International student mobility continues to grow despite challenges

The number of international students in tertiary education has increased significantly over the past decade, with more than 4.6 million students enrolled in OECD countries in 2022, up from 3.0 million in 2014. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, international student mobility rose by 18% between 2018 and 2022, continuing a trend of global academic movement.

Major Host and Sending Countries

The leading destinations for international students have remained largely unchanged. Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States host nearly two-thirds of all international students in OECD countries. Meanwhile, China and India continue to be the biggest sources of internationally mobile students, together accounting for 30% of the total.

Although international student mobility is widespread, economic disparities play a significant role in shaping access to education abroad. Two-thirds of international students in OECD countries come from high- or upper middle-income nations, while students from low-income countries remain underrepresented. Countries like France, Germany, and Turkey have taken steps to support students from developing nations by offering scholarships and subsidized tuition programs.

Trends in Study Fields and Levels

International students are more likely to enroll in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs than their domestic counterparts. Around 30% of internationally mobile students choose STEM-related disciplines, compared to just 19% of domestic students. This is particularly evident in countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Turkey, where STEM enrollments among international students exceed 40%.

Doctoral programs also attract a high proportion of international students, who account for 25% of total doctoral enrollments across OECD countries. Countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom report particularly high shares of international doctoral students, often exceeding 40%. This reflects both the global demand for advanced research opportunities and declining interest in doctoral studies among domestic students in some regions.

Impact of COVID-19 and Policy Changes

While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel and education, the overall trend of increasing student mobility remained resilient. Universities adapted by expanding online and hybrid learning options, while governments introduced flexible visa regulations and extended work opportunities to support international students.

However, some countries experienced declines in international student numbers due to stricter migration and visa policies. Between 2018 and 2022, Australia, Denmark, Italy, New Zealand, and the United States saw a reduction in the number of international students they hosted. In contrast, Chile and Slovenia recorded the highest relative increases, nearly doubling their international student populations due to improved rankings and government-backed scholarship programs.

Retention and Post-Graduation Policies

While many countries actively recruit international students, policies to retain them after graduation vary widely. Some, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, provide structured post-graduation work permits, allowing international graduates to remain and contribute to the local workforce. Others, such as France and the United States, have more restrictive work visa policies, limiting the ability of international graduates to stay long-term.

Countries facing labor shortages in key industries, such as healthcare and technology, have introduced targeted initiatives to retain highly skilled international graduates. Programs like Germany’s Blue Card and Denmark’s fast-track visa scheme aim to fill gaps in specialized sectors by attracting foreign talent.

Conclusion

International student mobility continues to be a key driver of higher education and global talent exchange, despite economic disparities and evolving migration policies. While demand for international education remains high, retention strategies and visa policies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of student mobility. As governments and universities balance economic needs with migration debates, policies supporting international graduates will be essential in maintaining a skilled and diverse workforce.