研究生已占在华学历留学生总数的 35%

Of the 205,000 degree-seeking international students in China in 2024–2025, 35% were postgraduates, according to Ministry of Education data. Officials described this as a deliberate shift from expansion of numbers towards improvement of level and quality.

For applicants this matters practically. Chinese universities are increasingly competitive at taught master's level while remaining relatively open at research master's and doctoral level, particularly in science and engineering where supervisors need research students and hold grant funding. Funded doctoral positions in laboratory sciences are the most obtainable places in the Chinese system for a well-prepared international applicant.

The Ministry of Education has indicated that growth in degree-seeking and postgraduate enrolment is considered more important than total enrolment figures, which suggests the upward shift will continue.