Trends in International Student Mobility

Abstract

International student recruitment is becoming integral to the financial health of many higher education institutions worldwide, in addition to remaining an important means of attracting talent and expanding campus diversity.The purpose of this research report is to provide a thorough understanding of the trends and issues related to international student recruitment.We present this research in two primary sections. First, we provide an overview of international student mobility to four host countries – the U.S., the UK, Australia and Canada in the context of major policy reforms. Then we provide an in-depth analysis of international enrollment trends in the U.S. with emphasis on emerging recruitment practices and institutional examples supporting these trends.We conclude that the perception of improved employment prospects will strengthen among international students, and the stringent immigration policies of the UK are likely to divert some traffic to destinations such as the U.S., Australia and Canada. International students will continue to display diversified choices of destination and will gravitate toward enrolling in English language programs and studying at the Bachelor’s level. Comprehensive report available for download from WENR link.

Keywords: international student mobility, international recruitment, international enrollment management

JEL Classification: N30, I20, I21, J00