Published 24 Oct, 2024
Global Poverty Shrinks as International Student Mobility Soars
Written By
West Ekhator
A groundbreaking new study from the University of Oxford reveals a powerful link between international student mobility and poverty reduction. The research, spanning two decades of data, suggests that while the immediate impact of studying abroad on poverty alleviation may be limited, the long-term effects are significant.
Over 15 years, international student mobility has shown a notable positive association with poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries. This finding underscores the potential of education to drive lasting positive change.
"Our research shows that while the short-term effects of international student mobility on poverty reduction are not significant, its long-term impact—over 15 years—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 the dramatic growth in international student mobility, tripling from two million students in 1997 to over six million by 2021. This surge is a testament to the increasing recognition of the value of studying abroad, both for individual advancement and societal development. Governments, universities, charities, and private firms are increasingly investing in scholarships and programs to facilitate international study.
However, the study also warns of a growing threat to international student mobility: rising insularity and nationalist sentiments. In recent years, some countries have implemented barriers to cross-border education and collaboration, hindering the potential for global knowledge sharing and development.
A new study from the University of Oxford reveals a powerful link between international student mobility and poverty reduction, highlighting the importance of this trend despite growing challenges. The research, spanning two decades of data, suggests that while the immediate impact of studying abroad on poverty alleviation may be limited, the long-term effects are significant.
International student mobility has been associated with poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries for over 15 years. This finding underscores the potential of education to drive lasting positive change.
However, the study also warns of a growing threat to international student mobility: rising insularity and nationalist sentiments. In recent years, some countries have implemented barriers to cross-border education and collaboration, hindering the potential for global knowledge sharing and development.
Nearly 60% of international education leaders surveyed expressed pessimism about future government policy settings in their country, with respondents primarily coming from the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This reflects the restrictive policy environment in many 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 benefit from these policies, a recent report highlighted the “polarised” landscape of European internationalization, with the politicization of education causing a highly volatile landscape for student mobility.
"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," said Professor Maia Chankseliani, co-author of the study. "Understanding these impacts can help inform policies that keep educational exchanges open and accessible, even in an increasingly inward-looking world."
Oxford researchers identified trends in outbound student mobility and poverty reduction across all low- and middle-income countries.
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.
By recognizing the fundamental link between international education and development, the study authors hope to encourage policymakers to support scholarships and initiatives that enable 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 in participants’ home countries.
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