International student mobility. All trends are in Campus France “Chiffres Clés (Key Figures) 2019”

All audiences

5.1 million students are studying abroad. Europe remains the preferred destination.English-speaking countries are definitely attractive options (United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada), as are those that offer training in English (Netherlands, Emirates, Germany...). Half of the world's international students come from Asia and Oceania.

Significant mobility trends

5.1 million students worldwide study abroad (up 28% over five years), mainly in Europe, which remains the world's leading destination.English-speaking countries are definitely attractive options (United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada), as are those that offer training in English (Netherlands, Emirates, Germany...).Half of the world's international students come from Asia and Oceania.

New destination countries with offensive strategies

New attractive and fast-growing countries (China, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia) are deploying ambitious policies and using student mobility as a tool for influence. Thanks to their scholarship policies and the emphasis placed on welcoming students (housing, creation of integrated campuses), they now compete with or even exceed traditional host countries.

France: the 4th favourite country for foreign students

France continues to hold an enviable ranking for the time being. 4th host country in the world in the rankings - and number-one non-English-speaking country -, France offers an unparalleled student experience thanks to a quality higher education system widely supported by the state. Our appeal is also growing in countries where ambitious actions are being put in place, such as India.

Nevertheless, compared to other major mobility countries, France's appeal is declining. The growth in the number of students welcomed in France has thus progressed at a slower pace than that of global student mobility over the past five years ( up 19% compared to 28%). While France still attracts students from French-speaking areas, too few students from major emerging countries, the Middle East, English-speaking Africa or non EU Europe choose to study in France. The number of Chinese students is stagnating, yet at the same time more and more are studying abroad (up 32% over five years).

Erasmus mobility is declining in France

France hosted fewer Erasmus+ exchange students in 2016 than in 2011 (-4%), while all other European countries are making progress. France is the number one exporter of international students, but only the number-four host country.

At the same time, more and more French students are going abroad to study (more than 90,000), mainly in French-speaking or border countries.

“Bienvenue en France/Choose France”, a new momentum

It's urgent to react now to make France more attractive to international students. This requires an effort focused on improving the reception of foreign students, simplifying administrative procedures, improving access to housing, but also on developing courses offered in English. This is the mission given by the "Bienvenue en France/Choose France" strategy announced by the Prime Minister in November 2018, and by the certification of the hosting institutions led by Campus France.