Migration aspirations among students: evidence from Nepalese universities

This study examines the determinants of migration aspirations among university students in Nepal, situating the analysis within broader debates on migration transition and student mobility in the Global South. Using a multistage stratified sample of 32 campuses across seven major universities, data were collected from 770 student responses and analyzed through multivariate logistic regression. Results indicate that migration aspirations are significantly high, aligning with the increasing trend of student migration from Nepal and reflecting broader global patterns, particularly the growing prominence of the Global South as a significant source of student migration. Lower student satisfaction, the presence of migrants in the household, and enrollment in technical subjects at private campuses significantly increase overall migration aspirations. Similarly, unmarried students, those studying in Kathmandu-based campuses, and those residing in urban areas exhibit higher aspirations to migrate for further study. In contrast, minority caste students show stronger aspirations to migrate for work, particularly when they have household members abroad. These findings contribute to our understanding of migration aspirations among the students by showing how individual, household, and institutional factors are involved in shaping migration aspirations for study and work. The findings offer valuable implications for higher education policy and migration governance aimed at addressing the growing trend of student migration and enhancing domestic student retention in the Global South.