As of 2019, China attracted over 492,000 international students, making it the third most popular study destination globally.
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Statistics on International Students in China
International student enrollment in China has been on a consistent upward trend, transforming the nation into a global educational hub. These changes reflect China’s growing role in the global educational landscape, and they also speak volumes about the attraction of Chinese education to students worldwide.
Total Numbers and Trends Over the Years
As per the data available up until 2019, China was the third most popular destination for international students, behind the United States and the United Kingdom. In 2019, there were over 492,000 foreign students in China, a significant increase from approximately 52,150 students in 2000 (source).
China’s development as an international education destination has been marked by a series of five-year plans, each progressively increasing its appeal to foreign students. The nation’s ambitions to attract 500,000 foreign students by 2020 had almost been reached by the end of 2019.
Breakdown by Country of Origin
Looking at the country of origin, the largest groups of students come from South Korea, Thailand, and Pakistan. Other significant contributing countries include India, the United States, and Russia. This diverse mix of students from different regions showcases China’s wide appeal.
South Korea contributes the largest number of students, with nearly 50,000 Korean students studying in China as of 2019 (source).
Breakdown by Level of Study (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, etc.)
The distribution of international students in China across various levels of study is also an intriguing area of exploration. Below is a hypothetical breakdown of international students in China according to their level of study:
| Level of Study | Number of Students | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 220,000 | 44.7% |
| Postgraduate | 150,000 | 30.5% |
| Doctoral | 65,000 | 13.2% |
| Other (Short term Study, Language Programs, etc.) | 57,000 | 11.6% |
Reasons Students Choose to Study in China
China’s rising global prominence, along with its unique cultural heritage and growing economic influence, make it an attractive study destination for international students. Several reasons influence this trend:
Academic Opportunities
China boasts numerous top-ranking universities offering a wide range of academic programs. Fields like Engineering, Medicine, and Business receive international acclaim and recognition. A number of universities offer English-taught programs, increasing their accessibility to international students (source).
Affordability of Education
Compared to universities in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, China’s tuition fees and living costs can be considerably lower. This affordability, coupled with the quality of education, draws many students to Chinese universities.
Government Scholarships and Initiatives
The Chinese government actively promotes international education through various scholarships and initiatives.
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