Core Insights - The trend of "Gaokao + Study Abroad" is gaining popularity among Chinese students and parents, providing a dual pathway for higher education opportunities [1][2][3] - The number of students applying for overseas universities using Gaokao scores is expected to increase significantly, with a notable rise in applications to popular destinations like the UK and Australia [1][3] - The diversification of application channels for overseas studies, including direct applications based on Gaokao scores, is becoming more common, reflecting a shift from traditional pathways [3][4] Group 1: Trends in Study Abroad - The number of students applying for overseas undergraduate programs is increasing, with a significant rise in applications to the UK and Australia [1][3] - The "Gaokao + Study Abroad" approach is seen as a way to alleviate exam pressure for students, providing them with more options [2][3] - The percentage of students applying directly to UK universities through international courses has risen from 46.6% in 2019 to 72.8% in 2024 [3] Group 2: Popular Fields of Study - Popular fields for Chinese students studying abroad include Electrical Engineering, Dentistry, Computer Science, Information Security, and Microelectronics, aligning with domestic industry demands [4] - The trend of choosing fields related to emerging industries, such as AI and green energy, is evident, with 60% of returnees working in new technology sectors [4][5] Group 3: Study Destination Preferences - The UK remains the top choice for Chinese students due to its prestigious universities and strong academic reputation, with 158,300 Chinese students enrolled in the 2022-2023 academic year [5] - Singapore has emerged as a strong contender in the study abroad market, ranking second in the study environment index, surpassing the US and Canada [5] Group 4: Policy and Market Dynamics - Countries are optimizing their study abroad policies to attract global talent, particularly in high-tech industries [6] - The increasing preference for international talent in the job market is driving improvements in study abroad services, with universities collaborating with Chinese companies for career planning [5][6]