China's higher education sector expands global reach

China's higher education sector is experiencing significant scale and global integration. As of 2025, the country hosts approximately 49 million students across more than 3,100 higher education institutions. In Shanghai alone, there are 69 universities serving over 600,000 undergraduate and vocational students, alongside more than 280,000 master's and doctoral candidates.

The global standing of Chinese academia is rising, with six universities from mainland China ranked among the top 100 globally in the 2027 QS rankings. Notable institutions in Shanghai include Fudan University, ranked 26th, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, ranked 36th.

Educational globalization is moving in both directions. While 271,064 international students were reported in Chinese universities in 2024, approximately 570,600 Chinese citizens went abroad for studies in 2025, with 535,600 returning after completing their education. International students are increasingly drawn to China for disciplines such as medicine, engineering, natural sciences, economics, and management.