China in upper secondary students' higher education plans: interest, awareness and perceived barriers

This article examines upper secondary students' attitudes towards the possibility of pursuing higher education in China. The survey asks whether students consider this destination, how well informed they believe themselves to be about admission requirements and what barriers they perceive. The analysis uses responses collected from 60 students in grades 10 and 11 at Krasnodar Presidential Cadet School in an online survey conducted from 1 to 30 September 2026. Responses were analysed using frequencies and percentages, with missing answers taken into account. Seventeen participants (28.3%) definitely or probably consider studying in China, 33 (55.0%) gave negative answers and 10 (16.7%) were undecided. Forty-five participants (75.0%) reported limited awareness of admission requirements. The most frequently selected barrier was a preference for studying in Russia, chosen by 40 participants (66.7%). Lack of clear information about admissions and insufficient proficiency in the language of instruction were each selected by 21 participants (35.0%). Limited awareness and a preference for Russian education coexist in this group. The survey does not establish a causal relationship between them. The findings describe the surveyed group and do not support generalisation to all Russian upper secondary students.