Asian Students Flock to Home Turf: Chinese Enrollments Drive Tourism Boom at Local Universities

Asian universities are experiencing a surge in tourism as Chinese students increasingly opt for higher education closer to home, driven by shifting geopolitical relations. According to local media estimates, nearly half of Singapore's international students hail from China, with the National University of Singapore's (NUS) UTown campus becoming a popular destination for tourists. Tourists, led by student docents, have been posing for photos at university landmarks, a trend that first emerged in early 2024 when groups of Chinese tourists began visiting campuses in destinations like Hong Kong and Singapore. "It's part of a growing interest in Asian universities among Chinese tourists," said Angelica Ang, a Singapore-based journalist who covers the Asia-Pacific region. "They're looking for unique experiences and cultural immersion, and our universities offer that." The shift in Chinese students' preferences is attributed to changing geopolitical relations, with many opting for higher education in Asia rather than traditional Western destinations. "The rise of Asian universities as tourist destinations reflects a broader trend of Chinese students seeking education and cultural experiences closer to home," said a spokesperson for the NUS. "We're seeing a significant increase in applications from Chinese students, and we're working to accommodate their needs." Singapore, with its majority ethnic Chinese population, is a top destination for Chinese students. The city-state's universities offer a unique blend of Asian and Western education, with many programs taught in English. "Singapore's universities offer a high-quality education that's competitive with the best in the world," said a Chinese student who recently enrolled at NUS. "And the cultural experience is unparalleled – I've learned so much about Singaporean culture and history since arriving here." The trend is not limited to Singapore, with universities in Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea also experiencing a surge in tourism. "Asian universities are becoming increasingly popular among Chinese tourists, who are looking for unique experiences and cultural immersion," said a spokesperson for the University of Hong Kong. "We're working to develop more programs and services to cater to this growing demand." As the trend continues to grow, universities in Asia are working to develop more programs and services to cater to Chinese students and tourists. "We're seeing a significant increase in applications from Chinese students, and we're working to accommodate their needs," said a spokesperson for the NUS. "We're committed to providing a world-class education and cultural experience that meets the needs of our students and tourists alike."