In 2023, 500,000 degree and non-degree international students from 185 countries studied in China, with 75% from Asia (375,000), 15% from Africa (75,000), and 8% from Europe/America (40,000), showing steady growth in enrollment.
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Origin Regions
According to the “Statistical Yearbook of International Students in China” released by the Ministry of Education in 2023, a total of 500,000 degree and non-degree international students from 185 countries worldwide studied in China. Asia accounted for 75% (375,000 students) as the absolute main force, Africa saw a significant growth rate at 15% (75,000 students), and Europe/America accounted for 8% (40,000 students) with concentrated distribution.
Asia-dominated
Asian international students account for 75% (bold), covering East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. Among them, South Korea ranked first with 58,000 students (bold) (mostly studying Chinese language, economics and trade), Thailand second with 32,000 students (focusing on medicine and engineering), and Pakistan third with 28,000 students (pursuing engineering and agriculture). These three countries together accounted for 35% of Asian students.
Regional mobility is frequent. For example, 25,000 Vietnamese students mostly choose universities in Guangxi (3 hours by land from Hanoi), using their native language to assist in understanding courses;
18,000 Malaysian students prefer traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and business majors, with Malaysian students accounting for 60% of the TCM class in a certain university.
Data shows that 80% of Asian students choose universities in adjacent provinces (e.g., South Korean students choose Shandong, Japanese students choose Jiangsu), resulting in low commuting and adaptation costs. For instance, a Japanese student can reach Shanghai by plane in 2 hours, stating it takes half the time compared to going to Europe and America.
African Growth
African international students account for 15% (bold), an increase of 5 percentage points compared to 2019, with a total of 75,000 students. Nigeria is the largest source country of African students with 25,000 students (bold) (mostly studying engineering and IT), Egypt second with 18,000 students (pursuing medicine and archaeology), and Kenya third with 12,000 students (choosing agriculture and transportation).
The growth stems from China-Africa cooperation projects (e.g., Luban Workshops). An Ethiopian student learned railway technology through a workshop and participated in the maintenance of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway after returning to his country.
In terms of regional distribution, East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) accounts for 40% of African students due to the large number of direct flights from port cities (Mombasa) to China.
Data shows that 70% of African students choose engineering majors (to meet local infrastructure gaps). A Sudanese student studied bridge engineering and later participated in the construction of the auxiliary bridge of the Merowe Dam after returning home, demonstrating the precise matching between source regions and demand.
Europe & America Distribution
European and American international students account for 8% (bold), with a total of 40,000 students. Russia ranks first with 18,000 students (bold) (mostly studying aerospace and literature), the United States second with 8,000 students (pursuing business and art), and France third with 6,000 students (choosing design and philosophy).
They are concentrated in universities in first-tier cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai). An American student studied artificial intelligence at Tsinghua University, stating that China’s computing power resources accelerated his model training by 30%.
Annual Increase
According to the “Statistical Yearbook of International Students in China” released by the Ministry of Education in 2023, the number of international students in China worldwide increased from 443,000 in 2019 to 500,000 in 2023, with a cumulative growth of 13% and an average annual growth rate of 3.25%. Among them, the growth rate rebounded after 2021 (an increase of 4,000 students in 2023 compared to 2022).
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Overall Growth Rate
The total number of international students in 2023 increased by 13% compared to 2019 (bold), rising from 443,000 to 500,000, with an average annual increase of 14,250 students. Among them, there was an unexpected increase of 34,000 students (7.7% growth rate) in the early stage of the pandemic in 2020, demonstrating the adaptability of Chinese universities’ online teaching and entry policies during the prevention and control period;
The proportion of degree students rose from 85% in 2019 to 89% in 2023 (bold), reflecting a shift in study abroad goals from short-term experience to long-term further study. For example, among the 445,000 degree students in 2023, undergraduates accounted for 60% (267,000), masters 25% (111,000), and doctors 5% (22,000).
Compared with 377,000 degree students in 2019 (accounting for 85%), there was a net increase of 68,000. Data shows that scale expansion and structural upgrading have proceeded simultaneously. The number of degree students in a certain university increased by 40% in 2023 compared to 2019, among which the proportion of doctoral students in engineering rose by 15 percentage points, attracted by China’s scientific research resources in fields such as high-speed rail and 5G.
Regional Differences
Regional differences in growth rates highlight the fluctuation characteristics of students from different continents. The number of African students increased by 50% in 2023 compared to 2019 (bold), rising from 50,000 to 75,000, with an average annual increase of 6,250 students. The main reason is the expansion of China-Africa cooperation projects (e.g., Luban Workshops). In 2023, 65% of African students chose engineering majors (to meet infrastructure demand);
Asian students increased by 7.1% during the same period (bold), rising from 350,000 (443,000 × 79%) to 375,000. The growth rate was moderate due to the large base. Among them, traditional source countries such as South Korea (58,000) and Thailand (32,000) saw steady growth, while Vietnam (25,000) increased by 10% due to geographical proximity.
Data shows that Africa has become the growth engine and Asia the stable foundation. The number of African students in a western university increased by 80% in 2023 compared to 2019, mostly from Nigeria and Kenya, choosing agriculture and transportation majors, which match the demand of Chinese-funded projects in local areas.
Academic Differentiation
Growth rates in academic differentiation reflect the hierarchical upgrading of study abroad goals. The number of doctoral students increased by 20% in 2023 compared to 2019 (bold), rising from 60,000 to 72,000, with an average annual increase of 3,000 students, concentrated in science and engineering (e.g., artificial intelligence, biomedicine). In 2023, 60% of international doctoral students in a 985 university participated in national-level research projects;
The number of master’s students increased by 15% (bold), rising from 120,000 to 138,000. The proportion of applied majors (e.g., engineering management, international business) rose by 10 percentage points due to the increase in university-enterprise cooperation internship opportunities. 40% of international master’s students in a finance and economics university stayed in China after interning through formal employment.
Data shows that the growth rate of high-education students is higher than the overall level. In 2023, doctors and masters accounted for 31% of degree students, compared with 27% in 2019, indicating that the demand for academic further study has increased with the improvement of China’s scientific research strength. An international student stated that the advanced nature of China’s laboratory equipment is the main reason for choosing to study for a doctorate here.
Education Tiers
According to the “Statistical Yearbook of International Students in China” released by the Ministry of Education in 2023, among 500,000 international students in China worldwide, 89% are degree students (445,000), including 60% undergraduates (267,000), 25% masters (111,000), 5% doctors (22,000), and 11% non-degree students (55,000) mainly for language training.
- Main Body of Degree Students: A total of 445,000 accounting for 89%, including 267,000 undergraduates (60%), 111,000 masters (25%), 22,000 doctors (5%), an increase of 68,000 (18% growth rate) compared to 2019;
- Supplementary Non-Degree Students: 55,000 accounting for 11%, including 38,500 language students (70%) and 16,500 advanced students (30%), mostly short-term exchanges from Asia;
- Hierarchical Growth Rate: Doctors increased by 20% compared to 2019 (60,000 → 72,000), masters by 15% (120,000 → 138,000), and undergraduates by 17% (228,000 → 267,000);
- Disciplinary Adaptation: 65% of doctors choose science and engineering (artificial intelligence, biomedicine), 40% of masters choose applied majors (engineering management), and 50% of undergraduates choose engineering (mechanical, electronic).
Proportion of Academic Qualifications
The proportion of degree students in 2023 was 89% (bold), corresponding to 445,000 students, an increase of 4 percentage points from 85% in 2019, with a net increase of 68,000 students. For example, the number of degree students in a certain university increased by 40% in 2023 compared to 2019, among which the proportion of doctoral students in engineering rose by 15 percentage points;
Applied majors account for 70% of degree students (bold), covering engineering, management, and medicine. 40% of international master’s students in a finance and economics university obtained formal employment after interning, demonstrating the close connection between further study and employment.
Data shows that the classroom attendance rate of degree students is 92% (15% higher than non-degree students), and the assignment submission rate is 95%, as they are willing to invest time due to clear goals. For example, international doctoral students participate in 120 hours of scientific research annually.
A student published 2 SCI papers using equipment in Chinese laboratories and joined a scientific research institution after returning home, demonstrating the support of academic levels for academic output and transforming study abroad from experience to investment.
Hierarchical Breakdown
The distribution of each academic level reflects differentiated needs: undergraduates focus on fundamentals, masters on application, and doctors on innovation. Undergraduates account for 60% of degree students (bold), i.e., 267,000 students, mostly self-funded (80%) or scholarship recipients (20%). 50% choose engineering majors (mechanical, electronic). An engineering undergraduate completed all credits in the first 3 years and focused on graduation design in the 4th year, leaving China on schedule;
The growth rate of doctoral students was 20% (bold), rising from 60,000 in 2019 to 72,000 in 2023, concentrated in science and engineering (65%). 60% of international doctoral students in a 985 university participated in national-level research projects (e.g., high-speed rail bearing materials).
Masters account for 25% (111,000 students), and the proportion of applied majors (engineering management, international business) rose by 10 percentage points due to more university-enterprise cooperation internship opportunities. The employment retention rate after internship for students is 25%, demonstrating the precise matching of hierarchical breakdown with career goals.
Non-Degree Supplementary
Non-degree students meet the needs of language or skill improvement through short-term study, filling the gap in degree education. Non-degree students account for 11% (bold), i.e., 55,000 students. Among them, 38,500 language students (70%) are mostly from South Korea and Thailand (studying Chinese). A South Korean student improved his HSK level from 4 to 6 in 6 months in China;
Advanced students account for 30% of non-degree students (bold), i.e., 16,500 students, including enterprise employees (e.g., African engineers studying infrastructure management) and teachers (Southeast Asian teachers studying teaching methods). A teacher set up Chinese courses after returning home from advanced studies, with the number of students increasing by 50%.
Top Cities
According to the “Statistical Yearbook of International Students in China” released by the Ministry of Education in 2023, 72% of 500,000 international students worldwide are distributed in 15 core cities. Beijing ranks first with 80,000 students (bold) and Shanghai second with 70,000 students (bold) (accounting for 30% in total), followed by regional centers such as Wuhan, Xi’an, and Guangzhou.
First-Tier Concentration
First-tier cities attract international students with top university clusters and internationalized ecosystems. 80,000 international students in Beijing (bold) account for 16% of the national total, concentrated in 985 universities such as Tsinghua University and Peking University (accounting for 60% of Beijing’s students).
An African student studied artificial intelligence at Tsinghua University, stating that the laboratory’s computing power resources accelerated his model training by 30%;
70,000 international students in Shanghai (bold) account for 14%. International courses (40% fully taught in English) in universities such as Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are popular. A Southeast Asian student chose the shipbuilding major at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and participated in the design project of domestic cruise ships.
Guangzhou and Shenzhen have a total of 50,000 students (accounting for 10%). Shenzhen has set up joint laboratories relying on technology enterprises (e.g., Huawei, Tencent), with a 25% employment retention rate for electronic engineering students after internship.
Data shows that 85% of students in first-tier cities choose science and engineering majors (to align with scientific research and industrial resources), and the coverage rate of fully English-taught classrooms is 70%. An American student supplemented courses with MOOCs at Peking University, stating that cross-university resource calling is convenient, demonstrating the capacity of first-tier cities to meet the pursuit of high-end academics.
Regional Diversion
Regional central cities divert students with disciplinary characteristics and cost advantages. 30,000 international students in Wuhan (bold) account for 6%. Optical engineering (ranked first in the country) and mechanical engineering (national key laboratory) of Wuhan University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology are attractive. An Indian student studied optical fiber sensing technology, and the results were applied to local communication networks;
25,000 international students in Xi’an (bold) account for 5%. Aerospace (research on C919 components) and materials science (titanium alloy R&D) of Xi’an Jiaotong University and Northwestern Polytechnical University are signature majors. A Russian student entered Northwestern Polytechnical University to participate in drone projects, stating that the data sharing of China-Russia joint experiments is efficient.
Chengdu and Nanjing each have 20,000 students (accounting for 4%). West China Medical College of Sichuan University (top stomatology in the country) and astronomy of Nanjing University (cooperation with Purple Mountain Observatory) have their own appeal.
Data shows that 60% of students in regional cities choose corresponding disciplines (e.g., optics in Wuhan, aerospace in Xi’an), and the cost of living is 30% lower than that in first-tier cities. An African student stated that the rent in Xi’an is only half of that in Beijing, demonstrating the adaptability of diversion to diverse needs.
Characteristic Supplementary
Characteristic cities supplement the distribution with geographical proximity or specialized disciplines. 15,000 international students in Kunming (bold) account for 3%, close to Southeast Asia (3 hours by land from Vietnam and Laos). Southeast Asian languages (Thai, Vietnamese) and tropical agriculture (rubber planting technology) of Yunnan University are highlights. A Laotian student studied agricultural extension and helped villages increase production by 20% after returning home;
10,000 international students in Harbin (bold) account for 2%, adjacent to Russia (Harbin Institute of Technology’s China-Russia cooperation projects). Russian-taught classes (accounting for 40% of students) and cold-region architecture (ice and snow venue design) are popular. A Russian student wrote his graduation thesis using data from Harbin Institute of Technology’s permafrost laboratory.
Qingdao and Xiamen each have 8,000 students (accounting for 1.6%). Ocean University of China (aquaculture) and Xiamen University (Southeast Asian studies) gather students with regional characteristics.
Major Subjects
According to the “Statistical Yearbook of International Students in China” released by the Ministry of Education in 2023, among 500,000 degree and non-degree international students worldwide, engineering accounts for 40% (200,000), medicine 15% (75,000), language 10% (50,000), management 8% (40,000), and the remaining 27% are distributed in science, art, etc.
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Engineering-Dominated
Engineering is the preferred subject for international students in China, forming a strong magnetic effect with China’s advantages in infrastructure and manufacturing. Engineering international students account for 40% (bold), corresponding to 200,000 students, covering mechanical (high-speed rail bearing technology), electronic (5G communication), civil engineering (bridge engineering) and other directions.
An African student studied railway engineering at Southwest Jiaotong University, participated in the design simulation of EMU bogies, stating that the precision of Chinese experimental equipment reduced his data error from 5% to 1%;
An increase of 15% compared to 2019 (bold), rising from 174,000 to 200,000, with a growth rate higher than the overall level (13%). This is due to the demand for technical talents generated by Chinese enterprises’ overseas projects (e.g., China-Laos Railway). A Southeast Asian student studied construction machinery and participated in the maintenance of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway after returning home.
Courses focus on practical operation (virtual simulation experiments account for 60%), such as simulating building construction with BIM software. An Indian student increased his modeling speed by 40% after training, demonstrating the strengthening of applied skills by engineering majors, enabling international students to master implementable technologies.
Popular Medicine
Medical disciplines attract global students with the characteristic of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Medical international students account for 15% (bold), i.e., 75,000 students. Western medicine (clinical medicine) accounts for 60% (45,000), aligning with China’s top three hospital resources (e.g., PUMCH, West China Hospital). A Middle Eastern student studied cardiac surgery in China and observed 50 minimally invasive surgeries;
The growth rate of TCM majors was 20% (bold), rising from 12,500 (2019) to 15,000 (2023). Acupuncture, massage, and traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions are core courses. A European student opened a clinic after studying acupuncture in China, with a monthly consultation volume of over 100 people.
Teaching includes clinical probation (rotation in hospital departments) and ancient book study (translation and annotation of “Huangdi Neijing”). An American student learned pulse diagnosis from a teacher, stating that the dialectical logic is more holistic than Western medicine.
Data shows that 70% of medical students practice in their home countries after graduation. An international student set up a specialist clinic in a local hospital with a TCM license, demonstrating the direct empowerment of medicine for career development.
Language and Management
Language and management disciplines supplement choices with practicality and cultural adaptability. Language majors account for 10% (bold), i.e., 50,000 students, mostly short-term advanced studies (6-12 months). HSK preparation classes account for 70%. A South Korean student improved his HSK level from 4 to 6 in 6 months in China, stating that the immersive environment is more efficient than online learning;
The internship conversion rate of management majors is 25% (bold), meaning 10,000 out of 40,000 students are employed formally. Due to university-enterprise cooperation (e.g., setting up internship positions with Huawei and Alibaba), a Southeast Asian student studied international business, participated in cross-border logistics projects during internship, and was converted to an operation assistant.