International graduates: An underutilised labour source in Norway

The number of international students enrolled in Norwegian Universities has doubled over the past ten years. However, although Norway changed its policy in the 2000s to allow international students to stay after study if they find skilled work, it has today one of the lowest post-study stay rates in the OECD. In addition, only 6% of skilled labour permits are issued to international students, suggesting that this is not the feeder channel for labour migration that it should be. Understanding the factors determining the attraction and retention of these young students is important is important for Norway to remain competitive in this field. Access to information on job opportunities as well as the promotion of work opportunities during studies, are important parameters determining productive retention.