BEIJING - A record 292,611 students from 194 countries and regions studied in China in 2011, up 10.38 percent from the previous year, figures from the Ministry of Education show.

These students studied in 660 colleges, academic institutions and other educational organizations, according to a statement released Tuesday by the ministry.

Of the total, 25,687 were supported by scholarships from the Chinese government, up 14.73 percent year-on-year. Self-funded learners, which accounted for the rest, increased by 9.98 percent year-on-year.

As for nationalities, the Republic of Korea sent the highest number of students to China, followed by the United States and Japan.?

"Students from overseas are a significant part of our country's education drive. We will further regulate education management and boost the quality of education for students from overseas," the ministry said in the statement.

According to the statement, the country aims to attract 500,000 overseas students by 2020.