As migration reached “unprecedented levels,” the world’s largest economies admitted nearly two million international students in 2022 for the first time, according to new OECD data.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, student flows into these countries “bounced back” last year following the pandemic, with enrollment hitting all-time highs in 2022 in about half of the organization’s 38 member states.
More than 24% more student visas were granted in 2019 compared to the previous year, although some countries—New Zealand, Estonia, Portugal, Sweden, and Luxembourg—remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Out of all OECD countries, the United Kingdom received more new international students than any other country—four years in a row—with the United States coming in second. Japan, Australia, and Canada round out the top five receiving nations list.
Approximately 20% of all international students studying in the OECD are hosted in the USA, with the UK at 14% and Australia at 9%. Germany and France together host about 15% of all international students, making them the main destination countries outside of English-speaking nations.
It occurs at a time when many OECD nations are making an effort to address the issues brought on by aging populations and the pervasive skills gap. The overall rate of migration to wealthier nations has also risen to all-time highs.
“During a press conference, OECD secretary-general Mathias Cormann stated that there was more international migration to OECD countries in 2022 than in any previous year since data had been available.”
He continued, “A number of nations, including Germany, Spain, and Australia, are planning significant changes to their frameworks for labor migration in order to better link labor migration with labor and skills shortages.”
International students are being considered by governments in their long-term labor planning. The Australian government is currently reviewing the immigration system, with a focus on how to best encourage “high-potential” foreign students who receive an education here to stay in Australia.