A study of Syrian students' migration motivations, destinations, and return intentions in a time of crisis

This research examines the motivations and preferences of Syrian students considering or deciding to migrate abroad. It analyzes their aspirations within the context of the Syrian conflict, which has disrupted education and the labor market and compelled many to seek opportunities elsewhere. We tested two hypotheses: 1) migration motivations and preferred destinations are related to academic stage, and 2) there is a relationship between return intention and academic stage. An online survey of 767 Syrian students revealed that a strong majority of both high school (74.86%) and university students (78.38%) expressed a desire to migrate, though their motivations differed significantly. High school students prioritized better educational opportunities (55.60%), while university students focused primarily on improved employment prospects and higher salaries (49.48%), with safety concerns and family reunification being important factors for both groups. The European Union emerged as the most preferred destination, followed by North America and the Gulf countries. However, most respondents (59.33% of high school students and 65.20% of university students) indicated that they had no immediate plans to return, citing concerns about safety, stability, and economic conditions. These findings highlight how educational, financial, and security considerations collectively influence migration decisions. The study provides policymakers and humanitarian organizations with valuable insights regarding the challenges facing this vulnerable population and the importance of Syria’s eventual recovery for students.