International students contribute $1.7 trillion to host economies through their careers, study finds

International students who graduated in 2024 are set to generate $1.7 trillion (€1.51t) for host economies over their working lives, according to a new study.

This research by Talent Beyond Borders (a joint research initiative exploring the impact of international graduates globally) was developed by Studyportals and Cambridge IELTS and published on 15/10/2026. It tracks half a million international graduates and shows how they contribute to economies, societies and help plug critical skills gaps.

International students' economic contribution has previously been established as coming primarily from tuition fees and local spending (with an economic impact of around €267 million during their studies, according to a 2019 global estimate). But this new study considers international students…