This is the sixth follow-up to our themes report. This report offers an analysis of the decision-making process for international students aged 13 to 16 from China, France, India, Turkey, and the USA, as they evaluate higher education and career choices.
By understanding the motivations, addressing concerns, and tailoring information sources to each country and age group, higher education providers can more effectively capture the attention of, attract, and support these students.
Project Next Generation
International Students: Early Drivers and Study Pathways
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Bright, Bold, and Instinctive
Discover what drives the next generation of international students! From bold aspirations to studying abroad, this UCAS blog dives into their motivations, challenges, and career dreams. Ideal for anyone curious about the future of education and global student trends.
Check out the blog
The latest insights on international student decision making
In our webinar on 12 December, we were joined by Felicity Lloyd and Teona Droc. During the session they delved into insights from our latest report Project Next Generation: International Students: Early Drivers and Study Pathways. They uncovered the aspirations of international students and the critical factors that have influenced their study decisions.
Key themes we discussed:
- Feelings & confidence: Young people priorities passion over financial gain, driven by optimism and strong subject-career links.
- Information, inspiration, & influence: Students turn to family, teachers, and social media (especially video platforms) for guidance, with its importance growing as they age.
- Early intentions of future studies: University choice hinges on rankings, learning styles, and facilities. Highlighting unique lifestyle and campus offerings is crucial.
- Choosing where to study: Quality education and career prospects drive decisions, with the UK remaining a top choice for students.