Surge in interest for transnational education as US policies spur rethink

Oslo, Norway, June 12, 2025 – A sharp rise in student interest in transnational education (TNE) is emerging in global student mobility, according to new insights from Keystone Education Group.

The shift is being fuelled by growing uncertainty around US education policies, particularly concerning visa issuance and funding cuts.

Data collected from 300 prospective international students in June reveals 37% of students would pursue a US degree via a transnational campus, with a further 30% open to the idea.

“Transnational education is no longer a fringe model – it is rapidly becoming mainstream,” said Saba Davenport, Chief Marketing Officer at Keystone Education Group.

“We know from our conversations with students that they are actively asking whether institutions have campuses outside the US, in countries like the UK or across Europe. They’re looking for accessibility and quality, and right now, TNE is checking those boxes.”

With the US seeing a decline in search interest on Keystone sites since the 2024 election, survey data highlight an uptick in students exploring alternative ways to access a US degree.

Online learning also appears to be gaining ground as a practical alternative.

Data from Keystone’s survey shows interest in remote US degree programs has doubled since November 2024, peaking at 22% in May 2025 - coinciding with US government announcements to suspend international student visa interviews.

Saba added: “There is a real sense of uncertainty among students who had their hopes pinned on studying in the US.

"Although online learning and transnational programs provide access to US institutions, most students still aspire to study in the US in person. These programs can hopefully serve as a stepping stone, enabling students to eventually continue their education on US soil once visa challenges are solved.

“In the short-term, what is clear is institutions need to adapt fast or risk losing future cohorts altogether, and transnational education can give students a way to obtain a much-sought-after US degree, while navigating a challenging period.”

About Keystone Education Group

More than 100 million students trust Keystone to help them pursue higher education every year. In turn, Keystone helps over 5,500 education institutions reach, recruit, and enroll prospective students in more than 190 countries. Keystone also operates a range of global student recruitment services including UniQuest, Asia Exchange, Blueberry, SONOR, Edunation, and Keystone Sports.

Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Keystone is backed by Viking Venture and Verdane, two leading Nordic venture firms. Keystone has more than 850+ employees worldwide, with offices across the Nordics, Germany, Spain, and the UK.