Posted by The pursuit of higher education in China, where there are many top-tier universities, can be quite expensive, that’s why we, in this article, are highlighting the cheapest universities in China for International students, so students can attend quality universities at an affordable rate.
China offers a unique blend of rich culture, academic excellence, and affordable education, making it an appealing destination for international students.
Table of Contents
Why Study in China for International Students?
China has one of the oldest civilizations in the world and is a global economic leader.
Studying in China can lead to a high employability rate, as students can learn Chinese, live in a new culture, and return to their home country with a better understanding of business and personal issues.
Studying in China also provides opportunities to work or take an internship, allowing students to learn new skills with real-world practical experience.
Traveling to China offers opportunities to explore beautiful scenery, such as climbing the Great Wall, riding camels down the Silk Road, taking a boat down the Yangtze, and visiting the Hanging Temple of Datong.
China is the third most popular destination for international students, after the US and the UK. In 2018, there were 492,185 international students enrolled in Chinese universities, an increase of 106.6% from 2009.
In 2018, 63,041 international students received scholarships from the Chinese government, accounting for 12.8% of the total number of international students.
Popular Courses in China
Below is a list of the most popular courses in China:
- Medicine
- Business
- Computer Science and Technology
- Engineering
- Chinese Language and Literature
- International Relations
- Law
- Art and Design
List of the Cheapest Universities in China for International Students
Below is a table showing the cheapest universities in China for international students:
20 Cheapest Universities in China for International Students
1. Tsinghua University
- Founded: 1911
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at Tsinghua University is about 28,000 CNY per year (about USD 4,480D).
Tsinghua University is a public research university located in Beijing, China. It was established in 1911 and is affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China.
The university is renowned for its high-quality teaching and research, and its spirit of social commitment.
It is part of the Double First-Class University Plan, former Project 985, and former Project 211, while being a member of the C9 League.
2. Peking University
- Founded: 1898
- Tuition fee: from 3,952 USD per year.
Peking University is a national public comprehensive university located in Beijing, China. It was founded in 1898 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China. The university is affiliated with and sponsored by the Ministry of Education of China.
The university has a diverse range of faculties, including the School of Physics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, School of Earth and Space Sciences, School of Mathematical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, School of International Studies, and Guanghua School of Management.
3. Zhejiang University
- Founded: 1897
- Tuition fee: Bachelor’s – 4663 dollars a year.
Zhejiang University (ZJU) is a public research university located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
It was founded in 1897 as Qiushi Academy and later became Zhejiang University in 1952. ZJU is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China, and is a member of the C9 League, the Yangtze Delta Universities Alliance, and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities.
The university has a total enrollment of over 57,000 students, including over 3,000 international students from more than 140 countries.
ZJU has seven faculties and 36 schools offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines including engineering, medicine, agriculture, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more.
4. Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Founded: 1896
- Tuition fee: The cost of study at SJTU is the same for locals and foreigners — from 4,427 USD per year.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is a public research university located in Shanghai, China.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is a prestigious institution with a rich history.
It was founded in 1896 and has played a significant role in cultivating talented professionals for the nation.
SJTU is renowned both domestically and internationally, consistently ranking high in global university rankings.
5. Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Founded: 1911
- Location: Hong Kong
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for non-local students for 2024-25 is HK$145,000 per annum.
Courses
Some of the most popular programs at CUHK include:
- Business administration
- Economics
- Law
- Medicine
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Sociology
CUHK is a public research university located in Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Hong Kong.
It aims to bridge the gap between China and the West. CUHK consistently ranks among the top three universities in Hong Kong, and it has been recognized as the No. 1 Asia Pacific’s Most Innovative University by Reuters.
6. Fudan University
- Founded: 1905
- Tuition fee: Chinese citizens pay 25,400 USD per year, while international students pay a minimum of 7,656 USD.
Fudan University is a prestigious national public university located in Shanghai, China.
It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education and is co-sponsored by the ministry and Shanghai City.
Fudan University is part of Project 985, Project 211, and the Double First-Class University Plan.
The university offers a wide range of programs, including 70 bachelor’s degree programs, 154 doctoral degree programs, and 224 master’s degree programs to students from around the world.
7. University of Science and Technology of China
- Founded: 1958
- Location: Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
- Tuition fee: The average fees for the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) are RMB 26,000 per year for undergraduate programs and RMB 30,000 per year for master’s programs.
The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) is a prestigious public research university located in Hefei, Anhui, China.
It operates under the direct leadership of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and is co-funded by the Academy, the Ministry of Education of China, and the Anhui Provincial Government.
USTC is known for its excellence in science, engineering, and technology education, making it a prominent institution in China’s academic landscape.
8. Nanjing University
- Founded: 1902
- Tuition fee: 3,000 USD/year (approx.)
Courses
Some of the most popular programs at NJU include:
- Business administration
- Economics
- Law
- Medicine
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Sociology
Nanjing University (NJU) is a public research university located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
Nanjing University (NJU), founded in 1902, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in China.
With the motto of “Sincerity with Aspiration, Perseverance with Integrity,” NJU has a rich history and is affiliated with the Ministry of Education.
It is part of the Double First-Class University Plan, Project 985, and Project 211.
NJU offers a diverse and multicultural learning environment, including programs for international students.
9. Huazhong University of Science and Technology
- Founded: 1958.
- Tuition fee: Bachelors; RMB 30,000
Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), located in Wuhan, China, is a comprehensive and key national university.
It covers an impressive area of over 470 hectares, earning it the nickname “University in the Forest”.
HUST is affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China and is part of both the Project 985 and Project 211 initiatives. It’s also part of the Double First-Class University Plan.
10. Wuhan University
- Founded: 1893
- Tuition fee: Bachelor’s degree; $2,397 per year on average.
Wuhan University (WHU) is a prestigious public research university located in Wuhan, Hubei, China.
It is affiliated with and sponsored by the Ministry of Education of China. WHU is part of several national initiatives, including Project 985, Project 211, and the Double First-Class University Plan.
It ranks #194 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
11. Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Founded: 1937
- Tuition fee: Bachelors; HK$42,100 (for local students) and 145,000 USD (for international students).
Courses
- Engineering
- Business
- Design
- Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a public research university in Hung Hom, Hong Kong.
It is one of the eight government-funded degree-granting tertiary institutions in Hong Kong.
PolyU aspires to be an innovative world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility, guided by its motto: “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”.
12. Sun Yat-Sen University
- Founded: 1924
- Tuition fee: For foreigners, the tuition fee ranges from 1,000 USD to 1,790 USD per year, depending on the level of study and the number of semesters or trimesters.
Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), founded in 1924, is a prestigious national public university located in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
SYSU boasts an impressive academic community with 70 schools and departments, 22 academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), 4,970 full-time teachers, and a student body of 65,965.
SYSU is actively involved in various research endeavors, including hosting 36 national-level research institutions and 241 provincial and ministerial-level research institutions.
13. Harbin Institute of Technology
- Founded: 1920
- Tuition fee: The bachelor’s tuition fee is from 20,000 RMB to 26,000 RMB per year for both domestic and international students.
Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) is a public research university located in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
The university has three campuses: the main campus in Harbin, the Weihai campus in Shandong province, and the Shenzhen graduate school.
HIT offers over 2,000 undergraduate and 1,900 postgraduate courses to its 40,000 plus student body.
The university is known for its strong emphasis on science, engineering, and research.
14. Xi’an Jiaotong University
- Founded: 1896
- Location: Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Tuition fee: For foreign students, the annual tuition at XJTU starts from 4,611 USD.
Courses
XJTU offers a wide range of courses in a variety of disciplines, including:
- Engineering
- Science
- Medicine
- Business
- Humanities
- Social sciences
- Law
- Education
- Arts
Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), located in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China, is a prestigious public university affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China.
It is part of Project 985, Project 211, and the Double First Class University Plan.
XJTU offers programs in various fields including medicine, economics, management, and philosophy.
The university comprises 20 schools, eight undergraduate residential colleges, and eight affiliated teaching hospitals. If you’re interested in higher education, XJTU is definitely worth exploring!
15. Sichuan University
- Founded: 1896
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee at Sichuan University for foreign students varies depending on the program and starts from 3,383 USD per year.
Courses
Some of the most popular courses include:
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Business
- Humanities
- Social sciences
Sichuan University is a public research university located in Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
It is affiliated with and sponsored by the Ministry of Education.
SCU is part of Project 985, Project 211, and the Double First Class University Plan.
It ranks among the top 10 best national universities in mainland China.
The university’s rich history and commitment to education, research, and social impact make it a prominent institution in the region.
16. Shandong University
- Founded: 1901
- Tuition fee: For bachelor’s programs, the fees range from 12,000 RMB to 45,000 RMB.
Shandong University (SDU) is a public university in Jinan, Shandong, China.
It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China. SDU is part of Project 985, Project 211, and the Double First-Class University Plan.
The university is dedicated to cultivating top-tier academics and producing original, iconic, and leading academic achievements.
17. Tongji University
- Founded: 1907
- Tuition fee: RMB 20,000 to RMB 45,000 Per Year.
Tongji University is a public research university located in Shanghai, China.
It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China and is part of the Double First-Class University Plan, Project 985, and Project 211.
The university has four main campuses: Siping Road Campus, Jiading Campus, West Shanghai Campus, and North Shanghai Campus.
Tongji University offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including engineering, medicine, arts, and more.
18. City University of Hong Kong
- Founded: 1994
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for non-local students at City University of Hong Kong is HKD145,000 in the 2023-24 academic year.
Shandong University (SDU), located in Jinan, Shandong, China, is a prestigious public university affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China.
It is part of Project 985, Project 211, and the Double First-Class University Plan. SDU is dedicated to cultivating top-tier academics and producing original, iconic, and leading academic achievements.
Their collaborative culture drives innovative discoveries vital to health, the world, and intellectual lives.
19. Jilin University
- Founded: 1946.
- Tuition fee: For international students, the annual tuition at Jilin University starts from 2,608 USD.
Jilin University (JLU) is a national public university located in Changchun, Jilin, China.
It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China and is part of several significant academic initiatives, including the Double First-Class University Plan, Project 985, and Project 211.
Jilin University has a rich history and is recognized as a key comprehensive university in China.
20. Beijing Normal University
- Founded: 1902
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for international students at BNU ranges between 3,600 USD to 4,200 USD per year.
Beijing Normal University is a national public university in Beijing, China.
It is established in 1902, making it one of the oldest universities in the country.
BNU offers a wide range of disciplines, including sciences, humanities, teacher education, and educational science.
The university has been recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education as a Class a Double First-Class University.
FAQs on Cheapest Universities in China for International Students
Do these universities compromise on quality due to their affordability?
No, many affordable universities in China maintain high academic standards and are recognized globally for their quality of education.
Are there scholarships available for international students in these universities?
Yes, many universities on our list offer scholarships specifically designed for international students. We provide details on these opportunities in the article.
What is the cost of living like for international students in China?
The cost of living varies depending on the city, but a student can expect to live comfortably on a budget of around 400-800 USD/month.
Is it necessary to know the Chinese language to study in China?
While some universities offer programs in English, having some knowledge of Chinese can be beneficial.
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- 20 Cheapest Universities in Asia for International Students
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- 35 Best Law Schools In The World.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many of these affordable universities in China maintain high academic standards and are recognized globally for their quality of education.
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