Introduction
Studying in China attracts thousands of international students every year. Beyond scholarships and formalities, many practical questions arise: how to choose your university? What are the real costs of living there? Can you study in English? How to find accommodation? What is daily life like?
This guide aims to answer all these questions, whether you are a scholarship holder or not, whether you start in March or September, and whatever your level of study.
1. Why study in China today?
China is no longer a confidential destination. It has become one of the world's leading academic powers, with considerable advantages.
Universities among the best in the world
Nearly 300 Chinese universities appear in international rankings. Institutions such as Peking University, Tsinghua, Fudan and Shanghai Jiao Tong are regularly ranked among the best in the world in many disciplines.
An exceptional range of programmes
China offers programmes in all fields:
- Sciences and engineering (historical strengths)
- Medicine (increasingly popular)
- Economics and international business
- Languages and civilisations (Chinese, Asian studies)
- International relations and diplomacy
- Arts, music, cinema
An affordable cost of living
Compared to the United States, the United Kingdom or Australia, China remains a very competitive destination, especially outside megacities like Beijing or Shanghai.
A unique cultural experience
Studying in China also means immersing yourself in a millenary civilisation, learning a language spoken by more than a billion people, and building a professional network in the country that today has the second largest economy in the world.
2. The different types of studies in China
Full programmes in Chinese
This is the most immersive path. You follow the same courses as Chinese students, in the local language. It requires a good level of Chinese (HSK 4 to 6 depending on the level of study).
Advantages: total immersion, recognised degrees, integration into Chinese student life.
Disadvantages: Chinese is a demanding language. It takes several years to reach an academic level.
Programmes in English
More and more universities offer fully English-taught programmes, particularly in:
- Medicine
- International business
- International relations
- Science and technology
- Economics
Advantages: accessible without speaking Chinese, allows you to settle gradually while learning the language on site.
Disadvantages: the offer is more limited than in Chinese, and daily life remains in Chinese (administration, shops, transport).
Chinese language programmes
Many students first come to China to learn Chinese before enrolling in an academic programme. Universities offer programmes from 1 to 4 semesters, from beginner to advanced level.
Exchange programmes (semester or year)
Many foreign universities have agreements with Chinese institutions. You can spend a semester or a year in China, validate ECTS credits, and return home with an international experience.
3. Choosing your university and programme
Criteria to consider
- The discipline: not all universities are equal in all fields. Check rankings by speciality.
- Location: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou… Large cities do not offer the same cost of living or the same atmosphere.
- Language of instruction: Chinese or English? Check the language requirements.
- Tuition fees: very variable from one university to another (from 15,000 to over 100,000 RMB per year).
- Intake dates: some universities offer March intakes, others only September.
Most reputed universities by field
| Field | Reference Universities |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Tsinghua, Shanghai Jiao Tong, Zhejiang, Harbin |
| Economics / Business | Fudan, Peking, Renmin, Shanghai Jiao Tong |
| Medicine | Peking (PKU), Fudan, Shanghai Jiao Tong, Sun Yat-sen |
| Language / Arts | Peking (PKU), Fudan, Beijing Normal |
| International Relations | Peking, Renmin, Fudan |
4. Costs: beyond scholarships
Not everyone gets the CSC scholarship. But fortunately, studying in China remains financially accessible if you prepare well. Here is a general overview of costs, followed by concrete examples from official fee schedules of major Chinese universities.
A. General rule: the three main categories of tuition fees
In China, tuition fees for international students are divided into three main levels:
| General Level | Type of Institution / Programme | Annual Range (RMB) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 - Economical | Vocational schools, short technical programmes, intensive language programmes | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Level 2 - Standard | General public universities – Chinese-taught programmes (Bachelor, Master, PhD) | 15,000 – 50,000 |
| Level 3 - Elite / International | Top universities (world-ranked), English-taught programmes, MBA, Finance, business schools | 50,000 – 200,000+ |
Golden rule: the more international the programme (taught in English, double degree, or in a city like Beijing/Shanghai), the higher the fees. Conversely, a classic Chinese-taught programme in a provincial university remains very affordable.
B. Concrete example 1: standard public university
For the vast majority of students, fees fall within the standard range. For example, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) – a recognised public university – displays the following rates in its official schedule:
| Level | Annual Fees (RMB) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor | 15,000 |
| Master | 20,000 |
| PhD | 25,000 |
These figures confirm that, without a scholarship, a bachelor's or master's degree at a good public university remains financially competitive compared to Western standards.
C. Concrete example 2: elite universities (top 10)
At institutions such as Tsinghua, Peking, Fudan or Shanghai Jiao Tong, fees for classic Chinese-taught programmes are slightly higher, but remain reasonable. For example, at Tsinghua University, official schedules for Chinese or bilingual programmes indicate:
| Level | Discipline | Annual Fees (RMB) |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | Sciences, Engineering, Medicine | 40,000 |
| Master | Sciences, Engineering, Medicine | 33,000 |
| Master | Economics, Management | 30,000 |
Elite universities therefore charge about 10,000 to 15,000 RMB more than a standard public university, which remains very affordable compared to American or British universities.
D. The exception that proves the rule: MBA, Finance and Executive programmes
Attention, this part concerns a very specific audience (business students, continuing education executives). For these prestigious programmes, fees skyrocket, even in public universities. Again, let's take Tsinghua University (official data) to illustrate this gap:
| Programme | Total Programme Cost (RMB) | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Master Finance (in Chinese) | 198,000 | 99,000/year |
| Global MBA (in English) | 198,000 | 99,000/year |
| Executive MBA (EMBA) | 828,000 | 414,000/year |
Strategic advice: If you are targeting this type of programme, consult the university's "Fees" page before applying. The CSC scholarship often covers these amounts, but if you are self-funded, this is a very significant investment to plan well in advance.
E. Mandatory additional fees (to be expected in all cases)
Beyond tuition fees, every student in China must pay additional fees. Here are the general ranges observed on the ground:
| Expense Item | General Range (RMB) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 200 – 500 | One-time (non-refundable) |
| Mandatory health insurance | 600 – 1,200 | Per year |
| Medical examination upon arrival | 500 – 600 | One-time |
| Residence permit | 400 | Per year |
| Books and supplies | 300 – 500 | Per year |
To give concrete meaning to these figures: NUIST's official schedules indicate an application fee of 500 RMB, insurance at 600 RMB/year and a medical examination at 526 RMB. YRCTU (Kaifeng) displays application fees at 200 RMB and insurance between 800 and 1,200 RMB/year, which perfectly validates the above ranges.
F. Accommodation and daily living (general rules)
| Item | General Range (RMB) |
|---|---|
| University dormitory (standard shared room) | 10,000 – 25,000/year |
| International residence (recent, with private bathroom) | 25,000 – 40,000/year |
| Private rental (studio, off-campus) | 3,000 – 8,000/month |
| Meals (university canteen) | 20 – 40/meal |
| Cooking yourself | 1,500 – 3,000/month |
| Transport (metro, bus) | 2 – 6/trip |
Estimated total monthly budget (excluding tuition fees):
| City | Average Monthly Budget (RMB) |
|---|---|
| Beijing / Shanghai | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Major cities (Guangzhou, Hangzhou) | 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Medium-sized cities | 4,000 – 6,000 |
G. Fee payment: a deadline not to be missed
Cash-flow alert: For self-funded students, tuition fees are generally payable in full before the start of the first semester (or at the latest within the first month of classes). Chinese universities are very strict on this point: late payment can lead to suspension of services (access to courses, canteen, library) or even administrative deregistration. Check your university's payment policy and ensure you have the necessary funds well before your arrival.
Summary for your budget
To estimate the total cost of your studies in China, apply this simple formula: Tuition fees (according to your category) + Additional fees (around 2,000 – 3,000 RMB in the first year) + Accommodation + Food + Transport
And remember: in 80% of cases, if you choose a classic Chinese-taught programme at a standard public university, you will remain in a very competitive range (15,000 to 40,000 RMB in tuition + 4,000 to 8,000 RMB in monthly budget).
5. March or September intake: what's the difference?
September intake (autumn)
- The main intake, with the most programme offerings.
- More scholarship places.
- The Chinese academic calendar starts in September.
March intake (spring)
- Secondary intake, with a more limited offer on language and exchange programmes.
- But be careful: for some Master's and PhD programmes in English (notably in medicine and international business), several universities also offer a March intake. This allows integration in the middle of the academic year or alignment with specific scholarship calendars.
Advice: if you can choose, prioritise September for maximum choice. March is a good option if you have missed deadlines, if you are following a short programme, or if you are applying for an English-taught Master's/PhD that allows it.
6. Admission and visa formalities
The admission process
- Choose your universities (3 to 5 maximum)
- Check admission requirements (qualifications, language, age, and for bachelor's: the CSCA)
- Prepare your file (diplomas, transcripts, motivation letter, recommendations)
- Apply online on the university portal (or via the CSC system if applying for a scholarship)
- Wait for the admission decision (generally 1 to 3 months after the deadline)
Student visa X1 or X2
| Type | Duration | Particularity |
|---|---|---|
| X1 | More than 180 days | Allows obtaining a residence permit upon arrival |
| X2 | Less than 180 days | No residence permit required |
Essential documents:
- Valid passport
- Admission letter
- JW201 or JW202 form (issued by the university)
- Visa application form (completed online)
- Identity photo
- Medical certificate (attention: it must be completed on the official CSC form, called "Foreigner Physical Examination Form", and stamped by an approved hospital. Plan for blood tests and a chest X-ray, this is often what blocks files).
Attention 1: The JW201/JW202 form is essential for any study visa in China, whether you are a scholarship holder or not. Without this document, your visa cannot be issued.
Attention 2 (imperative deadline): If you enter China with an X1 visa, you must convert your visa into a Residence Permit at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 30 days of your arrival. After this deadline, your stay becomes illegal and you risk fines or even expulsion. Make an appointment upon your arrival with the international student office of your university, they will accompany you in this process.
7. Accommodation in China
University accommodation
Most Chinese universities offer residences for international students. They are managed by the university and often located on campus.
Advantages:
- Proximity to classes
- Ease of integration
- Security (regulated access, 24/7 guards)
Disadvantages:
- Often shared rooms
- Sometimes strict internal regulations (hours, guests)
- Less privacy (except in recent international residences, more expensive)
Private accommodation
Renting an apartment off-campus is entirely possible, especially for Master's or PhD students.
Recommended platforms:
- Ziroom (specialising in long-term rentals)
- Lianjia
- Beike
- WeChat groups of international students
Budget: very variable depending on the city. Budget 3,000 – 8,000 RMB per month in major cities for a studio or one-bedroom apartment.
Practical tips
- Plan a security deposit (2 to 3 months' rent)
- Open a Chinese bank account to facilitate payments
- Check included charges (water, electricity, internet, gas)
8. Daily life in China
Food
Chinese cuisine is varied and accessible. University canteens offer complete meals for 20 to 40 RMB. Supermarkets and local markets allow you to cook yourself for less.
Transport
Major Chinese cities have well-developed metro and bus networks. A monthly pass can halve costs. Bike-sharing services are also ubiquitous.
Social life
Universities have hundreds of student associations: sports, culture, volunteering, arts, debates. This is an excellent way to meet Chinese people and other internationals.
Learning Chinese on site
Even if you are taking courses in English, learning Chinese is strongly recommended. Most universities offer Chinese courses at reduced rates for their foreign students.
The digital barrier: VPN
In China, Western social networks (Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram) are not accessible without a VPN. Practical advice: Subscribe to a reliable paid VPN (e.g. Astrill, ExpressVPN, Mullvad) and test it rigorously before your departure, as the vast majority of free VPNs are blocked by the Chinese firewall. Once there, you can also use local equivalents (WeChat, Weibo, Douyin) to communicate and stay informed.
9. Scholarships: a complement, not an end in itself
Yes, scholarships exist. CSC is not the only one. But studying in China is possible without a scholarship, thanks to tuition fees and a cost of living that remain competitive.
Other sources of funding
- Provincial scholarships (some provinces offer scholarships to attract international students)
- University scholarships (some institutions offer reductions or partial exemptions)
- Corporate scholarships (some large Chinese companies fund students in specific fields)
- Scholarships from your home country (many countries offer mobility scholarships)
Advice: don't put all your eggs in the CSC basket. Explore all options, including funding from your home country.
10. Strategic calendar for 2027-2028
Research phase (September – November 2026)
- Define your academic project
- Establish a list of universities
- Check admission conditions
- Research costs
Preparation phase (December 2026 – January 2027)
- Take your language tests (IELTS, TOEFL, HSK)
- Gather your documents
- Contact your professors for recommendations
- Write your motivation letters
- For bachelor's: register for the CSCA now
Application phase (February – April 2027)
- Apply online
- Track your files
- Prepare for possible interviews
Admission phase (May – July 2027)
- Receive responses
- Final choice of university
- Receive the JW201/JW202 form
Administrative phase (July – August 2027)
- Visa application (with the official medical form)
- Flight booking
- Accommodation organisation
Departure (August – September 2027)
- Arrival in China
- Administrative registration (and conversion of X1 visa to residence permit within 30 days)
- Start of classes
Conclusion
Studying in China in 2027-2028 is an accessible project if you organise well. The scholarship is an asset, but it is not a sine qua non condition. What really matters is choosing the right programme, the right university, preparing your file carefully and investing yourself in this unique experience.
China today offers exceptional academic and professional opportunities. Whether you come for a semester or a PhD, whether you speak Chinese or not, there is a place for you.
The five key pieces of advice to remember:
- Anticipate: preparation takes at least 6 to 12 months.
- Diversify your applications (several universities, several funding pathways).
- Check language conditions, intake dates, and for bachelor's: don't forget the CSCA.
- Prepare a realistic budget (including additional fees: application, insurance, medical examination, residence permit) and plan for full tuition payment before the start of classes if you are not a scholarship holder.
- Be curious: China is full of discoveries that go far beyond the academic framework.
Good luck in your endeavours, and welcome to China!