Over the past 70 years, China has significantly advanced in welcoming international students and fostering global educational exchanges. Recognizing the importance of international education, the Chinese government has developed a well-structured system tailored to its national values. This system has produced numerous professionals in fields such as science, technology, diplomacy, and education, especially for developing countries, strengthening China’s political, diplomatic, and economic ties worldwide.
China’s journey of hosting international students began in 1950, when 33 students from Eastern Europe arrived. By the end of 2023, China had hosted more than 500,000 international students from over 195 countries. This includes students funded by the Chinese Government Scholarship and self-financed students, both of which have seen substantial growth in recent years. The Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC), established in 1996, continues to manage and enroll government-sponsored students, ensuring a smooth process for scholarship recipients.
Following China’s reforms and its opening-up policy in 1978, international student education saw rapid growth. From 1979 to the present, China has become a preferred destination for international students, especially from developing nations. As of 2023, South Korea, Thailand, Pakistan, the United States, and India are among the top countries sending students to China. Notably, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has enhanced partnerships between China and various countries, further boosting student mobility.
Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted in-person learning for international students, China has remained committed to expanding opportunities. By 2023, many universities had resumed welcoming international students, with growing demand for online and hybrid learning options. Approximately 500,000 international students are now pursuing higher education in China, a clear indicator of the country’s global appeal.
The Chinese Government Scholarship program, extended to 183 countries by 2023, continues to attract students from all over the globe. In 2023 alone, more than 10,000 new scholarship recipients were enrolled, the majority of whom came from Asia, followed by Africa, Europe, and the Americas. China also offers specialized scholarships such as the Great Wall Scholarship, the HSK Winner Scholarship, and scholarships for Chinese culture and language research.
China remains focused on improving the quality of education for international students, with the China Scholarship Council managing annual reviews of the Chinese Government Scholarship students. Along with the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), these organizations provide online resources, consultations, and application services to support international students.
The 2023 Conference on Study by Foreign Students in China reinforced the government’s long-term commitment to international education. The focus was on adapting policies to the changing needs of global education, improving management, and ensuring high educational standards, contributing to the steady growth and development of international student programs in China.
With China continuing to maintain a robust education system, its influence in the global academic landscape is only set to increase, making it an even more attractive destination for international students in the years to come.