Malaysia is an education hub, and the number of international students enrolling here is increasing. Several studies have shown that electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) affects the behaviour of Gen Z across various sectors and industries. However, there is a dearth of studies on the effect of the specific characteristics of e-WOM on Gen Z international students' enrolment intention in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). There is also a paucity of studies on the role of Information Usefulness as a mediator in the relationship between valence and homophily towards intention to enrol. This study investigated the influence of valence and homophily on information usefulness and subsequently on students' enrolment intention in Malaysian HEIs. Information usefulness was a mediator. Relevance was a moderator in this moderated mediation model. In this quantitative study, the target population was Gen Z international students in Malaysian HEIs. The sample size was 431 students. The results revealed that homophily and valence were significant predictors of information usefulness. Information Usefulness was a significant predictor of enrolment intention. Relevance not only moderated the direct relationship but also influenced the overall mediation process. Results showed that the indirect effect of Homophily on Enrolment Intention via Information Usefulness is stronger when Relevance is high. The information's usefulness had a complementary mediation effect. HEIs need to further invest in information usefulness to attract more Gen Y international students. The study is unique because it examined the moderated mediation caused by relevance. Influence on consumer behaviour and purchase intention.