Douglas Olsen
As of March 2024, China had implemented a series of measures to revive the number of inbound students to pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, China fully reopened its borders and welcomed international students to its universities. However, some international students are still stranded in China and unable to leave, while others are unable to enter or return to the country. International students have started a campaign on Twitter to demand their swift return to China.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of reopening | 17 November 2023 |
| Current status | Open to international students |
| Previous status | Closed since March 2020 |
| Current demand | High |
| Current challenges | Students are hesitant due to geopolitical tensions, campus interactions, red tape, and poor employment prospects |
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What You'll Learn
International students stranded in China
International students have been stranded in China and unable to leave the country since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Some have had their scholarship support cut, making it difficult to cover basic living expenses like rent and food. In addition, students who have been taking online classes are facing challenges in completing their degrees remotely, especially those whose degrees require laboratory work.
In August 2020, China began gradually issuing visas to international students again. By late 2023, China had fully reopened its borders and was welcoming international students back to its universities. However, some students were hesitant to return due to the ongoing pandemic, geopolitical tensions, red tape, and poor job prospects.
China has implemented various measures to attract international students and revive the number of inbound travellers to pre-pandemic levels. Chinese universities offer a range of attractive features, including diverse programs, affordability, scholarships, funding opportunities, research and innovation potential, cultural and social activities, and connections with industry and government. The country's successful containment of the virus and vaccine rollout have also contributed to its appeal.
Despite these efforts, some prospective and former students report dwindling enthusiasm for Chinese universities. The pandemic significantly impacted the number of international students in China, with many having to leave or stay in isolation, while others were unable to enter or return. In 2019, just before the pandemic, there were nearly 500,000 international students enrolled in Chinese universities from over 200 countries, but that number halved during the pandemic.
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Online classes as a temporary solution
China has been a popular destination for international students, with nearly 500,000 international students enrolled in universities in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions significantly impacted the ability of international students to enter or return to China to continue their studies.
While China successfully contained the virus and gradually resumed issuing visas for international students as early as August 2020, the number of international students in the country decreased. In 2025, international students started a campaign on Twitter to demand their swift return to China.
For some students, online classes have been a temporary solution to continue their studies. However, this option is not feasible for all students, especially those with lab-based work or research requirements. Online classes may also impact the quality of education and delay degree completion, as some universities have time limits for enrolment.
Despite the challenges, China has implemented measures to revive the number of inbound students to pre-pandemic levels. Chinese universities remain attractive to international students due to their global rankings, diverse programs, affordability, scholarships, research opportunities, and cultural experiences. As of 2025, China has fully reopened its borders and is welcoming international students to its universities.
While analysts are optimistic about the return of international students, some prospective and former students express diminished enthusiasm due to geopolitical tensions, campus interactions, red tape, and poor employment prospects.
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China's successful containment of Covid-19
China has successfully contained the spread of COVID-19, and its economy is recovering well. The Chinese government took decisive and forceful action, including locking down the economy where necessary, which disrupted businesses and caused job losses. However, the swift and effective containment allowed the authorities to reopen the domestic economy, and targeted policy measures supported firms and businesses, enabling a strong recovery.
The containment of COVID-19 in China is attributed to several factors. Firstly, the early response was prompt and comprehensive, including stepwise border control and stringent quarantine measures, which blocked the first wave of imported cases and slowed down local outbreaks. Digital technologies, such as digital fencing and government database linkage, facilitated public health interventions and data collection. Secondly, fiscal policies played a crucial role in both pandemic control and economic recovery. The Chinese government allocated larger budgets to the healthcare and social security system and increased investment in infrastructure projects. Monetary policies also ensured sufficient liquidity in the financial system.
The successful containment of COVID-19 has significant implications for international students who are eager to return to China. Since late March, international students have been unable to enter the country, causing frustration and uncertainty regarding their academic pursuits. Some students are stranded in China, facing challenges with scholarship support, while others are opting for online classes to continue their studies.
While China has effectively contained the pandemic, the authorities must remain vigilant and prepared for potential recurrence. Close coordination among policymakers is essential to avoid cliff effects when phasing out support measures. Additionally, strengthening the mechanism for the disposal of bad loans and enhancing the bank resolution system can help mitigate financial risks. China's successful containment and economic recovery demonstrate the country's resilience and adaptability in the face of a global crisis.
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Chinese universities' global rankings
As of March 2025, China has reopened its borders to foreign students. However, there is no information on when students stranded outside China will be able to return to the country. In the meantime, some international students are taking online classes, but this is not a feasible solution for everyone. For example, a British PhD student at a Chinese university stated that her work is "completely lab-based" and cannot be completed remotely.
Regarding Chinese universities' global rankings, China has been increasing its presence in worldwide university rankings. In the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Mainland China had 13 universities in the global top 200, placing it fourth in terms of overall representation. Beijing had the highest number of universities in the ranking, with 29, followed by Shanghai and Xi'an, with 20 each.
According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, Tsinghua University and Peking University are the top two universities in China. Peking University is a member of the C9 League, which is similar to the Ivy League in the US, and is one of the country's most selective institutions, accepting fewer than 0.2% of National College Entrance Examination (gao kao) takers. Tsinghua University, also based in Beijing, traces its roots back to 1911.
Other top-ranked Chinese universities include Zhejiang University, one of the country's oldest and most selective universities, with 12 academic disciplines and several national research centres; Fudan University in Shanghai, which comprises four campuses; and the University of Science and Technology of China, founded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
In addition to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, other ranking systems include the QS World University Rankings, the U.S. News and World Report Best Global University Ranking, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities. China has performed well in these rankings, particularly in the QS BRICS University Rankings and the THE's Emerging Economies University Rankings, claiming seven of the top ten spots in both.
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Geopolitical tensions and their impact on enrolments
China's reopening to international students has been a highly anticipated development, with students campaigning on Twitter for their swift return to the country amidst the pandemic. The country's Ministry of Education advised students to maintain close contact with their respective colleges and universities and follow the official guidance. While some students opted for online classes, others, particularly those in lab-based courses, faced significant challenges and delays in their studies. The lack of updates caused frustration among those unable to enter China. Additionally, some international students stranded in China encountered financial difficulties due to scholarship support cuts.
Geopolitical tensions between China and other countries, particularly the United States, have had a notable impact on international student enrolments. These tensions have created an unwelcoming environment for Chinese students studying abroad and led to restrictive policies and visa challenges. The US-China tensions have influenced Chinese students' experiences and mobility, with some opting to avoid the United States as a study destination. This shift in preferences has contributed to a decrease in US soft power in the globalization era.
The deteriorating relationship between China and its Western counterparts, led by the United States, has significantly affected students' motivations and plans for overseas education. Chinese students have faced challenges in obtaining visas, with some giving up their study abroad plans or transferring to other countries like the United Kingdom and Singapore. The Trump administration's Proclamation 10,043 in 2020 prohibited Chinese students and researchers associated with the People's Liberation Army from obtaining specific visas.
Xenophobia, Sinophobia, and stereotypes have also influenced Chinese students' decisions on future mobility. The impact of geopolitical factors on enrolment decisions may be underestimated by students due to the influence of scientific internationalism ideas and their intention to return to China after studying abroad. However, the broader societal dynamics and geopolitical realities continue to challenge Chinese students' aspirations for education in other countries.
In conclusion, geopolitical tensions have influenced the enrolment decisions of international students, particularly Chinese students, leading to shifts in their chosen study destinations and, in some cases, disruptions to their studies. These tensions have also impacted students' visa applications and experiences in host countries, contributing to a less welcoming environment and decreasing enrolments in certain regions. The complex interplay between geopolitical factors and international student mobility has been evident in the context of US-China relations and the pandemic response.
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Frequently asked questions
China has fully reopened its borders and is welcoming international students to its universities as of November 2023. The country gradually resumed issuing visas for international students in August 2020.
Analysts are optimistic about the return of international students to China, but many prospective and former students report dwindling enthusiasm due to geopolitical tensions, campus interactions, red tape, and poor employment prospects. Some international students are stranded in China and face challenges such as scholarship support cuts, while others cannot enter or return to continue their studies.
International students face challenges such as travel restrictions, visa delays, and a lack of communication and updates from Chinese authorities. Some students have turned to online classes as a temporary solution, but this is not feasible for all fields of study.
