More young people are considering studying abroad due to the recent spate of severe air pollution in some parts of China, a survey shows.

Factors such as the quality of education and living costs still play a major role when deciding on whether to study overseas, but according to the annual report by EIC Group, the climate and environment have become increasingly important among students.

More than 30 percent said they would now consider the environment as a factor when choosing the destination for study overseas, up almost 10 percent on a similar poll in 2012.