Global Student Flows

Forecasting thousands of student flows from 2,500 cities, 15 core drivers, 3 scenarios, 1 million simulations – analysed by global experts in policy, economics and higher education.

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A dynamic outlook on global student mobility GIF

Explore global mobility trends

By 2030, we forecast that there will be approximately 8.5 million international students, but what happens next depends on how universities respond to both challenge and opportunity. Global Student Flows helps your institution understand the shifts behind the data – and shape what’s next in global education.

Powered by QS, Global Student Flows sets out 3 future scenarios and 15 key drivers shaping global student mobility to 2030. It combines student voices with macro-economic data to reveal not just where students are going, but why they’re going there.

 

Powerful insights to broaden your perspective

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Unparalleled analysis on student mobility.

Insights

Understand the Framework

Our open-source framework enables you to better understand and predict global student flows.

Framework

How to use Global Student Flows

Read FAQs and understand how to make the most of the Global Student Flows dataset

FAQs

The global report is now live

International education is shifting. Get Global Student Flows insights today.

Our global report outlines three scenarios for higher education in 2030. Use the report to strength test your strategy against these scenarios and build for the future.

 

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Through 12 incisive reports and expert-led webinars, we uncover:

  • Country, city and institutional trends in transnational student dynamics
  • Shifting source markets and demand signals
  • Market intelligence to inform your TNE strategy
  • Rankings analysis and ROI insights
  • Forecasts through 2030
  • Expert commentary and actionable takeaways

Register for the insights series

Get Global Student Flows insights

Get a global outlook. Our global report is out now, with a webinar going live shortly. Regional reports and webinars will follow to give you a full picture of international student flow.

Watch the webinar Read the report

Get Global Student Flows insights

Get a global outlook. Our global report is out now, with a webinar going live shortly. Regional reports and webinars will follow to give you a full picture of international student flow.

Excerpts from the report

The Global Student Flows Framework

The Global Student Flows framework integrates both qualitative and quantitative research within an open-source structure that supports the historical analysis and future forecasting of international student flows. The Framework organises 15 core drivers of mobility into three overarching categories – push, pull, and disruption factors. These drivers form the analytical basis for assessing patterns in student movement and are reviewed and refined annually through expert consultation

Push factors

Drivers of outbound mobility from source countries

  • Demographics
  • Economic conditions
  • Loans & scholarships
  • Domestic alternatives
  • Risk factors

Pull factors

Determinants of destination market attractiveness

  • Academic quality
  • Post-graduation prospects
  • Affordability (inc. FX)
  • Recruitment infrastructure
  • Safety and security

Disruption factors

Drivers of volatility and alternative mobility scenarios

  • Geopolitical factors
  • Place-based risks
  • Capacity constraints
  • Hybrid programmes
  • Online learning

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Register now to tailor your insights. Select the reports and webinars that matter to you.

Subscribe to the series

Register now to tailor your insights. Select the reports and webinars that matter to you.

Global Student Flows FAQs

What is Global Student Flows?

Global Student Flows forecasts multi-directional student mobility, guiding international education strategy for governments, institutions and the global talent ecosystem. The data and insights have been released as a global report, with regional reports following. The insights are accompanied by a series of webinars.

What are the key Global Student Flows insights?

The key insight from the Global Student Flows report is that global student demand for international education remains robust, continuing its historical trajectory with an estimated annual growth rate of approximately 4% over this decade. By 2030, the total international student population is projected to reach approximately 8.5 million. Despite this consistent upward trend, the global student mobility landscape is marked by considerable uncertainty driven by shifting geopolitical climates, evolving economic conditions, and changing student preferences. Consequently, traditional market leaders now face heightened competition from emerging education destinations.

How can I use the Global Student Flows report to help build my higher education strategy?

Our forecast points to 8.5 million international students by 2030 – but what happens next depends on how the world responds to both challenge and opportunity. The Global Student Flows global report helps you anticipate change, compare flow patterns, and build proactive, evidence-led strategies.

What are the three scenarios for higher education in 2030?

Regulated Regionalism, where geopolitical fragmentation leads to strong intra-regional mobility and emerging destinations accelerate ahead.

Hybrid Multiversity, a world of blended, tech-enabled models that reshape where and how students learn, featuring a strong push towards transnational campuses and blended learning models.

Talent Race Rebound, a high-growth, globally competitive environment where nations aggressively seek international students as future citizens and workers, by offering structured immigration pathways. This scenario is grounded in deeper alignment between government, industry and education.