New Oriental Report: 63% of undergraduates intend to study abroad, a 12-year high, with a more rational approach to studying abroad

On March 17, New Oriental released the “China Students’ Study Abroad Development Report” (hereinafter referred to as the “Report”). It shows that in 2026, China’s study abroad market will exhibit distinct higher-education-dominated characteristics: students currently enrolled in undergraduate programs have a study abroad intent rate as high as 63%, the highest since 2012, making them the main force in the study-abroad cohort. When combined with the study-abroad demand from master’s and PhD groups, the total study-abroad intent for the higher-education stage rises to 77%. Furthering one’s education remains the core motivation driving Chinese students to choose to study abroad.

From different education stages and institutions, in 2026, the proportion of students from domestic general higher education institutions with study abroad intent is 49%, staying at the top among all types of institutions for the long term; at the primary and secondary school stage, public-school students in ordinary classes have a study abroad intent rate of 55%. Studying abroad has already become an important path for students in ordinary schools to obtain high-quality educational resources and achieve an educational credential upgrade.

The Report points out that parents’ educational philosophy and resource support are important forces driving the development of the study-abroad market. In 2026, the share of parents with an undergraduate degree or higher reached a historical high, with more than 25% of parents having overseas education. In terms of selecting study-abroad majors, engineering majors have led study-abroad applications for 10 consecutive years, accounting for 22% in 2026. Economics has continued to rise over the past three years, reaching 12%, reflecting students’ recognition of the professional value of economics amid a backdrop of globalized competition.

The ranking of study-abroad destinations is seeing a historic shift. The UK, backed by stable education quality, flexible visa policies, and a mature ecosystem for international students, has remained firmly at the top of the list of intended study-abroad destinations for 7 consecutive years. Hong Kong, China, has continued to climb in ranking over the past 12 years; in 2026, it jumped to second place for the first time. Geographic advantages, a safe environment, and language convenience are the core attractions. The United States, affected by policy fluctuations, has fallen to third.

Notably, influenced by the global economic environment, the logic families use to choose schools for study abroad is becoming more rational. Tuition has jumped to the second-largest factor in choosing a school, and scholarship policies are also an important consideration; value for money has become the keyword for study-abroad school selection today. At the same time, school rankings, major fit, and employment rates after graduation remain the three most closely watched factors. This reflects that while study-abroad families pursue high-quality educational resources, they also place greater emphasis on cost control and employment returns, forming a rational decision-making model that takes both “quality and cost” into account.

The Report shows that in 2026, Chinese students’ average study-abroad budget is 605,000 yuan, setting a new record for the past 12 years. Since 2020, study-abroad budgets have continued to grow; the significant increase in 2026 is mainly driven by global inflation factors, along with the natural growth in rigid expenditures such as tuition and living costs. Despite rising costs, the heat of the study-abroad market has not decreased, indicating the rigid nature of study-abroad demand.

Faced with high costs and intense competition, study-abroad motivations are shifting from romantic aspirations to practical pursuit. Data from the Report for 8 consecutive years shows that the employment advantages brought by studying abroad are still widely recognized; employment returns have become a key driving factor, and “enhancing employment competitiveness” remains the core demand for studying abroad.

In terms of post-graduation choices, the “stability-oriented” trend in overseas returnee employment is becoming more pronounced. “Directly finding a job” remains the mainstream option, accounting for 68%. The actual proportion of “taking the public service exam / taking the civil service exam” is 15%, doubling the planned proportion (7%), becoming an important new direction for overseas returnee employment. By contrast, the actual proportions of starting a business (6%) and flexible employment (11%) are both lower than the planned values, reflecting that overseas returnee groups, when choosing employment, are more inclined toward positions with greater stability and certainty to respond to a complex employment environment, adopting a more practical mindset.

The Report also indicates that the core obstacles to overseas students’ employment are shifting from external market pressures to shortcomings in their own abilities. Lack of internship and work experience, unclear career planning, and insufficient interview skills are the main problems overseas students face when job hunting. This trend suggests that during their studies abroad, overseas students should not only focus on improving academic ability, but also lay out career planning in advance, actively accumulate internship experience, and enhance job-search skills, so they can better cope with the competition in employment upon returning to China.

This Report has been released by New Oriental for 12 consecutive years. This survey is jointly conducted by New Oriental together with global digital payments company Visa and market research firm Kantar. The survey covers 33 provincial-level administrative regions across the country and some overseas countries and regions. Respondents include students and parents with study-abroad intentions, students with study-abroad experience, and members of society participating in recruitment activities. A total of 6,904 valid samples were collected and returned.