This blog was written by Maia Chankseliani, Associate Professor of Comparative and International Education, Department of Education, University of Oxford; and new Chair of the UKFIET Executive Committee; and Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Educational Research.
As the UK reviews its International Education Strategy, there is a risk of focusing solely on the numbers: how many international students we attract and the immediate economic boost they provide. These elements matter, of course, but they risk obscuring a more critical question: what happens when these students return home? International student mobility is not merely about short-term gains for the host country; it shapes the future of entire nations.
The UK has long been a global leader in education, but by concentrating on immediate benefits, we risk losing sight of the broader, long-term influence of international education. A narrow approach could undermine our reputation and the transformational role that education plays, not only for individual students but for their home countries over time.
Recent research suggests that the real impact of international student mobility only becomes clear after several years. In the short term, the effect on poverty reduction in students’ home countries is limited. But over 15 years, we see a different story. These students return home equipped not only with degrees but with skills, networks, and innovative ideas. They are ready to contribute to sectors such as healthcare, governance, education, and business. The ripple effects of their international education extend beyond individual careers, helping to drive social progress and lift communities.
Our ongoing research project, International Mobility and World Development, is exploring this long-term impact across six global regions. By combining statistical modelling with insights from over 700 interviews, we are starting to understand how studying abroad can catalyse systemic change in home countries. These findings represent part of a larger study, with much more yet to be revealed.
A common concern is that international students may stay in the UK rather than return home. Some do remain temporarily under the Graduate Route visa, which allows two to three years of post-study work. However, most leave. Home Office data shows that over 98% of non-EU students comply with visa rules and leave the UK once their visas expire.
For students from low- and middle-income countries, returning home is often an opportunity. Equipped with new skills and perspectives, many take on key roles in public and private sectors, using their UK-acquired expertise to address local challenges and drive meaningful change. These graduates frequently lead projects in policy, education, and business, shaping their countries’ futures and contributing to global development.
This matters for the UK too. In a world where immigration and visa policies are tightening, it is tempting to frame international students as part of broader immigration debates. But this view misses the wider point: these students contribute to global development. If the UK is serious about maintaining its global influence, we must recognise the long-term value of international education, rather than focusing solely on its immediate economic impact.
Yet recent trends suggest a growing insularity. Visa policies have tightened, and fewer students are applying to study in the UK. This has been framed as protecting national interests, but the broader implications are global. Restricting international student mobility may address short-term concerns, but it weakens the UK’s role in supporting long-term global development.
International education is one of the UK’s most effective forms of soft power. By educating students from the Global South, we do more than strengthen diplomatic ties; we lay the groundwork for future collaboration. Limiting access to these opportunities not only diminishes our standing but also undermines the very countries we aim to support through international development policies.
As the UK revises its International Education Strategy, we must adopt a broader vision. Yes, numbers and revenue targets are important, but they cannot be the sole focus. The strategy must recognise the far-reaching benefits of international student mobility, particularly its role in global development. These students are more than contributors to our economy; they are part of a global community of future leaders and changemakers.
Supporting students from low- and middle-income countries through scholarships, visa support, and opportunities to thrive during and after their studies should be central to our international education policy. If we approach this wisely, the UK can continue to lead in education and development, shaping a more connected, equitable, and sustainable world.
