Lori Meadows
International students, also known as foreign students, are those who pursue secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own. In 2022, there were 6.9 million international students worldwide, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom being the top three destinations. International students are required to obtain a student visa, which determines their legal status in the host country. The process of obtaining a student visa varies across countries, with the United States, for example, offering F-1 and M-1 visas for academic and vocational students, respectively. The distinction between international and foreign students has been a subject of discussion, with organizations like OECD and UIS adopting specific definitions to standardize data collection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | International students are those who are studying as part of an interaction, exchange, or cooperation between two nations. Foreign students are citizens of another country. |
| Terminology | The term "foreign student" may be considered outdated, disrespectful, or offensive. |
| Data Collection | The OECD includes in its mobility statistics data from countries that count "international students who are not permanent residents of their country of study" or those who received their prior education in another country. |
| Visa Requirements | Foreign students are typically required to obtain a student visa, which determines their legal status in the host country. |
| Financial Aid | Foreign undergraduates typically do not qualify for federal financial aid in the US, and colleges can only provide limited financial help. |
| Enrollment Statistics | In 2020, Australia had the highest ratio of international students per head of population, with 775,475 international students enrolled. France and Germany also received over 400,000 international students each in the 2023-24 academic year. |
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What You'll Learn
International student statistics
International students are defined as "internationally mobile students", meaning individuals who have crossed international borders to participate in educational activities in a foreign country.
The United States is currently the top destination for international students, hosting 1.1 million international students in 2023/2024, a 7% increase from the previous year. This accounts for 16% of international students globally. California, New York, and Texas are the top three states that welcome international students, with California hosting the greatest number, over 140,800 in 2023-2024. International students contributed over $50 billion to the US economy and supported academic campuses and their communities.
In 2022, there were an estimated 6.9 million international students worldwide, a significant increase from 2.5 million in 2002. The top ten destination countries hosted nearly half of all international students. These countries include the United Kingdom (10%), Germany (6%), Australia (6%), the Russian Federation (5%), Canada (5%), France (4%), Turkey (4%), China (3%), Japan (3%), and Argentina (2%).
India became the top country of origin for international students in the US in 2023/2024, with a 23% increase from the previous year, surpassing China, which saw a 4% decline. Together, India and China made up over half of all international students in the US. Other countries that saw record-high numbers of students in the US include Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan, and Spain. Sub-Saharan Africa also experienced notable growth, with a 13% increase in 2023/2024.
International graduate student enrollment in the US increased by 8%, while undergraduate enrollment decreased slightly by 1%. Over half (56%) of international students pursued STEM fields, with one in four studying math and computer science, and nearly one in five studying engineering.
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Student visas
International students, or foreign students, are those who undertake all or part of their secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own. Generally, international students are required to obtain a student visa, which determines their legal status for staying in the host country.
In the United States, international students must obtain either an F visa or an M visa. The type of visa depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. The F visa is for academic students, while the M visa is for vocational students. To obtain a student visa, applicants must prove that they have the financial means to pay for their tuition, books, and living expenses. They must also be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses that lead to English proficiency.
The United Kingdom offers student visas for those who are 16 or older and wish to study in further or higher education. The visa duration depends on the length of the course, and applicants may be able to bring their partners and children as dependents. The UK also offers a Child Student Visa for those under 18 who wish to study at an independent school.
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Financial aid
International students face a unique set of challenges when it comes to financing their education, especially in the United States. While financial aid and scholarships are available, they are often limited and competitive. Here are some key points and resources to help international students navigate the financial landscape:
Scholarships and Grants:
Some scholarships and grants are specifically designed for international students. These can be need-based or merit-based, and they are typically offered by individual institutions or private organizations. It is important to note that most scholarships for undergraduate studies are reserved for citizens or permanent residents, but there are still options available for international students, especially at the graduate level. The IEFA (International Education Financial Aid) website offers a comprehensive database of scholarships and grants for international students, including information on student loan programs. Additionally, InternationalStudent.com provides a scholarship search tool with access to nearly 2,000 awards, as well as articles and advice on international financial aid.
Institutional Aid:
Public and private universities sometimes offer financial incentives for students to attend their institution. These incentives can include waivers of application fees or other discounts. Additionally, some universities may offer assistantships or fellowships, particularly for graduate studies. It is worth consulting with the university's financial aid office to explore these options.
Work-Study Programs:
Work-study programs allow students to earn their degrees while gaining valuable work experience and connections. These programs can be a source of income during studies and should not be overlooked.
Student Loans:
International students can also consider taking out student loans to fund their education. InternationalStudent.com offers a comparison tool that matches students with available loan options based on their citizenship, the presence of a co-signer, and the state and school they plan to attend. It is important to carefully consider the terms and conditions of any loan before committing.
FAFSA and Other Forms:
While international students are generally not eligible for federal aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it is still recommended to fill out the form as some schools may use it to determine institutional aid. Additionally, there may be other forms required, such as the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or school-specific forms. It is important to contact each school to understand their specific requirements and offerings.
In conclusion, while financing an international education can be challenging, there are numerous resources and options available to support students. It is important to thoroughly research and explore the various opportunities to ensure a successful academic journey.
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Employment opportunities
International students can use job search tools like Handshake and CareerShift to find employment opportunities that offer visa sponsorship. These platforms allow users to filter their searches to identify employers willing to sponsor work authorization for international students. Additionally, students can leverage their university's career services, career fairs, and alumni networks to increase their chances of finding employment.
It is important to note that job hunting as an international student can be more complicated and time-consuming. Understanding the rules and regulations regarding visas and work authorization is essential. International students should also be aware of the requirements and processes needed to obtain work authorization, such as completing the I-9 process and providing proof of work authorization to employers.
While some employers may prefer US students, there are still companies in the US that actively hire international students. Building connections, seeking guidance from career coaches, and starting the job search early can improve an international student's chances of finding employment in the US.
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Language proficiency
International students face the challenge of adapting to a new language, which is often the medium of instruction at their host institutions. Proficiency in this language is essential for their academic success. Universities typically require international students to demonstrate a certain level of language proficiency as part of their admission criteria. This ensures that students can effectively participate in classroom discussions, comprehend lectures, and complete written assignments in the host country's language.
Tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are commonly used to assess English language proficiency for students applying to universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, or other English-speaking countries. These tests evaluate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, ensuring that students have the necessary language skills to succeed in an academic environment.
Universities may set minimum score requirements for these language proficiency tests, and students must achieve these scores to be considered for admission. For example, WashU in the United States requires a minimum composite score of 90 on the TOEFL iBT or a minimum composite score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic test. Some universities may also offer language proficiency tests of their own, such as the GATEWAY English Test offered by WashU.
In addition to admission requirements, language proficiency plays a significant role in the overall academic experience of international students. Those with a strong command of the host country's language can more easily adapt to the new education system, understand cultural nuances, and communicate effectively with faculty and peers. This can enhance their overall learning experience and contribute to their academic success.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are those who undertake all or part of their secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own. Foreign nationals, on the other hand, are those who are admitted into a country temporarily for a specific purpose, such as studying.
Foreign students are non-citizens enrolled at an institution of education outside their home country but have not necessarily crossed a border to study. They are often required to obtain a student visa, which determines their legal status for staying in the host country.
To obtain a student visa, you must first select a school to attend, as this will determine the type of visa required. For instance, in the US, an F-1 Visa is for academic study, while an M-1 Visa is for vocational study. Once you have selected a school, you must prove that you have the financial ability to pay for your tuition, books, and living expenses.
