For the first time since 2020, the United Kingdom has overtaken the United States as the most popular destination for Chinese students seeking to study abroad, according to a recent survey. The UK’s shorter academic programs and relatively stable political climate contributed to its rise in preference.
The 2025 Report on Chinese Students’ Overseas Study, released by New Oriental Education and Technology Group in late May, also highlights other favored destinations. Following the UK and US, Hong Kong SAR, Australia, Japan, and Singapore ranked as top choices for prospective students in 2025.
Canada, previously a preferred destination, has seen declining appeal over the past three years. Meanwhile, Ireland’s popularity has surged, climbing to seventh place this year.
Based on responses from 8,014 participants—including current and prospective overseas students, their parents, and professionals—the report reveals trends in study preferences. Among undergraduate and higher-level students planning to study abroad, engineering remains the most popular major (22 percent), followed by management (16 percent) and economics (11 percent), reflecting strong employment prospects and competitive salaries in these fields.
The report also notes a growing interest in interdisciplinary studies, driven by students’ career goals, personal interests, and alignment with their academic backgrounds, indicating China’s rising demand for innovative, cross-disciplinary talent.
Parental background appears to influence overseas study decisions. Parents in leadership or executive roles have increased from 20 percent in 2022 to 31 percent in 2025 among those planning to send children abroad. Conversely, the share of middle management and general employee parents has decreased. Additionally, over half of these parents hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and an increasing proportion have personal overseas education experience—up to 25 percent in 2025 after 11 consecutive years of growth.
Financially, families intending to send children abroad report an average annual income of 483,000 yuan (approximately $67,247) and allocate an average budget of 544,000 yuan for overseas education.
The survey also observes a diversification in the demographics of overseas study aspirants. Beyond youth aged 15 to 25, working professionals aged 25 to 40 increasingly pursue international education—often via distance learning—to broaden skills. Notably, retirees have also begun engaging in overseas study opportunities.
Sun Tao, vice-president of New Oriental Education & Technology Group and president of its Vision Overseas subsidiary, commented, “We see a widening range of individuals exploring international education, reflecting evolving demands and opportunities for lifelong learning.”
Related Topics
