Factors influencing Chinese international students’ preference for Australia as a study destination: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

Australia competes with other popular study destinations for its share in the international student market. As the largest cohort of international students in the country, this article explores factors influencing Chinese students to select Australia as their final study destination instead of the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada. Within the theoretical lens of the push-and-pull model and drawing on semi-structured interviews with 22 Chinese graduates who studied at Australian universities, this research provides evidence about the factors driving Chinese international students to choose Australia as their study destination. Notably, the research participants had also considered other study destination countries for their popularity among young Chinese, sought-after education systems, and career opportunities. However, higher costs and colder climates were among the major push factors of those countries. A prior connection to the country was Australia’s foremost pull factor. China’s competitive education system and labour market, and social and cultural norms pushed participants to seek international education options.