Talent Beyond Borders, published by Studyportals and Cambridge IELTS, estimates a lifetime economic contribution of about US$1.7 trillion from international graduates in the 2024 cohort who remain in their study destinations. The PIE covered the study on 15 October 2026.
What did the model estimate?
The study uses data on roughly half a million graduates across 15 destinations. Its model estimates that 41% of approximately 2.67 million international graduates stayed, 35% returned home and 24% moved to a third country. Estimated first-year output from stayers is about US$110 billion.
It can't be converted to a guaranteed return.
US$1.7 trillion is modelled lifetime output, not an annual inflow or observed tax receipts. It does not guarantee individual salaries, employment or residence outcomes.
Editorial guidance: Taiwanese applicants should compare programme costs, career services and their own work eligibility separately. Cross-country averages cannot replace personal planning.
