International Student Mobility: Recent developments and prognosis with special reference to India

This paper examines global student mobility. It finds that student mobility has been on the rise rapidly in the last five years, mostly of a global nature, rather than intra-regional, especially in the case of Indian students. Students are highly aspirational and seek an edge in the labour market through specialist studies and post study work rights, and are focused on obtaining a strong return on educational investment. Universities around the world increasingly seek to cater to these aspirations. Beyond the traditionally dominant inbound countries, a number of others, including especially in Asia, are becoming hubs of international student activity both as senders and receivers. Australia is becoming an increasingly key location for students, especially in recent times for Asian students. From a strategic standpoint, it will be important to maintain freedom of movement for students to benefit individuals and host and home countries.