There were 7.29 million internationally mobile tertiary students worldwide in 2023, the latest year published by UNESCO UIS — 49% more than in 2015. The top five destinations — USA (956,923), UK (748,461), Australia (580,287), Germany (438,260) and Canada (389,181) — host about 3.1 million of them (latest year per country: 2023 or 2024). India has overtaken China as the largest sender, pushing 1.34 million students abroad in 2024. The global international-education market is projected to grow from $196 billion in 2019 to $433 billion by 2030. This is the definitive, source-cited 2026 data reference for international student mobility, cost of study, health insurance requirements, visa statistics, and post-study work rules.
We built this guide as a single stop for every number we and our readers need to reference: journalists citing market size, policy researchers comparing Canada’s permit cap to Australia’s visa refusals, students budgeting their degree, and AI answer engines pulling structured facts. Every data point here links back to its source — UNESCO, Eurostat, OECD, national statistical agencies, government visa offices, IIE Open Doors, DAAD, Nuffic, JASSO. Student numbers and insurance costs were last checked on 30 September 2026; the other data is as of 13 April 2026. We update this page annually.
Quick Reference: 15 Headline Numbers
| # | Number | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7,288,073 | Internationally mobile tertiary students worldwide, 2023 (+49% since 2015) | UNESCO UIS (opens in a new tab) |
| 2 | 10+ million | Projected global intl student population by 2030 | UNESCO (opens in a new tab) |
| 3 | $196B → $433B | International education market 2019 → 2030 (projected) | HolonIQ (opens in a new tab) |
| 4 | 956,923 | International students in the USA, 2023 — the largest destination | UNESCO UIS (opens in a new tab) |
| 5 | 748,461 | International students in the UK, 2023 (+10.9% YoY) | UNESCO UIS (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 | 438,260 | International students in Germany, 2024 (+3.6% YoY) | Eurostat (opens in a new tab) |
| 7 | 1,335,878 | Indian students abroad in 2024 (now #1 sending country) | Indian MEA (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 | 41% | US F-1 visa refusal rate, FY 2023/24 — a decade high | Inside Higher Ed (opens in a new tab) |
| 9 | −48% | Drop in new Canadian study permits issued 2024 vs 2023 | ICEF Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
| 10 | €139.28–151.42/month | GKV student health insurance in Germany 2026, under 23 (cheapest to most expensive of 15 public insurers) | GKV-Spitzenverband / §245 SGB V |
| 11 | AUD 665/year | Cheapest OSHC single policy in Australia 2026, 12 months (Allianz Care OSHC Standard) | Allianz Care online quote, checked 30 Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab) |
| 12 | £776/year | UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for students 2026 | GOV.UK (opens in a new tab) |
| 13 | €11,904 | Germany blocked account requirement for student visa 2026 | Expatrio / Federal Foreign Office |
| 14 | 18 months | Germany post-study job search visa length (best in the EU) | Make it in Germany (opens in a new tab) |
| 15 | $43 billion | US economic contribution from international students 2024/25 | NAFSA (opens in a new tab) |
1. Global Student Mobility: How Many, From Where, Where To
Total international students worldwide
- 7,288,073 internationally mobile tertiary students worldwide in 2023, the latest year published (UNESCO UIS (opens in a new tab), data release February 2026). “Internationally mobile” means students who crossed a national border to enroll in tertiary education.
- +49% since 2015, when UNESCO UIS counted 4,880,664.
- Projected to exceed 10 million by 2030 (UNESCO).
- OECD countries host 7.4% of all their tertiary students as foreign/international students in 2023, up from 6% in 2018 (OECD Education at a Glance 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
Market size
- $196 billion was the international education market in 2019 (HolonIQ baseline).
- $433 billion projected by 2030 at roughly 7.4% CAGR.
- $43 billion US economic contribution alone from international students in 2024/25 (NAFSA), supporting 355,000+ jobs.
- €15.5 billion expected lifetime net tax contribution from Germany’s 2022 cohort of international students if retention patterns hold (DAAD / IW Cologne study 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
Where do they study?
- The “Big Four” Anglophone destinations (USA, UK, Canada, Australia) hosted 2.56 million, or 35%, of the world’s 7.29 million internationally mobile students in 2023 (UNESCO UIS).
- Asia is the largest region of origin for internationally mobile students in OECD countries (OECD Education at a Glance).
2. Top 18 Destination Countries (UNESCO UIS / Eurostat)
This is the leaderboard of the 35 destinations we cover, by number of internationally mobile tertiary students. Every country uses the same definition and the latest year published: UNESCO UIS, Eurostat for EU/EEA countries, Switzerland and Türkiye, and Nuffic for the Netherlands.
Counting caveat: Year = reference year of the source; for UNESCO UIS and Eurostat this is the academic year ending in that year (2024 = 2023/24). All counts follow the same definition — students who crossed a border to enrol in a tertiary programme. National statistics can be higher because they also count exchange, language-course or post-study work students: IIE Open Doors (USA) includes students on Optional Practical Training (OPT), Australia’s Department of Education also counts VET, English-language and school students, and JASSO (Japan) includes Japanese-language schools.
3. Top Sending Countries (2024)
The biggest outbound student populations
| Country of origin | Students abroad | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 1,335,878 | 2024 | Indian Ministry of External Affairs (opens in a new tab) |
| China | 1,021,303 | 2024 (cumulative UIS) | Chinese MoE (opens in a new tab) |
| Nepal | ~110,000 (1 in 5 tertiary students) | 2024 | ICEF (opens in a new tab) |
India has now overtaken China as the largest sending country globally, reflecting a decade-long shift visible across Anglophone destinations and Germany.
Where Indian students go (2024)
| Destination | Indian students |
|---|---|
| Canada | 427,000 |
| USA | 337,630 |
| UK | 185,000 |
| Australia | 122,202 |
| Germany | 42,997 (grew to 49,008 in 2024/25) |
Source: Indian MEA, compiled via Business Standard (opens in a new tab).
Who sends the most students to the top destinations?
USA, top origins (2024/25, IIE Open Doors 2025 (opens in a new tab)): India 363,019 (+10%) · China 265,919 (−4%).
UK, sponsored study visas (2024): China 102,942 (26% of the total) · India (23%). Grants to Indian nationals fell 36% and to Nigerian nationals 68% between 2022 and 2024, after the UK’s January 2024 dependent-visa restriction (Home Office (opens in a new tab)).
Australia, top 5 source countries (2025): China, India, Nepal, Vietnam, Philippines.
Germany, top 3 origins (Winter 2024/25): India 49,008 (+20% YoY), China 38,687 (−7% vs 2019/20), Turkey 18,084 (+15.5%). By region: Asia-Pacific 33%, North Africa/Middle East 19%, Western Europe 15% (Wissenschaft weltoffen 2025).
4. Fields of Study
- 32% of internationally mobile students in OECD countries major in STEM, compared with 24% of national students (OECD Education at a Glance 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
- 43% of international students in Germany study engineering; 25% study economics, law, or social sciences (Wissenschaft weltoffen 2025).
- 31% of US OPT participants majored in Computer Science (ICE SEVIS data via Alma (opens in a new tab)).
- Business, administration and law account for 20%+ of first-time tertiary entrants across OECD (OECD 2023).
5. Health Insurance Requirements by Country (2026)
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in most destinations — in some countries it is enforced at visa application, in others at university enrollment. Below is the current rule and cost band by country, as of 2026.
| Country | Mandatory? | Type | Cost (2026) | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany (under 30) | Yes | GKV statutory (TK/AOK/BARMER/DAK) | €139.28–151.42/mo (<23 or with a child; childless 23+ pay €5.13 more) | § 5(1) Nr 9 SGB V |
| Germany (30+ or PhD) | Yes | PKV (private incoming) | Depends on plan and age | § 6 SGB V |
| Australia | Yes | OSHC (ahm, Allianz, Bupa, Medibank, nib) | AUD 665 – 726/yr single | National Health Act 1953 |
| UK | Yes (paid at visa) | IHS + NHS | £776/yr student rate | Immigration (Health Charge) Order 2015 |
| USA | Varies by state / school | SHIP or private ACA-compliant | $3,679/yr median SHIP premium (99 universities) | State/institutional mandate |
| Canada (Ontario) | Yes | University plan (UHIP) | CAD 948/yr | IRCC + provincial |
| Canada (other provinces) | Yes | Provincial plan or school/private plan | Varies by province: no premium in Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick; a monthly fee in British Columbia; a school plan in Manitoba | IRCC requires coverage |
| France | Yes | Free CPAM registration | Free (optional mutuelle costs extra) | Code de la sécurité sociale |
| Netherlands | Yes (Dutch basic insurance only if employed) | Private student plan | €40–60/mo | Zorgverzekeringswet |
| Spain | Yes (non-EU) | Private or Convenio Especial | €41.45–55/mo private; Convenio Especial €60/mo (<65) | Real Decreto 576/2013 |
| Italy | Yes (non-EU) | SSN voluntary or private | €700/yr (students, from 2024) | Law 214/2011 |
| Japan | Yes | NHI (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) | ¥12,000–24,000/yr (≈ €6–11/mo) | National Health Insurance Act |
| South Korea | Yes (6+ months) | NHIS | KRW 79,320/mo (≈ €52) | National Health Insurance Act |
| China | Yes | LXBX student plan (some universities accept other cover) | CNY 800/yr (≈ €105) | MoE requirement |
| Ireland | Yes (non-EU) | Private | €150–200/yr | Immigration rules |
| Switzerland | Yes | LAMal/KVG or approved student plan | CHF 213.40–435.80/mo KVG basic insurance (2026 canton averages, age 19–25); less with an approved student plan | KVG/LAMal |
| Austria | Yes | ÖGK student rate or private | €78.84/mo ÖGK student rate | ASVG §16 |
| Sweden | Yes | Kammarkollegiet cover via the university (fee-paying students); public care once registered | Free (no premium) | Utlänningsförordningen |
| Norway | Yes (12+ months) | Folketrygden | Free once registered | Folketrygdloven |
| Denmark | Yes (3+ months) | Yellow Card / public | Free once registered | Sundhedsloven |
| Belgium | Yes | Mutuelle | €78.93/quarter students | Loi sur l’assurance obligatoire |
| Czech Republic | Yes (non-EU) | VZP or private | CZK 850–1,500/mo (≈ €35–61) | Act 48/1997 Coll. |
| Poland | Yes | NFZ voluntary or private | PLN 55.80/mo (≈ €13) NFZ | Act on Healthcare Services |
Euro conversions (≈ €) at ECB reference rates of 29 September 2026.
A cheap visa-required country is often a mandatory-public-insurance country. Germany’s GKV, France’s CPAM and Japan’s NHI all give comprehensive public cover at a fixed rate (no premium at all in France) — which is why they cost less than a typical US university plan (median SHIP premium $3,679 a year, ≈ €270 a month).
Deep dive: GKV vs OSHC vs IHS vs SHIP
| Dimension | Germany GKV | Australia OSHC | UK IHS + NHS | USA SHIP (median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual cost | €1,671–1,817 (<23) | AUD 665–726 (≈ €410–448) | £776 (≈ €905) | $3,679 (≈ €3,240) |
| Covers | Full — hospital, doctor, dental, mental health, prescriptions | Most care; gap payments possible | Full NHS access | Varies; copays, deductibles |
| Includes dependents | Free (spouse + children) | Extra cost | IHS paid per dependent | Often extra |
| Renewable | As long as enrolled + under 30 | Duration of visa | Duration of visa | Each academic year |
| Cancelable | Yes (notice period applies) | Yes (partial refund) | No (paid upfront) | Varies |
For a full side-by-side comparison of Germany’s four biggest statutory insurers, see our GKV 2026 comparison guide. For Australia’s 5 OSHC providers, see OSHC Australia guide.
6. Cost of Study: Tuition, Living, Insurance (2024–2026)
Average annual tuition for international students
| Country | Undergraduate tuition (intl) |
|---|---|
| USA (public) | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| USA (private) | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| UK | £10,000 – £38,000 |
| Australia | AUD 20,000 – 45,000 |
| Canada | CAD 7,000 – 29,000 |
| Ireland | €10,000 – €26,000 |
| Netherlands | €6,000 – €20,000 (non-EU) |
| Sweden | €8,000 – €18,000 (non-EU) |
| Finland | €4,000 – €20,000 (non-EU) |
| Norway | €6,000 – €16,000 (non-EU; fees introduced autumn 2023) |
| Denmark | €2,850 (BA) / €3,879 (MA) (non-EU, 2024/25) |
| France | €2,770 (BA) / €3,770 (MA) at most public universities |
| Germany | €0–€3,000/yr (most states free; Baden-Württemberg charges €1,500/semester for non-EU) |
| Japan | ¥535,800/yr (~$3,400) at national universities |
Sources: StudyLink (opens in a new tab), EducationData.org (opens in a new tab), Campus France, DAAD, Eurydice.
Visa-required monthly living cost (2026)
| Country | Required monthly minimum |
|---|---|
| Germany | €992/mo (= €11,904/yr blocked account) |
| UK | £1,171/mo (outside London) / £1,529/mo (London), for up to 9 months |
| Canada | CAD 23,448/yr (~CAD 1,954/mo) — IRCC proof of funds for applications from 1 September 2026 (outside Quebec) |
| Australia | AUD 29,710/yr (~AUD 2,475/mo) — DHA financial capacity (raised May 2024) |
Sources: DAAD — Study in Germany (opens in a new tab), GOV.UK (opens in a new tab), IRCC (opens in a new tab), Home Affairs (opens in a new tab).
Germany and France are structurally cheaper because public tuition is either free or capped — not because insurance or rent is lower.
7. Germany Deep Dive (Primary Market)
Germany is the largest non-English-speaking study destination in our ranking (438,260 international students in 2024, Eurostat).
Enrollment
- 438,260 internationally mobile students in Germany in 2024 (academic year 2023/24), +3.6% on 2023 (Eurostat (opens in a new tab)).
- Around 99,000 international first-year students in winter semester 2025/26, +9% on the previous year, according to a DAAD snapshot survey (DAAD press release (opens in a new tab)).
Top sending countries
- India — 49,008 (+20% YoY)
- China — 38,687 (−7% vs 2019/20)
- Turkey — 18,084 (+15.5%)
Source: Wissenschaft weltoffen 2025 (opens in a new tab), compiled by DAAD.
Costs
- GKV (statutory) student health insurance: €139.28–151.42/month in 2026 for students under 23 or with a child — from the cheapest to the most expensive of the 15 public insurers we compare; childless students aged 23+ pay a €5.13 long-term-care surcharge on top (TK: €141.16 / €146.29). The base student contribution is set by law; only each insurer’s Zusatzbeitrag (2.47% to 3.89% among them) differs. See full GKV 2026 comparison.
- Blocked account (Sperrkonto): €11,904 for a 12-month student visa in 2026 (= €992/month × 12). Used by the German embassy as proof of financial means for visa issuance. See blocked account guide.
- Tuition: €0–€3,000/year. Free at most public universities; Baden-Württemberg charges €1,500/semester for non-EU students.
- Semesterbeitrag — administrative fee paid to the university every semester (the amount depends on the university), typically includes public transport pass.
Economic impact
- €15.5 billion expected lifetime net tax contribution from Germany’s 2022 international student cohort alone, if 10-year retention holds at ~30% (DAAD / IW Cologne 2025).
- 8× ROI on public investment per international student over their lifetime in Germany.
Insurance split
- Most international students under 30 are insured in the GKV (statutory student insurance is mandatory for degree students under § 5(1) Nr 9 SGB V unless they opt out).
- Students over 30 or in language courses / Studienkolleg must use private insurance instead. See GKV vs private insurance guide.
8. USA Deep Dive
The USA remains the largest destination by student count but is showing sharp strain in visa processing and international perception.
Enrollment
- 956,923 internationally mobile tertiary students in 2023 (UNESCO UIS (opens in a new tab)) — more than any other country. IIE Open Doors 2025, which also counts students on OPT, puts international students at 6% of total US higher education enrollment (2024/25).
- 1,582,808 active F-1 and M-1 records in calendar year 2024 (SEVIS data; includes K-12 and language schools, broader than Open Doors).
Visa refusals — a decade high
- F-1 visa refusal rate: 41% in FY 2023/24 — the highest in ten years.
- 35% refusal rate worldwide in FY 2024/25 — still a decade high.
- Refusal rate for Indian applicants: 61% in 2025, up from 36% in 2023.
- Refusal rate for African applicants: 64% in FY 2024/25.
- New student visas issued: −35.6% from summer 2024 to summer 2025.
Source: Inside Higher Ed — F-1 Refusals 2025 (opens in a new tab).
OPT and CPT (post-study work)
- 418,781 OPT participants in 2024 (= 26% of all F-1/M-1).
- 95,384 STEM-OPT extensions granted in 2024.
- 130,586 CPT participants in 2024 (−0.4% YoY).
Source: Alma / ICE SEVIS data (opens in a new tab).
Economic contribution
- $43 billion to the US economy in academic year 2024/25, supporting 355,000+ jobs (NAFSA (opens in a new tab)).
9. Australia Deep Dive
Australia has experienced the most volatile policy environment of any top destination — record growth immediately followed by hard caps.
Enrollment
- 580,287 internationally mobile tertiary students in 2024, +24.2% on 2023 (UNESCO UIS (opens in a new tab)).
- The Department of Education’s own counts are higher because they also include VET, English-language (ELICOS) and school students, and count enrolments rather than people.
Cap and fee changes
- 295,000 new international student commencements — the National Planning Level for 2026 (Minister for Education (opens in a new tab)); it was 270,000 in 2025 (The PIE News (opens in a new tab)).
- AUD 2,500 student visa application fee since 1 July 2026, up from AUD 2,000 (Home Affairs (opens in a new tab)) — the fee rises since 2024 hit ELICOS hardest.
Visa refusals
- Student visa refusal rate: ~18% overall (September 2025); 33% for universities (February 2026).
- India: 40% refusal rate · Nepal: 65% refusal rate in February 2026 (ICEF (opens in a new tab)).
OSHC market (2026)
| Provider | Annual single policy (2026) | Market share note |
|---|---|---|
| Allianz Care (OSHC Standard) | AUD 665 | Cheapest |
| ahm | AUD 672 | |
| Bupa | AUD 712.80 | |
| Medibank (OSHC Essentials) | AUD 719 | Largest |
| nib (OSHC Core) | AUD 725.81 |
CBHS stopped selling new OSHC policies after 31 October 2025, leaving 5 active providers. See OSHC Australia guide.
10. UK Deep Dive
UK is the second-largest destination by enrollment but also faces declining numbers after dependent-visa restrictions and IHS fee hikes.
Enrollment
- 748,461 internationally mobile tertiary students in 2023 (academic year 2022/23), +10.9% on 2022 (UNESCO UIS (opens in a new tab)).
- 393,125 sponsored study visas granted to main applicants in 2024 (−14% YoY, Home Office (opens in a new tab)).
Top sending countries (2024 visas issued)
- China — 102,942 (26% of all sponsored study visas)
- India — 23% of the total; grants to Indian nationals fell 36% between 2022 and 2024
Grants to Nigerian nationals fell 68% over the same period, driven by the dependent-visa restriction (Home Office).
IHS and Graduate Route
- IHS 2026: £776/year for students (vs £1,035/year for general adult migrants).
- Graduate Route: 2 years post-study work (3 years for PhD). Reducing to 18 months from January 2027 for non-PhD graduates.
- Graduate Route: 276,000 extensions granted between July 2021 and March 2024; 76% employed, 21% job-seeking.
- Indian nationals: 46% of all Graduate Route extensions (year to March 2024).
Source: GOV.UK Graduate Route evaluation (opens in a new tab), GOV.UK IHS (opens in a new tab).
11. Post-Study Work Visas: Country-by-Country
A post-study work visa is the single biggest factor in return-on-investment for an international degree. Here is the 2026 global snapshot:
| Country | Visa name | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Arbeitsplatzsuche | 18 months | Any job allowed during search; converts to Blue Card / work permit |
| UK | Graduate Route | 2 yrs (3 for PhD); 18 months from Jan 2027 for non-PhD | Unsponsored, any skill level |
| Australia | Temporary Graduate (485) | 2–3 years post-2024 restructure | Tightened in 2024 from up to 4 years |
| Canada | Post-Graduation Work Permit | Up to 3 years | Language test requirement added Nov 2024 |
| USA | OPT + 24-mo STEM extension | 12 + 24 months | 418,781 OPT participants in 2024 |
| Ireland | Third Level Graduate Scheme | 24 months (Master’s+) / 12 months (BA) | — |
| France | APS | 12 months (BA) / 24 months (MA+) | Convertible to work residence |
| Netherlands | Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) | 12 months | Within 3 years of graduation |
| Japan | Designated Activities (job search) | 12 months (extendable to 24) | — |
| New Zealand | Post-Study Work Visa | Up to 3 years | Depends on qualification |
- ~30% of German international graduates remain in Germany 10 years after commencement (DAAD / IW 2025).
12. Trends 2024 → 2026: Policy Shifts and Market Winners
Canada’s study permit cap — the biggest shock
- New permits cut by 48% in 2024 vs 2023 (267,890 vs 509,390 issued).
- 2025 cap: 437,000, a further 10% cut.
- Approval rate dropped to 30% through June 2025 (vs 51% same period 2024).
- New student arrivals in first 7 months of 2025: −69% YoY.
- Canada’s total study permit holders fell from over 1 million (Jan 2024) to ~725,000 (Sept 2025).
- 600+ college programs cancelled or suspended in Ontario by Spring 2025.
Source: ICEF Monitor — Canada permit impact (opens in a new tab).
UK’s dependent-visa restriction
- Master’s students (except PhDs and government-funded) barred from bringing dependents since January 2024.
- Sponsored study visas for Nigerian nationals fell 68% and for Indian nationals 36% between 2022 and 2024 (Home Office).
Netherlands intl cap proposal
- Parliament debating a cap on English-taught programs and international enrollment.
- Nuffic 2024/25: 131,004 international degree students, +3.0% on 2023/24 — modest growth.
Germany: quiet winner
- 438,260 intl students in 2024 (Eurostat), +3.6% on 2023.
- €15.5 billion projected lifetime tax contribution from the 2022 cohort alone.
Russia: record year
- 389,000 intl students in 2024 — all-time record (Global Edu Russia (opens in a new tab); national count — Russia is not in our UIS/Eurostat ranking). Target: 500,000 by 2030.
Turkey: aggressive growth
- 336,372 intl students in 2024 (Eurostat), +11.5% on 2023. Target: 500,000 by 2028 (ICEF (opens in a new tab)).
South Korea: closing in on its 2027 target
- 143,939 internationally mobile tertiary students in 2024, +12.8% on 2023 (UNESCO UIS).
- The Ministry of Education’s broader national count reached 253,400 in April 2025 (+21.3%); the Study Korea 300K plan aims for 300,000 by 2027 (Korea Herald (opens in a new tab)).
- China (30.2%) is still the largest source country, just ahead of Vietnam (29.7%).
Japan: post-COVID boom
- JASSO’s national count, which includes Japanese-language schools, reached a record 408,069 on 1 May 2025 (JASSO (opens in a new tab)), up from 336,708 in May 2024. UNESCO UIS, which counts only degree-mobile tertiary students, shows 181,821 for 2023 (−8.8% on 2022).
- Nepal sent +71.1% more students to Japan in May 2024 (64,816; JASSO 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
Australia: whiplash
- 580,287 intl students in 2024 (UNESCO UIS, +24.2%), but a National Planning Level of 295,000 new commencements for 2026.
- Visa fee rises (AUD 2,000 from 2025, AUD 2,500 from July 2026) hit ELICOS enrollments hardest.
13. Methodology and Data Sources
Every number in this guide is sourced from a primary or widely-accepted authoritative source, cited inline. International student numbers by country follow one definition — internationally mobile tertiary students (ISCED 5–8) — from UNESCO UIS, Eurostat (EU/EEA countries, Switzerland and Türkiye) and Nuffic (Netherlands), checked on 30 September 2026. Euro conversions use ECB reference rates of 29 September 2026.
Primary statistical agencies used:
- UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) (opens in a new tab) — worldwide total and student numbers by country
- Eurostat (educ_uoe_mobs02) (opens in a new tab) — student numbers for EU/EEA countries, Switzerland and Türkiye
- OECD Education at a Glance 2025 (opens in a new tab) — OECD country data
- IIE Open Doors 2025 (opens in a new tab) — USA official
- DAAD / Wissenschaft weltoffen 2025 (opens in a new tab) — Germany official
- UK Home Office (opens in a new tab) — UK study visas
- Australian Department of Education (opens in a new tab) — Australia
- IRCC Canada (opens in a new tab) — Canadian study permits
- Campus France (opens in a new tab) — France
- JASSO (opens in a new tab) — Japan
- Nuffic (opens in a new tab) — Netherlands
- HolonIQ (opens in a new tab) — market size and projections
- NAFSA (opens in a new tab) — US economic impact
- European Central Bank (opens in a new tab) — euro reference rates for currency conversions
Known data gaps / caveats:
- “International students” is defined differently across sources. UNESCO uses degree-seeking, border-crossed students; national agencies sometimes include short-term and language programs. We note the definition where it affects the number (e.g., JASSO’s count for Japan includes Japanese-language schools).
- UNESCO UIS and Eurostat publish with a delay: the latest reference year is 2023 or 2024 (the academic year ending in that year, 2024 = 2023/24). Where we cite “2026” we mean costs, rules, and fees effective in 2026.
- The GKV vs private-insurance split for international students in Germany is not published, so we give no percentage.
14. FAQ
How many international students are there worldwide in 2026?
There were 7,288,073 internationally mobile tertiary students worldwide in 2023, the latest year published by UNESCO UIS — 49% more than in 2015 (4,880,664). The number is projected to exceed 10 million by 2030 (UNESCO).
Which country has the most international students?
The USA leads with 956,923 international students (2023, UNESCO UIS), followed by the UK (748,461, 2023), Australia (580,287, 2024), Germany (438,260, 2024, Eurostat), Canada (389,181, 2023) and Turkey (336,372, 2024, Eurostat). Together these six host about 3.45 million international students.
Which country sends the most students abroad?
India, with 1.34 million students studying abroad in 2024 — now #1 ahead of China. Indian students make up the largest source cohort in the USA (363,019), Canada (427,000) and Germany (49,008). In the UK, China still leads India in study visas (26% vs 23% of all sponsored study visas in 2024).
Is health insurance mandatory for international students?
Yes in almost every major destination, though the form differs. Germany, Australia, France, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland all require enrollment in a specific public or approved private scheme. The UK bundles coverage into the £776/year IHS paid at visa application. The USA varies by state and university — most universities enforce a mandatory SHIP unless you show equivalent private coverage.
What is the cheapest country for student health insurance?
France is effectively free — non-EU students register with CPAM (Sécurité sociale) at no monthly cost; an optional mutuelle (top-up) costs extra. Japan’s NHI is one of the cheapest paid plans at about ¥12,000–24,000 a year (≈ €6–11/month). Germany’s GKV at €139.28–151.42/month (under 23) is mid-range but includes full coverage and is the cheapest way to get OECD-standard care in Germany as a non-EU student.
Why did Canada’s international student numbers collapse?
In January 2024, Canada introduced a cap on new study permits tied to provincial allocations. Permits issued fell 48% in 2024 (267,890 vs 509,390 in 2023). The 2025 cap further reduced issuance by another 10%. Approval rates dropped from 51% to 30%, and arrivals in the first seven months of 2025 were 69% below the same period in 2024. The stated policy goal was to relieve pressure on housing and to target abuse in the private college sector; the side effect was mass program closures in Ontario and a sharp recruiting shock for recruitment-dependent institutions.
Why are US F-1 visa refusals so high?
The F-1 refusal rate hit 41% in FY 2023/24, the highest in a decade, and remained at 35% worldwide in FY 2024/25. For Indian applicants specifically, refusals jumped from 36% (2023) to 61% in 2025. Africa-wide refusal rates reached 64%. The pattern reflects tighter consular interviewing, rising “intent to return” scrutiny, and — since 2024 — additional enforcement around OPT/CPT abuse. Germany, Australia, and the UK remain available alternatives with significantly lower refusal rates for the same profiles.
What is the best country for post-study work rights?
For length, Canada’s 3-year PGWP and the USA’s OPT + 24-month STEM extension (36 months total for STEM graduates) are the longest. For simplicity, Germany’s 18-month job-search visa allows any job during the search and converts smoothly to a work permit or EU Blue Card. The UK Graduate Route gives 2 years (3 for PhD) but is being reduced to 18 months from January 2027 for non-PhD graduates. Australia’s Subclass 485 gives 2–3 years depending on qualification and region.
How much does studying in Germany cost per year?
Plan for at least about €13,600 a year before tuition: the visa requires proof of €11,904 a year (€992/month) for living costs via a blocked account (Sperrkonto), and GKV student insurance adds €139.28–151.42/month (about €1,670–1,820 a year, under 23). Tuition is €0–€3,000 a year (free at most public universities), plus the semester fee.
Is India really bigger than China as a sending country now?
Yes. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reported 1,335,878 Indian students abroad in 2024, compared to UNESCO UIS cumulative Chinese outbound numbers of around 1,021,303. In most individual destination countries, Indians now outnumber Chinese — USA (363,019 vs 265,919), Canada (427,000 vs smaller Chinese count), Germany (49,008 vs 38,687), Australia (growing share). In the UK, China still leads India in study visas (26% vs 23% of the 2024 total).
Where can I find the underlying data?
Every figure in this guide links inline to its source — national statistical agencies, government visa offices, UNESCO, Eurostat, OECD, IIE, DAAD, Nuffic, JASSO, and peer-reviewed studies. The complete list is in the Methodology section above. Student numbers and insurance costs were last checked on 30 September 2026; the other data is as of 13 April 2026. We update this page annually.
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- Complete Germany Health Insurance Guide — everything for international students
- OSHC Australia: International Student Guide — Australian student health insurance
- Student Health Insurance USA (F-1 Visa) — US student insurance requirements
- Top 10 Countries by Health Insurance Requirements — quick reference by country
- Blocked Account Germany Guide — Sperrkonto 2026
- Travel Warnings and Your Student Insurance — how government advisories affect student coverage, globally
From our network: If you are still choosing where to study, our sister site www.study-abroad.org (opens in a new tab) profiles destinations country-by-country with admission requirements, costs, and scholarship paths — the non-insurance side of the decision.
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You have the data. Now find the right plan. Compare GKV, PKV, OSHC, SHIP, and other student health insurance options side by side — with current 2026 prices and student-specific details for every destination we cover.
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