Understanding the Decision-Making Process of College-Bound International Students: A Case Study of Greater Toronto Area Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology

This qualitative study examined the process whereby international college students from various countries choose their country of study, type of institution, specific college, and program. It identified and explored the relative importance of each decision-making factor. Fifty-five international students attending four Greater Toronto Area (GTA) colleges of applied arts and technology (CAATs) took part in the study. A modified version of the decision-making model was used to outline the different stages of the participants’ decision-making process. The theoretical framework used for the study is based on three theories: push and pull factors; human capital; and status attainment. The findings revealed that international college students rely heavily on recruitment agents, friends, and relatives in their decision-making process. The main reason they chose Canada is its student-friendly immigration policy. The most important factors for choosing college over university are low tuition fees and the practical nature of a college education. The study proposes an enhanced model of international students’ decision-making process as it applies to Ontario CAATs.