Core Insights - The trend of Chinese students applying for overseas universities using Gaokao scores is increasing, with more universities in countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, and Germany accepting these scores as part of their admission criteria [1][4][3] Group 1: Dual Pathway Approach - The "Gaokao + Study Abroad" dual pathway is becoming popular among families, allowing students to prepare for both domestic and international education options simultaneously [1][2] - This approach helps alleviate exam pressure by providing students with more choices, although families still hope for admission to top domestic universities [2][5] Group 2: International Recognition of Gaokao Scores - Over 40 universities in the UK and more than 20 in Australia now accept Gaokao scores for direct admission, marking a significant shift in international education practices [1][4] - The acceptance of Gaokao scores is part of a broader trend where more overseas institutions recognize Chinese high school performance as a valid admission criterion [4][3] Group 3: Diverse Application Channels - The pathways for Chinese students to apply for overseas undergraduate programs are diversifying, including direct applications based on Gaokao or high school results, international course scores, and foundation programs [6][7] - The proportion of students applying directly to UK universities using international courses has risen significantly, from 46.6% in 2019 to 72.8% in 2024 [7][8] Group 4: Changing Professional Preferences - The choice of study abroad majors is evolving, with fields like computer science and engineering becoming more popular due to global industry demands [9][10] - The number of Chinese students studying abroad is projected to reach 856,000 in the 2024-2025 academic year, reflecting an 8.3% increase, with a focus on quality over quantity [9][10] Group 5: Emerging Markets and Opportunities - Countries like Singapore are becoming attractive study destinations, ranking high in international education evaluations due to their practical course offerings and favorable living conditions [11] - The trend of returning students engaging in emerging industries like AI and healthcare is growing, with 60% of returnees working in these sectors [12]

Core Viewpoint - The recent changes in U.S. immigration policy, particularly the suspension of student visa interviews and the tightening of international student admissions at Harvard, are causing significant anxiety among international students and reshaping the global study abroad landscape [1][2]. Group 1: Impact of U.S. Policy Changes - The Trump administration's decision to pause new student visa interviews and expand scrutiny of international students' social media is seen as a major blow to the study abroad market, following the "Harvard ban" [1]. - Many students are now advised to adopt a "multi-country application" strategy, applying to multiple countries simultaneously to mitigate risks associated with U.S. policies [1][4]. - There is a noticeable shift in student preferences, with high-end clients still favoring the U.S., while average families are increasingly looking towards countries like Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia for more cost-effective options [2][3]. Group 2: Changes in Global Study Trends - The fluctuations in U.S. policies have led to a rise in applications to Commonwealth countries, which has increased admission standards at these institutions [3]. - U.S. universities are perceived to value a diverse range of student qualities beyond just academic scores, as evidenced by a student with an average score of 86 being accepted into Cornell University with a scholarship [3]. - Despite the current challenges, there is cautious optimism among study abroad agencies, with expectations of a potential rebound in U.S. study interest if Harvard's legal challenges succeed [4].