Is International Education Still Worth It? Career Outcomes for ASEAN Students Today

kharissa Uy Bienes
20 hours ago
3 min read

Why ASEAN Students Still Choose to Study Abroad?

ASEAN remains one of the fastest‑growing source regions for international students globally. According to UNESCO and OECD data, students from countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines consistently rank among the top outbound student populations worldwide.

Recent surveys show that career outcomes, not prestige, are now the primary driver of international study decisions. An ICEF Monitor global student survey found that graduate employability and career outcomes are the single most important factors when students choose an overseas institution, surpassing rankings and even tuition cost.

For ASEAN families, the logic is clear: studying abroad must translate into real career advantage.

What the Data Says About Career Outcomes

1. Employment and Earnings Advantage

Multiple large‑scale studies continue to show measurable employment and salary benefit for graduates with international education experience:

A U.S. multi‑institution study found that graduates who studied abroad earned approximately 6–7% higher starting salaries compared to peers who did not.
Research cited by the British Universities International Liaison Association (BUILA) shows that over 90% of employers value international experience, particularly for roles requiring cross‑border collaboration, leadership, and adaptability.

For ASEAN graduates working in multinational companies, these skills often translate into faster promotion timelines and regional or global postings.

2. Sector‑Specific Outcomes Matter More Than Country Prestige

Career outcomes vary significantly by field of study, not just destination country.

International graduates from ASEAN tend to see stronger ROI in:

STEM and IT (software engineering, data science, AI)
Business, finance, and accounting
Healthcare and allied health professions
Education, research, and academic pathways

In contrast, general degrees without internships or industry exposure may result in longer job‑search periods, particularly in competitive markets like the UK, Australia, and the U.S. Australian government‑linked research shows that around 70–75% of international health graduates secure professional‑level roles within a few years of graduation, a strong indicator of long‑term employability.

ROI Reality Check: The Cost Question

While career advantages exist, return on investment is no longer automatic.

Key challenges ASEAN students face include:

Rising tuition and living costs in traditional destinations (UK, US, Australia)
Currency exchange pressures against ASEAN currencies
Limited post‑study work visas in some countries

Studies on education ROI indicate that shorter, industry‑aligned programs, such as one‑year master’s degrees or applied postgraduate diplomas, often deliver better financial outcomes than longer, high‑cost degrees.

Many ASEAN students are now choosing:

Countries with post‑study work rights (Australia, New Zealand, Canada)
Institutions with strong industry partnerships and internships
Programs aligned with skills shortages rather than academic prestige alone

Beyond Salary: The ASEAN Advantage of Global Skills

For ASEAN graduates, international education often delivers benefits that go beyond immediate salary figures:

Cross‑cultural competence, critical in ASEAN’s regional economic integration
Stronger English and professional communication skills
Access to global alumni and employer networks
Increased mobility within Asia‑Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe

Employers across ASEAN increasingly value candidates who can operate across cultures, manage international stakeholders, and adapt quickly, skills commonly developed through overseas study.

Is It Still Worth It for ASEAN Students?

The short answer: Yes, but only with strategic planning.

International education delivers the strongest outcomes when students:

Choose career‑aligned programs, not just popular destinations
Factor in total cost vs. realistic salary outcomes
Prioritize work experience, internships, and post‑study pathways
Leverage international exposure to build regional and global careers, not just overseas employment

For ASEAN students, the true value of international education lies not in the degree alone, but in how effectively it is converted into skills, networks, and long‑term career mobility.

In today’s global economy, international education is no longer a guarantee of success, but it remains a powerful accelerator for students who approach it with planning and purpose.

For ASEAN’s next generation of global professionals, the question is not whether to study abroad, but how to make it work strategically.

Data Sources & References