The United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia are expected to gain around $1 trillion in economic value from international students who graduated in 2024, according to a report titled Talent Beyond Borders by Studyportals and Cambridge IELTS.

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The four countries are projected to account for approximately 60% of the estimated $1.7 trillion that this group of international graduates will contribute to host economies over their working lives. The findings highlight the long-term economic importance of attracting and retaining students from overseas.

Beyond their direct economic contributions, international graduates can support innovation, entrepreneurship and research. They may also strengthen professional networks across countries, mentor future professionals and contribute to knowledge sharing in higher education and other industries.

The report also highlights differences in where international graduates choose to build their careers after completing their studies. Among the destinations covered, Canada has the highest reported proportion of international graduates who remain in the country, at 66%.

By comparison, South Africa has the highest proportion of international graduates returning home, at 51%, followed by India at 47%, according to the report.

These patterns underline the relationship between international education, employment opportunities and talent mobility. For host countries, retaining graduates can help address workforce needs and support economic growth. For countries of origin, returning graduates can bring back professional experience, international connections and specialised knowledge.

The findings also highlight the importance of policies that help international students transition into employment and build long-term careers. As countries compete for skilled professionals, graduate retention and cross-border talent mobility are likely to remain important considerations for education and workforce planning.