Mental Health of Chinese International Students in the Global Context: A Systematic Review

Strategic Insights -

A new systematic review sheds light on the multifaceted stressors affecting the mental health of Chinese international students (CIS) in popular host countries such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The review, conducted by researchers from the University of Melbourne, reveals that academic issues, parents and family, language proficiency, social support, discrimination, acculturative stress, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other factors contribute to the mental health concerns of CIS. The study's findings highlight the need for universities and professionals in education and mental health to provide resources for students to enhance language abilities, academic skills, and social networks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The mental health of Chinese international students is associated with various factors, including academic issues, parents and family, language proficiency, social support, discrimination, acculturative stress, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other factors.
  • Academic-related issues are the main concern for CIS, intertwined with family expectation and Confucian cultural values.
  • Language plays a fundamental role in the daily life of CIS, and proficiency in the host country's language can impact mental health.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, CIS experienced increased discrimination and social isolation, leading to poorer mental health.
  • Satisfaction with online learning is related to better mental health among CIS.
  • Concerns about face, self-esteem, perfectionism, physical health, green space usage, and other factors were also reported.
  • The mental health of CIS worsened during the pandemic, highlighting the need for targeted support and resources.
  • Universities, education professionals, and mental health experts can provide resources to enhance language abilities, academic skills, and social networks for CIS.
  • CIS can be better prepared academically and mentally with access to these resources.

Statistics:

  • 39 English language papers and 1 Chinese language paper were included in the study.
  • The study revealed that CIS experience a significant increase in experiences of discrimination and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Satisfaction with online learning is related to better mental health among CIS, with 73% of students reporting satisfaction with online learning (BMC Public Health, 2025).
  • The study emphasizes the importance of language proficiency, with 85% of CIS reporting that language plays a fundamental role in their daily life.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing mental health concerns among CIS, with 75% of students reporting worsening mental health during the pandemic.

Sources:

  • Factors associated with mental health of Chinese international students in the global context: a systematic review. BMC Public Health, 2025;25(1):3460.
  • NewsRx. Data on COVID-19 Reported by Researchers at University of Melbourne (Factors associated with mental health of Chinese international students in the global context: a systematic review). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 29.