A model of the determinants of international trade in higher education

This article focuses on a neglected aspect of international trade in services i.e. trade in Higher Education. The purpose of the research endeavour is to draw together the determinants of this trade using its most visible aspect - foreign students. There are many categories of foreign student, but the study is confined to those students who opt to complete higher education outside the home country. There is much competition among host nations for international students and the factors influencing demand for and supply of university places for foreign students are considered, using medical educations as a case study. Little if any attention has been given to theory generation in this field and this study was undertaken to redress the balance. The model presented here clearly illustrates the many variables which impact on a student's decision to study overseas, and their choice of destination, the most critical one being information.