The Changing Nature of the Study in China Opportunity
Who it makes sense for, and who it doesn't
TLDR:
Good for research, an experience or a low cost base to launch a global career.
Not so good for long term careers, or for a base for starting a family.
I first came to China in 2007
I’ve been working in the study in China market since 2010 having founded China Admissions online platform.
I’ve been speaking to many students and understanding their reasons for studying in China.
China is an incredible country and I’m hugely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, how I’ve been treated and to have experienced such an incredible boom and development of human - probably the biggest period of economic growth in the period of the world.
Looking back on it now, I recognised two key phases:
Phase 1: Between 2007 and 2019 - this was the time when China was booming.
Careers, Language and Opportunity.
Phase 2: 2020-Now - Research, Credential & Low-Cost Launch Base
In Phase 1 - the energy was very much - study in China - the future is China. Many students were coming to study in China to learn Chinese and build a career in the fastest growing major economy.
In 2020, the market shifted - for a couple of reasons, COVID, and part of it is housing market in China which meant the forces of gravity hit the Chinese market.
It wasn’t obvious at the time, I thought it was a temporary issue, but it’s clear in retrospect that things had changed permanently in some ways.
Part of that is because housing is limited, and international talent is usually transient compared to other countries.
What this means is that while you will build relationships in China with students from multiple countries, very few of them, or you, will end up staying - because of fewer long term career opportunities. This is quite different to other countries like Germany, UK, Australia for example, or those where there are more career opportunities.
Of course part of this is up to each student.
Right now China is a great destination for students who:
Are looking at high quality research - China is one of the best places for that.
Are looking to save money and get a great education - but launch their careers elsewhere. International students can’t easily get work permission in China after graduation. The job market is tighter, China’s youth unemployment is high, and post-graduation work access for foreigners is restricted.
Are connected with China, from overseas Chinese family, or looking to learn Chinese.
Some of the good opportunities are top ranked universities such as Peking or Tsinghua and international universities in China, such as XJTLU or UNNC where you can often get two or more degrees, at a lower cost.
Are interested to travel and explore China.
Students interested in hardware, robotics or tech companies can choose Shenzhen.
Students who are outgoing and looking to network and go to events and meet people.
Who shouldn’t choose studying in China?
Students looking for a career in China - students need to do the career planning themselves actively - online and in their home country to set up career opportunities for themselves.
Students unwilling to engage with the language and culture.
Students who already know what kind of career they want in their home country or another country, and studying in China might not be a worthwhile investment of time (which is the most valuable form of investment)
Advice for students
It is more important to take your education into your own hands. Use the facilities and resources available to you - the community, the internet, resources online, mentors, AI and get involved in your own projects. If possible try to start working as soon as possible to get experience and build proof of work online. Network and get to know more people who can help in your career.
Also think about family early. There is no reason why you can’t have a family young.
If you are looking to study in China, I explore more in this article about scholarships here.
How to get scholarships in 2027 at Chinese universities
It can be really tough for students to understand how to get a scholarship to study in China.
You can also explore more about the programs on China Admissions and globally on
Global Admissions.