Marketplace Morning Report Fewer Chinese international students at American universities
Oct 14, 2025
Nearly 250,000 Chinese students are in the U.S. this fall, reflecting a 36% drop since 2017. Geopolitics and inflation are making American universities less appealing, although they remain a top choice. Chinese families are considering backup options in the UK, Hong Kong, and Canada. Meanwhile, U.S. tariffs of up to 39% threaten Swiss exports, raising costs for American patients and impacting Swiss jobs. This complex interplay of education and trade highlights shifting global dynamics.
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Consultant Cuts Staff Amid Slow Demand
- Gu Huyni, founder of Zuman Academy, says business slowed and she laid off 30% of her Shanghai staff this year.
- She and clients felt anxious after news of visa revocations and political targeting of Chinese students.
U.S. Degrees Remain Coveted But Conditional
- Chinese families still view U.S. degrees as highest status and often invest heavily to apply.
- But parents now favor top-20 U.S. schools or cheaper alternatives like the U.K. and Hong Kong due to cost and risk.
Always Build A Plan B For Applications
- Apply to U.S. schools but also include U.K., Hong Kong, or Canada as backup options.
- This helps families pivot quickly if U.S. prospects sour or become unaffordable.