Each year, around 660,000 students leave China to study abroad. This number is rapidly rising, and makes China the largest country of origin for international students in the world — particularly in the UK, where over 40% of Chinese students consider studying. Then, what Chinese students (or their parents) want to know before applying to a foreign university?Deep Digital China listed five questions your student recruitment strategy should aim to answer:
1. Which university is best for me?
To answer this, your marketing materials should provide data on:
- Your university’s international and national ranking
- Individual course rankings
- Course fees and information
- Rate of post-graduate employment
Data like this will help Chinese students make informed decisions as to whether your university is right for them.
2. Am I qualified to apply?
Countries like the UK and US have very different assessment systems to China, which can leave international students not knowing where they stand.
- Can I apply?
- Do I have the right qualifications to apply?
- How do international qualifications compare to Chinese qualifications?
These are just some of the questions Chinese students will have — and your student recruitment strategy should aim to answer them, clarity and transparency are key.
A Chinese ‘Student Eligibility’ guide, for example, is a great way of breaking down all your entry requirements in one, simple resource that can be accessed via your website, social media and other channels.
3. How easy is it to apply?
There’s a lot that goes into making a university application, and even more to consider for students that are applying from overseas. That’s why it’s so important to dispel any concerns a Chinese student might have.
For example, you’ll need to inform your applicants of alternative processes for international students, such as remote interviews and virtual assessments. A Chinese admissions agent will be able to help you with this, which we’ll be touching on a little later.
4. Which course will help me secure the kind of career I want?
If a student is looking to leave China for their education, it’s clear that they are extremely motivated and determined to build a successful future for themselves.
To attract these students, you’ll need to be clear about what you can offer them. This means:
- Providing data on job prospects and student employment
- Sharing alumni success stories relevant to specific courses
- Showing off your international rankings and reputation
5. Is it possible to stay in the country after graduation?
Studying in a foreign country is one thing — but Chinese students will also want to know whether they can live and work in that country after graduating.
Your marketing materials will need to be clear about how your country handles work visas, and what percent of your international students are able to secure full-time citizenship.
Contact Deep Digital China to recruit Chinese students
These are the 5 top questions that the Chinese students want to know before applying to a foreign university. If you are looking for targeting and recruiting Chinese students, your recruitment strategy should aim to answer these questions. We are a professional Chinese digital marketing agency, focus on working with international education sectors. We know exactly what Chinese students are looking for, the kind of platforms they use and why. For the education market, we have worked for many schools, to help them promote their reputation in China. If you are looking for ways to target and recruit Chinese students, do not hesitate to contact us.