Report

How can UK universities improve their strategies for tackling integration challenges among Chinese students?

This report from UK think tank HEPI is an overview of key integration challenges facing Chinese students at UK higher education institutions (HEIs).

This paper is an overview of key integration challenges facing Chinese students at UK higher education institutions (HEIs). It responds to recent admissions diversification strategies launched by UK institutions as well as increasingly critical narratives surrounding Chinese students.

The independently researched report argues that students from China will continue to be an important group for the future of UK HEIs and should be treated as such. This means HEIs should do more to help Chinese students integrate into the UK while they study. Key findings: UK universities are highly reliant on Chinese students for financial stability, with Chinese international students paying £2.3 billion a year in fees. But there is a risk that the UK will become less popular with students from China, with the number of Chinese applicants dropping by 4 per cent in 2022. English language proficiency is lower among Chinese students than those from other developing economies like India and Malaysia. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores do not always accurately reflect Chinese students’ language competencies, particularly spoken English, since high scores can be attained through methodical and intensive drilling practice. Some Chinese applicants are spending more than £10,000 to pay for support with UCAS applications. English language proficiency is being further deprioritised by the Chinese Government.

There is a very uneven distribution of Chinese students across UK HEIs, with over 15,000 at some institutions and less than 10 at others. This is one cause of acute social clustering, where students mostly socialise with others from China. China’s unique domestic digital ecosystem creates technological barriers for Chinese students moving to the UK, increasing ethnic clustering. Chinese students studying in the UK rely heavily on Chinese apps like WeChat and Little Red Book as communication platforms and sources of local information over Western apps like WhatsApp or Instagram.

International students would like more targeted career support from their universities: most (almost 80 per cent) have never received support. Chinese students find it more difficult than international students from elsewhere to find employment. Students from China make up 22 per cent of all international students in the UK but just 10 per cent of graduate employees. Some Chinese students feel like they are being treated as revenue sources rather than as valued members of the community.

The paper recommends that institutions should: Implement more robust assessments for spoken English during admissions, such as AI-powered online interviews already used globally for job recruitment. Language support should be ongoing and more financially accessible, including free language classes and buddy systems, to improve Chinese students’ communication skills and integration. Work with recruitment agents in China to rebalance the distribution of Chinese students across courses and campuses and offer accommodation support to encourage more diverse living arrangements and reduce social isolation. Provide targeted digital literacy training to help Chinese students navigate UK-specific platforms and apps, reducing their reliance on Chinese digital ecosystems and fostering better integration. Tailor career support services to the specific needs of Chinese students, including offering internships and practical work experience opportunities, to enhance their employability and overall experience in the UK. Further consider employment needs and skills when curating academic programmes which could embed work experience and internships within the course framework.

This paper takes a fresh look at the integration of students from mainland China studying at UK universities and focuses on issues which have viable solutions. Research engaged over 100 participants, most of whom were undergraduate and postgraduate students from across mainland China and who were undertaking a range of different courses at HEIs across the UK. Additionally, one-to-one interviews were conducted with sector experts in the UK and China and staff members of UK HEIs.

This paper also draws on existing academic research as well as data provided by UK universities and think tanks. The findings provide additional and constructive insights for universities to consider when developing strategies around recruitment and provision for international students. The paper includes recommendations and practical steps for addressing existing problems.