Motivation factors in student decisions to study Transnational Higher Education in China: a comparative study of two Anglo-Sino programmes

Abstract

China continues to experience rapid economic growth and the increasing demand for tertiary level education of Chinese citizens has created a significant market for Higher Education (HE) providers across the globe. Transnational Higher Education (TNHE), where the delivery of an overseas degree is partly conducted in the host country, continues to be a popular model of HE delivery in China. Although much research has been undertaken regarding student motivations to study abroad at a foreign university, little is understood about why Chinese students choose TNHE in China. Drawing on push-pull theory and using survey (328) and interview data (40) from students at two Anglo-Sino programmes, the study findings highlight that understanding Chinese students' motivation requires a more contextualised and student-centric approach, to better appreciate students' choices, including though a Confucian lens.

¿Quedarse o Regresar? La Satisfacción y Motivaciones de Estudiantes Chinos que Estudian en el Extranjero

“…A continuación, se analiza cada factor: El primer factor que motiva la salida de los estudiantes es la importancia que tienen las familias en la toma de decisiones y su apuesta por invertir en los estudios de sus hijos en el extranjero. Para Liu et al (2021) el rápido crecimiento del número de EI chinos se debe a que la mayoría están financiados por sus familias. En esa línea, podemos inferir que cada vez hay más familias con altos ingresos en China cercanos al nivel medio de los países occidentales.…”