These results correlate with trends already observed in student mobility, with the ‘big four’ gradually accounting for a smaller percentage of the total number of international students. UNESCO data shows that while just under half (47.8%) of all international students were studying in the US, UK, Australia or Canada in 2004, this had fallen to 40.3% in 2012.
Of course this doesn’t mean the traditional Anglophone destinations are no longer popular countries to study in. All four have continued to increase their total numbers of international students during this period – just not at the same pace as the overall number of internationally mobile students has grown.
Multiple factors underlie this gradual evening out of international student market share. More governments and universities are stepping up international recruitment strategies. More institutions are gaining global visibility, through their own efforts as well as through international rankings. And financial pressures are prompting students to seek more affordable, but still internationally respected, study destinations. International reputation still top priority for students
While much is changing, international reputation remains a top priority for students when deciding where to study. In both QS surveys, the most commonly cited reason by far was ‘international recognition of qualifications’ – selected by
Top 10 reasons for choosing a study destination*
Reason for choosing a country to study in
International recognition of qualifications Cultural interest and lifestyle Scholarship / financial aid availability Would like to work there afterwards Location of target institution Improve language skills Create a network Family connections
It is (or is near to) the country I currently work in Visa situation
Percentage of grad school applicants citing this as a motivation
2008-9
71.6% 61.9% 55.2% 39.6% 33.3% 46.6% 34.0% 13.5% 8.1% 9.3%
2012-13
70.3% 59.1% 54.7% 48.2% 41.7% 40.7% 30.5% 11.4% 9.6% 9.0%
71.6% of respondents in 2008-9, and 70.3% in 2012-13.
Other commonly cited motivations also remained relatively constant across the survey period, with just two reasons increasing significantly. The first of these, ‘would like to work there afterwards’, suggests a growing number of international grad school applicants are considering post-graduation employment opportunities when choosing where to study.
The second, ‘location of target institution’, may suggest universities’ efforts to raise their profiles internationally are paying off, so that applicants are making choices based more on the reputation of a specific school, rather than the broader reputation of the country.
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