This study aims to describe the characteristics and study abroad motivations of Generation Z, analyse the influence of study abroad motivations (intrinsic and extrinsic) on career decisions, and empirically examine whether digital competencies play a mediating role between study abroad motivations and career decisions. A survey was conducted among 232 Chinese international students living in Korea, and structural equation model analysis was conducted using SmartPLS 4.0. The results showed that both intrinsic and extrinsic study abroad motivations had a significant impact on career decisions, and digital competence was found to be a significant mediator of this relationship. In particular, international students with extrinsic motivation tended to make more specific career decisions by utilising digital resources. These findings provide theoretical and practical basis for the establishment of international student career policies in Korean universities and suggest the need to design customized career paths that reflect the characteristics of Generation Z international students, develop digitally-based career programmes, and establish a strategic support system for employment, entrepreneurship, and further education after studying abroad. They also serve as a basis for emphasising the importance of international students’ ability to objectively reflect on their motivations for studying abroad and to design career paths that utilise digital competencies as a strategic tool.