International Student Mobility and the Obtainment of Elite Academic Positions: Does It Pay Off and for Whom?

This article examines the impact of International Student Mobility (ISM) on doctoral graduates' likelihood of securing elite academic positions (EAP) in China, defined as tenure-track roles at prestigious institutions such as those in Project 211 and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Using data from the China National Doctoral Survey and employing LASSO regression alongside heterogeneous treatment effect analysis, the study finds that doctoral students with ISM experience are about 35% more likely to obtain EAP than non-participants. The benefits of ISM are moderated by factors including the duration of mobility—longer stays yield greater returns—and the host country, with stays in scientifically advanced countries (SACs) producing stronger outcomes. Additionally, the study reveals that students less likely to participate in ISM, often from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or lower-tier institutions, gain disproportionately more from these experiences, suggesting ISM can serve as a compensatory mechanism that mitigates existing inequalities despite unequal access. These findings highlight the importance of designing ISM policies that balance academic excellence with equitable access to enhance doctoral career trajectories.