International student numbers in China reach about 380,000

Official figures reported by ICEF Monitor in July 2026 show that roughly 380,000 international students from nearly 200 countries were studying in China in the 2024/25 academic year. That is still below the pre-pandemic level of nearly 500,000, but 96% above the 2021 low of 255,700. China reopened its borders in January 2023.

54% of these students were enrolled in degree programmes, and 35% of degree-seekers were postgraduates. Engineering accounted for 28% of foreign students. By region, 61% came from Asia, around 16% from Africa and around 16% from Europe.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) lists strengthening the "Study in China" brand among its priorities, which points to more programmes and scholarship opportunities for international students in the coming years.