In 2026, ground game will matter most for recruitment in China. China remains a core source of self-funding undergrads and grads. Demand for overseas study is resilient, pulled by higher-quality programs abroad and pushed by a tough job market and a stressful domestic university system. After the pandemic and policy swings in the Big Four Anglophone destinations, students now compare more options and expect face-to-face engagement for clarity and reassurance.
Read MoreChina’s international education market is changing quickly. Families are no longer looking only at rankings, they want programs with clear career value and strong return on investment. A recent 2025 Global Student Recruitment Report by Keystone found that 45% of students prioritize “programs,” 35% focus on “universities,” and only 20% put “destination country” first. Research from the Western Returned Scholars Association and the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) also shows that more Chinese students are choosing fields like STEM, AI, and environmental technology.
Read MoreShort videos have become one of the most effective ways for universities to engage with prospective students—especially in China, where traditional email campaigns are increasingly losing their influence among the younger generation. Instead, today’s Chinese students are spending hours daily watching bite-sized video content on mobile-first platforms like Douyin (China’s TikTok), RedNote (Xiaohongshu), and Bilibili.
Read MoreOn April 15, Sunrise hosted a webinar focused on effective recruitment strategies for Chinese students in higher education. The session featured three seasoned admissions professionals—Pierce Golden from Suffolk University, Bayu Sutrisno from Pace University, and Rafael Alvarado from Kansas State University—who shared insights and lessons from their recent recruitment trips to China.
Read MoreThis April, the Sunrise 2025 Spring Undergraduate Tour brought together global universities and China’s rising student talent across a 14-day journey through six cities and 19 schools. From Hangzhou to Chongqing, Ningbo to Lanzhou, the tour spotlighted regional education hubs that are fast becoming essential to any successful China recruitment strategy.
Read MoreSunrise Tours embarked on an exceptional recruitment tour across China in April, providing international recruiters with valuable insights into the latest developments in the country's education landscape. Visiting 6 captivating cities and 22 international schools over two weeks, the tour facilitated meaningful connections with prospective students and equipped recruiters with up-to-date knowledge of emerging admissions trends.
Read MoreIn today’s competitive landscape, universities are increasingly seeking innovative strategies to enhance their international recruitment efforts, particularly in key markets like China. Due to China's unique internet ecosystem, leveraging local platforms is essential for effective outreach. Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business partnered with Sunrise to develop a targeted digital marketing strategy to attract Chinese students. This case study examines the multi-platform campaign and highlights how Sunrise's tailored approach delivered measurable results.
Read MoreAt the NAFSA 2024 Annual Conference, held from May 28 to 31, Sunrise International had the honor of contributing to two impactful sessions focused on the future of US-China educational partnerships and the revival of student mobility in China. We were also privileged to have emcees for these sessions, Jiang Hongmin of the Chinese Embassy and Zhang Zhaotian from CEAIE. This piece summarizes the highlights of these significant discussions.
Read MoreThis White Paper is an annual review of trends in the Chinese education landscape in the past year and predictions for the future, by Sunrise International Education. Sunrise International supports overseas education institutions and companies in engaging the Chinese market, and our team of researchers, event managers, and educators is pleased to share our analysis of the most memorable year in our industry and identify trends that we expect to shape international education in China for years to come.
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