Synthesis Report: Immigration of International Students , Date: 2013.04.24, format: report, area: Authority

This EMN synthesis report mainly informs about policies which aim to both actively attract international students whilst at the same time preventing misuse of the international student route to migration.

International students represent a substantial proportion of the non-EU population in many (Member) States whose importance and added value is well recognized. With some 21% of all new permits having been issued for education reasons in 2011 international students are central both to EU education and migration policies.

The types of measures introduced by the (Member) States to attract international students vary in line with national policy priorities and include the provision of information, scholarships and funding opportunities, academic courses taught in English, flexible admission procedures and international cooperation. Further, international students are entitled to accompaniment by family members and are granted access to the labour market during and after their studies. The latter, however, is subject to certain restrictions and limitations according to national policy.

Statistical evidence in relation to the misuse of the student route to immigration remains limited. Measures to combat misuse include systems for checking qualifications and skills, licensing and/or inspection regimes for academic institutions and self-regulation in the educational sector admitting international students via codes of conduct.

You will find the German contribution to this study for the European Migration Network as a download (see "Downloads").