Why Do Some Students Abandon Their Study Abroad Plans?

Sep 9, 2026

For many students, the dream of studying abroad starts with excitement: choosing a destination, exploring universities and imagining life on a new campus. But turning that dream into reality can be a very different story. New research tracking the study abroad journeys of around 140,000 students shows that many who begin with strong intentions never make it to the final stage.

The study, conducted by study abroad platform Via TRM, found that 45% of students who said they were highly likely to study abroad never reached the point of committing to a programme. The findings provide a closer look at where students drop off during the application journey and the factors that may influence their decisions.

Financial concerns emerged as the biggest obstacle. Among students who registered on the Via TRM platform, 64% identified cost as a concern, making it the most commonly reported barrier. Other major concerns included planning time at 47%, housing at 46.5%, academic credit at 44%, and gaining acceptance at 37%.

Interestingly, financial concerns appeared to become more significant as students progressed through the application process. Among students who identified cost as a concern, 83% took an initial action on the platform, compared with 87% of students who were not concerned about costs. However, by the end of the application journey, only 40% of cost-conscious students committed to a programme, compared with 60% of students who did not identify cost as a concern.

The findings suggest that financial barriers may not always prevent students from starting their study abroad journey, but they can become more influential when students reach the stage of making a final financial commitment.

However, cost does not explain every abandoned application. The research identified 2,602 students who said finances were not a barrier but still did not reach the commitment stage. This suggests that other factors, including the application process itself, planning requirements, housing, academic considerations, and uncertainty, may also influence whether students ultimately study abroad.

The application process appears to be another significant point where prospective students are lost. According to the research, two out of every five applications that were started were never submitted, representing the largest drop-off at any stage of the journey.

The type of programme provider may also influence students' decisions. Around 80% of students accepted onto institution-run programmes ultimately committed to the opportunity, compared with 65% of students accepted onto provider-run programmes. The research also found that provider programmes typically took three times longer to move through the process.

The study also challenges the assumption that students who take a long time to begin an application have necessarily lost interest. While almost half of students took action on the same day they registered, around 9% took six months or longer to progress. This suggests that students may need more time to research destinations, secure funding, arrange accommodation,n or discuss their plans before committing.

For study abroad providers and education consultants, these findings highlight the importance of supporting students throughout the entire decision-making process rather than focusing only on recruitment and application submission. Clear information about costs, accommodation, academic requirements, ts and the application process can help students overcome uncertainty and remain engaged.

For students, the research reinforces the importance of starting the study abroad planning process early. Understanding the total cost of studying overseas, researching funding and scholarship opportunities, checking academic requirements, and planning accommodation in advance can make the journey more manageable.

Thinking about studying abroad but unsure where to start? Our upcoming Education Fair is your opportunity to explore your options, speak with experts, and take the next step towards your international education goals.

The research also shows that interest in studying abroad does not always translate into enrolment. Students may begin with strong intentions but encounter practical or financial challenges that cause them to reconsider their plans.

As international education becomes increasingly competitive, understanding what prevents students from completing their study abroad journey will be important for institutions and education providers. Helping students move confidently from initial interest to application and final commitment could play a significant role in making international study more accessible and achievable.

Source: The PIE News