Chinese students have long been a significant source of international enrolment for many countries, especially the US and the UK. But in 2023, the landscape of Chinese outbound student mobility has changed significantly due to various factors, such as geopolitics, safety concerns, entrance exams, and economic conditions. According to a recent report from New Oriental Vision Overseas Consulting Company, Asian countries are becoming more popular among Chinese students who are considering studying abroad.
The Changing Preferences of Chinese Students
The report, based on an online survey of over 9,500 students and parents from December 2022 to February 2023, reveals that while the US and UK still lead the consideration set of Chinese students at different levels of study, their share has declined since 2019. Meanwhile, Asian destinations such as Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore have gained more appeal and are being considered alongside Australia, Canada, and Europe.
Some of the critical reasons for this shift are:
- The proximity of Asian countries to China, which makes travel more accessible and cheaper
- The perceived safety of Asian countries compared to the US, which has been affected by political tensions, social unrest, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The high-quality education and research opportunities offered by some Asian countries are comparable or even superior to those in the US and UK.
The Rising Stars of Asia
Here are some examples of how Asian countries are attracting more Chinese students in 2023:
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is famous for Chinese students pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in business, law, engineering, and humanities. Hong Kong has several world-class universities that offer English-medium programs and international exposure. Moreover, Hong Kong has a special status that allows it to maintain its legal system, currency, and immigration policy, which makes it easier for Chinese students to obtain visas and work permits.
Japan
Japan is another attractive destination for Chinese students interested in culture, technology, and innovation. Japan has a strong reputation for its academic excellence and research output in robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Japan also offers generous scholarships and financial aid for international students and opportunities to learn Japanese language and culture.
Singapore
Singapore is a third option for Chinese students who want to study in a cosmopolitan and multicultural environment close to home. Singapore has a high-quality education system and is ranked among the best in the world by various indicators. Singapore also has a diverse and vibrant economy that offers ample career prospects for finance, tourism, manufacturing, and logistics graduates.
The Future of Chinese Outbound Student Mobility
Asian countries will be attracting more Chinese students in 2023. Of course, many other factors influence students’ decisions about where to study abroad, such as personal preferences, academic goals, family expectations, and financial resources. But Asia is becoming a more competitive and appealing region for Chinese outbound student mobility in the post-pandemic era. Similarly, Indian students may also find Asia a viable and attractive option for their study abroad aspirations, as they can benefit from the proximity, safety, quality, and diversity of Asian destinations.
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