Ibrahim Gardner
International students are those who choose to study in a country other than their own. The USA is currently the most popular destination, with over 1,000,000 international students enrolled in its colleges and universities. However, the UK, Australia, France, Germany, China, Japan, and South Korea are also popular choices. The reasons for their popularity vary, from the availability of English-taught courses to the prestige of the institutions and the opportunities for further career development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top destination for international students | The USA has the world's largest international student population, with more than 1,000,000 international students. |
| Other popular destinations include Germany, France, the UK, China, Japan, South Korea, and India. | |
| Top subjects for international students | STEM (56%) |
| Math and Computer Science (25%) | |
| Engineering (19%) | |
| Business and Management (14%) | |
| Physical and Life Sciences (8%) | |
| Social Sciences (8%) | |
| Fine and Applied Arts (5%) | |
| Contribution to the economy | International students contributed $43.8 billion to the US economy during the 2023-2024 school year and supported more than 378,000 jobs. |
| Visa requirements | International students in the US typically hold an F1 Visa. |
| The US State Department has paused visa applications for international students as of June 2025. | |
| The UK offers the Erasmus Programme for students from EU countries to study abroad under a government agreement. | |
| Canada issues study permits that identify the level of study and the length of stay for international students. | |
| Impact of politics | Political developments can influence the decisions of international students. For example, a survey indicated that a quarter of prospective international students were more likely to study in the US if Joe Biden was elected president. |
| The Trump administration's immigration policies have negatively impacted international student enrollment in US universities. | |
| Challenges for international students | International students may face challenges such as travel expenses, cultural differences, and an extensive application process when applying to study abroad. |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US
International students have long been attracted to the United States, with its ability to offer some of the world's most prestigious higher education institutions. The US hosted 1,126,690 international students from over 210 places of origin during the 2023/2024 academic year, an increase of 7% from the previous year. This figure includes primary, secondary, and post-secondary students.
International students are defined in the US as "non-immigrant" visitors who come to the country temporarily to study. Most hold an F1 Visa. The US government has, at times, targeted foreign nationals looking to study in the country, with the Trump administration suspending visas for new students from overseas who planned to attend Harvard University.
International students contribute enormously to the US economy, injecting $43.8 billion in the 2023-2024 school year and supporting over 375,000 jobs. They also pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, providing valuable revenue that helps fund scholarships and support for American students. International students contributed $9 billion to public universities in 2015, 28% of their total revenue. They also fill essential roles in fields like healthcare, with foreign-born doctors making up a quarter of licensed US doctors.
California, New York, and Texas are home to the largest numbers of international students, with other popular states including Illinois, Michigan, and Arizona. Over half of international students in the US are enrolled in STEM programs, making up 45% of all advanced STEM degrees awarded by US colleges and universities.
The majority of international students in the US come from Asia, with India and China being the top two countries of origin. In 2023/2024, there were 331,602 Indian students in the US, contributing $5.01 billion to the economy.
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International students in China
International students are increasingly choosing China as their study destination. In 2021, there were 255,720 full-time international students in China, which is a sizeable number compared to other countries. China has one of the largest education systems in the world, with over 3,000 universities as of 2022. The country offers a diverse and multifaceted environment, a rich history, financial power, and a unique cultural experience.
China boasts a significant number of world-class universities, many of which are top-ranked globally. These universities attract international students with their high-quality education, modern facilities, and renowned faculty members. Additionally, the cost of studying in China is relatively lower than in developed countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable quality education.
The Chinese government offers numerous scholarships to international students, providing financial support and making Chinese universities even more accessible. The availability of English-taught programs is also a significant advantage, with thousands of courses offered in English across various subjects, from medicine to literature to engineering. This makes China a viable option for students who do not speak Chinese.
China's rapid economic development and growing economic strength present international students with valuable career opportunities. Studying in China can provide a competitive edge in the job market, especially with the transferable skills gained from navigating a diverse and dynamic environment. The country's unique geographical features, from mountains and big ports to picturesque cities and deserts, also contribute to a memorable student experience.
In summary, China is an increasingly popular destination for international students due to its top-ranked universities, rich history, cultural experiences, affordable tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, English-taught programs, and promising career prospects. The country's vast education system and diverse landscape ensure that international students have a wide range of options to choose from, making their time in China a truly unique and unforgettable adventure.
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International students in the UK
The United Kingdom is one of the world's most popular destinations for international students, regularly featuring in the top three countries alongside the United States and Australia. The UK has a diverse population and a reputation for prestigious schooling, making it a natural choice for students from all over the world. The country's excellent higher-education system and hundreds of world-class universities promise a rich experience for international students. The UK's education system is recognised around the world as comprehensive and adaptable, with a wide range of programs such as GCSEs, A-Levels, and degree programs.
In the 2023/24 academic year, there were 732,285 international students studying at UK higher education institutions, equivalent to 25.2% of all higher education students in the UK. This represented a 3.5% decrease from the previous year, but the number of international students is expected to increase again in the future. The UK government's International Education Strategy has set a target to recruit 600,000 international students in higher education and to increase the value of higher education exports to £35 billion by 2030. This target was met for the first time in 2020/21, and the economic impact of international students has risen steadily, with a net benefit of £37.4 billion in 2021/22. International students were found to make the greatest economic impact in the cities of Glasgow, London, Sheffield, Nottingham, and Newcastle.
Students from India, China, and Nigeria together account for around 51% of all international students enrolled at higher education institutions in the UK. China had been the top sender of students to the UK for over a decade, but new entrants have fallen in recent years. Rapid increases in entrants from Nigeria since 2017/18 have seen it move into third place in 2022/23 and retain that place in 2023/24. Other English-speaking countries, such as New Zealand and Canada, are also seeing substantial increases in overseas students, as are European countries which are increasingly offering courses in English.
International graduates from the UK have a variety of options, including looking for work in the UK, continuing their education in a graduate program, or returning to their home country with their new skills and knowledge. The UK offers a Graduate Route visa that allows international students who complete a PhD from Summer 2021 onwards to stay in the UK for three years after their studies to live and work. This is opposed to two years for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
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International students in Germany
Germany is a popular study destination for international students, attracting people from all over the world, including China, Italy, France, and India. The country has a world-class higher education system that is valued and recognized worldwide, with Germany reaching its goal of 350,000 international students in 2017, three years ahead of schedule. As of 2023/2024, there were 469,485 international students in Germany out of a total student population of 2.8 million. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, with 458,210 international students in the winter semester of 2022/2023 and 440,564 in 2021/2022.
There are several reasons why international students choose to study in Germany. Firstly, the cost of living in Germany is relatively affordable for students, with approximately €992 per month required to live comfortably. Secondly, Germany's higher education sector is at the forefront of innovation, science, and research, offering a diverse range of programs and courses. International students can also work part-time during their studies and stay in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation to find employment, contributing to the country's economy. Germany also offers numerous scholarship opportunities, such as the DAAD Scholarship Programme and the DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship.
To apply to a German university, international students typically need to have a university entrance qualification, such as the German Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur. School-leaving certificates from other countries may be evaluated for equivalence. Additionally, language proficiency in German or English is required, and students may need to submit recognized language certificates. Other requirements include a copy of a valid passport, a letter of motivation, recommendation letters, a CV, and standardized test scores, such as the TestAS or GMAT.
Germany's popularity among international students has brought various benefits to the country. According to an OECD study from 2022, 45% of people who came to Germany on a student visa in 2010 were still in the country 10 years later, contributing to the economy through their taxes and social security contributions. Germany's industry has also recognized the value of international students, viewing university campuses as recruitment grounds. The country's universities provide support for career development, offering workshops on CV preparation, interview skills, and hosting job fairs to connect students with potential employers.
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International students in France
France is a popular destination for international students, with over 400,000 foreign students enrolled in higher education in 2022-2023. International students make up 14% of France's student population, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment. The country's rich history, culture, and internationally acclaimed universities make it a desirable study destination. France is known as the center of arts, philosophy, and culture, having produced renowned thinkers such as Descartes, Foucault, Voltaire, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir.
The French education system is divided into primary, secondary, and higher education, all administered by the French Ministry of Education. Higher education consists of public universities, specialized schools, and prestigious Grandes Écoles. Public universities, named Université in France, are government-funded institutions offering a wide range of degree courses in various subjects at bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels. There are 67 public universities in the country, and they accept international students. Tuition fees vary for degree programs, and scholarships are available to help cover costs.
Grandes Écoles, including institutions like Sciences Po Paris for Political Studies, HEC Paris for Economics, Polytechnique, and the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales for Social Studies, are considered the highest level of education in France. Admission requirements for Grandes Écoles are demanding, with domestic students requiring two additional years of preparatory studies before gaining admission. Around 20% of international students in France attend these elite institutions.
France's membership in the European Union (EU) and the Bologna Process facilitates student mobility within Europe. Students from other EU countries can study in France as domestic students, and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) ensures that their studies are easily transferable throughout Europe. Additionally, France's participation in global fairs and organizations like the United Nations Security Council, the Group of Seven (G7), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) further enhances its appeal to international students.
The university calendar in France typically starts in September or October and ends in May or June. The academic year is divided into two semesters, with the first semester ending before the new year. France's three-cycle system, known as the LMD system, includes Licence (bachelor's), Master's, and Doctorate levels.
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Frequently asked questions
The USA has the largest international student population, with more than 1,000,000 international students.
The UK and the USA have traditionally been the most popular destinations for international students. However, countries in East Asia, such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, are becoming increasingly popular. France and Germany are also popular, with 412,087 and 469,485 international students, respectively, in the 2023-24 academic year.
International students choose to study in the USA for various reasons, including the diverse cultural, social, and economic aspects of living, studying, and working in the country. Additionally, public universities in the USA often face declines in state funding, so they turn to international students who commonly pay full price for tuition.
International students planning to study in the USA should consider the differences in the higher education provision compared to their home country. The application process for US colleges and universities can be extensive and confusing, with various requirements such as SATs, TOEFL, essays, and credential evaluations. Additionally, students should ensure they have the necessary documentation, such as a student visa and international student insurance, and prepare for the financial aspects of studying abroad.
STEM fields are popular among international students in the USA, with math and computer science being the leading field of study. Other popular fields include business and management, physical and life sciences, social sciences, and fine and applied arts.
