QS-2018年留学申请人调查报告（英文）-2018-28页-7mb

Applicant Survey 2018 Summary

Core Content

The 2018 QS Applicant Survey Report explores the motivations and preferences of international students when choosing universities and study destinations. It highlights how political and economic changes have influenced student decisions, particularly in the US and UK, while also showing the growing interest in alternative destinations such as Canada and Australia. The report provides a detailed breakdown of motivations by region and study level, revealing trends in student priorities and the increasing value placed on skills development and funding.

Main Points

• Top Study Destinations: The US and UK remain the most popular choices for international students, with the US at 48%, the UK at 42%, Canada at 34%, Australia at 28%, and Germany at 28%.
• Political Impact: The travel ban in the US and Brexit-related uncertainties in the UK have led to a shift in preferences, especially in regions like Africa and the Middle East, where Canada and the UK have gained traction.
• Undergraduate Motivations: For the first time, the survey includes data on undergraduate motivations, revealing that 70% of UG applicants are motivated by the desire to progress to higher qualifications, indicating a growing emphasis on educational advancement.
• Career and Skills Development: Applicants increasingly prioritize developing collaborative and transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, which are seen as more valuable than traditional skills like business acumen or numeracy.
• Funding as a Key Factor: Funding remains the leading motivation for all applicants, with 70% of PhD applicants, 60% of master's applicants, and 57% of undergraduates citing it as a primary factor in their choice of institution.
• Regional Trends:
  • Africa and the Middle East: Employability and career progression are the top motivations, with the US still leading but Canada emerging as a strong second choice.
  • Eastern Europe: The US has overtaken the UK as the top destination, with Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden also gaining popularity.
  • Western Europe: The UK is the most preferred destination, followed by the US, France, Germany, and Canada.
  • Latin America: Personal interest and cultural exchange are significant motivators, with the US and Canada as top choices.
  • Asia Pacific: The US is the top destination, but there's a growing interest in countries like Australia, Canada, and Singapore.

Key Information

• Survey Demographics: The survey collected 16,560 responses, with 6,715 interested in undergraduate studies, 6,606 in master's, and 1,366 in PhD programs.
• Employability Focus: Employability and career progression are central to many students' decision-making, especially in regions with lower economic stability.
• Cultural Exchange: In Latin America and parts of Africa and the Middle East, cultural exchange is a major draw, suggesting a deeper interest in international exposure.
• Subject Preferences: Engineering, business and management, computer science, economics, and accountancy and finance are the top disciplines chosen by students, with a focus on career progression and professional development.
• Emerging Markets: Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa and the Middle East are showing increased investment in higher education, which is attracting more international students and contributing to the demand for global education opportunities.

Final Thoughts

The 2018 survey underscores the evolving landscape of international student mobility, driven by a combination of economic, political, and personal factors. While the US and UK remain dominant, the rise of Canada and Australia, along with the increasing interest in Asia, signals a shift towards more diverse and reciprocal study destinations. The emphasis on skills development and funding highlights the practical considerations that now outweigh traditional prestige factors in student decision-making.