Lori Meadows
International student migration has been steadily increasing over the past two decades, with the number of internationally mobile students nearly tripling between 2001 and 2021, reaching an estimated 6.9 million in 2022. This trend is driven by various factors, including the internationalization of higher education, societal developments, and the desire for enhanced professional opportunities. Students typically migrate to countries with more developed education systems, such as the UK, US, France, Germany, and Australia, which offer various work and residency rights to international graduates. The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, is a well-known example of an international exchange program facilitating student migration. The choice of destination country is influenced by factors such as academic ranking, GDP, linguistic and colonial ties, and cultural connections. While student migration contributes to host nation economies and cultures, it is shaped by immigration policies and visa regulations, which vary across countries.
| 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 is different from their country of origin. |
| Number of International Students | There were an estimated 6.9 million international students globally in 2022, a 276% increase over the past two decades. |
| Regions Sending Students | East Asia and the Pacific top the list, accounting for 29% of all international higher education students. North America and Western Europe account for 18%, Central and East Europe 11%, South and West Asia 9%, Arab States 7%, and Sub-Saharan Africa 5.8%. |
| Reasons for Studying Abroad | Many developing countries have an insufficient number of university places to meet demand, leaving students with no choice but to study abroad. Studying overseas can also enhance professional business opportunities and provide access to more developed educational institutions. Other factors include lowering travel expenses and greater communication technology, which has made studying abroad more accessible. |
| Impact on Host Countries | International students contribute to the host country's economy, both culturally and financially. For example, international students in France can work part-time while studying, and students in Australia can remain in the country for 18 months after graduating. |
| Impact on Students' Home Countries | International student migration can be part of a strategy of social distinction, particularly with the rise of the middle class in many non-western countries such as China and India. |
| Visa and Immigration Policies | Some countries, like the US, have visa and immigration policies that are less accommodating towards international students and graduates. Other countries, like the UK, have policies that explicitly aim to increase student migration, such as introducing a Graduate Visa route. |
| Exchange Programs | One of the most famous international exchange programs is the Fulbright Program, established in 1946, which provides grants for students, scholars, teachers, and professionals to undertake studies and research in other countries. |
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What You'll Learn
International students' economic impact
Student migration is the movement of students who study outside their country of birth or citizenship for at least 12 months. The number of international students enrolled in tertiary education has been steadily increasing, with an 186% increase between 1998 and 2018. This growth coincides with the internationalization of higher education and societal developments, such as the rise of the middle class in non-Western countries like China and India.
International students have a significant economic impact on host countries, contributing billions of dollars annually through tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses. In the 2023-2024 academic year, international students contributed US$43.8 billion to the US economy alone. This spending is concentrated in states with high numbers of universities, such as California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois. International students also create jobs, from extra staffing in local businesses to additional personnel needs at universities.
In the UK, international students starting in 2021/22 generated £41.9 billion in economic benefits, with net gains of £37.4 billion after accounting for public costs. The cities of Glasgow, London, Sheffield, Nottingham, and Newcastle saw the most significant contributions. The UK government has recognized the value of international students, introducing policies such as the Graduate Visa route, which allows students to live and work in the UK for up to three years after graduation.
Other countries also recognize the economic benefits of international students. France, for example, allows international students to work part-time while studying, and Australia has a points-based system that encourages skilled migration, allowing international students to remain in the country for 18 months after graduating.
Overall, international students are not just learners but economic catalysts, contributing to the diversification of campuses, revenue generation, job creation, and cultural exchange. Their presence yields significant returns for national and global prosperity, and policies that streamline visas and support student mobility are essential to sustaining these benefits.
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International exchange programs
International student migration has been increasing steadily over the last two decades, with a dramatic rise in the internationalisation of higher education. Students are increasingly seeking higher education in foreign countries, with many viewing it as a stepping stone to permanent residency.
Another notable organization facilitating international student exchange is the International Student Exchange (ISE). ISE offers high school exchange programs for students wishing to experience a new culture and way of life in America. ISE students live with host families, who treat them as members of their own family, providing them with a room, meals, and support. In return, the exchange students enrich their host families and communities with international perspectives. ISE also offers the J-1 Secondary School Visa, introduced after the world wars to foster positive relations between people from different cultures.
In addition to high school exchange programs, there are also international exchange programs for university students. ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs) is a non-profit organization that helps students study abroad regardless of their academic major, socio-economic status, or geographic location. They offer programs in iconic destinations such as London, Dublin, Hong Kong, Madrid, New York, and Tokyo, as well as in Seville, Lisbon, and Ghana. These programs aim to provide students with authentic experiences at an accessible price.
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Work rights for international students
International students in Australia are allowed to work while studying. They have the same workplace rights as anyone else working in Australia. This includes the right to minimum pay and conditions, as well as protection under the Fair Work Act. The Fair Work Ombudsman ensures that these rights are protected and enforced fairly under Australia's workplace laws.
Students on a visa should check their visa rules to ensure they are allowed to work before starting a job. Postgraduate research students who have commenced their master's or doctoral degrees in Australia can work without a limit on the number of hours. Otherwise, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and full-time during holidays. Hours worked for internships or work experience that are mandatory for a course do not count towards the 48-hour limit.
Students can verify their work rights by providing a copy of their visa grant letter or a link to Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO). Employers, banks, and government services can also check details about visa entitlements on VEVO with the student's consent. Students can also request a personalised 'To Whom It May Concern' letter from their university, which costs $44 and can take 15 working days.
International students can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free and confidential help if they are having workplace issues, without fear of their visa being cancelled. This could include issues such as not receiving the right pay or other entitlements, like leave or notice. The Ombudsman can also provide information on pay rates, work rights, and employment contracts.
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Visa requirements
International students are those who study outside their country of birth or citizenship for at least a year. The number of international students has been steadily increasing over the past two decades, with a rise of 186% between 1998 and 2018. This trend is due to several factors, including the internationalization of higher education, the rise of the middle class in non-Western countries, and greater communication technology.
To study abroad, international students typically need to obtain a visa. The visa requirements vary depending on the country of destination and the student's nationality. Here is an overview of the visa requirements for some popular study destinations:
United States
To study in the US as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The two main types of student visas in the US are the F visa and the M visa. The F-1 visa is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while the M-1 visa is for those engaged in vocational studies. To be eligible for these visas, you must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. Your school must also be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students and be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
The process of obtaining a US student visa involves several steps. First, you must apply to a SEVP-approved school and gain acceptance. Once the school accepts your enrollment, you 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 you a Form I-20, which you will need to present during your visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. You may schedule this interview in your home country or another location, but it may be more challenging to qualify for a visa outside your home country. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so it is recommended to apply early.
In addition to the standard F and M visas, there is also the J-1 exchange visitor visa. This visa is for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, or research assistants.
United Kingdom
The UK also experienced a record high in student migration in 2022, with approximately 484,000 sponsored study visas issued. The UK government has actively promoted international education, aiming to increase the number of international students in the country. In 2021, the government introduced the Graduate Visa route, allowing students to live and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation and three years for PhD graduates.
France
In France, international students have the right to work part-time for up to 19 hours per week while studying. To do so, they must possess a valid residency permit and be enrolled in an institution within the French social protection system. Upon graduation, students can seek employment with French firms by applying for temporary employment authorization.
Australia
Australia has a points-based system that encourages skilled migration. International students completing an Australian degree are allowed to remain in the country for 18 months after graduation. Students with skilled work experience and English language proficiency can earn bonus points under the General Skilled Migration Programme (GSM).
In summary, obtaining a student visa is a crucial step for international students planning to study abroad. The specific visa requirements vary depending on the destination country, and it is essential to carefully review and follow the applicable guidelines.
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$10
International students' contribution to research
Student migration is defined as the movement of students who study outside their country of birth or citizenship for at least a year. The number of international students enrolled in tertiary education has been steadily increasing, with a 186% increase between 1998 and 2018. This rise can be attributed to several factors, including the internationalisation of higher education, societal developments, and the availability of more developed education institutions in certain countries.
International students make significant contributions to their host countries, both culturally and financially. For instance, international students in the United States during the 2023-24 academic year contributed approximately $44 billion to the economy and supported over 378,000 jobs. This contribution is the highest ever calculated and includes spending at community colleges, which increased by 33% from the previous year.
International students also positively impact their host countries in other ways, such as through their participation in research. For example, international students in the United States contribute to scientific and technical research and bring diverse perspectives to the country. This is particularly notable in STEM-related fields, where international students can enhance innovation and global competence.
In addition to their economic and research contributions, international students can also have broader effects that are challenging to quantify. For instance, they may contribute to the UK's soft power, and their presence can encourage host countries to implement initiatives that facilitate their arrival and integration, such as amendments to immigration and visa policies.
The impact of international students extends beyond their host countries and can also be felt in their countries of origin. For example, students from the UK may be more likely to move to the US due to historical and cultural ties between the two countries. Similarly, China's involvement in sub-Saharan Africa encourages young people from the region to study in China to strengthen political ties.
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Frequently asked questions
Student migration is when students study outside their country of birth or citizenship for 12 months or more.
The top region for sending students internationally is East Asia and the Pacific, which accounts for 29% of all international higher education students. North America and Western Europe account for 18%, then Central and Eastern Europe at 11%.
There are many reasons why students choose to study abroad. Some students are motivated by the prospect of enhanced professional opportunities. Others may choose to study in a different country due to a lack of university places in their home country.
