The research, published by the University of Oxford, uses data spanning the last two decades to reveal the impact of international mobility on poverty alleviation, warning of the global rise in nationalist sentiments.
“Our research shows that while the short-term effects of international student mobility on poverty reduction are not significant, its long-term impact—over a 15-year period—has a notable positive association with poverty alleviation in low- and middle-income countries,” said Professor Maia Chankseliani, co-author of the study.
The study highlights that international student mobility tripled from two million students in 1997 to over six million by 2021.
“This surge reflects the growing recognition of the value of studying abroad for both individual advancement and societal development, with governments, universities, charities, and private firms offering scholarships for international study,” said Chankseliani.
“However, in recent years, rising insularity and nationalist sentiments in some countries have posed challenges to mobility, with increasing barriers to cross-border education and collaboration,” she added.
In a recent survey of international education leaders, nearly 60% said they were either ‘pessimistic’ or ‘very pessimistic’ about future government policy settings in their country, with respondents primarily coming from the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The results reflect the restrictive policy environment in many of the major study destinations, with Canada tightening its cap on international students and Australia grappling with imposing a cap of its own.
Though some European destinations are benefiting from these policies, a recent report highlighted the “polarised” landscape of European internationalisation, with the politicisation of education causing a highly volatile landscape for student mobility.
Chankseliani commented: “This makes studies like ours more critical than ever, as they demonstrate the long-term benefits of international education, not just for individuals, but for global development. Understanding these impacts can help inform policies that keep educational exchanges open and accessible, even in an increasingly inward-looking world.”
In recent years, rising insularity and nationalist sentiments in some countries have posed challenges to mobility
Maia Chankseliani, University of Oxford
Over the past 18 months, the Oxford research identified trends in outbound student mobility and poverty reduction across all low- and middle-income countries with available data.
The study explores how skills, knowledge and connections gained abroad often lead to change after returnees apply them in their home contexts.
It notes how students’ ability to drive innovation in local industry, improve governance and support economic and social development upon their return are central to reducing poverty.
The authors of the study hope it will encourage policymakers to recognise the fundamental link between international education and development and encourage support for scholarships and initiatives that allow students from low- and middle-income countries to study abroad.
The research was funded by the US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as part of a wider project examining the systemic impacts of the international mobility of students, professionals and youth on participants’ home countries.