Going off the beaten track: exploring Chinese international students’ motivations in selecting a regional Australian university

Following Tasmania’s adoption of its international education policy, an increasing number of Chinese international students have enrolled at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), which is a regional Australian university. This is a variation in trend from the choice of the majority of Chinese international students who attend universities in Australian metropolises. This study aims to understand the motivations of Chinese international students who have made this decision. Through analysing data from 456 (valid) questionnaires and 23 interviews with UTAS Chinese international students, this research indicated that the primary motivators for the UTAS choice were: more competitive tuition fees, a larger number of scholarships, quicker and easier offers, joint education programs, specialist courses, ease of graduation, acceptance of credit transfer, immigration prospects, and recommendations. These identified motivations could be interpreted in four more explicit dimensions: strategic competition with other Australian universities, attractions for students with diverse backgrounds, regional advantage, and specific promotion.