Chinese Students Flock To Edinburgh University: The Numbers

Edinburgh University has become increasingly reliant on income from Chinese students, who make up a significant proportion of the student population. The university has admitted that it needs to reduce this reliance and attract more students from other parts of the world. There are an estimated 6,000 to 7,500 Chinese international students at the University of Edinburgh, with the number having risen sharply since 2018. This is more than three times the number of US students and not far off the number of Scottish and English students, which stand at just over 11,000 each. The large number of Chinese students has brought economic benefits to the university and the city of Edinburgh, but there are concerns about the potential loss of income if the number of students from China were to decrease.

There are over 5,000 Chinese students at Edinburgh University

The large number of Chinese students at Edinburgh University is not an isolated phenomenon. Other universities in Scotland and the UK have also experienced a similar trend, leading to a growing dependence on Chinese student fees. The impact of this reliance became evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, when there were concerns about a potential decrease in international students, including those from China.

Edinburgh, as a city, has a symbiotic relationship with China, and the presence of Chinese students contributes significantly to its economy. The city is a popular destination for Chinese tourists, and its universities, including Edinburgh Napier and Heriot-Watt, have established offices in China to cater to this market. The potential loss of income from Chinese students and tourists has led to calls for a re-evaluation of Edinburgh and Scotland's relationship with the country.

The University of Edinburgh has specific entry requirements for applicants from China. While the Chinese Senior High School Certificate is generally not accepted, the university offers alternative pathways for these students, such as completing a Foundation Year or achieving excellent results in the Chinese National University Entrance Examination (Gaokao). The university also accepts other qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate and Scottish qualifications, for direct entry into undergraduate degree programs.

This number is higher than the number from the US

The University of Edinburgh is home to a large number of Chinese students, with estimates ranging from 5,000 to 7,500. This number is significantly higher than the number of students from the US, which stands at around one-third of the Chinese student population. The high number of Chinese students at the university can be attributed to several factors, including the growing wealth of the middle class in mainland China, making international study more accessible. Additionally, the US has become less attractive to Chinese students due to the political tensions between the two countries.

The University of Edinburgh is not the only institution in the city with a significant Chinese student population. Edinburgh Napier University and Heriot-Watt University also have a notable presence of Chinese students, with Napier offering distance learning to nearly 2,000 Chinese students. The presence of Chinese students in Edinburgh's universities has a significant impact on the city's economy, with international students contributing high fees that fund the expansion of the universities.

The large number of Chinese students in Edinburgh has led to a symbiotic relationship between the city and China. This is evident in the "panda diplomacy" years, where Edinburgh Zoo housed two pandas on loan from China. However, the reliance on Chinese students and tourists has raised concerns among academics and politicians, who call for a re-evaluation of the relationship. They argue that Edinburgh and Scotland should not put "all [their] eggs in one basket" and should instead focus on attracting a diverse range of international students and tourists.

While the exact number of Chinese students at the University of Edinburgh may vary, it is clear that their presence has a significant impact on the university and the city. The university recognises its reliance on Chinese student fees and has expressed a desire to attract more students from other parts of the world, including the US, India, and Southeast Asian countries. By diversifying its international student body, the university can reduce its vulnerability to political and economic changes in any one region, ensuring a more stable and globally diverse student population.

The number of Chinese students is close to the number of Scottish and English students

The University of Edinburgh is home to a large number of Chinese students. In fact, there are around 5,000 students from China enrolled at the university, according to a 2023 figure. This number has increased sharply since 2018, according to the university principal, Peter Mathieson. In 2022, Mathieson stated that the number of Chinese students at the university was over 7,000, which is more than three times the number of US students and close to the number of Scottish and English students, which stand at just over 11,000 each. The growing number of Chinese students at the University of Edinburgh reflects a broader trend of increasing Chinese enrolment at universities worldwide, fuelled by the growing wealth of the middle class in mainland China.

The large number of Chinese students at the University of Edinburgh has led to a reliance on income from these students, particularly as they pay extremely high fees. This reliance on Chinese students has prompted the university to aim to increase intake from other countries, such as the US, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, to balance the sources of international student demand. The potential loss of income from Chinese students due to various factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and changing geopolitical relationships, has highlighted the importance of diversifying the university's student body.

While the University of Edinburgh has expressed a desire to attract more students from other parts of the world, it is important to recognise the contributions and benefits that Chinese students bring to the university and the city of Edinburgh as a whole. Chinese students make up a significant portion of the international student population, contributing to the cultural diversity and academic excellence of the university. They also bring significant economic benefits to the university and the local community, as they tend to have higher spending power and support local businesses.

The presence of Chinese students at the University of Edinburgh also reflects the broader relationship between Edinburgh, Scotland, and China. Edinburgh has actively sought to attract Chinese students and tourists, with initiatives such as the 'China Ready' campaign and the loan of pandas to Edinburgh Zoo. However, recent events, such as controversies with Chinese companies and concerns about human rights abuses, have led to calls for a re-evaluation of this relationship. There are concerns about the potential loss of Chinese students and the impact it could have on the university's finances and the local economy.

Chinese students pay extremely high fees to study at Edinburgh University

Edinburgh University has over 7,000 Chinese students, which is more than three times the number of students from the US and close to the number of Scottish and English students, which stand at just over 11,000 each. The high number of Chinese students is due in part to the growing wealth of the middle class in mainland China, enabling more students to afford the high cost of international study.

The University of Edinburgh is an expensive place to study for international students, with tuition fees for international/EU students ranging from £14,850 to £28,950 per year for undergraduate degrees, and £13,550 per year for postgraduate degrees. These fees are significantly higher than those paid by students from the UK, who pay £6,500 per year for postgraduate degrees.

The University of Edinburgh also requires proof of financial stability to support living costs, which can vary depending on lifestyle, budget, and spending habits. The University recommends that all students open a UK bank account to make regular payments, such as rent or household bills, easier.

While the University offers some scholarships and funding opportunities for international students, the majority of the cost must be covered by the student. This means that Chinese students at the University of Edinburgh are paying extremely high fees to study there, contributing significantly to the University's finances.

The University has acknowledged its reliance on Chinese student fees and is taking steps to attract a more diverse range of international students, including from the US, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Africa.

The university has an office in China

The University of Edinburgh has a long history of engagement with China and has built a strong presence in the country. In December 2017, the university bid farewell to Dr Nini Yang, who worked for 13 years at the institution, leading the first of its overseas offices in China.

The China Office was established in 2005 with the aim of partnership development, raising the university's profile, and building its reputation across China. Dr Yang played a pivotal role in strengthening and initiating links with key universities excelling in medicine and other subjects. She facilitated formal agreements with prestigious Chinese universities, including China Agricultural University, Xiamen University, Nankai University, and Fudan University. The office also engaged with the Chinese Ministry of Health, further solidifying the university's presence in the country.

The presence of the China Office has been instrumental in raising the University of Edinburgh's profile and recognition in China. Dr Yang's efforts in partnership development and joint programme establishment have undoubtedly influenced student recruitment. The university's student intake from China has increased significantly since the office's establishment.

The University of Edinburgh's commitment to its Chinese students and alumni is evident through initiatives such as the Beijing Graduation Ceremony. This event, held in the Chinese State Guest House, was a grand gathering that duplicated the university's graduation ceremony in Beijing, allowing Chinese students' family and extended family to attend and celebrate their achievements.

The university's representative for China is Esther Sum, who can be contacted at futurestudens@ed.ac.uk for advice and support.

Frequently asked questions