Abstract

The study investigated the costs and benefits of international education to Zimbabwean students studying in South African Universities. The objectives of the study were to investigate the actual and perceived benefits of international education to students. The study also investigated the impact of international education on the lives of students, their societies and the development of their country. Challenges faced by Zimbabwean students studying in South Africa were also identified and discussed. A combination of qualitative and quantitative (triangular) research methods was used to collect primary data. A questionnaire with both open ended and closed questions was used. Zimbabwean students studying at Universities in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were the target population and a sample of a hundred was selected to complete the questionnaires. The results showed that the benefits of studying in South Africa outweigh the costs to Zimbabwean students. Recommendations are given to Zimbabwean students, governments and the universities.

Key words: Costs, benefits, international education, students, challenges.