12.09.2025 Chinese students flock to Russia amid uncertain US visa policies

Russia is a good place for Chinese to learn mathematics and pure science, but not semiconductor design or quantum computing. Russia is increasingly perceived as an attractive academic destination for Chinese students, especially as the United States tightens visa screening amid national security and commercial espionage concerns. Moscow has seized this opportunity, reinforced by the strategic alliance between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Valery Falkov, Russia’s Minister of Science and Higher Education, said during a visit to China between August 21 and 26 that more than 56,000 Chinese students are enrolled at Russian universities in the 2024–2025 academic year, with over 21,000 Russian students studying in China. “We are proud that tens of thousands of Chinese households are opting for our higher education system,” Falkov said. “We, together with our Chinese colleagues, are striving to achieve the figure of 100,000 in terms of student exchange. This task is of key importance for mutual understanding between our peoples, for our political, economic, and social ties.” He stressed that visa applications from Chinese students to Russian consulates had doubled in just two years, reflecting strong demand.  “Tens of thousands of Chinese families are voting with their yuan, expressing trust in our education system,” he said, adding that the exchange is reciprocal, as 500 to 1,000 Russian students annually receive scholarships to study in China. This trend unfolds amid a global educational landscape traditionally dominated by four Western destinations: the US, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Rising costs, visa hurdles and security-related vetting are now prompting some Chinese students to explore alternatives closer to home – particularly Russia, which offers affordability, cultural affinity, and political alignment. Over 200 joint educational programs are active, including 115 bachelor’s and master’s degree offerings. A notable example is Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, established in 2017 through collaboration between Moscow State University and Beijing Institute of Technology – an academic hub for Sino-Russian exchange. 

Source: Asia Times by Jeff Pao
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