Approximately 6.4 million students studied abroad globally in 2023, according to UNESCO data. This figure has grown steadily over the past decade, reflecting increasing globalization and demand for international education.
Top destination countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Germany, which collectively host over half of all international students. China, India, and South Korea are the largest sources of outbound students.
Growth trends vary by region, with Asia showing the highest increase in outbound mobility. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary decline, but numbers have since rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.