A new study from the University of Oxford finds that international student mobility helps reduce extreme poverty in low- and middle-income countries. The research shows that while the short-term effects of studying abroad are modest, the long-term benefits—over 15 years—are significant. Graduates returning home use the skills and knowledge they acquire abroad to drive innovation and contribute to social changes that help alleviate poverty.
The number of international students has tripled since 1997, from 2 million to over 6 million by 2021, reflecting the growing value of studying abroad for both personal and societal development. Scholarships from governments, universities, and private organizations have fueled this growth.
New challenges
However, recent trends toward nationalism and reduced cross-border cooperation have created challenges for student mobility. The study underscores the importance of keeping educational exchanges open, as they contribute not just to individual success but to global poverty reduction.
The research highlights how the skills, knowledge, and networks gained abroad can spark change when returnees apply them in their home countries. Innovations in areas like governance, education, and economic development often follow, helping to close gaps in local expertise. The researchers emphasize that these benefits take time to materialize, but over the long run, international education plays a crucial role in lifting communities out of poverty.
In low- and middle-income countries, domestic education systems may not always match the quality available in wealthier nations, especially in creating and spreading new knowledge. Graduates who return from studying abroad help bridge this gap by bringing fresh ideas and practices home. The study encourages policymakers to recognize the importance of international education in development efforts and to support scholarships that allow students from low-income countries to study abroad.
The research, conducted over the past 18 months, analyzed trends across many countries to examine the link between student mobility and poverty reduction. It concludes that expanding opportunities for international education can play a key role in addressing societal challenges like poverty and promoting sustainable development. By increasing access to study abroad programs and improving local education, policymakers can help create lasting change in low- and middle-income countries.
