What Matters to Prospective Students in Latin America?

A new report, published today, explores the key priorities, motivations and challenges for prospective students in Latin America. The study draws on the QS World Grad School Tour Applicant Survey, alongside insights gathered from a series of focus groups with students in Mexico and Colombia.

This is the first in a series of reports exploring distinctive motivations and challenges for prospective international students in different parts of the world – with upcoming releases to focus on the experience of applicants in India, South East Asia, China and the US.

Push factors to study abroad

Push factors play a major role in the decision to study abroad for many prospective students in Latin America. In particular, they are often keen to access more specialized programs and advanced resources than would be available to them locally. Colombian master’s student Diana, for instance, said: “I want to specify in communication design – here they don’t teach that.” This was echoed by others across a broad range of subjects, from engineering and science specializations to creative arts.

Seeking specialized strengths – choosing a destination

The quest for more specialized programs and facilities also influences Latin Americans’ choice of destination; they often perceive particular countries as standing out in certain fields of study. As Mexican applicant Sergio explained, “I suppose we all understand that the USA is best in business, Germany in technology – or, in my case, Australia in environmental studies.” A significant number also explain their reasons for choosing a country in terms of personal connections or past experience, such as an exchange program.

Keen to contribute to national development

For many Latin American students, studying abroad is perceived as an important way to gain new skills and knowledge not just for themselves, but in order to benefit their wider society and contribute to national development. And many perceive starting their own business as the most effective way to make an impact, with a high proportion expressing entrepreneurial ambitions. Colombian applicant Maria summed up the feelings shared by many of her peers: “I have a special bond with my own country; there are problems here and change is needed, but you can also make a difference.”

Barriers to studying abroad

Unsurprisingly, financial barriers remain the biggest challenge for many students in this region. International tuition fees and living costs often combine to make overseas study appear 'impossible' without a scholarship. Language skills also remain a key concern, particularly for those aspiring to study degrees taught in English. Meanwhile, some also see an additional future challenge in the possibility of being seen as ‘overqualified’ when they return to work in their home country. As applicant José put this, “I think that if you go to a highly ranked university and come back to Colombia, you might struggle to get the job offer that you want because you will be overqualified. This happens a lot in Colombia.”

The full report, including survey results, focus group analysis and cases studies, is available free to read online. If you're a higher educational professional and want to be the first to receive upcoming reports focusing on prospective students elsewhere in the world, follow us on Twitter and contact us to receive regular email updates.