The economics is key reason since the Chinese are very pragmatic people. However is not the decline of the West, rather the rise of the East that's luring promising Chinese students. Many Asian universities & schools are rising in global rankings like in Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and especially mainland Chinese schools.
So there is diminishing returns especially going too far that's much more expensive. In addition there are lots of "scary trends for Chinese parents", which is the Woke & gender agenda and political participation & inclination of US & UK universities.
The haigui salary premium collapsing from 268k to 204k yuan while the study-abroad budget hits a 12-year high is such a striking combination — people spending more to get a credential that’s worth less. And the irony of the piece is right: the countries most suspicious of Chinese students may be watching them leave and calling it a win while quietly losing something they never thought to protect.
In Australia migration from South Asia/India is displacing people from China as largest group of skilled permanent migrants. Similar trends with international students BUT Indian students tend to be both more price conscious and more likely to be seeking a migratory outcome. Chinese students favour the most prestigious universities and tend to go home soon after graduation. South Asian students favour the most economical course with the best chance of permanent residency. These trends have implications for migration policies.
I recently attended a lecture from a UK university professor who stated that President Xi is actively dissuading Chinese students from studying in the UK . You seem to be suggesting that economics is driving the slow down in student numbers . Which one is correct
Well, quick search on Google AI "As of early 2026, there is no evidence that President Xi Jinping is actively or officially dissuading Chinese students from studying in the UK. Contrary to a complete ban, the trend shows that the United Kingdom remains the top preferred study-abroad destination for Chinese students in 2026, with undergraduate applications surging by over 10%."
So that's your answer and likely is the economics.
Anything is possible, numbers/percentages are unobtainable, but I don't know anyone here that gives any thought to what Big Daddy has to say about anything, other than the mid level cadres that have to carry the banner.
I wonder how mainland Chinese emigration to the West impacts the statistic of declining Chinese student numbers. That is, the growing numbers of mainland Chinese with overseas passports. it seems to be a significant number that might impact what seems to be a decline in student numbers, but I dont know.
The economics is key reason since the Chinese are very pragmatic people. However is not the decline of the West, rather the rise of the East that's luring promising Chinese students. Many Asian universities & schools are rising in global rankings like in Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and especially mainland Chinese schools.
So there is diminishing returns especially going too far that's much more expensive. In addition there are lots of "scary trends for Chinese parents", which is the Woke & gender agenda and political participation & inclination of US & UK universities.
The haigui salary premium collapsing from 268k to 204k yuan while the study-abroad budget hits a 12-year high is such a striking combination — people spending more to get a credential that’s worth less. And the irony of the piece is right: the countries most suspicious of Chinese students may be watching them leave and calling it a win while quietly losing something they never thought to protect.
I always like to read your articles and I loved your podcast!!
Any chance you'll start that us again?
Many thanks for your expertise and those you interviewed on the podcast
In Australia migration from South Asia/India is displacing people from China as largest group of skilled permanent migrants. Similar trends with international students BUT Indian students tend to be both more price conscious and more likely to be seeking a migratory outcome. Chinese students favour the most prestigious universities and tend to go home soon after graduation. South Asian students favour the most economical course with the best chance of permanent residency. These trends have implications for migration policies.
I recently attended a lecture from a UK university professor who stated that President Xi is actively dissuading Chinese students from studying in the UK . You seem to be suggesting that economics is driving the slow down in student numbers . Which one is correct
Thanks
Peter
Well, quick search on Google AI "As of early 2026, there is no evidence that President Xi Jinping is actively or officially dissuading Chinese students from studying in the UK. Contrary to a complete ban, the trend shows that the United Kingdom remains the top preferred study-abroad destination for Chinese students in 2026, with undergraduate applications surging by over 10%."
So that's your answer and likely is the economics.
Economics and some amount of general dis-ease with the increasingly loony state of American universities.
Anything is possible, numbers/percentages are unobtainable, but I don't know anyone here that gives any thought to what Big Daddy has to say about anything, other than the mid level cadres that have to carry the banner.
I wonder how mainland Chinese emigration to the West impacts the statistic of declining Chinese student numbers. That is, the growing numbers of mainland Chinese with overseas passports. it seems to be a significant number that might impact what seems to be a decline in student numbers, but I dont know.