What is it about?
The study quantifies the value of providing in-person higher education services to international students. Using Stellenbosch University in South Africa as a case study, international students are surveyed to estimate their economic impact on the local economy. We also estimate the comparative advantage of Stellenbosch University in providing higher education to international students.
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Why is it important?
International trade in higher education services is one of the fastest growing tradable service sectors globally. Apart from the positive externalities international students create through knowledge mobility and spill-over, campus diversity, and local community development participation, spending by international students in the host city and immediate surroundings add significantly to local economic growth. The aim of this article is to show, firstly, the relative strong growth of South Africa’s higher education exports vis-à-vis other countries. We find that South Africa has a strong comparative advantage in exporting higher education services. We also find that international students contribute between R159 million and R172 million per semester to the local economy, in addition to the positive – but largely unquantifiable – externalities they create.
Perspectives
International student mobility plays a critical role in the diffusion of knowledge globally. It is also beneficial to local economic development. This study highlights the economic impact of international students.
Emile du Plessis
University of Hamburg
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Higher education exports in South Africa: A case study of Stellenbosch University, South African Journal of Higher Education, July 2011, Stellenbosch University,
DOI: 10.20853/25-3-5505.
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