Decision-making Process of Prospective International Students: a Proposed Generic Complementary Model

Abstract

The global education market is rapidly expanding and the number of students has increased significantly over the last years. Despite this positive development, German universities are affected by a high international competition. Prospective students can choose of a broad variety of educational products and will apply at several universities at the same time. To support marketing departments of higher education institutions, the paper provides a generic conceptual model on the decision-making process of potential international students including influencing parameters. Applying a scoping study and content analyses, the concept bases upon theoretical concepts in this field but also the latest empirical findings.