Ibrahim Gardner
The number of internationally mobile students has been increasing over the years, with over 6 million students in 2021. This has sparked a debate on whether international students should be considered migrants or not. The answer to this question is complex and varies across different countries. Some countries like the UK have strict student visa systems and consider international students as immigrants, while others like Germany and France provide residence and employment permits to attract international students. International students contribute to the economy and diversity of the host country, and their inclusion or exclusion from immigration numbers can have political implications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of internationally mobile students in 2001 | 2.2 million |
| Number of internationally mobile students in 2011 | 3.8 million |
| Number of internationally mobile students in 2021 | 6 million |
| Percentage of international students in higher education in the US | 5% |
| Percentage of international students at the graduate level in the US | 27% |
| Number of undocumented students in higher education in the US | 510,027 |
| Percentage of immigrant-origin students in higher education in the US in 2022 | 32% |
| Percentage of immigrant-origin students in higher education in the US who are people of color | >80% |
| Percentage of growth in US higher education enrollments between 2000 and 2022 driven by immigrant-origin students | 90% |
| Countries with high rankings that attract students | US, UK, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand |
| Countries with lower rankings that attract students | Germany, France |
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What You'll Learn
International students' economic impact
International students have a significant economic impact on the countries they move to for education. In the United States, for example, international students contributed $43.8 billion to the economy during the 2023-2024 academic year, supporting more than 378,000 jobs. This is a record-breaking amount, with the previous high being $41 billion in 2018-2019. The number of international students in the US has also been steadily increasing, with 1.1 million international students in the country during the 2023-24 academic year, accounting for 6% of the total higher education population.
The positive economic impact of international students in the US is multi-faceted. For every three international students, one US job is created or supported. International students also contribute to the education of American students by bringing global perspectives to classrooms, helping prepare American undergraduates for global careers, and contributing to scientific and technical research. More than half of international students in the US pursue STEM fields of study, with one in four studying maths and computer science, and nearly one in five studying engineering. This has a direct impact on the American research enterprise, driving entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic competitiveness.
The US is not the only country experiencing an increase in international students. Globally, the number of internationally mobile students has significantly increased over the last two decades. In 2001, there were 2.2 million international students worldwide, and by 2021, this number had nearly tripled to over 6 million. This growth has been attributed to various factors, including the development of sending and receiving countries, academic rankings of destination countries, and the cost of studying abroad.
The economic impact of international students extends beyond tuition fees and job creation. International students also contribute to the social and cultural fabric of their host communities, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences. They often stay in the host country after graduation, contributing their skills and knowledge to the local economy and society. However, it is important to note that international students are not a homogeneous group, and their impact can vary depending on the characteristics of the host country and the students' countries of origin.
Overall, international students have a significant and positive economic impact on the countries they choose to study in. They contribute financially through tuition fees and living expenses, create and support jobs, enhance the educational experience for domestic students, and drive innovation and research. Their presence also has long-term benefits, with many international students staying to work and contribute to their adopted countries after graduation.
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$90
Immigration policy changes
International students are an integral part of the higher education system in many countries, including the United States. They contribute to the diversity and growth of the student population, driving an increase in overall enrollment figures. However, the treatment of international students as "migrants" has been a subject of debate, with some countries implementing immigration policies that impact the ability of international students to pursue educational opportunities abroad.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of internationally mobile students. According to UNESCO data, the number of internationally mobile students grew from 2.2 million in 2001 to over 6 million in 2021. This trend highlights the growing importance of international student mobility and the need for immigration policies that support and facilitate their pursuits.
However, some countries, like the United States, have implemented immigration policy changes that have made it more challenging for international students. For example, the Trump Administration's sudden changes in visa policies have caused uncertainty and skepticism among international students considering studying in the U.S. The deactivation and reactivation of the immigration status of thousands of students have raised concerns about the stability of their plans.
Additionally, the U.S. government's "America First" approach, announced in January 2025, could impact State Department-funded international exchange and study abroad programs. The pause on government funding, including grant funding for international and non-citizen students, has affected essential international education and exchange programs. These changes may deter international students from choosing the U.S. as their study destination, potentially impacting the revenue stream for U.S. colleges and universities that rely on international student enrollment.
To address these challenges, some experts suggest expanding the concept of "dual intent" in immigration law. This concept allows individuals to enter a country with nonimmigrant intent while maintaining the possibility of staying on a more permanent basis. Applying this concept to full-time international students pursuing degrees in the U.S. could increase the country's attractiveness as a study destination, aligning with economic and national interests while meeting the expectations of prospective international students.
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Student migration trends
International students are indeed considered migrants, and they are also referred to as "internationally mobile students" or "degree-mobile students". These students cross international borders to pursue tertiary or higher degrees in a foreign country. The number of internationally mobile students has been steadily increasing over the years, with a slight dip during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite mobility restrictions, the number of internationally mobile students remained strong, and even saw a slight increase between 2020 and 2021.
According to UNESCO, there were just over 2.2 million internationally mobile students in 2001, which increased to more than 3.8 million in 2011. In 2021, this number rose to over 6 million, nearly triple the figure from two decades prior. The United States, for example, has a large population of international students, who make up about 5% of all higher education students and about 27% of graduate students.
In Kerala, India, there is a notable trend of student migration, both internal and international, which has doubled since 2018. This has led to various societal impacts, including financial and brain drain, issues with elderly care, and negative population growth. However, it is worth noting that international students also bring economic and social contributions to their host communities.
Overall, the trend of increasing international student migration is expected to continue, with students seeking opportunities in countries with high rankings and strong educational systems.
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International students' visa requirements
International students are a diverse and growing community, with their numbers nearly tripling between 2001 and 2021. The US, for example, has a strong legacy of welcoming international students, who make up about 5% of all students in higher education and 27% of students at the graduate level.
To study in the US as an international student, one must obtain a student visa. The US offers two types of non-immigrant visas for international students: the F-1 visa and the M-1 visa. The F-1 visa is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while the M-1 visa is for those pursuing vocational studies. Both visas require applicants to be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. Additionally, the school must be authorised by the US government to accept foreign students.
To apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa, one must first gain acceptance into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school. Once accepted, the student will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The school will then issue a Form I-20, which the student must present during their visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. It is important to note that applicants should generally schedule their visa interview in the country where they live, as it may be more difficult to demonstrate eligibility for a visa outside of their home country.
In addition to the standard visa requirements, there are specific criteria that international students must meet. These include demonstrating English proficiency or enrolling in courses leading to English proficiency, having sufficient funds to support oneself during the course of study, and maintaining a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up.
It is worth noting that international students holding F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas may be eligible to work in the US, but their work options are limited. F-1 and M-1 visa holders may only work on-campus or in jobs related to their studies, while J-1 visa holders must consult their responsible officer to determine their work eligibility.
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The social impact of international students
International students are considered migrants, and their numbers have been steadily increasing over the years. In 2021, there were over 6 million international students worldwide, a nearly threefold increase over the previous two decades. This increase has been attributed to factors such as the growing recognition of the quality of education offered in certain countries, such as the United States.
Additionally, international students can positively impact their local communities. For example, they may volunteer their time and skills, as seen in the case of Vedant Gadhavi, president of the International Student Association at Monash University, who organises welfare lunches for students. International students can also contribute to the social well-being of their host communities by participating in cultural events, community projects, and other social initiatives. This exchange fosters a sense of mutual collaboration and learning, enhancing the social fabric of the community.
In some cases, international students may face challenges in integrating into their host communities due to cultural differences and language barriers. These obstacles can lead to segregation and negatively impact their sense of connection with the host community. However, when international students return to their home countries, they often bring back expanded social identities and increased empathy, which can have a positive impact on their home communities.
International students also contribute to the social development of their host countries by filling gaps in the job market, particularly in high-demand sectors such as STEM and sustainability. They bring valuable skills and knowledge that can drive innovation and economic growth, ultimately contributing to the social and economic fabric of their host societies.
In conclusion, international students have a profound social impact on their host countries and communities. They promote cultural exchange, enrich educational environments, contribute to local communities, fill skill gaps in the job market, and drive social and economic development. While integration challenges may exist, the overall impact of international students is overwhelmingly positive, fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and globally-connected society.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are a diverse group, and their migration patterns are influenced by factors such as the academic ranking of the host country, GDP per capita, linguistic and colonial ties, and the development level of their country of origin. The number of internationally mobile students has been increasing, with over 6 million recorded in 2021.
Countries like the UK, Germany, France, Australia, and New Zealand have implemented various strategies to attract international students and skilled migrants. These include visa extensions, work permits, internship opportunities, and bonus points for skilled migration programmes.
The definition of an immigrant is typically a person who leaves their country to settle in another country permanently. The debate around whether international students are immigrants centres on the duration of their stay and its purpose. Some politicians, like Theresa May, have advocated for including international students in immigration figures, while others argue that students are a separate category and should not be counted as immigrants.
International students contribute to the economic and social development of their host countries and communities. They bring diverse perspectives, drive enrollment figures, and provide a global perspective to their local communities. In the UK, for example, international students from countries like India add over $30 billion to the economy annually.
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