Core Insights - The report indicates that the average study abroad budget for Chinese students has reached 605,000 yuan in 2026, marking a 12-year high, driven by global inflation and rising tuition and living costs [1][2] - The study abroad market is increasingly dominated by higher education, with 63% of undergraduate students expressing study abroad intentions, the highest proportion in 12 years [1][2] Group 1: Study Abroad Budget and Trends - The continuous increase in study abroad budgets since 2020 reflects a growing awareness of costs among prospective students and their families, influencing decisions on when and where to study abroad [1][2] - The report highlights a shift in mindset among prospective students, who are becoming more balanced and mature in their approach to studying abroad, considering factors such as costs and employment opportunities [1][2] Group 2: Education Level and School Selection - The combined intention for study abroad at the higher education level has risen to 77%, while the intention for middle and primary school levels remains stable at 23%, with a notable decline in high school intentions from 21% to 14% [2] - Cost considerations are increasingly important in school selection, with tuition fees now the second most significant factor after school rankings, and scholarship policies also gaining importance [2][3] Group 3: Employment and Return Plans - A significant 42% of prospective students plan to gain work experience abroad before returning to China, reflecting a recognition of the value of overseas work experience in the domestic job market [3][4] - Despite rising costs, the employment advantages of studying abroad are still recognized, with overseas graduates earning higher salaries compared to domestic graduates, particularly in the high salary bracket of over 10,000 yuan per month [3][4] Group 4: Changing Motivations - The motivations for studying abroad are shifting from romantic ideals to practical considerations, indicating a strong and persistent demand for education investment among families [4]