As China’s economy continues to grow, Chinese students are becoming more interested in studying abroad. Several policies have been launched in recent years to encourage overseas study.

An International Education Exhibition is taking place in Beijing this week. It is aimed at offering advice to students hoping to expand their horizons.

It’s no surprise that this Beijing exhibition hall is packed, with those students eager to know more about studying overseas.

This year’s International Education Exhibition is expected to welcome over 70 thousand visitors.

2011 saw over three hundred and forty thousand Chinese go abroad to study and that number is expected to rise this year.

Among the many newcomers participating in this year’s event, is the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region - one of the few places to accept the Chinese university entrance exam, known as "Gaokao".

6 universities in Macau are now accepting applications from the Chinese mainland.

Lolai Peng, Macao SAR Tertiary Education Services, said, " When we accept students, we take the Gaokao score as a reference. Internships will be offered to graduate students, which help them become more competitive when they return to the mainland. "

Australia also accepts a Chinese Gaokao score. They’ve adopted a policy that simplifies student visa application for studying at university level.

The initiative also provides work opportunities for foreign students after graduation.

Eliza Chui says the inclusion of Gaokao scores has been the most significant step towards simplifying the application process.

Eliza Chui, North Asia Consul, Australian Trade Commission, said, "acceptance recently announced very encouraging for Chinese student which means full recognition for university entry. We want to get the best and brightest student more university move towards the same direction."

As they walk through the maze of crowds, many students get their first ideas about studying and living overseas.

Many hope foreign universities will provide them with alternative learning experiences they may not find at home.

Of course, the entry exam is always the primary concern.

"I am interested in finding out about what exam the schools accept and the potential majors."

The United States has long been a popular destination for students wanting to further their learning overseas. According to the Ministry of Education, Chinese students account for 22 percent of the total number of overseas students studying in the US.

And following the example set by Australia, US Universities are now in the process of deciding whether the Gaokao can be considered as a qualification for admission.

Having an international degree has long been regarded as the golden ticket to a high paying job back in China. But that idea is gradually changing over time as many employers in China now look for practical work skills rather than just educational background. Experts say students should have a long term career plan before studying abroad.

But for many thousands of Chinese students, an overseas education is still a way of opening doors into a better career. It’s hoped that over the coming years, more universities around the world will accept the Chinese Gaokao - which Chinese students consider the toughest exam during their entire 18 years of study.