Fact Check: Studyportals reported that weekly pageviews for degrees in the U.S. collapsed by half between January 5 and the end of April 2023.

Fact Check: "Studyportals reported that weekly pageviews for degrees in the U.S. collapsed by half between January 5 and the end of April 2023."

What We Know

According to multiple sources, including Studyportals and The Economist, there was a significant decline in interest for U.S. degrees among international students. Specifically, weekly pageviews for U.S. degree programs reportedly fell by 50% between January 5 and the end of April 2023. This decline is described as the lowest level of interest since the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a substantial drop in the attractiveness of U.S. educational institutions to prospective international students (The Washington Post, Studyportals).

Analysis

The claim that weekly pageviews for U.S. degrees collapsed by half is supported by reliable data from Studyportals, a reputable organization that tracks international student interest in educational programs. Their findings are corroborated by various news outlets, including The Economist and The Washington Post, which both report similar statistics regarding the decline in pageviews.

The drop in interest is attributed to a combination of factors, including changing perceptions of the U.S. as a destination for education and increased competition from other countries like the United Kingdom and Australia (The Economist, Studyportals). The data indicates that the U.S. also lost 30% of its global market share in international education during this period, further emphasizing the trend (Studyportals).

The sources cited are credible and provide a comprehensive view of the situation. Studyportals is well-regarded in the field of international education, and its data is frequently referenced in discussions about trends in student mobility. The corroboration from multiple independent news sources adds to the reliability of the information presented.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that weekly pageviews for degrees in the U.S. collapsed by half between January 5 and the end of April 2023 is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms this significant decline in interest among international students, highlighting a broader trend of decreasing demand for U.S. educational programs.

Fact Check: Studyportals reported that weekly pageviews for degrees in the U.S. collapsed by half between January 5 and the end of April 2023.