International Students: What's The Percentage Globally?

International students are an integral part of the higher education system, enriching campuses, fostering cultural exchange, and contributing significantly to the economies of their host countries. The percentage of international students at universities varies across the world, with countries like the United States, United Kingdom, China, Japan, and Australia being popular destinations. Factors such as tuition costs, immigration policies, and the availability of scholarships influence the choices of internationally mobile students, who seek global education at a local cost.

International students in the US

International students are defined as "non-immigrant" visitors who come to the United States temporarily to take classes or take online courses virtually from anywhere in the world. The United States is a popular destination for international students, with an all-time high of 1,126,690 international students from more than 210 places of origin studying at U.S. higher education institutions during the 2023/2024 academic year. This number represents a 7% increase from the previous academic year and includes both degree and non-degree students.

The majority of international students in the United States come from India and China, with 331,602 and 277,398 students, respectively, in 2023/2024. These two countries alone accounted for over half (54%) of all international students in the United States during that academic year. The number of Indian students in the US is projected to increase significantly, with estimates suggesting it will surpass 1 million per year by 2030.

International students make significant economic contributions to the United States, both through their tuition fees and living expenses. In many cases, international students pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, particularly at public universities where they do not qualify for in-state rates. This influx of tuition payments helps stabilize the financial health of higher education institutions across the country and is often used to fund scholarships for domestic students and support institutional development. Additionally, international students contributed billions of dollars to the US economy through their living expenses, such as housing, food, transportation, and health insurance. Their spending supports job creation, stimulates local economies, and provides essential revenue to universities, underscoring their importance to the overall economic health of the country. For example, during the 2022-2023 academic year, international students' financial contributions helped support over 368,000 jobs nationwide, with one job created or supported for every three international students in the US economy.

The decision of international students to pursue higher education in the United States is influenced by various factors, including the outstanding reputation of US institutions and the perception of higher-quality education compared to their home countries. For instance, Chinese students often prioritize academic achievement due to cultural values that place well-educated scholars in the highest social rank. Additionally, students from wealthy and middle-class families in China can afford the expense of visa and education costs in the US.

International students in the UK

The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations for international students, regularly ranking within the top three countries, alongside the United States and Australia. The UK's diverse population, prestigious schooling, and English-language education attract students from around the world. In addition, the UK's world-class universities and rich cultural history promise a unique experience for international students.

In the 2022/23 academic year, there were 758,855 international students studying at UK higher education institutions, equivalent to 25.8% of all higher education students in the UK. This number has been steadily increasing, with the UK government meeting its target of 600,000 international students in 2020, ten years earlier than its 2030 goal. The economic impact of international students in the UK has also been significant, rising from £31.3 billion in 2018/19 to an estimated £41.9 billion in 2021/22.

The UK's popularity as a study destination for international students can be attributed to its world-renowned education system, which is recognised for its quality and adaptability. The UK also offers a range of financing options for international students, including scholarships and loans, making it a more accessible option for those facing financial barriers. Additionally, the UK government has expressed its commitment to welcoming international students and values their contribution to the country's universities, communities, and economy.

However, there have been challenges in reconciling the UK's objectives towards international students with broader immigration policies, resulting in policy instability and changes to student visa holders' rights. Despite these challenges, the UK remains a top destination for students seeking a global education, and the number of international students in the country is expected to continue growing.

International students in Australia

International students are a significant contributor to the Australian economy, with international education worth A$36.4 billion in 2022-23, making it the country's fourth-largest export. Australia is one of the top destinations for international students, with around 717,500 international students enrolled as of early 2024. This number includes only those studying on a student visa, and the actual number of international students may be higher if we consider those who maintained their studies outside Australia during the COVID-19 border closures.

The number of international students in Australia has been increasing, with a 10% rise in university enrolments compared to pre-pandemic levels. This increase has been particularly notable in private vocational and training providers, with a 50% increase. However, the Australian government has recently announced a cap on new international student enrolments to reduce overall migration. The cap is set at 270,000 for 2025, with individual restrictions for each higher education institution. This decision has been met with criticism from the tertiary education industry, which argues that it will negatively impact the sector and the economy.

Despite the cap, Australia remains an attractive destination for international students due to its diverse range of educational opportunities and high-quality institutions. Australia's universities offer a wide range of courses, including social sciences, law, business, medicine, and more. Additionally, Australia's reputation for providing unique opportunities for personal growth and career success makes it a desirable choice for students seeking a global education.

The international student population in Australia is diverse, with students from various countries and backgrounds. This diversity enriches the Australian education system and fosters cultural exchange. Additionally, Australia's eight states and territories offer a range of experiences for international students, from vibrant cities to natural wonders. The large number of international students in Australia contributes to the country's cultural diversity and enhances its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place to study and live.

International students in China

International students enrich campuses, foster cultural exchange, and contribute significantly to the economy of their host countries. In this regard, China has emerged as a desirable destination for international students. China boasts a significant number of world-class universities, many of which are attractive research centers. In addition, the cost of studying in China is relatively lower than in developed countries, and there is a huge diversity of universities and programs to choose from. Furthermore, China offers many career opportunities due to its growing economic strength, and many graduate and postgraduate programs are offered in English.

In 2016, international students in China mostly went to study in the major centers of Beijing (77,234, or 17.44%) and Shanghai (59,887, or 13.53%). In recent years, however, there has been a decentralization and dispersion of students to other provinces. The Chinese government also offers a huge number of scholarships to international students (49,022 in 2016). For instance, the Chinese Government Scholarship-High-level Postgraduate Program is a full scholarship established by the Ministry of Education to support designated Chinese universities in enrolling outstanding international students for postgraduate studies in China. The Silk Road Scholarship at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) is another example of a fully-funded opportunity under the Chinese Government Scholarship program. It supports international students pursuing bachelor's degrees in China, with a focus on promoting global education and collaboration.

In addition to scholarships, the Chinese government has also implemented other initiatives to attract international students. For example, the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) Scholarship Program is a prestigious opportunity that aims to attract talented international students to study at one of China's most renowned universities. The Yenching Academy is another fully-funded residential program offering various interdisciplinary courses on China within the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Despite China's popularity as a study destination, there has been a recent decline in the number of Chinese students studying in the United States. This is partly due to the travel ban and restrictions on student visas implemented by the Trump administration, which have created an uncertain outlook for international students from China. In addition, there has been legislation put forward by House Republicans seeking to prevent Chinese students from studying in the United States, citing national security concerns. However, this legislation has been criticized by organizations and scholars who argue that it would harm the talent pipeline of Asian American scientists, scholars, and researchers, and undermine US leadership in science and innovation.

International students in Japan

Japan is an evolving destination for international students, with around 180,000 overseas students studying at its institutions. The Japanese government has set targets to increase this number to 300,000 in the coming years. According to the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), the number of international students as of 1 May 2022 was 231,146.

International students are drawn to Japan for various reasons, including its rich history and culture, diverse programs, affordable education, and promising career prospects. The country offers a unique experience of living in the world's third-largest economy and provides access to numerous international organizations.

When applying to Japanese universities as an international student, there are a few key considerations. Firstly, international students typically require a student visa to study in Japan. Secondly, language proficiency is an important factor. While some universities offer programs taught entirely in English, many universities, including popular institutions like Tokyo-U, Waseda, and Keio, require undergraduate applicants to take the EJU (日本留学試験) test and submit their scores. Additionally, international students may need to provide specific documents for admission, depending on their citizenship.

To support international students, the Japanese government offers financial assistance through scholarships and tuition reduction programs. This, coupled with the country's diverse and affordable education system, makes Japan an attractive destination for students seeking a life-changing academic experience.

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