Motivation Factors in Student Decisions to Study Transnational Higher Education in China: A Comparative Study of Two Anglo-Sino Programmes

China continues to experience rapid economic growth and the increasing demand for tertiary level education of Chinese citizens has created a significant market for Higher Education (HE) providers across the globe. Transnational Higher Education (TNHE), where the delivery of an overseas degree is partly conducted in the host country, continues to be a popular model of HE delivery in China. Although much research has been undertaken regarding student motivations to study abroad at a foreign university, little is understood about why Chinese students choose TNHE in China. Drawing on push-pull theory and using survey (328) and interview data (40) from students at two Anglo-Sino programmes, the study findings highlight that understanding Chinese students' motivation requires a more contextualised and student-centric approach, to better appreciate student choices, including though a Confucian lens.