BEIJING -- About 413,900 Chinese went to study abroad in 2013, and 353,500 returned, up 3.58 percent and 29.53 percent respectively, the Ministry of Education confirmed on Saturday.

According to the ministry, in the last 35 years, more than 3 million people have furthered their studies in foreign countries.

With a growing number studying abroad, more overseas students are also coming to China, and the quality of education is improving.

In 2013, 356,499 people from more than 200 countries and regions worldwide attended in 746 universities, scientific research institutions and other educational institutes across the country.