasible for students with established visa histories. Interest in learning in Dubai has waned as English is not widely recognized as the official language there, complicating language immersion for some participants. EF analysts also observe a sharp rise in English learning among adults over 18, with about 65% showing heightened interest. More than half of this adult cohort express a preference for Singapore as a study location. In contrast, school-aged children lean toward traditional destinations such as the United Kingdom and Malta.
A common motive for choosing a study location remains visa access. Additionally, the recent opening of direct flights between the Far East and China has shifted demand dynamics, reducing the need for travel via Moscow or other intermediate hubs to reach Singapore.
Across the Russian market, there is a growing fascination with Asian culture, drawing both adult learners and schoolchildren due to its distinct character and educational appeal. EF’s research suggests that interest in studying in Asia is likely to continue rising as more learners seek immersive language experiences.
Recent discussions in the Russian public sphere have touched on language announcements on flights, reflecting broader debates around travel and language education. EF’s ongoing market analysis remains focused on understanding how policy, accessibility, and cultural factors shape student choices in the visa era and beyond. [Citation: EF Education First study; market analysis by EF Education First Russia]