Academic Mobility of Peruvian Students

A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

Peru, a country with a growing economy and a young population, is an emerging and important market for international student mobility. The demand for high-quality education, international experience, and specialized skills is on the rise, driving a significant number of Peruvian students to seek educational opportunities abroad. This report provides a detailed analysis of Peruvian students studying abroad, exploring the main trends, preferred destinations, levels of study, and the factors driving this mobility.

Overview of Peruvian Student Mobility

Peru has shown a steady increase in the number of students pursuing education abroad. According to recent data, there are approximately 36,000 Peruvian students studying for a degree in higher education abroad. This number has been growing, with Peru becoming the 38th-largest source of international students in 2019, up from 72nd in 1998.

Preferred Destinations and Levels of Study

Peruvian students have a diverse range of preferred destinations, with a mix of regional and global choices.

Top Destinations

• Argentina: Almost half of Peruvian students studying abroad choose Argentina, likely due to its proximity, cultural similarities, and affordable education.
• United States: The U.S. is a major destination, with 5,170 Peruvian students in the 2022/23 academic year. The economic impact was estimated at $170 million in 2022.
• Spain: The shared language and cultural ties make Spain a popular choice.
• Other Destinations: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and European countries like Germany and France are also gaining popularity.

A recent survey showed that 96% of Peruvian university students are considering emigrating for better opportunities, with Europe being the top choice (52%), followed by the United States (15%), and other Latin American countries (12%).

Levels of Study in the U.S.

The top receiving states for Peruvian students in the U.S. are Florida, New York, California, Massachusetts, and Arizona.

Fields of Study and Academic Focus

Popular Fields of Study

• Business and Management
• Engineering and Technology
• Social Sciences
• Health Sciences

Program Preferences

• Postgraduate Studies: Many Peruvian students who go abroad are between 25 and 35 years old, indicating a strong interest in postgraduate programs.
• Language and Pathway Programs: English language and preparatory programs are key drivers of outbound mobility, often serving as a stepping stone to higher education in English-speaking countries.

Recent Trends and Future Outlook

Growing Mobility

The number of Peruvian students studying abroad has been on a clear upward trend. The significant increase in the number of students considering emigration for educational and professional reasons indicates that this trend is likely to continue.

Government Support

The 'Pronabec' scholarship program in Peru plays an important role in facilitating access to international education for Peruvian students, providing financial support for those who wish to study abroad.

Future Prospects

Peru is an expanding market for international education. The combination of a young population, a growing economy, and a strong desire for international qualifications will continue to drive the demand for study abroad opportunities.