Mounting geopolitical tensions, restrictive U.S. policies, and growing financial concerns are prompting Chinese education agencies to redirect students toward alternative study-abroad destinations, especially in Southeast Asia and Europe. This shift was highlighted at a recent annual forum held by the Beijing Overseas Study Service Association (BOSSA), China’s largest industry association for international education agencies.
BOSSA, which represents nearly 300 study-abroad agencies responsible for advising around 60% of China’s outbound students, has issued new guidance advising education agents to steer Chinese students away from the United States due to the increasingly fraught U.S.-China relationship. Speaking at the forum in late April, BOSSA President Sang Mingze cited escalating political and economic uncertainty as reasons for the shift, warning that expectations of rapid market growth in overseas education may be unrealistic.
Political Tensions Are Reshaping Study Abroad Trends
Sang emphasized that the strained relationship between China and the U.S. has already altered student preferences and may accelerate a broader “decoupling” in education. BOSSA is now encouraging agencies to expand their investment and partnerships in regions aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, particularly Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Sang noted that many students who previously planned to study in the U.S. have instead begun applying to universities in the UK and Australia. This trend could intensify if U.S.-China tensions persist, especially with the potential for new travel warnings and government messaging discouraging study in the U.S.
In fact, on April 9, China’s Ministry of Education issued its first official 2024 study-abroad advisory, urging students and families to evaluate risks before committing to U.S. institutions. This warning followed the passage of new higher education legislation in Ohio perceived as discriminatory toward China and indicative of tightening regulations on educational cooperation.
Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill that could restrict federal funding for universities engaged with certain Chinese institutions, including those affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The bill is now under review by the U.S. Senate.
The UK Overtakes the U.S. as Top Choice for Chinese Students
These developments have opened the door for other countries to attract Chinese students. The British Council, which participated in BOSSA’s forum, cited the 2024 QS International Student Survey, showing that the UK has surpassed the U.S. as the most desirable destination for Chinese students since 2020. According to the survey, 49% of over 14,000 respondents selected the UK, while only 19% chose the U.S., ranking it behind Hong Kong and Australia.
The British Council also noted that concerns about global economic instability, food inflation, and job security are major factors influencing Chinese families’ decisions. Rising living costs are driving students to more affordable destinations. BOSSA research found that in 2024, Chinese students would pay an average of RMB 35,000 (approximately USD 4,844) more annually to study in the U.S. compared to 2023. The extra cost for the UK is RMB 28,000 (USD 3,875), and RMB 18,000 (USD 2,491) for Australia.
Southeast Asia Gains Traction Due to Affordability
BOSSA’s data shows that affordability is now a leading factor in study-abroad decisions. Among six key destination countries (the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Malaysia), Malaysia recorded the largest year-on-year increase in new Chinese student visas in 2024—up 25% to 33,216, nearly double the number since 2020.
These findings are echoed by China’s Center for Studying Abroad Service, which released its 2024 “Blue Book on Chinese Students Returning from Overseas.” The report shows that Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly popular among Chinese students, citing safety, academic quality, affordability, and career prospects. Notably, Singapore surpassed the U.S. for the first time as the second-most popular destination, praised for its low crime rates and strong global connections.
Between 2020 and 2023, the proportion of Chinese graduates returning from Asia rose from 21.61% to 31.35%, while those returning from North America fell from 25.62% to 18.73%, further reflecting this regional pivot.
Transnational Education Models Gain Popularity
Despite rising concerns over overseas safety, there is growing interest in Sino-foreign cooperative education programs. These arrangements allow students to begin their higher education in China before transferring abroad, offering both cost savings and a smoother transition. However, Sang cautioned that the quality of such joint programs varies widely, causing confusion among parents.
Some U.S.-affiliated programs are facing heightened scrutiny. In January, the University of Michigan announced it would end its longstanding joint institute with Shanghai Jiao Tong University. In contrast, other partnerships, such as Duke Kunshan University and NYU Shanghai, continue to thrive despite geopolitical and economic headwinds.
Modest Recovery in the International Education Market
Visa data further confirms that the overall study-abroad market is recovering slowly. In 2024, the six main destination countries collectively issued 396,944 new student visas to Chinese nationals, representing 86% of the pre-pandemic level in 2019. However, this figure is 0.5% lower than in 2023, signaling a stagnating recovery compared to the pre-pandemic annual growth rate of 8–10%.
As China’s outbound students continue to reassess their options amid a complex global environment, study-abroad agencies are playing a pivotal role in shaping the new landscape—one that increasingly favors diversified, affordable, and regionally aligned education destinations.
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