To study abroad or not, and why? Exploring Chinese university students’ postgraduate intentions

Abstract

ABSTRACT Since 1991, the annual population of Chinese students studying abroad has increased dramatically, peaking at 703,500 in 2019. This study explores who they are and why they intend to study abroad, using university student survey data collected in 2018 from two major universities in a southwestern city in China. Bivariate analysis and multinomial logistical regression analysis were conducted to examine the family and personal factors influencing their intentions to study abroad, followed by non-parametric tests for identifying the primary reasons motivating them to study abroad or inhibiting such intention. It was found that although economic capital shows significant influence, intellectual capital, at both family and personal levels, has the strongest effect on Chinese university students’ intentions to study abroad. Furthermore, being able to accumulate/upgrade intellectual capital is the primary reason for them to consider studying abroad and selecting the destination, whereas the lack of sufficient financial support is a direct deterrent on pursuing international education. Additionally, gender difference matters on intention to study abroad.