Research on the flow of international students to UK universities

Abstract

Using time series data over the [1985][1986][1987][1988][1989][1990][1991][1992][1993][1994][1995][1996][1997][1998][1999][2000][2001][2002][2003] period, this article examines some of the determinants of international student mobility to universities in the UK. The research found that some of the main factors influencing international student mobility to the UK include access to domestic education opportunities in the source country, the level of tuition fees in the host country and the level of involvement of the source country in the global economy. At a time when recruiting international students is getting more competitive, these findings will provide the international student recruiter with an enhanced understanding of the dynamics of the international education sector. K E Y WO R D S educational trade, international education, international students

The economic impacts of international student mobility in the globalization process

“…This situation shows that tuition fee is not a stand-alone factor that impacts student preferences (Mazzarol and Soutar, 2002;Pimpa, 2003;Maringe, 2006;Maringe and Carter, 2007;Phang, 2013). Nevertheless international students consider tuition fees while comparing equivalent qualifications in terms of quality and training facilities (Naidoo, 2007;Soo and Elliott, 2010).…”

“…Educational costs are one of the most important factors shaping the international educational mobility (Ivy, 2001;Naidoo, 2007;Varghese, 2008). Studying abroad is expensive.…”

“…In addition, direct and indirect economic advantages provided by international education attracted the interest of countries to receive more international students. Higher education policies of these countries which emerge as a result of this phenomenon have contributed to international student mobility (Mok, 2003;Naidoo, 2007;Cloete, Bailey, Bunting and Maassen, 2011).…”

The Determinants of International Students Inflow to China

“…Hence, it is concluded [14] that there is a negative association between domestic tertiary education opportunities and international student outflowing. In addition, government emphasis on higher education and scientific research is considered as a strong incentive for international student mobility on both sending and receiving sides [13,15,16].…”

“…Nadioo [14] examined the global economic involvement of source countries to the UK and drew a conclusion that the country with the higher involvement in the global economy more strongly encourages students to study overseas. However, there are few studies examining the effect from the destination country perspective in the literature.…”