Higher education institutions are facing increasingly complex challenges, which demand a deeper understanding of the sources prospective students use when applying to a higher education institution. This research centres on students’ decision‐making process for higher education institutions, focusing on the pre‐purchase period, and, in particular, the information sources and choice factors students draw on when selecting a higher education institution. A survey was administered to students who were enrolling for the first time at a Portuguese university, yielding a total sample of 1641. The findings reveal that the university website is rated among the three most used sources of information by the majority of respondents. The results also show that geographical proximity is the most important choice factor for a higher education institution. Conclusions, implications and avenues for future research are presented.

Applying to higher education: information sources and choice factors

The international branch campus has emerged as a prominent feature on the international higher education landscape. Although there exists a fairly substantial body of literature that has sought to ...

https://purehost.bath.ac.uk/ws/files/271725/Wilkins_JSIE_2011.pdf

Student choice in higher education: Motivations for choosing to study at an international branch campus

Purpose – Given that there exists in the literature relatively little research into student experiences in transnational higher education, the purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of student satisfaction at international branch campuses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Design/methodology/approach – This quantitative study involved 247 undergraduate and postgraduate students at branch campuses in the UAE who completed a questionnaire using either hard copies or an online version.Findings – It was found that levels of student satisfaction at UAE branch campuses were generally high. The factors that were most influential in determining whether or not a student at a UAE branch campus was satisfied overall with their institution were quality of lecturers, quality and availability of resources, and effective use of technology.Research limitations/implications – Given that cultures, customs, traditions and social contexts vary considerably in different locations, the findings of this study are ...

/pdf/assessing-student-satisfaction-in-transnational-higher-53147y22sp.pdf

Assessing student satisfaction in transnational higher education

This paper discusses two important concepts—internationalization and the international marketing of higher education—and how they influence international students' choice of Canadian universities. The paper is based on two studies: one on 140 East Asian international graduate students who enrolled at two large Ontario universities in the academic year 2003–2004, and the other on 95 international undergraduate students who enrolled at an Ontario university in academic year 2005–2006. The research findings show that market segmentation determines the applicability of internationalization and/or marketing of higher education. Activities related to the internationalization of education play a critical role in influencing the research-oriented students' choice of a Canadian graduate school. Marketing activities have a direct impact on graduate students' choice in professional programs. “Twinning” or “incountry” programs—a blend of internationalization and international marketing approach—have a strong...

Internationalization or International Marketing? Two Frameworks for Understanding International Students' Choice of Canadian Universities

This study applies qualitative analysis as a systematic tool for insight into factors influencing international students' university choice. We also develop a structural model for further analysis and understanding of that choice. Qualitative analysis of data collected via online chat identifies motivational and constraining factors that influence foreign students' decision to study in the United States. The study applies and explicates a contemporary qualitative approach to the analysis of interview transcripts for the determination of choice factors and their importance. Inductive analysis is used to postulate a model for international student destination choice based on the travel decision push and pull model. Three push factors (personal growth, language, and career) and three pull factors (college issues, physical geography, and U.S. culture) were determined to influence choice of country and institution. In addition, structural factors including visa issues and cost issues were identified as constra...

Exploring Factors Influencing Student Study Abroad Destination Choice

A correspondence analysis technique was employed to elicit information from international students pertaining to their choice of study destination. A survey of international students at a major Australian university revealed that the proximity of the city to the students' home countries, in addition to safety, the educational quality/variety, etc. were the main reason for choosing this city for their study. Other reasons for choice included cost of living and tuition fees. A correspondence analysis (CA) data analysis technique was employed resulting in a two-dimension solution on a safety/proximity and quality/familiarity continuum was considered acceptable. The two-dimension solution with a significant chi-square (χ2) value accounted for 93% of the total variance explained. Results were discussed and future research directions were indicated.

Ruth Taylor MEdMan

Papers

Factors Influencing International Students' Choice of an Education Destination--A Correspondence Analysis.