09 March 2012

According to the latest Ministry of Education (MoE) figures released on 10 February 2012, there were 339,700 Chinese students studying abroad in 2011, among whom 12,800 had been sent (and paid for) by the State, 12,100 had been sent (and paid for) by other organisations, and 314,800 of whom had made their own arrangements and covered their own expenses.

After finishing their studies abroad, 186,200 Chinese students returned to China in 2011; among whom 9,300 had been sent (and paid for) by the State, 7,700 had been sent (and paid for) by other organisations,  and 169,200 of whom had made their own arrangements and covered their own expenses. 

Compared to 2010, 2011 saw significant further growth in the number of people who studied abroad, and also those who returned to China on completion of study. Compared to 2010, the number of people studying abroad increased by over19 % (an increase of 55,000) and the number of people returning to China after studying abroad increased by over 38% (an increase of 51,300).

Between 1978 and the end of 2011, the total number of students (counting all types of students) studying abroad reached over 2,245,100, and the total number of returned overseas students reached 818,400. Of these students, over 72% chose to return home.

By the end of 2011, over 1,426,700 Chinese nationals have studied abroad as international students. Of them 1,108,800 are presently working towards the related phases of the study and research overseas.

Data provided by Chinese Ministry of Education