How to Go Above and Beyond to Attract Chinese International Students to Australia

This study aims to identify the main drivers of Chinese students’ motivations to pursue a higher education degree in Australia after the Covid-19 pandemic. Using a survey sample of N = 437 Chinese students seeking to study a postgraduate degree, our results show that both conventional factors (i.e., culture ties with families and friends, recommendations from education agents, the reputation of international universities, and the destination degree’s potential to enhance job prospects in desired field) and PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal) factors are important determinants. Specifically, we find a positive association between conventional factors and Chinese students’ choice to study abroad in Australia, and this association is amplified when students receive more information on PESTLE factors. Our results provide implications for government and University policy and practice. Future research areas are suggested that are crucial for attracting Chinese international students in the post-pandemic era.