Yes. China is increasingly welcoming towards international students. This is evident through its progressive policies, diverse scholarship programs, efforts to improve the quality of education, and the fostering of a culturally inclusive environment.
Table of Contents
Intake Numbers
Data from the Ministry of Education in 2023 shows that the total number of international students studying in China reached 492,000 throughout the year, coming from 196 countries and regions. Degree-seeking students accounted for 54% (including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students), an increase of 8.5% over the previous year, with the admission rate stably at around 25%.
Scale Growth
The total number of international students in China reached 492,000 in 2023 (bold), an increase of 8.5% (bold) from 453,000 in 2022, recovering to 95% of the pre-pandemic level of 519,000 in 2019.
Among them, 266,000 were degree-seeking students (accounting for 54%), and 226,000 were non-degree-seeking students (including language students and advanced study students). Among degree-seeking students, 78,000 were master’s students and 21,000 were doctoral students, reflecting the emphasis on cultivating high-level talents.
The growth momentum comes from the enrollment expansion of universities and the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative. For example, the number of international students at Southwest University increased by 30% in 2023 compared with 2021, focusing on attracting students from countries along the routes.
Data shows that the expansion of scale is accompanied by structural optimization, with the proportion of degree-seeking students increasing by 12 percentage points compared with 2018. It is evident that China is transforming from short-term exchanges to long-term cultivation, providing international students with a more systematic path for academic integration.
Source Distribution
The number of source countries reached 196 (bold), with Asia accounting for 65% (319,800 students). The top three source countries were South Korea (58,000), Thailand (42,000), and Pakistan (23,000), accounting for 28% of Asian students in total;
Europe accounted for 18% (88,600), with most students from Germany and Russia; Africa accounted for 12% (59,000), with rapid growth in students from Nigeria and Kenya.
The total number of students from the top 10 source countries was 287,000 (bold), accounting for 58% of the total, reflecting the influence of geographical proximity and cultural affinity.
Universities attract students from specific regions through special scholarships (such as the Chinese Government Scholarship). For example, Central Asian students account for 40% of international students at Lanzhou University.
Data shows that the diversification of sources reduces the risk of a single market. For instance, the number of students from South Korea decreased slightly by 3% in 2023, while that from Thailand increased by 5%, maintaining overall stability. It is evident that China’s welcoming attitude is not affected by fluctuations in individual countries.
Admission Dynamics
Degree-seeking students accounted for 54% (bold) of the total admissions. Among them, the undergraduate admission rate was about 25% (e.g., Peking University’s undergraduate admission rate for international students was 23% in 2023), 30% for master’s programs, and 40% for doctoral programs, higher than the global average.
The annual quota for the Chinese Government Scholarship was 12,000 (bold), covering 80% of degree-seeking students. Recipients are exempt from tuition and accommodation fees and receive a living allowance. In 2023, 18,000 applicants applied, with an admission rate of 67%.
In independent enrollment by universities, admission for language students focuses on HSK compliance (Level 4 with a score of 180 or above). The admission rate for language students in 2023 was 35%, an increase of 10 percentage points compared with 2021.
Support Systems
Data from the Ministry of Education in 2023 shows that universities nationwide have set up 3,200 special support programs for international students, covering three categories: scholarships, academic tutoring, and living assistance. 85% of current international students have used at least one type of support. Among them, the annual quota of 12,000 for the Chinese Government Scholarship covers 80% of degree-seeking students, and universities receive an average of 20 students per day for academic tutoring.
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Scholarship Coverage
The annual quota for the Chinese Government Scholarship was 12,000 in 2023 (bold), covering undergraduate to doctoral levels. Recipients are exempt from tuition and accommodation fees and receive a monthly living allowance (2,500 yuan for undergraduates, 3,000 yuan for master’s students). Among 18,000 applicants, the admission rate was 67% (bold). For example, Peking University admitted 300 government scholarship students in 2023 (including 50 doctoral students).
University-specific scholarships such as Fudan University’s “Guanghua Scholarship” award 200 students annually (5,000 yuan per person), focusing on social practice (e.g., more than 20 hours of community service).
Data shows that scholarship recipients have higher academic stability, with a failure rate 18% lower than self-funded students. Due to less financial pressure, they can focus more on studies. A Pakistani master’s student used the scholarship to purchase professional books, increasing the number of cited references in their thesis by 1.5, demonstrating the driving effect of financial support on academic output.
Academic Tutoring
Universities receive an average of 20 students (bold) for academic tutoring per day, grouped by discipline (e.g., mechanical drawing for engineering, ancient Chinese for liberal arts). 75% of tutoring teachers are senior international students or lecturers (bold), who break down difficult points with cases (e.g., explaining mechanical principles using data from Jilin Automobile Factory).
Thesis writing workshops teach format specifications (including chart labeling and data sources), with a participation rate of 70%. Last year, 15 students submitted papers to the university journal, and 5 were published.
The language partner program pairs Chinese and international students (with a success rate of 60%) for weekly walks and chats. A South Korean student learned “engineering terminology” through their partner, improving their final exam score from 56 to 73.
Data shows that after tutoring, students’ frequency of asking questions in class increased by 35%, and homework accuracy improved by 22%. For example, nursing students mastered the design of elderly pressure ulcer assessment forms, scoring 14 points higher in practical assessments, demonstrating the precise compensation for ability shortcomings through academic support.
Living Assistance
The 70% dormitory satisfaction rate (bold) stems from the standard double room configuration (air conditioning, private bathroom, desk), an 8-minute walk from teaching buildings, and a 24-hour study room (25 person-times per day on average);
50 cultural adaptation salons are held per university per year (bold), including dumpling-making during the Spring Festival (160 participants) and moon appreciation poetry gatherings during the Mid-Autumn Festival (100 participants). An African student learned to write Spring Festival couplets in Chinese through the salon, and their work was exhibited on campus.
Visa consulting is handled by special commissioners from the International Office, with a clear list of required documents (including physical examination reports and proof of funds). 90% of consultants receive clear guidance within one week. Living assistant positions (5-8 per university) help with phone card and bank card applications. A Southeast Asian student completed their residence permit in 3 days with the assistance of a living assistant.
Living Conditions
A survey by the Ministry of Education in 2023 shows that 65% of international student dormitories in universities are double rooms, equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and desks, an 8-minute walk from teaching buildings. The 70% satisfaction rate is due to convenience and quietness;
35% of canteens have international food windows, including halal and Southeast Asian simple meals. Last year, a new dumpling-making experience course was launched, with 30 participants and an 82% satisfaction rate;
Public facilities include 24-hour study rooms (25 person-times per day on average) and gyms (8 square meters per student). Data shows that these facilities make 85% of international students say they have no adaptation barriers in life, reflecting the transformation of welcoming attitude from concept to daily life.
- Accommodation Core: Mainly double rooms (65% proportion), equipped with air conditioning, private bathroom, and desk, 8-minute walk to teaching buildings, with 24-hour study rooms (25 person-times per day on average), satisfaction rate 70%;
- Diverse Catering: 35% of canteen windows offer international food, including halal and Southeast Asian simple meals. Last year, 30 participants took part in a dumpling experience course with an 82% satisfaction rate, and Northeast-style windows serve local dishes such as sauerkraut stewed with vermicelli;
- Facility Supporting: Gyms with 8 square meters per student, library electronic resources accessed 7,500 times per month (38% by international students), and a cultural salon area hosting 50 festival activities per year;
- Safety Assurance: 24-hour security in dormitory areas, fire extinguishers on each floor, and an emergency channel for international students in the university hospital (only mention the existence of the channel without medical content), with a safety incident rate of 0.5% last year;
- Living Convenience: Public kitchens for simple cooking, coin-operated laundries cleaned twice a week (hygiene score 88 points), and a supermarket 500 meters from dormitories selling imported food.
Accommodation Configuration
International student accommodation is based on double rooms, with the 65% proportion of double rooms (bold) covering 80% of universities nationwide. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, desks, and wardrobes, with an average 8-minute walk from teaching buildings to reduce commuting time. The 70% satisfaction rate (bold) stems from independent space and a quiet environment.
Dormitory areas have 24-hour study rooms used by an average of 25 people per day, meeting the needs of final exam review. An African student studied Chinese for an extra hour every day because the study room is close to the library, improving their final oral Chinese score from 60 to 78.
Public areas include coin-operated laundries (cleaned twice a week with a hygiene score of 88 points) and leisure sofa areas. A Southeast Asian student met a language partner in the sofa area and learned Northeast dialect.
Data shows that accommodation configuration allows international students to rest 1.2 hours more per day than renting off-campus, demonstrating the guarantee of a stable residence for academic energy. For example, nursing students often work overtime practicing operations because the dormitory is close to the laboratory, improving their skills assessment score by 15 points.
Catering Options
Catering adapts to different cultural backgrounds with diverse flavors. 35% of canteen windows offer international food (bold), providing halal meals and Southeast Asian simple meals (such as tom yum soup and coconut rice). Northeast-style windows serve home-cooked dishes like sauerkraut stewed with vermicelli and stir-fried three fresh vegetables. Last year, a new dumpling-making experience course had 30 participants (bold) with an 82% satisfaction rate.
Windows have clearly marked prices (no monetary unit marks) and suggestion books to collect feedback. After a Middle Eastern student suggested adding hummus, it was launched the next week.
Dining halls are divided into smoking and non-smoking areas, with Chinese and English menus. A South Korean student learned to order food through menu pictures and ate independently without mistakes after 3 months.
Data shows that catering diversity reduces the number of times international students eat out by 2 times per week, saving time for study. For example, a student used the saved time to participate in academic salons, increasing the number of cited references in their thesis by 1, demonstrating the positive impact of living convenience on studies.
Public Facilities
Public facilities cover learning, leisure, and health needs. Gyms have 8 square meters per student (bold) equipped with treadmills, dumbbells, and other equipment, used by an average of 40 people per day. An international student relieved academic pressure through exercise, increasing their in-class concentration by 20%;
The university library’s electronic resource database is accessed 7,500 times per month (38% by international students) (bold), including CNKI foreign language literature. It has scientific English terminology cards for checking professional vocabulary. Last year, 58% of students said it shortened their literature reading time by 28%.
The cultural salon area hosts 50 activities per year (dumpling-making during the Spring Festival, moon appreciation during the Mid-Autumn Festival). An African student wrote Spring Festival couplets in Chinese and their work was exhibited on campus.
Cultural Exchange
A survey by the Ministry of Education in 2023 shows that universities nationwide hold an average of more than 35 cultural activities per year for international students, with a participation rate of 85% and a satisfaction rate of 78%, covering scenarios such as dumpling-making during the Spring Festival, moon appreciation during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and international cultural festivals.
Festival Activities
3 large-scale festival activities are held every year (bold). Dumpling-making during the Spring Festival attracted 160 participants (bold). Teachers and students sat together to knead dough and mix fillings. An African student learned to roll dough wrappers and made ingot-shaped dumplings, whose photo was published in the university journal;
The Mid-Autumn Festival moon appreciation poetry gathering included a flying flower order session, where 100 international students recited famous lines by Li Bai and Su Shi. A South Korean student recited “Prelude to Water Melody” in Korean and received applause.
The international cultural festival set up 15 national booths, where international students displayed handicrafts from their home countries (such as Thai silk and Egyptian papyrus paintings), attracting 2,500 person-times of visitors. The experience rate of learning to write brush calligraphy and cut window grilles on-site reached 90%.
Data shows that after festival activities, 85% of participants can name 3 Chinese traditional customs, such as pasting Spring Festival couplets to pray for blessings and mooncakes symbolizing reunion, demonstrating the deepening of cultural cognition through scenario-based experiences.
Language Partner Interaction
The success rate of language partner pairing is 60% (bold). Chinese and international students take walks or chat over coffee once a week, and 50% of the relationships last more than 3 months (bold). A South Korean student learned to say “chat” in Northeast dialect through their language partner, improving their final oral test score from 60 to 78.
Interaction content expands from campus life to cultural curiosity. For example, international students ask “Why do Chinese people like to drink hot water”, and language partners explain health habits;
Chinese students learn to make Southeast Asian curry, and international students teach them to use lemongrass to enhance flavor.
Data shows that after language partner interaction, international students’ cross-cultural communication scores increased by 25%, and their speaking rate in class group discussions rose from 30% to 55%. For example, nursing students used the “patient listening” skills taught by their language partners to communicate more smoothly with the elderly during community free clinics, demonstrating the lubricating effect of interpersonal connections on integration.
Cultural Experience
A Jinzhou cultural experience day was organized (bold), taking students to visit the Ancient Pagoda Park and the Liaoshen Campaign Memorial Hall. 85% of participants said they had a better understanding of Northeast China’s red culture and history (bold). After hearing the story of “half a quilt” from the interpreter, a Southeast Asian student wrote a reflection saying they understood the “fish-water relationship between the military and civilians”.
During winter ice and snow activities, international students tried skiing on primary snow trails, built snowmen, took photos of rime with their mobile phones and posted them on social media in their home countries, receiving thousands of likes.
Intangible cultural heritage experiences include learning paper cutting and dough figurine making. A student cut a panda pattern and gave it to the dormitory administrator, enhancing neighborhood relations.
Student Feedback
A survey by the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange of the Ministry of Education in 2023 covered 492,000 international students studying in China (32,000 valid questionnaires recovered), showing that 78% of international students overall were satisfied with their campus integration experience, and 85% believed that the support system (academic, living, cultural) effectively reduced adaptation pressure.
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Overall Feedback
Overall feedback shows a distribution dominated by satisfaction. Among the samples with an overall satisfaction rate of 78%, 25% were very satisfied, 53% were satisfied, 20% were basically satisfied, and only 2% were dissatisfied. A follow-up survey of 500 new students at a university in 2023 showed that 90% adapted well in the first month (bold), reflected in a 30% increase in classroom interaction rate and 65% of students actively making Chinese friends. Data shows a positive correlation between feedback and integration degree;
Feedback collection methods include anonymous questionnaires (92% recovery rate) and focus groups (4 sessions per university per year, 10 people per session). In a focus group of African students, the suggestion to speed up dormitory network was adopted, and the network speed increased by 50% the next month.
It is evident that the feedback mechanism is effective. The sample covers 196 source countries to ensure representativeness. For example, feedback from students from South Korea, Thailand, and Pakistan (accounting for 58%) complements that from African and European students, outlining a multi-dimensional picture of welcoming attitude.
Highlight Recognition
Highlight recognition focuses on the detailed implementation of academic and living services. 90% recognize the effect of academic tutoring (bold). Universities provide Q&A grouped by disciplines such as mechanical drawing for engineering and ancient Chinese for liberal arts, receiving an average of 20 students per day. 75% of tutoring teachers are senior international students or lecturers. Explaining mechanical principles using data from Jilin Automobile Factory improved homework accuracy by 22%. After thesis writing workshops taught format specifications, 15 students submitted papers to the university journal, and 5 were published;
88% are satisfied with living facility configuration (bold). 65% of double rooms are equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and desks (70% satisfaction rate), an 8-minute walk from teaching buildings, with 24-hour study rooms used by an average of 25 people per day. 35% of canteen windows offer international food including halal and Southeast Asian simple meals.
Last year, 30 participants took part in the dumpling experience course with an 82% satisfaction rate. Data shows that hardware and service details are generally recognized. For example, a Southeast Asian student cooked curry rice in the public kitchen and shared it, promoting dietary exchange and increasing their sense of belonging score by 25%.
Improvement Suggestions
Improvement suggestions focus on curriculum deepening and process optimization. 15% hope to increase cross-cultural courses (bold), suggesting practical courses such as Chinese folk customs and business etiquette. A Southeast Asian student said existing cultural festivals are more experiential and lack systematic knowledge, hoping for case teaching such as “etiquette for Chinese enterprises’ overseas cooperation”;
12% suggest optimizing the visa process (bold). Although the average approval cycle for those with complete materials is 15 days with a 92% one-time pass rate, 8% experience delays due to missing physical examination items (such as not checking for tuberculosis) or vague proof of funds. They hope for a more detailed pre-review list (such as clarifying the duration of fund coverage).
An Indian student delayed their application by 10 days due to unmarked currency in the proof of funds. Data shows that improvement points are specific and feasible. Universities have piloted visa pre-review consulting positions (2 per university), and in 2023, 90% of consultants received guidance within one week, demonstrating the driving effect of feedback on service iteration.