China is increasingly emerging as a preferred destination for African students seeking opportunities to pursue higher education abroad, as Nigerian students abandon United Kingdom, Europe and America.
The growing allure of China as a destination for African students pursuing higher education abroad is becoming increasingly evident. Reports indicate that the surge in Chinese investments across Africa has piqued the interest of African youths in learning the Chinese language, gradually establishing China as a prominent educational hub that could potentially surpass many European destinations in the near future.
Between 2011 and 2017, the influx of African students traveling to China for educational purposes witnessed a remarkable growth of 258%. Notably, the majority of these internationally mobile students hailed from lower-middle-income African countries, with Nigeria leading the pack.
This surge in interest is underscored by statistics from The Pie News, revealing a substantial increase in the number of African students enrolling in Chinese institutions. For instance, as of 2019, there were 6,845 Nigerian students studying in China, with 512 benefiting from Chinese government scholarships. The subsequent year saw 6,659 African students enrolled in Chinese institutions, constituting 46% of the total international student population in the province.
Although precise post-pandemic enrollment figures for African students in Chinese institutions are unavailable, the imminent launch of the China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development later this year is poised to further bolster this trend. This initiative aims to foster closer educational ties between China and Africa through various measures, including the introduction of degree programs taught in English and tailor-made courses catering to African students’ needs, encompassing both Chinese language acquisition
and vocational skills development.
Additionally, China is gearing up to implement the China-Africa Universities 100 Cooperation Plan and initiate ten pilot exchange programs with African partner institutes. These endeavors are geared towards bolstering education and innovation across the continent.
Conversely, recent reports suggest a waning interest among Nigerian students in pursuing higher education in the UK. Official statistics reveal a staggering 46% decline in the number of Nigerian applicants to UK institutions, signaling a shifting preference towards alternative educational destinations like China.
A recent report indicates a significant decline in the interest of Nigerian students to pursue undergraduate studies in the United Kingdom (UK). Official statistics released last week reveal a staggering 46% drop in the number of applicants from Nigeria, surpassing declines observed in any other country during the same period.
The decline in Nigerian student applications is attributed to several factors, including the devaluation of the naira and visa restrictions that prohibit students from bringing dependents or close family members to the UK. Notably, Nigerian students accounted for the highest number of dependents among international students as of September 2023.
A similar trend is observed among Indian students, as reported by The Economic Times of India. Indian student applications to UK universities decreased by 4% compared to the previous year, totaling 8,770 applications. In contrast, Nigerian applications saw a sharp decline of 46%, totaling 1,590 applications, surpassing all other countries in terms of decline.
Data from the UK Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS) for the 2024-25 academic year also reveals a 1% decrease in UK applicants compared to the previous year. However, overall applicant numbers remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Dr. Jo Saxton, Chief Executive at UCAS, acknowledged the decline in applications from mature students, particularly impacting subjects like nursing. However, she emphasized that opportunities still abound for late applicants, with the application deadline extended until June 30 and options available through Clearing.
In December 2023, the UK government, led by Rishi Sunak, announced a review of the Graduate Route visa, allowing graduates to remain in the UK for up to two years to gain work experience after completing their degree. Experts suggest that potential changes to UK visa policies could further impact the attractiveness of UK universities to international students.
A surge in interest in learning the Chinese language, propelled by China’s remarkable economic growth, is transforming the nation into a prominent destination for international students, with potential to surpass several European destinations in the near future.
The increasing volumes of Chinese investments in Africa have opened up opportunities for local youths, making the prospect of learning the Chinese language and culture appealing. Many African students, especially those from low and lower-middle income countries, find Chinese universities affordable, with some institutions requiring as little as $3,000 per year to cover tuition fees and living expenses. Although post-pandemic enrollment figures for African students in Chinese institutions are not readily available, data from the Chinese Ministry of Education indicates a significant uptick in the number of African students studying in China.
In 2018, over 81,000 African students were enrolled in Chinese universities, representing a 61% increase from 2015. The upcoming launch of the China-Africa Cooperation Program on Talent Development later in 2024 is expected to further drive growth in African student enrollments. This initiative will introduce degree courses taught in English and tailor-made programs to equip African students with both Chinese language proficiency and vocational skills.
Additionally, China plans to train 500 vocational college principals and high-caliber teachers annually, along with providing opportunities for 10,000 technical personnel to impart Chinese language and vocational skills to African students. The China-Africa Universities 100 Cooperation Plan and pilot exchange programs will further strengthen educational ties between the two regions.
Rebecca Ma, operations manager at NCC Education China, emphasizes that China’s approach to international students, particularly those from Africa, differs from other destinations. China is viewed as a constructive partner and facilitator, rather than a competitor or threat.
Furthermore, individual Chinese universities, particularly those in Liaoning Province, have been actively recruiting African students. Liaoning universities offer top-quality education, modern learning facilities, and are situated in a region known for its industrial and manufacturing prowess.
Research indicates a remarkable growth rate of 258% in African students traveling to China for studies between 2011 and 2017, outpacing growth rates in the US and Europe. As of 2018, China hosted nearly half a million international students from 196 countries, with a significant portion hailing from Africa.
African students studying in China are often sponsored through various scholarship programs, bilateral agreements, and multilateral initiatives. Nigeria, in particular, accounts for a substantial portion of African students studying in China, with over 6,800 Nigerian students enrolled in Chinese institutions by 2019, including recipients of Chinese government scholarships.
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