The number of Chinese students studying abroad, which had risen sharply over the past several years, has shown a clear decline, returning to levels seen a decade ago.
According to the latest statistics released by China's Ministry of Education on Thursday (local time), 570,600 students went overseas to study last year, down more than 18% from the 2019 peak of 703,500. The figure is similar to the level recorded in 2016.
This marks the first time since 2020 that the Chinese government has disclosed data on overseas students. The number of Chinese students studying abroad, which stood at just 179,800 in 2008, had surged roughly fourfold by 2019, driven by national-level incentive policies and the openness of global universities. However, the upward trend was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and after showing signs of recovery, it has turned downward again.
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Analysts attribute the decline in overseas students to geopolitical uncertainty and soaring study-abroad costs. Higher thresholds for employment and immigration in major destinations such as the United Kingdom have also played a role. The UK, in particular, has raised the minimum salary requirement for work visas, increasing the burden on students seeking to settle locally.
The financial burden is also rising rapidly. According to a survey by a Chinese education firm, the average study-abroad budget this year stood at approximately 605,000 yuan (about 130 million won), the highest level in 12 years. As a result, parents are placing greater weight on tuition costs than on majors or employment rates, shifting the criteria for study-abroad decisions toward practical considerations.
By contrast, the number of students returning to China after completing their studies abroad has been steadily rising. Last year, returnees reached 535,600, nearly matching the number of students going overseas. On a cumulative basis, more than 87% of all overseas students have returned home.
This trend is seen as being influenced by active talent recruitment policies by Chinese local governments. Regions across the country are moving to secure overseas-educated talent by offering settlement support, employment linkages, and startup incentives.
