Why Should You Study In China?

China hosts over 3,000 higher education institutions, offering diverse programs from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees. In 2020, the Chinese Ministry of Education reported over 490,000 international students from 196 countries, nearing its goal of attracting 500,000 students.

While Chinese remains the primary language of instruction, the number of English-taught programs has increased by over 63% since 2014, especially in engineering, medicine, and business disciplines.

Most universities are publicly funded and governed by the Ministry of Education (MoE). These are categorized into:

• Research universities (e.g., Peking University)
• Comprehensive universities (e.g., Zhejiang University)
• Vocational/technical institutions

According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings:

• 26 Chinese universities are in the top 500
• 6 universities are in the top 100
• Tsinghua University ranks highest at 17th globally

The “Double First-Class” initiative and the C9 League (China’s Ivy League equivalent) are key indicators for elite institutions, highly valued by both Chinese and international employers.

Regarding China

China, located in East Asia, is the world’s most populous country with a population exceeding 1.4 billion (as of 2023). It covers a total land area of approximately 9.6 million square kilometers, making it the third-largest country globally.

The country has:

• 160+ cities with over 1 million residents
• A population composed of 56 recognized ethnic groups, with the Han Chinese comprising around 91.1% (approx. 1.3 billion people)

Cultural and geographic diversity is reflected in regional climates, cuisine, dialects, and local customs, offering international students a rich and varied cultural immersion.

Popular Attractions (by Annual Visitor Numbers):

• The Great Wall (Beijing): ~10 million visitors annually
• Terracotta Army Museum (Xi’an): Over 5 million visitors per year
• Yangtze River cruises: Host 2+ million tourists yearly
• Potala Palace (Lhasa): Receives around 1.5 million tourists annually

Expenses for Studying and Living in China

The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB), also known as the Yuan (CNY).

Tuition Fees (per academic year):

• Undergraduate Programs: CNY 18,000–40,000
• Postgraduate Programs: CNY 22,000–50,000
• Doctoral Programs: Up to CNY 63,400

CNY 18,000 ≈ $2,600 / £2,000
CNY 63,400 ≈ $9,200 / £7,000

Estimated Annual Living Costs:

• Beijing/Shanghai: CNY 24,000–38,000
• Smaller cities: As low as CNY 15,000

Beijing estimate: CNY 24,000 ≈ $3,500 / £2,700

Other Expenses

• Health Insurance: CNY 800–1,200/year
• Medical Check-Up: Typically required pre-arrival or upon entry

Costs vary based on city size, lifestyle, and university location, but studying in China remains 25–60% more affordable than in the U.S., U.K., or Australia.

Scholarships for Studying in China

Over 50,000 scholarships are awarded annually to international students in China. Funding is available from:

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
• Covers tuition, accommodation, stipends, and medical insurance
• Administered through the China Scholarship Council (CSC)
• Confucius Institute Scholarships
• For students studying Chinese language & culture
• Provincial & University Scholarships
• Offered at local levels; eligibility varies

• Tip: Visit campuschina.org for centralized scholarship listings and application timelines.

How to Make an Application

Applications are submitted directly to universities or through the CSC portal (for government-funded scholarships).

Common Application Requirements:

• Completed application form
• Certified academic transcripts
• Language proficiency:
• HSK Level 4 or above (for Chinese-taught programs)
• IELTS/TOEFL (for English-taught programs)
• Proof of financial capability
• Health certificate (Foreigner Physical Examination Form)

Application periods: January to April for September intake

Student Visas in China

International students must apply for an X1-visa (for programs exceeding 180 days).

X1 Visa Requirements:

• Valid passport (min. 6 months validity)
• Completed Visa Application Form
• Admission notice from university
• JW201 or JW202 form (Visa Application for Study in China)
• Passport photo (recent, color)

Visa Processing Time: 4–7 business days
Visa Fee: Varies by country (e.g., $140 for U.S. citizens)

For full visa details, visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center

Note: Entry on an L-visa (tourist visa) is possible in some cases, but converting it to an X1-visa must be coordinated with local authorities and is not always guaranteed.