The EIC Report on Studying in France reveals a notable shift in preferences among Chinese students, with the proportion of applications for business majors rising from 64.7 percent in 2019 to 76 percent in 2023.
The EIC Report on Studying in France reveals a notable shift in preferences among Chinese students, with the proportion of applications for business majors rising from 64.7 percent in 2019 to 76 percent in 2023.
An increasing number of Chinese students are opting for majors in business, science, and engineering for further education in France according to a recent report by overseas education consultancy EIC Education Group.
Shift in preferences for Chinese students
The EIC Report on Studying in France reveals a notable shift in preferences among Chinese students, with the proportion of applications for business majors rising from 64.7 percent in 2019 to 76 percent in 2023.
According to data from the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, France hosted nearly 400,000 international students in 2022. Among the 27,479 Chinese students during the 2021-22 academic year, 10,115 enrolled in business schools, 2,934 in engineering schools, and 1,836 pursued doctoral degrees.
EIC Education Group’s data highlights that over the past five years, 80 percent of Chinese students applied for master’s programs, with 67 percent applying to higher business schools. In 2023, Emlyon Business School received the highest number of applications from Chinese students.
Report analytics
Wu Dan from the Program Management Center of EIC Education Group mentioned that the report offers comprehensive and professional analysis and advice for students and families intending to pursue studies in France.
The report combines the latest figures from various French official institutions, along with customer service data and student interviews collected by the group. It also covers information about the French education system, application guidelines, admission data, and strategies for gaining admission to prestigious higher institutes and finding employment.
The report notes that one of the factors influencing the employment prospects for international students in France is the reputation of the graduate’s higher institutes.
Generally, the report states that students graduating from institutions such as engineering or business schools find it easier to secure employment. These schools prioritize practical education, offering opportunities for students to engage with industry elites and expand their professional networks.
Since the signing of the diploma recognition agreement between China and France in 2007, the Chinese government acknowledges all higher education diplomas approved by the French government, as mentioned in the report.
OECD Report
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) issued over 1.9 million residence permits to international students enrolled in higher education across its nation members in 2022.
Published last October 23, OECD’s International Migration Outlook showed that migration flows to OECD countries, as well as the employment of immigrants, reached record highs in 2022, a clear sign of rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report also revealed a notable 61 percent increase in study permits issued to new international students relocating to OECD countries over the past decade, spanning from 2012 to 2022.
Furthermore, the report highlighted that the number of residence permits granted to international students has risen by 24 percent since 2019 and by 32 percent since 2021.
France still a top destination for international students
France remains a top destination for international students, according to a recent survey by Study.eu.
The survey collected responses from 1,015 students worldwide who said they were considering studying in France.
The outstanding quality of education offered by French universities was their top reason for choosing France as a study destination, cited by 79 percent of survey respondents. A promising career in France closely follows, with 57 percent of students considering it a major draw.
The appeal of French culture also plays a role, with 33 percent mentioning it as a motivation for their study choice. Additionally, 14 percent expressed personal or familial connections to the country as a factor influencing their decision.
