International students form a large percentage of student cohort in HEPs in Victoria and make valuable contribution to the economy of the State. However, one growing challenge faced by HEPs is the retention of their students to complete their academic program. Regulatory bodies require HEPs to implement strategies to enhance student retention. This is proving to be a challenge as students decide on several factors that influence their decision to complete their academic program.
A review of literature highlights research studies on student retention in universities in Australia in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. However, research existed in the context of undergraduate programs in HEPs in Australia.
The aim of this paper was to identify factors that impacted on student retention completing undergraduate programs in Business management. Data was collected from four HEPs located in Melbourne. Using structured interviews and focus groups data was collected from staff employed in student services and students completing the Business management program.
Findings showed that intrinsic and extrinsic factors did impact on student retention. Based on the findings the AADI Model was developed. The model is a four-dimensional model that identifies the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that impact on student retention. Intrinsic factors include demographic /social economic status of the international students. Extrinsic factors include academic learning support provided by the institutions, the design and delivery of academic programs offered by the Institutions, and the overall image of the Institution in in industry in terms of visa flexibility, brand image, fees, location, programs and class schedules. While the sample size was small it was enough to identify important factors that impacted on student retention. The AADI model added value and bridged a gap on student retention in HEPs in Victoria.