What are the motivations and their boundary conditions that drive students to seek higher education in a foreign country?

Keywords: International students; motivation; student mobility; higher education; COVID-19; push-pull model

Abstract: This article conducts a comprehensive literature review tracing the plethora of motivations of international students to study abroad. The review details the push (personal goals) and pull (attracting) factors for this decision to study overseas. In this regard, push factors revolved around the attainment/increase of human, financial and psychological capitals. Pull factors illustrated the attracting capacity of the destination country, academic institution and the city. Furthermore, the paper highlights the conditions that may enhance or inhibit student mobility for higher education abroad (for example, social networks, transportation accessibility, legal requirements and more). Special reference is given to the mobility of international students in the COVID-19 pandemic.