Internationalization of Higher Education : Understanding the International Students' Choice of a Swedish University and the Decision-Making Process

Abstract: As the growth of Internationalisation of Higher Education shifts from former dominant nations like USA, Canada, England and Australia to other nations in Europe and Asia such as Germany, Sweden, Japan and Singapore, this study seeks to understand the decision-making process of an International Student looking to study at a Swedish University. Borrowing from previous studies, the ‘push and pull factors’ are used as the main theoretical reference as well as in discussion of the findings. Specific factors special to Sweden and the European Union in general such as visa policies and tuition fees are also discussed. For empirical data, international students already undertaking various master’s programmes as well as former master’s students at the Swedish university answer an online questionnaire pertaining to: decision to study abroad, decision to study in Sweden and decision to study at the particular Swedish University. Moreover, empirical data includes an interview with a representative of the university under analysis. In-depth analyses of data using Standard Deviation (SD), calculation of p value, ANOVA and Tukey’s tests are also performed to give clear comparisons of the various data sets such as ‘programme specialisation’ and ‘home country’ and their influence on the decision-making process. Personal satisfaction and better career prospects are identified as the major ‘push factors’. Programme quality and requirements, Sweden’s quality of life and health of environment, safe place to study, and location in the European Union are identified as main ‘pull factors’. It is found out that the home country of international students has a huge influence on their decisions to study abroad/ in Sweden/ at a certain university, although specialization also has influence, it appears to be drastically less. The findings have important implications in helping aspiring students make informed decisions as they consider choice of country and university, as well as implications for Higher Education Institutions as they respond to the demands created by globalisation of higher education, and subsequently endeavour to attract more international students through marketing or curriculum development of their programmes.