INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MOBILITY AND UNIVERSITY COMPETITIVENESS: A STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

International student mobility has become a defining feature of higher education internationalization, shaping institutional competitiveness across financial, academic, and reputational dimensions. Universities that actively attract and integrate international students benefit from greater financial sustainability, stronger academic diversity, enhanced global recognition, and expanded research networks. The economic value is particularly notable in contexts where domestic enrollments are shrinking and state funding is limited, as international students provide resources that sustain institutional development. Beyond economics, the academic and cultural diversity they bring enriches the learning environment, promotes intercultural competence, and supports the cultivation of global employability skills. Furthermore, international mobility strengthens institutional research capacity through cross-border collaborations and the establishment of global alumni networks. Despite its many benefits, international mobility is vulnerable to global crises and requires universities to balance recruitment with inclusion and resilience. The article argues that international student mobility, when strategically embedded within broader internationalization agendas, is a key determinant of sustainable competitiveness in a rapidly globalizing academic landscape.