As US drops among Chinese study preferences, Singapore beckons with status and culture

Miya Zheng once aimed to earn a master’s degree when she first arrived in the United States for her undergraduate studies. But now, three years later, the Chinese national has shifted her sights halfway across the world – to Singapore.

“After staying here for some time, I realised that this isn’t quite the right place for me in the long run,” said Zheng, who is majoring in economics and statistics in the US and aspires to work outside China after graduating.

She has faced increasing hurdles as an international student in America. Difficulties adjusting to cultural differences coupled with her parents’ concerns about safety have prompted her to apply to Singapore’s top two universities in the coming application cycle.

“Singapore offers a great environment,” said Zheng, who is drawn to the nation’s warm climate, abundance of Chinese cuisine and relatively high economic and diplomatic openness.

Singapore, home to six publicly funded autonomous universities and a handful of private universities, has long been a popular destination for Chinese students seeking an overseas education. In 2023, there were more than 73,000 international students in Singapore, according to local media reports, with a significant proportion believed to be from China.

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Absurd, anxious, concerned: Students react to US revoking Chinese student visas

Absurd, anxious, concerned: Students react to US revoking Chinese student visas

And while the US has historically been the primary draw for Chinese students, industry insiders say Singapore may see an uptick in applications from Chinese students in the short term amid growing uncertainty and instability in the US.