China’s declining dominance as the top source of international students in the US reflects broader shifts in global education — what’s driving this change?
Academic exchanges play a vital role in helping the US and China nurture their ties as two of the world’s biggest economies. Since 2009, China has topped the list of countries sending students to the US. However, recent changes in global education trends have seen China fall to second place, now surpassed by India.
The US remains a longstanding destination for international students from around the world. China remains a top contributor of international students in the US alongside India, contributing significantly to the American economy through revenue as well as talent in STEM fields. The number of students coming from China has however declined since late 2020 and into 2021. The decline was seen on both sides from the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and increasing geopolitical tensions.
Although the US still ranks first in the list of destination countries, Chinese students are now considering alternatives for study abroad destinations, including the United Kingdom and Australia.
Since President Trump was first elected in 2016, there has been heightened scrutiny of Chinese students. Some US officials have expressed concerns over security issues and students accessing sensitive technology due to an overwhelming number of Chinese students in highly technical courses. Particularly, there have been suspicions of military links, especially relating to students in science and technology fields. Concerns about tighter border controls, visa cancellations, and the unpredictability of the duration of students' stays have weakened Chinese desire to study in the US. This issue has even been raised by Chinese Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong.
Are the numbers slowly going up again?
In recent years, Chinese students have become wary of aversion towards China. This tension has also become more apparent with both US and Chinese media’s portrayal of growing competitiveness between the two.
“Chinese families prioritize high-quality education, especially from prestigious universities, and consider investing in their children's education a high priority, who usually fund their time in the US”, said Georgetown University student Nathan Hsu in an interview with East-West Center Young Professional Prash Bajracharya. “For Chinese students, a master's degree is more appealing due to its shorter duration in the US compared to more intensive programs in China,”, said Hsu. The learning environment in the US is described as more liberal, in contrast to the greater competition in schools and bureaucracy in the private sector in China. Additionally, Hsu, who is originally from China, appreciated the work-life balance that the US offers.
Meanwhile, Chinese students remain concerned for their family’s safety back home, as tensions grow between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan. “From an academic perspective as a student of international relations, tensions between rising and established powers are often inevitable,” Qi Xue, a recent graduate from Georgetown University said during an interview with Bajracharya.
International students accumulate valuable life experiences in the US along with the chance to build lasting friendships. Among the most popular courses for Chinese students are quantitative and skill-based programs, similar to those pursued by other international students, which provide them with a competitive edge in their careers.
“The US offers more sustained opportunities due to its diversity-driven innovation and position as the world’s largest economy. Fields like AI, cryptocurrency, and other technological advancements thrive here,” Xue said in an interview with Bajracharya. As both nations navigate their complex relationship, the future of Chinese student mobility will likely depend on how these issues evolve, balancing academic aspirations with personal and political considerations.
Prash Bajracharya is a Young Professional at the East West Center in Washington. She is currently pursuing her master's degree at McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University.