Global Study Abroad Market Overview, 2024-29

The Global Study Abroad Market is segmented into by education level (Undergraduate Programs, Postgraduate Programs, High School Programs, Vocational and Technical Programs) and by program type (Direct Enrolment Programs, Exchange Programs, Third-Party Provider Programs, Internships and Work-Study Programs and Short-Term Programs).

The Global Study Abroad Market is anticipated to cross USD 490 Billion by 2029, increasing from USD 225 Billion in 2023 with 14.20% CAGR by 2024-29.

Study Abroad Market Analysis

In today's fast-integrating world, the search for education abroad has turned into the centroid of both personal and professional growth. The global market for studying abroad, in past few decades, has increased manifolds due to forces like globalization, technology, and increased demand for quality education. As economies integrate and cultures intermesh, interest in offshore education has increased manifolds as students look toward adding muscle to their job prospects, immersing in a culture, and accessing programs that would have been available locally. Actually, studying abroad is as old as medieval times when scholars moved from place to place in Europe to study at prestigious learning centers. The study abroad movement developed in the 20th century, particularly after World War II, by means of programs like the Fulbright Program for promoting international exchange and mutual understanding. Recently, more facilitation through the digital revolution made information about foreign universities and application procedures easily accessible to students across the globe. One major factor considered when studying abroad is financial considerations. Students and their families pay substantial tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Nevertheless, scholarships and grants can be offered to international students through the universities, governments, or private organizations. Most of these financial supports are very essential in enhancing the accessibility of international education to a broader audience. Most countries offer students post-study work visas so that they support their expenses through work and earn some real-time work experience. Technology has greatly influenced the student abroad market. From online applications to virtual tours, it becomes easy for students to reach out to foreign universities and seek admission. Digital communication tools will allow easy interaction with admissions offices, current students, and alumni. Besides, technology enables blended learning models whereby students can start their education online and finish it on campus. This has made the market to a great extent outreachable, adaptable, and responsive to individual needs and circumstances. This growth is due to the fact that more and more students are seeking international education, the fast-growing middle class with disposable income, and recognition globally of the advantages that come with studying abroad. According to the research report, “Global Study Abroad Market Overview, 2029” published by Bonafide Research, the market is anticipated to cross USD 419 Billion by 2029, increasing from USD 225 Billion in 2023. Internationalization or globalization serves as the driving force behind the study abroad market. As the world becomes increasingly linked today, more and more students pursue an education that holds a global perspective. On the other hand, studying abroad is associated with enhanced career prospects. Employers value the diversity in the skills and cultural competence brought in by international education, which only ensures enhanced job prospects with higher salaries for graduates. The high quality of education in the majority of foreign universities, ranking higher than the local ones, attracts many to study abroad. Students are also driven by cultural exchange and personal development to grow in their lives and acquire knowledge about cultures and lifestyles. Other socio-political aspects also influence the study abroad market. Policies relating to student visas, immigration, and international relations have much bearing on the mobility of students. For instance, the inalienable friendly visa policies and post-study work opportunities available in Canada and Australia encourage a tremendous number of foreign students to travel for studying. Governments of host countries, through policy decisions and international collaboration, play a very important role in making their countries an attractive study abroad destination. Several emerging trends are shaping the future of the study abroad market, such as growing interest in non-traditional destinations like Asian and Latin American countries that bring unique cultural experiences and quality education at relatively lower prices, and secondly, increasing emphasis on the STEM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—fostered by global demand for technical skills.

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Market Dynamic

Market DriversGlobalization: Globalization is a primary driver of the study abroad market. As the world becomes more interconnected, the need for global competencies and cross-cultural understanding has intensified. Businesses operate on a global scale, and employers increasingly value candidates with international experience and cultural awareness. Students are drawn to study abroad programs that offer a global perspective, enhancing their ability to navigate and succeed in a diverse and interconnected world. • Enhanced Career Opportunities: The potential for enhanced career opportunities is another significant driver. Employers highly regard the diverse skill sets and global competencies acquired through international education. Graduates who have studied abroad often stand out in the job market, benefiting from higher employability and better career prospects. The exposure to different educational systems, professional environments, and cultural contexts provides students with unique insights and skills that are highly valued by employers. Market ChallengesFinancial Barriers: One of the major challenges in the study abroad market is the financial barrier. The cost of tuition, living expenses, and travel can be prohibitive for many students. Despite the availability of scholarships and financial aid, the financial burden remains a significant obstacle, limiting access to international education for students from lower-income backgrounds. Addressing this challenge requires increased funding opportunities and support from both public and private sectors. • Visa and Immigration Issues: Visa and immigration issues pose another significant challenge. Navigating the complexities of visa applications, obtaining necessary permits, and dealing with immigration policies can be daunting for students. Political changes and tightening immigration policies in some countries can further complicate the process, creating uncertainties and barriers for international students. Streamlining visa processes and ensuring supportive immigration policies are essential to facilitate student mobility. Market TrendsNon-traditional Study Destinations: An emerging trend in the study abroad market is the growing interest in non-traditional study destinations. Countries in Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique cultural experiences, affordable cost of living, and quality education. These destinations offer diverse programs and opportunities that attract students seeking alternatives to traditional study abroad countries like the US and the UK. • Emphasis on STEM Education: There is a rising emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the global study abroad market. With the global demand for technical skills and innovation, more students are pursuing STEM programs abroad. Countries with strong STEM programs and research facilities, such as Germany and Canada, are attracting a growing number of international students. This trend is driven by the need for specialized knowledge and the promising career prospects in STEM fields.

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Manmayi Raval

Manmayi Raval

Research Consultant


Study Abroad Segmentation

GeographyNorth AmericaUnited States
Canada
Mexico
EuropeGermany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Russia
Asia-PacificChina
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
South AmericaBrazil
Argentina
Colombia
MEAUnited Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
South Africa

The increased career prospects provide the main impetus towards the development of postgraduate programs as part of the global study abroad market. Postgraduate degrees in Master's and Ph.D. levels specialize in knowledge and skill acquisition, most valued by the job market. There are many employers who look for people with specialized knowledge; postgraduate qualifications often serve as the distinguishing factor. Furthermore, postgraduate programs incorporate research, internships, and other practical experiences designed to prepare students for high-order professional fields. Advanced education, specifically, provides graduates with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as leadership capabilities that are of great attraction to a variety of employers. Equally, postgraduate studies abroad introduce a student to global networking, a variety of perspectives, and cutting-edge research that enhance employability and career prospects even further. A judicious mix of specialized knowledge, practical experience, and international exposure makes the postgraduate program the right choice for those students who want to fast-track their careers toward achieving professional goals. The growth of the global study abroad market for exchange programs has become multi-dimensional due to the academic, personal, and professional growth of student communities. Opportunities provided by such programs enable students to immerse themselves in diverse cultural experiences and emerge with greater understanding of different societies, traditions, and ways of life. Such cultural immersion is enhanced by the ability to interact with locals and engage in cultural activities, along with the development of intercultural competence, which is rather highly demanded in modern globalized working environments. For an instance, the exchange programs offer a platform for establishing global networking through international friendships or business relationships that would be instrumental in opening doors for further cooperation and opportunities in future careers. These programs provide an added university dimension: students will experience different methods of teaching and different educational viewpoints that can enhance their academic skills and broaden knowledge in majors. Language learning is also well facilitated with such programs, since it becomes easy for students to learn or improve language skills through immersion.

Study Abroad Market Regional Insights

APAC is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world for study abroad due to the expansion of educational opportunities and rapid economic growth. Asia is the world’s fastest-growing regional economy; China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea are driving the most expansion. Students realise that Asian universities can help them to access industry internships and jobs in the region. The investments have led to the emergence of world-class universities and research institutions that attract students from all over the world due to their high standards of academics, state-of-the-art research programs, and state-of-the-art facilities. More so, APAC's economic growth increased the disposable income of middle-class families and has therefore afforded them international education. This economic prosperity also fuels demand for higher education, as people seek to increase their skills and qualifications to take advantage of the burgeoning job opportunities available within the region. Several APAC countries are very inexpensive compared to traditional Western destinations like the United States and Europe, without compromising on quality. It is the affordability of study and the reduced cost of living that has made the region very attractive to international students. Programs are also often available in English, which minimizes the language barrier and helps APAC attract a wider pool of prospective students. Rich cultural experience and the possibility to study in a dynamically and rapidly developing economic environment only add to these advantages of studying APAC. The regional governments are promoting international education with scholarships, easier visa procedures, and policies encouraging foreign student admission. For example, countries like Australia and New Zealand have had post-study work visa programs in place for many years, enabling graduate visa holders to gain a sequence of good work experience after finishing their studies, hence making them increasingly popular.

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Companies Mentioned

  • IDP Education Limited
  • EF Education First
  • Kaplan International
  • WorldStrides
  • IES Abroad
  • IAE Global
  • Intergate Immigration Service (Pty) Ltd
  • Sable International
  • EIC Education
  • Edwise International
Company mentioned

Table of Contents

  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Market Dynamics
  • 2.1. Market Drivers & Opportunities
  • 2.2. Market Restraints & Challenges
  • 2.3. Market Trends
  • 2.3.1. XXXX
  • 2.3.2. XXXX
  • 2.3.3. XXXX
  • 2.3.4. XXXX
  • 2.3.5. XXXX
  • 2.4. Covid-19 Effect
  • 2.5. Supply chain Analysis
  • 2.6. Policy & Regulatory Framework
  • 2.7. Industry Experts Views
  • 3. Research Methodology
  • 3.1. Secondary Research
  • 3.2. Primary Data Collection
  • 3.3. Market Formation & Validation
  • 3.4. Report Writing, Quality Check & Delivery
  • 4. Market Structure
  • 4.1. Market Considerate
  • 4.2. Assumptions
  • 4.3. Limitations
  • 4.4. Abbreviations
  • 4.5. Sources
  • 4.6. Definitions
  • 5. Economic /Demographic Snapshot
  • 6. Global Study Abroad Market Outlook
  • 6.1. Market Size By Value
  • 6.2. Market Share By Region
  • 6.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Geography
  • 6.4. Market Size and Forecast, By Education Level
  • 6.5. Market Size and Forecast, By Program Type
  • 7. North America Study Abroad Market Outlook
  • 7.1. Market Size By Value
  • 7.2. Market Share By Country
  • 7.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Education Level
  • 7.4. Market Size and Forecast, By Program Type
  • 8. Europe Study Abroad Market Outlook
  • 8.1. Market Size By Value
  • 8.2. Market Share By Country
  • 8.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Education Level
  • 8.4. Market Size and Forecast, By Program Type
  • 9. Asia-Pacific Study Abroad Market Outlook
  • 9.1. Market Size By Value
  • 9.2. Market Share By Country
  • 9.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Education Level
  • 9.4. Market Size and Forecast, By Program Type
  • 10. South America Study Abroad Market Outlook
  • 10.1. Market Size By Value
  • 10.2. Market Share By Country
  • 10.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Education Level
  • 10.4. Market Size and Forecast, By Program Type
  • 11. Middle East & Africa Study Abroad Market Outlook
  • 11.1. Market Size By Value
  • 11.2. Market Share By Country
  • 11.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Education Level
  • 11.4. Market Size and Forecast, By Program Type
  • 12. Competitive Landscape
  • 12.1. Competitive Dashboard
  • 12.2. Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players
  • 12.3. Key Players Market Share Insights and Analysis, 2022
  • 12.4. Key Players Market Positioning Matrix
  • 12.5. Porter's Five Forces
  • 12.6. Company Profile
  • 12.6.1. IDP Education Limited
  • 12.6.1.1. Company Snapshot
  • 12.6.1.2. Company Overview
  • 12.6.1.3. Financial Highlights
  • 12.6.1.4. Geographic Insights
  • 12.6.1.5. Business Segment & Performance
  • 12.6.1.6. Product Portfolio
  • 12.6.1.7. Key Executives
  • 12.6.1.8. Strategic Moves & Developments
  • 12.6.2. EF Education First
  • 12.6.3. Kaplan International
  • 12.6.4. WorldStrides
  • 12.6.5. IES Abroad
  • 12.6.6. IAE Global
  • 12.6.7. Intergate Immigration Service (Pty) Ltd
  • 12.6.8. Sable International
  • 12.6.9. EIC Education
  • 12.6.10. Edwise International
  • 13. Strategic Recommendations
  • 14. Annexure
  • 14.1. FAQ`s
  • 14.2. Notes
  • 14.3. Related Reports
  • 15. Disclaimer

Table 1: Global Study Abroad Market Snapshot, By Segmentation (2023 & 2029) (in USD Billion)
Table 2: Influencing Factors for Study Abroad Market, 2023
Table 3: Top 10 Counties Economic Snapshot 2022
Table 4: Economic Snapshot of Other Prominent Countries 2022
Table 5: Average Exchange Rates for Converting Foreign Currencies into U.S. Dollars
Table 6: Global Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Geography (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 7: Global Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Education Level (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 8: Global Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Program Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 9: North America Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Education Level (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 10: North America Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Program Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 11: Europe Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Education Level (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 12: Europe Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Program Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 13: Asia-Pacific Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Education Level (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 14: Asia-Pacific Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Program Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 15: South America Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Education Level (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 16: South America Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Program Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 17: Middle East & Africa Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Education Level (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 18: Middle East & Africa Study Abroad Market Size and Forecast, By Program Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)

Figure 1: Global Study Abroad Market Size (USD Billion) By Region, 2023 & 2029
Figure 2: Market attractiveness Index, By Region 2029
Figure 3: Market attractiveness Index, By Segment 2029
Figure 4: Global Study Abroad Market Size By Value (2018, 2023 & 2029F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 5: Global Study Abroad Market Share By Region (2023)
Figure 6: North America Study Abroad Market Size By Value (2018, 2023 & 2029F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 7: North America Study Abroad Market Share By Country (2023)
Figure 8: Europe Study Abroad Market Size By Value (2018, 2023 & 2029F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 9: Europe Study Abroad Market Share By Country (2023)
Figure 10: Asia-Pacific Study Abroad Market Size By Value (2018, 2023 & 2029F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 11: Asia-Pacific Study Abroad Market Share By Country (2023)
Figure 12: South America Study Abroad Market Size By Value (2018, 2023 & 2029F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 13: South America Study Abroad Market Share By Country (2023)
Figure 14: Middle East & Africa Study Abroad Market Size By Value (2018, 2023 & 2029F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 15: Middle East & Africa Study Abroad Market Share By Country (2023)
Figure 16: Competitive Dashboard of top 5 players, 2023
Figure 17: Market Share insights of key players, 2023
Figure 18: Porter's Five Forces of Global Study Abroad Market

Study Abroad Market Research FAQs

The pandemic significantly disrupted the market, leading to a sharp decline in international student mobility. It also accelerated the adoption of online and hybrid learning models. As restrictions ease, the market is rebounding, but with increased focus on health and safety measures.

Countries are competing by offering more English-taught programs, improving visa processes, providing post-study work opportunities, and in some cases, offering financial incentives. Some are also focusing on niche areas of study to differentiate themselves.

Education agencies play a significant role, especially in Asian markets. They help universities recruit students, assist students in choosing programs and applying to institutions, and often provide additional services like visa application support. Many universities partner with these agencies to boost their international enrollment.

International students contribute significantly to host countries' economies. For example, in the USA, international students contributed $39 billion to the economy in the 2021-2022 academic year. This includes tuition fees, accommodation, food, travel, and other expenses. Many countries view international education as an important export industry.

Geopolitical tensions can significantly impact student mobility. For instance, diplomatic issues between China and the US or Australia have affected Chinese student numbers in these countries. Brexit has influenced EU student numbers in the UK. Political stability and international relations play a crucial role in shaping student destination choices.

The pandemic significantly disrupted the market, leading to a sharp decline in international student mobility. It also accelerated the adoption of online and hybrid learning models. As restrictions ease, the market is rebounding, but with increased focus on health and safety measures.

Countries are competing by offering more English-taught programs, improving visa processes, providing post-study work opportunities, and in some cases, offering financial incentives. Some are also focusing on niche areas of study to differentiate themselves.

Education agencies play a significant role, especially in Asian markets. They help universities recruit students, assist students in choosing programs and applying to institutions, and often provide additional services like visa application support. Many universities partner with these agencies to boost their international enrollment.

International students contribute significantly to host countries' economies. For example, in the USA, international students contributed $39 billion to the economy in the 2021-2022 academic year. This includes tuition fees, accommodation, food, travel, and other expenses. Many countries view international education as an important export industry.

Geopolitical tensions can significantly impact student mobility. For instance, diplomatic issues between China and the US or Australia have affected Chinese student numbers in these countries. Brexit has influenced EU student numbers in the UK. Political stability and international relations play a crucial role in shaping student destination choices.
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Global Study Abroad Market Overview, 2024-29

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