Purpose: This study aims to compare Chinese students' educational and career trajectories in Japan and Australia and to explore the factors that have influenced their choices that shaped their trajectories. Design/methodology/approach: The authors applied the push-pull and life planning models to compare the factors that shaped the Chinese students' trajectories in Japan and Australia. The mixed-method approach was adopted by combining the result of 353 questionnaire responses and ten semi-structured interviews of Chinese international graduates to understand the factors influencing their decision-makings when choosing a study destination, a workplace and a place for settlement. The authors also interviewed six human resources managers of local companies to understand how Chinese international graduates are evaluated in the host country's labor market. Findings: When choosing a study destination, cultural interest and inexpensive tuition fees are the pull factors for Japan, while family and friends' recommendations are strong motivations in choosing Australia. After graduation, utilization of capacity/specialty is a pull factor to work in Japan, while the prospect of promotion, good living environment and consideration for spouse/parents/children are the pull factors for Australia. Chinese graduates in Australia have stronger aspiration to remain in their study destination. Originality/value: Since there are few cross-national studies on international students' trajectories, this study filled the research gap by comparing the trajectories of Chinese students in Japan and Australia and clarifying the factors that shaped them.