Self-Efficacy and Push-Pull Factors in International Student Mobility: A Study of Chinese Students’ Decision to Study in Malaysia

Understanding the decision-making process behind international student mobility requires an integrated analysis of both external and internal drivers. This study examines the pivotal role of self-efficacy—a student’s belief in their ability to succeed—in shaping the intention of Chinese students to study in Malaysia, a rising education destination in Southeast Asia. Using a cross-sectional, quantitative design, data were collected from a stratified sample of 377 Chinese students, enabling robust analysis of psychological and contextual factors. Employing Structural Equation Modeling (SmartPLS 4), the study tested a model integrating Push-Pull Theory with Social Cognitive Theory, specifically focusing on self-efficacy as a mediating variable. Findings reveal that while financial affordability is the most influential pull factor, self-efficacy significantly enhances the effect of affordability, cultural familiarity, and perceived quality of education on students’ intention to study abroad. The model demonstrates strong predictive accuracy and theoretical relevance, offering practical insights for Malaysian higher education institutions seeking to refine their international recruitment strategies and student support systems. This study contributes to a more holistic understanding of international student mobility by foregrounding the role of psychological readiness alongside structural motivators.