International student mobility has become a defining feature of increasingly interconnected education systems and labour markets. Across OECD countries, the number of students pursuing education abroad has grown steadily, reflecting both the internationalisation of higher education and rising global demand for advanced skills.
For policymakers, international students represent both an opportunity and a complex policy area. They contribute to the diversity and financing of higher education systems and constitute a potential source of skilled labour. At the same time, their mobility is influenced by a range of factors, including the costs of education, the availability of financial support, migration regulations and broader living conditions in host countries.
This report examines the factors shaping the attraction and retention of international students across OECD countries. Adopting a comprehensive perspective, it considers both the elements that influence students' choice of destination and those affecting their transition from study to work. The analysis highlights that no single factor determines international student mobility; rather, mobility outcomes and countries' ability to attract and retain international students are shaped by the interaction of financial, regulatory and broader contextual conditions.
By providing a comparative overview of these factors, this report contributes to strengthening the evidence base for policymaking. As OECD countries continue to adapt to demographic change, skills needs and global competition, a better understanding of the factors shaping international student mobility will remain essential.