Study in China: Universities, Cost, Scholarships, Student Visa & More

China has emerged as a leading global hub for higher education, blending ancient cultural heritage with modern advancements. This East Asian country is home to some of the world’s best universities, which are consistently climbing global university rankings. From industry-relevant courses and advanced research prospects to affordable tuition fees and living costs, China is offering the perfect mix of academics, affordability, and great career prospects. Beyond this, the country’s strategic location and its position as the world’s second-largest economy further add to its charm. As such it is no surprise that umpteen students across the world are considering to study in Asian countries like China for international education.

Here’s a detailed insight of what international students can look for in this Asian study destination.

Table of Content

1. Universities & Institutions to Study in China
2. Popular Courses to Study in China
3. Academic Intakes to Study in China
4. Cost to Study in China
5. Scholarships for International Students Studying in China
6. University Application Process to Study in China
7. Student Visa to Study in China
8. Career Prospects after Studying in China

Universities & Institutions to Study in China

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, 5 Chinese Universities rank within the Top 50 Universities in the World and 33 of them rank within the Top 500.

5 Chinese Universities Ranking in the World’s Top 50 are:

• Peking University – Ranked 14^th
• Tsinghua University – Ranked 20^th
• Fudan University – Ranked 39^th
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University – Ranked 45^th
• Zhejiang University – Ranked 47^th

Factors like great academic standards, groundbreaking research opportunities, government-funded scholarships, state-of-the-art facilities, and globally acclaimed qualifications make Universities in China an academic hotspot.

China is home to Foreign University campuses as well and some of the popular ones that you can consider are:

• University of Nottingham (UK), Ningbo, China
• United International College (Beijing & Hong Kong)

You will zero down on the university only if you have the relevant course option you are looking for. So, let’s check the popular courses to study in China in the next section.

Popular Courses to Study in China

China’s focus on interdisciplinary learning and innovation has made it a global leader in many academic fields. Students often choose Chinese Universities for their practical approach to learning, industry collaborations, and a strong emphasis on research. Some of the most sought-after courses that you can explore for your undergraduate or postgraduate degrees are listed below.

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• International Business
• Business Administration
• Finance
• Medicine
• Media and Communication Studies
• Chinese Language

These are just a few top picks and there is a long list to go. Time to check the available intakes so that you can apply in time.

Academic Intakes to Study in China

The academic year in China majorly has two primary intakes. Most national and international universities and institutions in China follow the same. They are:

1. Fall Intake (Major)

Fall intake is the primary intake and has the most program options available. The applications for this intake are open from December to June and the classes begin from September.

2. Spring Intake (Minor)

This is the minor intake with fewer programs available. However, this intake is ideal for students who miss the fall deadlines. The applications for this intake are open from October to December and the classes begin from February or March depending on the institution.

Now that you are familiar with the academic intakes, let’s have a glance at the finances required to study in China.

Cost to Study in China

One of China’s most appealing aspects as a study destination is its affordability. It offers high-quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. Listed below are the tentative costs for international students.

Tuition Fees

• Postgraduate Programs: $10,000 to $16,000
• Undergraduate Programs: $8,000 to $15,000

Living Costs

Living in China is also quite affordable. On an average, a student needs $500 to $800 per month for expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation.

• Accommodation: $200–$500/month
• Food and Utilities: $150–$300/month
• Transportation: $15–$30/month

Even in metropolitan cities like Beijing or Shanghai, students can lead a comfortable life on a moderate budget.

While we are still on the lines of discussing the financial aspects, here’s a glimpse of the scholarships that make your education in China more accessible.

Scholarships for International Students Studying in China

Recognising the achievements of talented international students, the Chinese government and universities offer a variety of scholarships. These scholarships generously cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even accommodation at times. Some of the popular types of scholarships available in China are:

1. Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC): These scholarships are mostly fully funded and are open for international students pursuing postgraduate or undergraduate courses. They cover tuition fees, accommodation, living allowances, and airfare.

2. Confucius Institute Scholarships: Confucius Institutes aim to promote the Chinese language and culture internationally. These Government entity scholarships are for international students looking to pursue postgraduate or undergraduate study in a Chinese university. Applicants must be 16 to 35 years old. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation expenses, offers a monthly living allowance and comprehensive medical insurance as well.

3. University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships to international students based on merit or need. These scholarships can be fully or partially funded. At times, they also cover the living expenses.

Having a scholarship can significantly reduce financial investment but for that, you need to check your eligibility, apply at the earliest and have a standout application.

Even before you do the scholarship application you will have to do the university application. So, read ahead to know the details of the same.

University Application Process to Study in China

The university application process in China is simple and mostly as done for other study destinations except for a few variations. By following the below given steps you can start the online application process.

Step 1: Shortlist Universities & Choose Your Program: Comprehensively research the available universities and courses that align with your interests and career aspirations.

Step 2: Check the Eligibility: Each university has specific requirements regarding academic scores, language proficiency, and documents. Check it carefully and note down their details if you are planning to apply to multiple universities in one go.

Step 3: Prepare the Essential Documents: Preparing the paperwork is of utmost importance as it will be the deciding factor for your profile. The commonly required documents are previous academic transcripts, statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation, passport copy and language proficiency scores.

Step 4: Start & Submit the Online Applications: Chinese universities have common application portals like CUCAS, China Admissions and the China University Application Center (CUAC). You can either apply through these or directly log in to the university’s online portal. Upload the mandatory documents and pay the required application fees before submitting.

Step 5: Receive Admission Letter & Confirmation of Enrolment: If accepted, you will get a letter via email from your shortlisted universities. Read it carefully and confirm your seat by paying a part of your tuition fees. The unconditional offer letter will also be needed for the student visa application.

Once you have obtained admission, the next step is applying for a student visa. Don’t worry, we have a simplified guide for it as well.

Student Visa to Study in China

Depending on the study duration, international students must apply for the X1 (long-term) or X2 (short-term) student visa. For long-term programs with a study duration of over six months, the X1 Visa is needed. For short-term programs with a study duration of less than six months, the X2 Visa will be required. So, depending on your study duration and the instructions given by the university, choose the correct visa type.

Given below are the steps for the student visa application process to study in China.

Step 1: Prepare a Documents Checklist for Student Visa Application

To complete the student visa process, you will need the following documents.

• University Admission Letter
• Form JW201 or Form JW202 (Issued by the University)
• Passport with Six Months Validity
• Completed Visa Application Form
• Financial Proof Documentation
• Health Certificate (For Some Long-Term Programs)
  

Step 2: Complete & Submit the Visa Application

Apply online or at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. Upload all the required documents and pay the student visa application fees. The visa processing usually takes 4 to 7 working days.

Step 3: Register Locally

After arriving in the country, it is mandatory for international students to apply for a residence permit within 30 days. Your university counsellor can guide you through this process.

Studying in China doesn’t end with excellent academics; after completing your degree you can find an array of career opportunities within the country and globally. Going further, let’s have a glimpse at the amazing work prospects for international talents in China.

Career Prospects after Studying in China

As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s job market is booming with great career prospects across various industries. With advanced industry-relevant degrees and career support from Universities, graduates are well-positioned to step into the job market.

The top 3 highest-paying cities for University Graduates in China include Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. The average monthly salary for various job roles goes above ¥12,000 ($1,665). Other leading cities like Hangzhou, Hefei, Nanjing, Xi’an, Suzhou, Wuhan, and Ningbo have an average monthly salary of ¥10,000 ($1,387).

Some of the in-demand sectors offering job roles that you can explore are listed below:

• Engineering
• Business
• Finance
• Economics
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Law

With the presence of countless global companies and career counselling services offered by the Universities, finding employment in China is a structured and smooth process.

Knowing so much about this leading Asian study destination, you must be eager to explore the study options here. Those who are looking for assistance with the application process and visa formalities can approach KC’s China Experts. As a trusted global educational consultant with 26+ years of industry presence, the country experts at KC Overseas Education provide end-to-end assistance. Your academic future in China is just a step away. So, start the process for the upcoming intakes with KC Overseas.