Undergraduates make up majority of those wishing to study abroad

Undergraduates now make up 59 percent of those aspiring to study abroad, a 4 percent increase from the previous year, highlighting a rising demand for advanced educational qualifications among university students, according to the 2025 Report on Chinese Students' Overseas Study.

The report shows that in 2025, individuals at the undergraduate level and above, including graduates, comprise 75 percent of those planning to study abroad. Among them, students from top-tier universities, such as those in the "Double First-Class" initiative, a government program to enhance higher education quality and global competitiveness, account for 33 percent, marking a 7 percent increase from the previous year.

This rise might be due to improvements in global public health situations, adjustments in overseas universities' admission policies, and the resumption of international academic exchanges, the report suggests.

The report, the 11th in a series, was released by New Oriental Education and Technology Group on Friday.

The survey is based on 8,014 respondents, including students who had studied abroad or intended to do so and their parents in China and worldwide, as well as professionals from various companies.

According to the report, among the students at the undergraduate level and above who wish to study abroad, engineering students represent the largest group at 22 percent, followed by management (16 percent) and economics (11 percent), due to the promising employment prospects and high salaries these majors offer.

Reflecting the country's increasing demand for innovative and interdisciplinary talents, a majority of those intending to study abroad are considering or have already applied for interdisciplinary studies, citing good employment prospects, personal interest, and alignment with previous educational background as main reasons.

With respect to destinations of overseas study, the United Kingdom and the United States have been the top choices for Chinese students studying abroad from 2015 to 2025. The UK has taken the lead over the US since 2019, because of its shorter academic programs and more stable political climate, according to the report.

Following these destinations are China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. Ireland has climbed to the 7th spot in popularity by 2025, while Canada's appeal in the Chinese study abroad market has waned over the past three years.

In addition, over half of the parents of students planning to study abroad have a bachelor's degree or higher, therefore having a more open and attitude toward their children's education. Notably, the percentage of parents with overseas education background has risen for 11 straight years, reaching 25 percent in 2025.

The share of parents in leadership or executive roles has grown annually, from 20 percent in 2022 to 31 percent in 2025. Meanwhile, the proportion of parents in middle management or general employee positions has declined.

In 2025, the average annual income of families intending to study abroad was 483,000 yuan ($67,247), while their budget for studying abroad was 544,000 yuan, according to the report.

"In addition to young people aged 15 to 25, working professionals aged 25 to 40 are also seeking opportunities to expand their horizons and enhance their skills through overseas study in the form of distance learning. Furthermore, an increasing number of retirees are opting to study abroad," said Sun Tao, vice-president of New Oriental Education & Technology Group and president of Vision Overseas, a subsidiary of the group that offers services to students who plan to study abroad.