4 factors influencing overseas students

International students bring more than just cultural diversity, talent, and perspective to a university and its immediate community — they are also major drivers for economic growth.

In the U.S. alone, over one million international students contributed $40.1 billion to the country’s economy in the 2022-2023 academic year (NAFSA: Association for International Educators in Washington, DC, 2024).

So whether you work for a university or an economic development corporation, it is in your best interest to attract as many international students as you can.

But what do prospective international students look for when choosing a country and university?

Here are the top 4 factors according to the Zai Guide to Overseas Student Trends Report 2024:

1️⃣ Access to high quality education

75% of students cited quality of education as their motivation for studying abroad. 8 in 10 international students said they compare institutions based on the QS university rankings prior to making a decision.

2️⃣ Scholarships and funding

Overseas study is expensive. The tuition fee for international students is often 3x greater compared to their domestic counterparts. For this reason, 7 in 10 international students said the availability of partial or full scholarships determines their study plan.

3️⃣ A welcoming, safe environment

From airport pickups to open day activities, how ‘welcoming’ a study destination is can significantly influence an international student’s choice of university. In the annual International Student Surveys conducted by QS, more than half of students cited that as a factor in their decision-making.

4️⃣ Post-study opportunities

International students said they also consider the opportunities available to them after their study program when choosing a study abroad destination. Can they stay in the country to work? Can they pursue a higher level of studies in the same country? Are there partner institutions in the private sector that can offer employment? These are some of the post-study opportunities that international students are looking for.

In this week’s edition of In the Loop, we’re featuring world-class universities from across the world. If you’re an international student or are looking to attract international students, this issue is for you.

THIS WEEK’S STORIES

🇰🇭 The National University of Battambang

🇰🇿 3 reasons international students are choosing Kazakhstan

🇹🇼  MUST: A pioneer of Taiwan’s semiconductor future

UNIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT
The National University of Battambang: Advancing education and innovation

🇰🇭 BATTAMBANG, CAMBODIA — Located in northwestern Cambodia, the National University of Battambang (NUBB) was founded in 2007 by Samdech Kralahom Sar Kheng, the Supreme Counselor of King Norodom Sihamoni, to provide higher education opportunities to students in rural areas, nurture the country’s future leaders, and strengthen local communities, especially in the nearby provinces of Pursat, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap.

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Editor’s note: Sponsored content

COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT
3 reasons international students are choosing Kazakhstan

 
🇰🇿 ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN — While many international students still prefer to study in North America and Europe, a growing number of them have begun considering options closer to home because of stricter immigration policies, rising living costs, and uncertainty of employment after graduation.

According to Study in Kazakhstan, the country has become a promising place for higher education in Central Asia.

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UNIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT
MUST: A pioneer of Taiwan’s semiconductor future

🇹🇼 XINFING, TAIWAN —  Minghsin University of Science and Technology has a rich history rooted in the country’s drive for economic growth and industrial talent cultivation. Founded in 1954 by a group of leading academics, MUST has set the standard for science and technology education in the country.

READ MORE

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U.S. Midwest business report 2024: It’s more than just business

Japan, with around 1,500 companies that have generated more than 150,000 jobs in the region, plays an integral part in the economy of the U.S. Midwest, widely known as the industrial heartland.

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