[3] Institutions are competing hard to attract international students at a time when immigration policies in leading destinations like the US and the UK are not enabling transition to work visas.
The policy of distributing scientific knowledge and sharing industrial progress with the developing world required the help of higher education institutions.
Cold War rivals funded study abroad programs and were in competition to attract students from the developing world.
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program provides grants for students, scholars, teachers, and professionals to undertake studies and research.
The Fulbright Program was initially funded by using proceeds from the sales of surplus war property and was founded on the principle of promoting "international goodwill through the exchange of students in the fields of education, culture and science".
Many developing countries have an under supply of university places to satisfy demand and as a result students have no other choice but to study abroad.
[3] Higher education has become a major global export commodity with developing countries capitalising on domestic shortages by recruiting foreign students.
Subsequently, changes to visa and immigration policies have provided incentives for students to travel abroad and potentially offer a gateway to permanent residency within a host nation.
The author of the research, Michiel Bass suggests that the most influential reason Indian students studied in Australia was not because of academic reputation, but the opportunity to gain permanent residency.
[10] Other factors for the rise in student migration include lowering travel expenses and greater communication technology which has made studying abroad more accessible.
[2] The US attracts a large number of foreigners to its workforce each year, however international graduates of US institutions do not automatically have the right to remain in the country for work purposes upon completion of their course.
Since July 2007, certain international students are eligible to participate in a year-long internship per degree level for practical training as long as they can describe how the experience can enhance their education.
[10] In 2006, as part of a larger scheme to attract highly skilled labour, the UK government made amendments to the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS) which enabled all international students who have completed a post-graduate degree course (Master's of PhD starting after 1 May 2006) to remain in the UK and seek employment for up to 12 months regardless of discipline.
Since January 2005, Germany has issued singular permits for both residence and employment in an effort to attract international students and skilled migrants to the country and facilitate their arrival.
[10] In addition to Australia's points system, which encourages skilled migration, regulations allow all international students completing an Australian degree to remain in the country for 18 months upon graduating.
Under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Programmes, international graduates from Canadian higher education institutions are eligible to apply for employment of up to two years.
Under certain circumstances international students can seek part-time employment for up to 20 hours per week whilst studying (full-time) in a course that at least 6 months in duration.
In July 2007, amendments were made to the Skilled Migrant Category which gives students the opportunity to earn bonus points for recognized New Zealand higher education qualifications or for two years of full-time study in the country.