Research on Influencing Factors of International Student Mobility: An Empirical Study Based on Panel Data

Based on data from students of 141 countries studying in China, this study used panel data model to explore the socio-economic and educational factors of influence for overseas students, for instance, different educational levels and varying economic developmental levels of countries, to study in China. We found that degree students are more likely to study in China if their home countries have poor higher education, while educational factors in their home countries have little influence on non-degree students. Compared with undergraduates studying abroad in China, graduate students are more attracted to Chinese Government Scholarships and mutual recognition of academic qualifications.