More Chinese students are studying abroad than ever before, here are the numbers.
Chinese students are studying overseas in much greater numbers than ever before. Statistics shows that in 2014 alone, more than 459,800 Chinese students went abroad, heading to mostly the United States, Australia, Canada, the UK and Japan. Two-thirds of 4.5 million chose to study in the US. Out of these, 41% were enrolled in undergraduate programs, 39% in graduate programs and 14.2% in practical training programs. Figures also revealed that 31.2% of the international students in the US had a Chinese nationality, and this group added $9.8 billion to the US economy in the 2014-2015 academic year. In the same year, 364,800 Chinese students returned home. Even though 86% of these returnees (called sea turtles in China) found jobs within six months of returning, a report says 77% of them are paid lower-than-expected salaries. Interested in where Chinese students are headed? Click on the infographic to know more.
Sources: Institute of International Education, US Dept. of Commerce, Chinese Ministry of Education, Australian Dept. of Education, Canadian Bureau for International Education, UK Council for International Students Affairs, Japan Student Service Organization, New Oriental, UK Higher Education Statistics Agency
Enjoying what you’re reading?
CKGSB Report
Related Articles
Our Programs
Global Unicorn Program: Scaling for Success in the Age of AI
In partnership with Stanford Engineering Center for Global & Online Education
Global Unicorn Program Series
This CKGSB program equips entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and key stakeholders with the tools, insights, and skills necessary to lead a new generation of unicorn companies.
LocationStanford University Campus,
California, United States
Date29 Sep - 03 Oct, 2025
LanguageEnglish with Chinese Translation
Emerging Tech Management Week: Silicon Valley
In partnership with UC Berkeley College of Engineering
Global Unicorn Program Series
This program equips participants with proven strategies, cutting-edge research, and the best-in-class advice to fuel innovation, seize emerging tech developments, and catalyse transformation within your organization.
LocationUC Berkeley
Date02 - 07 Nov, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Asia Start: AI + Digital China Expedition
Asia Start provides entrepreneurs and executives with unparalleled access to Asia’s dynamic digital economy and its business ecosystems, offering the latest trends and insights, strategies, and connections to overcome challenges and unlock future growth for your business in Asia and beyond.
LocationShanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen
Date17 - 21 Nov, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Smart Cities, Fintech, and Alternative Energy for the Global Future
In partnership with Columbia Engineering
Global Unicorn Program Series
This program is a transformative initiative designed to empower civil leaders and businesses in smart city development, fintech, alternative energy, and new energy sectors.
LocationDubai, UAE
Date15 - 19 Dec, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Opportunities in the Disruption of Traditional Industries
In partnership with The University of Sydney
Global Unicorn Program Series
The Global Unicorn Program in Disruption of Traditional Industries – presented jointly by CKGSB and University of Sydney – will emphasize Australia’s distinctive contributions.
LocationSydney, Australia
Date24 - 27 Feb, 2026
LanguageEnglish
AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program
In partnership with Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
Global Unicorn Program Series
The 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program stands at the forefront of addressing the critical need for innovative healthcare solutions powered by artificial intelligence.
LocationJohns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C.
DateSummer 2026
