2018留学生申请人调查（英文版）_26页_7mb

Applicant Survey 2018 Summary

Core Content

The 2018 QS Applicant Survey explores the motivations and preferences of international students in choosing their study destinations and programs. It highlights the influence of political and economic changes on student decision-making and underscores the growing importance of skills development, funding, and the evolving role of emerging markets in higher education (HE).

Main Findings

• Top Study Destinations: The US (48%), UK (42%), Canada (34%), Australia (28%), and Germany (28%) are the most popular study destinations globally.
• Political Influence: Political changes in the US and UK, such as immigration controls and the Brexit decision, have introduced uncertainty, yet these countries remain top choices due to their institutional prestige.
• Emerging Markets: Countries in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are increasingly investing in HE to attract international students, which is reflected in rising demand and popularity.
• Motivations for Studying:
  • Funding: 70% of PhD applicants, 60% of master's applicants, and 57% of undergraduates prioritize funding availability.
  • Career Progression: A significant number of applicants are motivated by the desire to progress in their current career or enter a specific profession.
  • Collaborative Skills: Applicants are increasingly interested in developing transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication for employment.
• Undergraduate Motivations:
  • 70% of UG applicants cite 'progress to a higher qualification' as their primary motivation.
  • 'Career progression' is the second most common motivation across all applicant groups.
  • 'Personal interest' is more prominent among Western European and Latin American applicants.
• Regional Trends:
  • Africa and the Middle East: The US remains the top choice, but Canada is rising as a preferred alternative. China also makes its debut in the top 10 for this region.
  • Eastern Europe: The US is the top destination, followed by the UK, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands. The UK's popularity is declining due to Brexit-related concerns.
  • Western Europe: The UK is the top choice, followed by the US, France, Germany, and Canada. Personal interest is a major driver for UG applicants in this region.
  • Latin America: The US is the top destination, with Canada and the UK close behind. Cultural exchange is a key motivator.
  • Asia Pacific: The US is still the most popular, but Australia and Canada are gaining traction. Students from this region are increasingly considering destinations like Singapore and Japan for their HE choices.

Key Insights

• Shift in Student Mobility: There is a noticeable shift from traditional Western to Eastern host countries, driven by the growth of HE systems in emerging markets.
• Employer Influence: In the US and Canada, employer requirements are a strong motivator for studying abroad, suggesting a closer link between HE and employment.
• Skills Development: Collaborative and transferable skills are now more valued than traditional skills like business acumen and numeracy.
• Demographics: The survey includes 16,560 responses, with a focus on undergraduates for the first time, providing deeper insights into their motivations and choices.

Survey Demographics

• UG Applicants: 6,715 responses, with 'progress to a higher qualification' as the main motivation.
• Master's Applicants: 6,606 responses, with a similar emphasis on career progression.
• PhD Applicants: 1,366 responses, where funding is a key concern.

Final Thoughts

The report indicates that while the US and UK remain top choices, countries like Canada and Australia are becoming more popular. Political developments and economic factors are shaping these trends, with students increasingly looking for alternatives that offer better funding, employment prospects, and a welcoming environment. The rise of HE in emerging markets is expected to continue influencing global student mobility patterns in the coming years.