On March 17, New Oriental Education & Technology Group released the "Development Report on Chinese Students Studying Abroad." The report provides an in-depth analysis of key topics including changes in the student demographic, choices of destination and major, costs and returns, and post-graduation plans. By incorporating real admission cases, it offers a comprehensive view of new trends and logic in Chinese overseas education.
The report was jointly conducted by New Oriental Education & Technology Group in collaboration with Visa and Kantar. Leveraging the core strengths of all three parties, it thoroughly examines 12 years of extensive study-abroad data and industry experience. It offers a detailed analysis of the educational characteristics, application requirements, and employment prospects of mainstream study destinations, presenting an authentic picture of the study-abroad experience at various stages. The report also covers key preparation points and analysis for major language proficiency tests while exploring new industry trends.
The survey covered a wide range of 33 provincial-level administrative regions in China as well as some overseas countries and regions. Respondents included students and parents with intentions to study abroad, students with prior overseas study experience, and professionals involved in corporate recruitment. A total of 6,904 valid samples were collected.
According to the report, the Chinese overseas study market in 2026 is characterized by a clear dominance of higher education. Undergraduate students accounted for 63% of those intending to study abroad, the highest proportion in 12 years, making them the main demographic driving study-abroad trends. When combined with the demand from master's and doctoral students, the total proportion of higher education students intending to study abroad rose to 77%. Pursuing advanced degrees remains the core motivation for Chinese students choosing to study overseas.
Additionally, the choice of majors in 2026 shows both practicality and diversity. Engineering majors have led study-abroad applications for ten consecutive years, accounting for 21.84% in 2026. Economics majors have seen continuous growth over the past three years, rising to 11.95%. Majors in literature and medicine have also steadily increased, contributing to a more diverse application landscape.
The report also highlights a "mainstream persistence + emerging rise" pattern in language proficiency tests. IELTS remains the primary choice for studying in Commonwealth countries. The TOEFL test has undergone significant reforms, with the test duration shortened to 90 minutes and the addition of a European scoring system. Meanwhile, PTE and Duolingo English Test (DET), as emerging options known for quick results, are gaining popularity. PTE, which is fully computer-based and provides results within 48 hours, and DET, which supports at-home testing, have become preferred choices for time-sensitive candidates seeking convenience.
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