The Determinants of Return and Non-return Intentions of International Students in South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the determinants of return/non-return intentions (to home countries) of international students. Data was collected through the use of self-administered questionnaires in a survey. The results indicated that 44% of the respondents intend to stay and 66% have return intentions. The results indicated that the two most important determinants of return intentions are family and friends in home country and lower opportunities of getting a job in South Africa. The two primary determinants of non-return intentions are better employment opportunities in South Africa and better economic standard of living in South Africa better compared to home country.