The total number of Chinese nationals studying overseas in 2019 was 703,500, marking an increase of 41,400, or 6.25%, over the previous year. In 2019, 580,300 learners returned to China, representing an increase of 60,900, or 11.73%, over 2018.

In the period 1978 to 2019, a total of 6,560,600 Chinese nationals had studied abroad. By the end of 2019, 1,656,200 were still pursuing studies or research, while 4,904,400 had completed their studies. Of this number, 4,231,700 students or 86.28% chose to return to China after finishing their courses.