Overseas study no longer only for the elite

Heading to a peak

Since 2010, China has been the largest source of international students, and there is no sign its lead will be overtaken anytime soon.

Yu Minhong, founder and CEO of New Oriental Education and Technology Group, estimates that the number of Chinese studying abroad each year will peak at between 700,000 and 800,000.

"Considering China's economic growth and rising household incomes, the annual number of Chinese studying abroad will continue to grow for several years. Then it will fluctuate in line with the annual birthrate and the economy," he said.

Yu estimates that at the peak 80,000 to 100,000 Chinese will be in primary and secondary education abroad, while 400,000 to 500,000 will be attending colleges and universities. Moreover, 100,000 to 200,000 will be pursuing postgraduate education, and 50,000 to 100,000 will be undergoing skills training at vocational schools.

Economic considerations and the capacity of international universities to absorb extra students will limit the rise, as foreign schools cannot simply expand their enrollment plans to take on more students, he said.

He added that more than 80 percent of those who pursue education overseas return to China and contribute to the country's development.

"From a long-term perspective, it is a positive thing. China's policies will continue to support overseas study, and the Chinese people are aware that having more people study abroad can have a positive effect on the country's long-term development," he said.