Studying abroad has increasingly become prestigious in the world and its causes and effects are significant. In this study, we aimed to determine which factors are the most important for international students in choosing a country in which to study. In this respect, seven factors have been identified and analyzed with spherical fuzzy DEMATEL. The most important contribution of this study to the literature is that we analyzed it with numerical variables and a multi-criteria decision-making method based on non-numerical data and expert opinions. Thus, we aimed to guide policymakers and researchers. According to the study results, the most important factor for international students in choosing a country in which to study is legal and political factors. Therefore, it is crucial that countries provide attractive government policies and implement legal regulations Also, it is important to make legal systems more democratic. In addition, taking the necessary security precautions regarding routes to school and places where international students live, ensuring stress-free visa procedures, and simplifying legal requirements will encourage more international students to pick the country. In this way, economic and social development of the country will be facilitated.