A comparative study on the motivation differences and social impact of cross border higher education mobility between China and the UK and the differences in the direction of higher education management system construction between China and the UK

College of Resources, Agricultural Resources and Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China

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Abstract

Against the backdrop of globalization and Sino-British strategic interactions, this study employs comparative analysis and a mixed-methods approach grounded in the “push-pull theory” and “cultural capital theory” to systematically investigate the motivational disparities in transnational mobility between Chinese and British students, as well as their societal impacts. The findings reveal that Chinese students are primarily driven by career advancement, academic credential enhancement, and cultural capital accumulation, whereas British students are more influenced by adventurous spirit, cultural exploration, and academic interests. Regarding societal impacts, China faces challenges of “brain drain” while simultaneously benefiting from knowledge spillovers, whereas the UK strengthens its soft power through international student recruitment but underinvests in educational exchanges with Global South nations. This paper proposes establishing a more balanced and inclusive educational cooperation framework by optimizing bilateral scholarship policies, enhancing credit recognition mechanisms, and strengthening cultural exchange platforms to foster sustainable development in Sino-British educational collaboration.