China’s position as a study destination will be solidified in October, when more than 200 Chinese and Western institutions convene at the country’s first ever conference promoting in-bound mobility.
China wants to increase international enrolments from 250,000 to 500,000 by 2020—a number the Beijing Overseas Study Service Association (BOSSA) says is easily reachable given the country’s rapid economic and institutional development.
“With the reform and development of education in China, colleges are expanding their enrolment numbers more than ever before,” Jason Zhou from BOSSA’s international division told The PIE News.
“With the reform and development of education in China, colleges are expanding their enrolment numbers more than ever before”
“With the rapid rise of China’s economy in recent years, it is undeniable that our country played an essential role on the world stage, which has an extremely important effect on many countries.”
Set to be held over two days in Beijing, the Study in China Conference aims to “promote bilateral education and culture exchange between China and the world”—with those participating looking to form new academic partnerships and student exchange programmes. In addition to representatives from more than 200 Chinese universities and schools, BOSSA says government representatives, service providers and international higher education leaders will attend.
Backed by departments in China’s Ministry of Education, the event has also garnered support from international organisations including the American International Recruitment Council, Art Consortium UK, ICEF and Pearson Education Group.
One day of the conference will overlap with ICEF’s annual Asia workshop. “The Study in China Conference has a focus on inbound international student mobility, as well as exchange and partnership opportunities,” Rod Hearps, Vice President at ICEF told The PIE News.
“Offering the two events back to back is a compelling opportunity for international institutions keen to maximise their student recruitment and exchange activities within the Chinese market.”
China has the highest number of institutions on QS’s Asian rankings
Chinese institutions are also keen to bring international experience to local students. Zhou said increased inbound mobility would help more Chinese students learn how to deal with international students, gain information about foreign cultures, and broaden their personal horizons.
The recent surge in investment at Asian universities is led by China, which has the highest number of institutions on QS’s Asian rankings. Most students studying in China come from countries in the region including South Korea and Thailand.
However, traditional study destination markets have been making moves to increase student numbers in China. Last month the British Council announced a campaign to see at least 15,000 UK students in China by September 2016. Meanwhile, a study released by the Institute of International Education earlier this year showed that the US is on track to meet its goal of sending 100,000 students to china by 2014. Australia also announced an Asia Bound grants programme last year.
