The latest piece of Hobsons’ research from the Hobsons Insight series examines international students’ perceptions and expectations, comparing students looking to study in the UK to those interested in studying in Australia. We’re particularly focused on the comparative results of the UK and Australia however the findings of this report are invaluable to any institution regardless of geographical location as we know students evaluate a number of courses, institutions and destinations in their process of elimination. Download the full report at http://goo.gl/g4NkVM
With over 18,000 survey responses across 195 countries and 198 nationalities, globally, this research is the most robust of its kind. We've unpacked the student perception of teaching quality along with other factors of influence in the student decision-making process to help you devise your content strategy when engaging with students online and offline, through all your marketing and recruitment channels.
3. Private and confidential.
Teaching Quality is the most
important factor when
evaluating higher education
courses, institutions and
countries in which to study
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4. Private and confidential.
16 universities across APAC & UK
18,393 students responded
across 195 countries
and 198 nationalities
by 583 lines of enquiry
4
Survey framework
10. Private and confidential.10
The most important factors when
considering studying overseas.
Top five Bottom five
• Quality of education • Distance from home country
• International recognition of
qualifications
• Ability to get permanent residency in
destination country after studying
• Country’s attitude to
international students
• exposure to culture or life in
destination country
• Safety • Ability to work whilst studying
• Ease of getting a visa • Better job prospects in destination
country/migration to destination
country
14. Private and confidential.
At application stage,
students would liked to
engage with an institution
through YouTube and
Instagram
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15. Private and confidential.15
60% of respondents want
to use social media to get
to know other students
who are also applying and
to engage with Alumni
17. Private and confidential.
South East Asian favour agent
assistance in the search process,
they also favour Australia over the
UK
17
18. Private and confidential.
Subjects available to study is the
most important factor for students
intending to study in Australia
followed by scholarships, tuition
fees and academic reputation
18
21. Private and confidential.
Academic reputation, course
ranking and student
satisfaction are the overall
greatest determinant for
teaching quality
21
22. Private and confidential.
The use of technology at
an institution ranks high
(72%) of respondents
believing it’s an important
determinate of teaching
quality
22
23. Private and confidential.
Using conjoint analysis, the most
influential factors of teaching
quality are annual tuition fees,
course rankings and university
rankings …
Student satisfaction doesn’t drive
decision-making
23
24. Private and confidential.
‘Instead of just redirecting students to the 'FAQ' page, please take a bit of time
to actually respond along with posting a link to the appropriate place or
answer.’
Prospective Masters’ student, Pakistan
‘A stronger bond between the university and a student is achieved through
social media.’
Prospective student, Pakistan
‘An important factor in the evaluation and selection process is once we get
admitted into the university how flexible and responsive is university in dealing
with problems of international students.’
Prospective undergraduate student, India
24
What students say
25. Private and confidential.
‘Give information that is relevant, so that students will feel safe and
encouraged to attend the institution. All the necessary information should be
stated for the student’s convenience.’
Prospective undergraduate student, Papua New Guinea
“The most important factor is universities’ attitude towards international
students.”
Prospective student, India
25
What students say
27. Private and confidential.27
The report is available to download here:
http://www.hobsons.com/apac/teaching-quality-international-student-
marketing-and-recruitment