Postgraduate Research Global Update as of February 2025

Our unique Pulse trackers and Share of Search data provide insights on thousands of prospective international students interested in Global PhD opportunities. As of February 2025, we’re seeing that:

• All audiences see their interest in Australian PhD study drop, Western audiences also see falling interest in US study. European audiences are increasingly seeking Chinese PhD opportunities.
  
  
• Around half of prospective European students are seeking flexible PhD opportunities, and all audiences prefer Blended opportunities to Online study.
  
  
• Autumn 2025 is now the most popular entry point for all destinations with the exception of Germany. Audiences seeking US PhD study are the most likely to be looking to Spring 2026 and beyond, while those seeking Italian study are the most likely to be looking at entry points during 2025.
  
  
• Interest for specialisms in Ireland fluctuates, with Neuroscience and fields of Computer Science seeing the largest growth.