Digital Natives on the Move: Migration Aspirations of Gen Z Undergraduates of Sri Lanka

This study explores the migration intentions of Generation Z university students through a country-specific case study of Sri Lanka, a key migrant-sending country experiencing acute economic and political instability. Using survey data from the undergraduates studying in a selected private university, the study investigates the key drivers of migration intentions, the role of family and social networks, decision-making patterns, and destination preferences. The findings show that students’ intentions to migrate for education are shaped by the interaction of structural and personal factors, including the country’s economic crisis, political uncertainty, limited domestic opportunities, and aspirations for better education, Carrer mobility, and long-term security. The results further indicate that gender and age influence migration priorities, with female students placing greater emphasis on safety and stability, while younger students are more strongly motivated by academic opportunities and future career prospects. Although family support and overseas social networks remain important, the findings suggest that Generation Z’s digital fluency and relative independence reduce reliance on traditional migrant networks. Preferred destinations include Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, reflecting the importance of both educational quality and broader settlement opportunities. By focusing on Sri Lanka as an emigration context under severe socio-economic stress, the study contributes new empirical evidence to the literature on student migration by showing how educational migration among Generation Z is increasingly embedded in wider strategies of economic security, personal fulfillment, and potential long-term settlement.