Study in China

With a population of over 1.3 billion people, China is the second largest economy (based on nominal GDP) in the world and the third largest country in total area. The landscape of China is very diverse; from forests, to the Gobi desert, to subtropical forests in the South east, to the Himalayan mountains. Choosing to study in China is the perfect opportunity for those wanting to complement their studies with an experience of a diverse and vibrant culture.

With an enrollment of over a quarter of a million international students, studying in China is a priority for the Chinese government. Over 200 universities are authorized to enroll international students, and the application process is generally much easier for them than for domestic students due to studying in China being a major export service.

The rich Chinese culture, society and the high rate of development within the areas of both business and international relations will give students wanting to study in China experiences and an understanding that will help guide them throughout their continued life and career.

Learning the Language

In general, the number of programs offered in English are increasing, but for programs with limited entry, a knowledge of the Chinese language will be a huge advantage. It shows that you are committed to immersing yourself in the culture and the authentic study in China experience. Not only can learning Chinese help studies, but it can also increase career opportunities in the future as Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world, with one in five people fluent speakers.

Cost of Studying in China

The costs associated with studying in China differs depending on the program and the location but can be anywhere from 20,000 RMB (USD$3,300) to 60,000 RMB (USD$9,900) per year. Depending on lifestyle, living in metropolitan areas such as Beijing or Shanghai could be around 4,500 RMB ($740) per month while other cities could be around 1,500 RMB ($250).

The Application Process

Find your university and program

Take a look above at the array of programs available to study in China. If you are unsure about what program you want to pursue, you can take our 'What Should I Study Abroad' quiz for some inspiration. The universities themselves will be able to tell you whether or not the programs they offer would be suitable for your needs. You can contact them via the information request button on their Educations.com profile.

Submit an application

You've decided what to study in China, great! Now you need to get together your application material. This will generally include transcripts of previous qualifications and grades, language test results (such as IELTS or TOEFL) if undertaking an English-speaking course, and recommendation and motivation letters. Studying in China will have different entry requirements depending on the university so make sure to check what they need and when they need it by.

Prepare your visa

Different visa options are available depending on the length of intended study in China. Visa application can be a lengthy and frustrating procedure so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get it sorted before departing for China.

Before you go

You're almost ready to go! Make sure to consider these other factors before you leave to undertake study in China:

• Travel and health insurance 
• Accommodation
• Physical examination and vaccinations
• Research where you going
• Money and how you'll access it