2018留学生申请人调查（英文版）_28页-7mb

Applicant Survey 2018 Summary

Core Content

The 2018 QS Applicant Survey explores the motivations and preferences of international students when choosing where and what to study. It highlights the impact of political and economic changes on student decisions, particularly in the US and UK, and examines the growing interest in alternative study destinations such as Canada and Australia. The report also analyzes how different regions and student levels (undergraduate, master's, PhD) prioritize various factors in their educational choices.

Main Findings

• Top Study Destinations: The US and the UK remain the most popular, with the US at 48%, the UK at 42%, Canada at 34%, Australia at 28%, and Germany at 28%.
• Rising Popularity of Canada and Australia: These countries are gaining traction, especially among Middle Eastern and African applicants, due to visa policies, cultural appeal, and educational quality.
• Political Impact: Brexit and the US travel ban have influenced student preferences, with some regions shifting away from the UK and US toward more welcoming destinations.
• Employability and Career Progression: A significant majority of applicants prioritize career advancement, with 70% of UG students and 60% of master's students citing this as a key motivation.
• Funding as a Key Factor: Funding availability is the leading factor for all applicants, with 70% of PhD applicants, 60% of master's applicants, and 57% of undergraduates considering it the most important.
• Collaborative Skills: Applicants increasingly value collaborative and transferable skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication for future employment.
• Regional Preferences:
  • Western Europe: Students are more interested in personal interest and cultural similarity, with 50% of UG applicants citing personal interest as their main motivation.
  • Latin America: Cultural exchange is a major factor, with 42% of UG applicants citing it as a primary motivation.
  • Africa and the Middle East: Employability and career goals dominate, with only 24% of UG applicants citing personal interest.
  • Asia Pacific: Students are more likely to choose destinations with strong educational reputations and opportunities for career advancement.

Undergraduate Motivations

• Primary Motivation: 70% of UG applicants cite "progress to a higher-level qualification" as their main reason for studying.
• Career Progression: This is the second most popular motivation for all applicant groups, indicating a strong link between higher education and career success.
• Personal Interest: Less emphasized by UG applicants compared to master's and PhD students, with only 50% of Western European UG applicants citing it as a primary motivation.
• Entrepreneurship: Rarely a priority for UG applicants, likely due to a lack of work experience or exposure to the labor market.
• Subject Preferences: Engineering, business, computer science, economics, and accountancy and finance are the top five disciplines. UG business/management students show the highest interest in career progression (47%), while UG engineering students are most motivated to enter their chosen profession (42%).

Key Trends

• Shift in Study Destinations: The traditional flow of international students from East to West is reversing, with more students from Western Europe and the US choosing destinations in Asia and the Middle East.
• Emerging Markets: Countries in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are expanding their HE systems to attract international students, suggesting a growing global demand for quality education.
• Employer Influence: In the US and Canada, employer requirements are a major driver for students, indicating a closer link between HE and employment opportunities.
• Demographics: The survey collected 16,560 responses, including 6,715 UG applicants, 6,606 master's applicants, and 1,366 PhD applicants, highlighting the importance of understanding student motivations at all levels.

Conclusion

The 2018 QS Applicant Survey underscores the evolving landscape of international student mobility. While the US and UK remain top choices, political uncertainties and visa restrictions have led to a rise in interest for Canada and Australia. Employability and funding are the leading concerns, but personal interest and cultural exchange are also playing a growing role, particularly in regions with emerging HE systems. As global student populations increase, the demand for international education is expected to rise, with universities needing to adapt to changing student priorities and regional preferences.