The diversity in influx in international degree programmes raises the question whether differences in foreign and domestic students' motivation, preparedness and course experience lead to more, less or the same outcomes in terms of study progress and GPA. The influence of these factors on students’ study success is compared for domestic and international students in bachelor’s degree programmes in economics and business at a Dutch research university. Multiple sample comparisons reveal that there are differences between domestic and international students in their expectations, perceived preparedness, course experiences and study success. International programmes seem to attract the better engaged and better prepared students. Good pre-entry qualifications, among others, proper expectations and perceived preparedness, affect study behaviour and study success. Characteristics of the programme, like clear goals and standards, good teaching and appropriate workload, are important as well for the explanation of study success.

Keywords: international students, preparedness, study success