International mobility of Haitian students

The term "internationally mobile student" or "international student" is used to designate an "individual who has left his or her country of origin and citizenship after completing at least secondary education, and who goes in another country, with a specific visa (with “student” mention) issued by the authorities of that country allowing them to pursue higher or post-secondary studies there". According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the number of international students worldwide has reached more than 6.4 million in 2023 – an increase of 32% in five years – and “could reach 9 million in 2025” (according to researcher Stéphan Vincent-Lancrin).

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Of the 6.4 million international students across the globe, 12,662, or 0.2%, are Haitian. Thanks to more open access to information and international opportunities, more and more Haitian students are taking advantage of this experience to complete and deepen their education abroad at the level of the first, second or third cycle of university (bachelor's, master's or doctorate). In the case of Haiti, we must recognize that beyond academic motivations, this mobility is largely motivated by a need for development and emancipation when we take into account the local situation.

Here are the top ten host countries for Haitian students on international mobility in terms of numbers :

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1. Dominican Republic: 5664

2. France: 4440

3. United States: 1143

4. Brazil: 1083

5. Argentina: 738

6. Chile: 552

7. Canada: 405

8. Italy: 189

9. Cuba: 131

10. Morocco: 108

Sources: UNESCO Institute of Statistics (UIS)