Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of University: Evidence from a Selected Faculty of Management at a State University in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Students are selected for state universities from the General Certificate of Examination (Advanced Level) in Sri Lanka based on a merit-based quota system that uses the Z-score obtained at the examination. University admission depends on the Z-score, students’ order of preference, and district quotas. Despite the Z-score–based admission system, recent trends indicate a noticeable shift in students’ preferences when selecting universities. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence explaining the reasons behind this changing pattern within state universities in Sri Lanka. This study investigates the key factors influencing students’ choice of a state university for higher education. Using quantitative research methods, the study selected a management faculty of a leading state university in Sri Lanka. A sample of 132 first-year undergraduates from the 2024/2025 batch was selected from a population of 1,320 students enrolled in the selected management faculty. Data were collected through an online survey using a structured questionnaire, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that university reputation and facilities are the most crucial factors influencing students’ university selection. The results are beneficial for students in making decisions regarding their higher education. The findings are also valuable for policymakers and university administrators in designing and planning higher education strategies. This study represents an initial attempt to explain why students’ preferences are changing in the selection of state universities within the context of the free education system in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Higher Education, Sri Lanka, State Universities, University Choice