A Review of Research on International Student Mobility: Science Mapping the Existing Knowledge Base

Among the increasing number of academic publications in the field of higher education, studies focusing on internationalization of higher education are on the exponential phase in the last couple of decades. In these efforts, the research on international student mobility (ISM) has been a priority. This current review research uses science mapping tools to examine Web of Science (WoS)–indexed journal publications focusing on ISM. The purpose of the review is to demonstrate the development of ISM research in the last three decades. The findings, revealed from an examination of 2,064 publications, suggest that ISM research has significantly expanded since 2005. Findings also reveal crucial information regarding the authors’ country of origin as well as country collaborations and the most influential scholars in the field by demonstrating networks around the world. Topical foci analysis is also included in the study to show current patterns in ISM research. Discussions and suggestions are expected to provide a basis for countries and international organizations in their policy development efforts related to international students and a ground and direction for future research on ISM.