In May 2025,Trump publicly stated that he would "actively revoke" some Chinese student visas, especially for graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and other fields; at the same time, Harvard University was suspended from enrolling some foreign students due to campus free speech controversies. Although the specific policy details have not yet been implemented, the signal is clear: the U.S. attitude toward foreign students is shifting from "welcome" to "scrutiny".
Since the pandemic, the UK has become a "new favorite" choice for Chinese study-abroad families, thanks to its stable visa system, compact curriculum of three years for undergraduate and one year for master's degree, high-value diploma system, and relatively clearer employment orientation. Data shows that the UK attracted more than 170,000 Chinese mainland students in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Manchester, the second-largest city in the UK, is famous not only for its developed media, technology, and creative industries but also for its rich sports resources, being the home of two major football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City. The city has convenient transportation, only about two hours by train from London.
This vibrant city also has one of the most concentrated educational resources in the UK. Represented by the "Golden Circle of Universities", Manchester is becoming a destination of concern for Chinese study-abroad families. There are three outstanding universities: the University of Manchester (ranked top 50 in QS), Manchester Metropolitan University (known for practice and innovation), and art institutions like the Royal Northern College of Music, forming a strong academic atmosphere.
The three universities cover multiple fields such as medicine, engineering, computer science, business, art, and music, offering both academic courses focusing on research and theory and practical pathways highlighting skills and applications to meet the development needs of different types of students. Undergraduate admission standards vary by institution, with A-Level requirements ranging from ABB to AAA, and IELTS scores generally between 6.0 and 7.0. Overall, Manchester's universities perform well in both research standards and employment recognition.
It is worth mentioning that the living facilities around the "Golden Circle of Universities" are extremely mature: large chain supermarkets, libraries, cafes, Chinese restaurants, and Asian supermarkets are all available. In terms of transportation, buses, trams, and railways intersect densely, truly achieving the ideal state of "walking to school and enjoying a good life". For students new to the UK, it is not only convenient for daily life but also helps them quickly adapt to and integrate into the local rhythm.
Manchester is also rapidly becoming a "dark horse in Britain" in the eyes of real estate investors. According to The Luxury Playbook's 2024 market analysis report, the average rent in Manchester has increased by 8% to £1,103 per month, with a rental yield of over 5% in core areas. High-quality school district properties are in short supply, and the vacancy rate of student apartments is extremely low. According to The Tab, there is currently a shortage of 23,000 student beds in Manchester, and high-quality properties are "hard to find". Many families choose to buy properties for self-occupation or rental, achieving a win-win strategy of "supporting education through property investment", which not only ensures their children's living conditions but also provides a stable return.
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