Inimitable Elements Impacting Student Mobility Among Developing Countries and Developed Countries

Purpose: The current investigation examines the uniqueness of the determinants that drives students flow to developing countries to study abroad. The study also compares these determinants with the factors influencing student mobility toward the developed world. The theoretical framework: Various theories and models such as new migration theory, liberalisation & competition, push and pull factor model are taken as theoretical backdrop and for econometric estimation augmented models are developed by selecting relevant variables. Methodology: Data is collected on variables from distinct sources, and panel data is prepared. Static and dynamic panel estimation is used adopting fixed effects, random effects, conditional fixed effects and Poisson random effects models. Findings: It is concluded that return on investment, the value of degree, cost of living, and skill orientation make developing a preferred destination. In contrast, factors like seeking employment and a high-income level make them preferred over developing countries. Economic forces drive student mobility globally and within developing countries. It includes opportunities to earn income, employment in host countries (in case of developed host countries) and home countries (in case of developing countries), and cost of living. Research Policy Implications: The study postulates policy implications in terms of attracting foreign students by understanding the dynamics of their choices, as the factors that influence the decisions to study abroad are distinct when it comes to choose a developed nation as a destination or a developing nation as a destination. Originality/Value: The study adds to the existing body of knowledge new dimensions on inward student mobility especially towards developing countries. This helps the educators and policymakers to understand the dynamics in more detail and device appropriate strategies to attract foreign students to domestic shores.