Janice Lozano
An international student is someone who has moved to a different country to study. The number of international students is increasing, with top host countries including the US, UK, China, India, Iran, and Japan. International students are considered valuable by universities, as they bring diversity, contribute to the economy, and help boost the country's reputation. However, there are challenges, such as increased tuition fees and immigration barriers, that impact a student's ability to study internationally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Internationally mobile students are individuals who have physically crossed an international border between two countries with the objective to participate in educational activities in the country of destination, where the country of destination of a given student is different from their country of origin. |
| Number of students | It is projected that the number of internationally mobile students will reach 6.9 million by 2030, an increase of 51% or 2.3 million students from 2015. In 2007, over 2.8 million students were enrolled in educational institutions outside their country of origin. In 2006, over 2.9 million tertiary students were enrolled outside their country of citizenship. |
| Top host countries | The United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Canada, France, Türkiye, China, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Korea. |
| Top countries of origin | China (16% of all international students globally), India (8%), Vietnam (2%), Germany (2%), Uzbekistan (2%), France (2%), and the United States of America. |
| Student visa | International students are typically issued a student visa or permit to pursue a tertiary (or higher) degree in the destination country. |
| Foreign students | Foreign students refer to non-citizens enrolled in higher education degree courses. This definition does not distinguish between students holding non-resident visas and those with permanent resident status. |
| Credit-mobile students | Credit-mobile students refer to "study abroad" or exchange students, such as those in the EU's Erasmus Programme. These students remain enrolled in their home countries while receiving a small number of credits from foreign institutions. |
| Permanent residence | Students are considered internationally mobile if they are not permanent residents of the host country in which they pursue their studies. |
| Prior education | Students are considered internationally mobile if they obtained the entry qualification to their current level of study in another country. |
| Citizenship | Citizenship, or lack thereof, is commonly used as a defining characteristic of an internationally mobile student, especially for data from European Union and OECD countries. |
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What You'll Learn
International student mobility
The number of internationally mobile students is increasing, with projections estimating a reach of 6.9 million by 2030, a 51% increase from 2015. High-income countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Canada, France, Türkiye, China, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Korea, are popular destinations for these students. In 2021, China alone hosted 16% of all international students globally.
The concept of international student mobility is distinct from simply being an international student. The latter term can encompass foreign students, who are non-citizens enrolled in higher education, and credit-mobile students, who participate in short exchange or study-abroad trips while remaining enrolled in their home country. International student mobility specifically refers to those who physically relocate to a foreign country for an extended period to obtain a degree.
The distinction between international and foreign students is important for data collection and statistical accuracy. Authorities in receiving countries track and report data on their education-export industries, but the comparison of international enrollment statistics is challenging due to varying definitions and data collection methods. For example, in countries with lower naturalization rates, like many European nations, the foreign student count based on citizenship would be higher than the international student count, which considers permanent residency.
To address these discrepancies, organizations like the UIS and OECD have attempted to standardize terms and definitions since 2006. They emphasize that international students are defined by characteristics such as permanent residence, prior education, and citizenship. By encouraging consistent data collection, the goal is to accurately capture the complex nature of international student mobility and its impact on global education.
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International student visas
International students are defined by their characteristics, including permanent residence, prior education, and citizenship. Permanent residents of a host country are not considered international students. International students are also defined by where they obtained their entry qualifications; if this was obtained in another country, they are considered internationally mobile.
International students are a large source of revenue for the countries they travel to, with over 2.8 million students enrolled outside their country of origin in 2007, contributing nearly $43.8 billion to the US economy in 2023-2024. China is the leading destination for Anglophone African students and has seen a steady increase in international students since 2003.
International students need to obtain a student visa to study in most countries. In the United States, students need an F or M visa, and their course of study and school type determine which of the two they need. Students must apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school, and once accepted, they will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. After this, students may apply for their visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.
The visa application process requires students to present their Form I-20 to the consular officer during their visa interview. Wait times for visa interviews vary, so applicants are advised to apply early. New students can obtain their visas up to 365 days before the start of their course but cannot enter the US more than 30 days before the commencement of their studies. Continuing students can obtain their visas at any time, provided they are enrolled in a SEVP-approved school.
In recent years, there have been additional requirements for international students to obtain visas in certain countries. For example, the Trump administration has implemented social media vetting for all student visa applicants, and there have been visa freezes and interview pauses.
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International student enrolment statistics
International students are defined as students who are not permanent residents of the country in which they pursue their studies. They obtain the entry qualifications for their current level of study in another country. In some countries, a person's citizenship status is used to define whether they are an international student or not. However, this definition is considered inadequate by the UIS, which also takes into account a person's prior education and permanent residence status.
The mobility of students across borders has become a significant economic factor for both sending and receiving countries. The availability of employment during and after education is an important consideration for students. International students contributed around $43 billion to the US economy during the 2023-24 academic year, according to NAFSA. International students are also important for universities, as they commonly pay full price for tuition, helping to compensate for declines in state funding for education.
The top destination countries for international students are constantly changing. In 2007, the UIS reported that over 2.8 million students were enrolled in educational institutions outside their country of origin. In 2006, the OECD reported that over 2.9 million tertiary students were enrolled outside their country of citizenship. China has been the third-largest receiver of international students globally, with steady growth since 2003. In 2016, China received 442,773 international students, and by 2018 this number had grown to 492,185. China is now the leading destination for Anglophone African students.
The US has also been a top destination for international students, with California, New York, and Texas hosting the greatest number of international students. However, there has been a recent decline in international student enrollment in the US, which has been attributed to the Trump administration's policies and rhetoric. The UK has also experienced a decline in international student enrollment.
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International students in China
An international student is generally defined as a student who is enrolled in a university in a country other than their country of citizenship or permanent residence. This definition is used by the UIS and OECD in their annual comparative education reports. However, it is important to note that the specific definition of an "international student" may vary depending on the country and the institution.
Now, let's talk about international students in China. China has become an increasingly popular destination for international students in recent years. In 2016, China was the third-largest receiver of international students globally, with 442,773 international students. By 2018, this number had grown to 492,185, representing a 10.49% growth rate. As of 2021, there were 255,720 full-time international students in China, making up less than 1% of total student enrolments in the country. However, when compared to other global study destinations, this number is significant.
China's international student market continues to strengthen, even as enrolments in countries like the USA and UK decline. China is now the leading destination for Anglophone African students. In 2021, the top source countries for international students in China were South Korea, Thailand, Pakistan, and India. The distribution of international students across regions in China is still uneven, with Beijing and Shanghai previously being the major centers for international students. However, there has been a recent decentralization and dispersion of students to other provinces.
Several factors make China a desirable destination for international students. China has one of the largest education systems in the world, with over 3000 universities as of 2022. The country offers a wide range of programs, including English-language programs, with top majors for international students including Chinese language, literature, and Chinese medicine fields. The Chinese government has also been providing scholarships for international students, especially those enrolled in full-time degree programs, which has contributed to the increased number of international students in the country.
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International students in the US
International students are students who choose to pursue their education outside their country of residence. The definition of an international student varies according to the host country. For instance, in Canada, an international student is a "non-Canadian student who does not have 'permanent resident' status and has to obtain the authorization of the Canadian government to enter Canada with the intention of pursuing an education."
However, there have been concerns about the impact of international students on US institutions. There is a perception that elite colleges prioritize wealthy international students over qualified domestic applicants, and that merit is taking a back seat to financial considerations. The Trump administration's policies and rhetoric towards international students have also caused uncertainty and concern among this student population, with potential implications for the ability of US institutions to attract international talent.
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Frequently asked questions
An international student is someone who has moved to another country or territory with the sole purpose of studying.
The OECD and UIS convention is to use the term "international student" when referring to students crossing borders specifically to study. The term "foreign student" is used for non-citizens enrolled at an institution outside their home country, who may not have necessarily crossed a border to study.
Popular destinations for international students include the US, UK, and China. As of 2023, the top 10 countries for foreign student enrollment according to UNESCO were: China, the US, and the UK. Other countries, such as India, Iran, and Japan, are also emerging as desirable destinations for international students.
Being an international student allows you to gain access to world-class universities, diverse programs, research opportunities, and scholarships. It offers a chance to experience different cultures, build a global network, and enhance your career prospects by gaining internationally recognized qualifications.
International students may encounter challenges such as higher tuition fees, cultural and language barriers, visa and immigration processes, and potential homesickness or cultural adjustment issues when studying abroad.
