According to a recent survey, the United Kingdom has surpassed the United States as the preferred destination for Chinese students studying abroad for the first time since 2020. The change in preference is attributed to the UK’s shorter academic programs and its relatively stable political environment. This shift is part of the 2025 Report on Chinese Students’ Overseas Study, which offers insights into the trends and motivations behind Chinese students’ decisions to pursue education abroad.
The report, published in late May by New Oriental Education and Technology Group, highlights that while the UK has emerged as the top choice, the US continues to be a popular destination. Following these two, other favored countries include Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. Interestingly, Canada, which was once a leading choice, has seen a decline in popularity over the last three years, while Ireland has gained momentum, climbing to the seventh spot.
This survey, which gathered responses from 8,014 participants—including prospective overseas students, their parents, and professionals—reveals key factors influencing study abroad decisions. Among undergraduates and higher-level students, engineering remains the most sought-after field, with 22% of respondents interested in this discipline. Management and economics follow closely, with 16% and 11% of students pursuing these fields, respectively, due to the promising job prospects and high salaries associated with these areas.
The report also indicates a growing interest in interdisciplinary studies. Many Chinese students are increasingly considering or already applying for interdisciplinary programs, with motivations rooted in strong career opportunities, personal interest, and compatibility with their previous academic backgrounds.
Another key finding points to the correlation between parents’ careers and their willingness to support their children’s overseas education. The proportion of parents in leadership or executive roles planning to send their children abroad has increased significantly, rising from 20% in 2022 to 31% by 2025. Conversely, the share of parents in middle management or general employee positions has decreased. Furthermore, parents with higher educational qualifications are more likely to fund international study programs, with over half of them holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Additionally, the survey found that the percentage of parents with overseas education backgrounds has been steadily increasing, reaching 25% in 2025. These parents are more likely to have a progressive outlook on their children’s education, which influences their decision to support study abroad plans.
In terms of financial commitment, the average annual income of families sending children abroad is approximately 483,000 yuan (around $67,247). These families allocate an average of 544,000 yuan for overseas study expenses.
Another emerging trend is the broadening of the demographic for overseas education. Alongside younger students aged 15 to 25, there is a noticeable rise in interest from professionals aged 25 to 40, who are pursuing further education through distance learning programs to enhance their skills. Moreover, an increasing number of retirees are exploring study abroad options, further diversifying the profile of students seeking international education.
This evolving trend in the study abroad market underlines the changing dynamics of global education, as Chinese students and their families continue to prioritize international learning experiences that align with both personal growth and professional development.
