Selecting A University: Chinese Students' Key Considerations

Chinese students' choices of university are influenced by a variety of factors, including the quality of education, cost, location, and the desire for a more flexible education system. With increasing income levels, more Chinese students can afford to study abroad, and the proliferation of the internet has given them a better understanding of the differences between Chinese and Western education.

School quality

Chinese students are increasingly discerning when it comes to university rankings. While rankings like the QS system are a reliable benchmark for prestige, they may not always reflect the overall quality of education, the experience of foreign students, employability, or the quality of specific disciplines and language programs.

Chinese students are also attracted to universities with strong reputations in specific fields. For example, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in the US is known for its engineering program, and Tsinghua University in China is ranked number one for Computer Science.

The perception of a university's country in relation to China also plays a role. For instance, worsening relations between the US and China have pushed Chinese students towards other countries.

Chinese students are also increasingly opting to study at universities closer to home, such as those in Hong Kong and Macau, which offer a Western-style education in a familiar cultural context.

Culture

The cultural appeal of studying in a foreign country goes beyond academics. Chinese students are interested in learning about the history, society, affairs, and daily life of their host country. They want to develop a deeper understanding of their chosen country and determine if it aligns with their values and interests. This exploration of a new culture also extends to making friends from diverse backgrounds and creating an international network.

Additionally, the influence of family and friends cannot be understated. Chinese students often consider studying in countries where they have relatives or friends, as it provides a sense of familiarity and support. The presence of a familiar network makes it easier for them to adapt to life abroad and gain first-hand insights into the local culture and education system. This factor plays a crucial role in their decision-making process.

Cultural factors also intersect with academic considerations. Chinese students seek a high-quality education, and they believe that studying abroad can offer a more flexible learning environment. They value the opportunity to choose their focus of study and develop soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and decision-making. The desire for a well-rounded education that combines academic excellence with cultural immersion is a driving force in their university choices.

Lastly, the cultural aspect of studying abroad is closely tied to future prospects. Chinese students and their parents believe that an overseas education will enhance their job prospects and career development. They consider the recognition of their degrees both within their host country and internationally. The potential for immigration and working abroad is also a factor, as some students intend to establish a life in a foreign country after completing their studies.

Family and friends

The influence of family and friends can also be seen in the financial support that Chinese families provide for their children's education. The wealth that enables Chinese families to pay the high prices of overseas degrees is beneficial for university budgets. For example, international students at the University of Illinois, which has a large number of Chinese students, pay total costs of about $46,000 to $53,000, including tuition and accommodation. Xuran (Sherry) Peng, a student from China, says her parents had to use a large portion of their savings to send her to the University of Illinois. She feels it is her responsibility to earn back the tuition fees for her younger brother, who her parents also hope will study in the US.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also influenced the role of family and friends in Chinese students' decision-making. Yifu Wang, a conservation social scientist from China, had hoped to undertake a second postdoc in the US but the pandemic changed her plans. Due to travel restrictions in mainland China, she wouldn't be able to travel back home easily, so she decided to stay in Hong Kong.

In addition, the pandemic and political atmosphere have made some Chinese parents reluctant to send their children to distant countries. For example, Jane Tian, a PhD student in Hong Kong, says her parents were happy for her to study in Hong Kong as it is closer to home.

Language

However, language is also a factor for Chinese students who wish to remain in China for their studies. For those who want to learn Mandarin, the recommended cities are Beijing and Tianjin, as the Mandarin spoken in other areas can differ from the standard form. For students who are more business-oriented, Chongqing and Shenzhen are recommended, as these cities are China's main trading points, offering greater exposure to Chinese culture and the opportunity to build connections that will be useful for future careers.

In addition, for Chinese students who wish to study in English-speaking countries, there is a wide range of high-quality English-taught programs available at the Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and non-degree levels. However, proficiency in English will need to be proven through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or the Duolingo English Test. Native English speakers or students who have previously studied in English may be exempt from these exams.

Cost

The cost of studying in China is significantly lower than in the UK or US, although it is more expensive than some European countries.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees in Chinese universities vary depending on the institution and the subject. For example, students can expect to pay between 11,480 to 20,880 yuan (£1,320 to £2,400) per academic year. Programmes in medicine, engineering and business cost more, with an average of 159,300 to 331,885 yuan (£18,319 to £38,166) per year.

There is also the option to study at American or British universities with a campus in a Chinese city, such as the Chinese campuses of the universities of Nottingham, Leicester and Lancaster. Tuition fees at such institutions are 53,100 to 99,565 yuan (£6,100 to £11,449) a year, with the average bachelor’s degree at 79,650 yuan (£9,160) and the average master’s degree at 89,610 yuan (£10,300) a year.

There is typically an application fee for Chinese universities, which is between 597 and 995 yuan (£69 to £114), but it rarely goes over 1,327 yuan (£150). The higher the university is ranked in China, the more expensive the application fee. For example, Peking University, one of China's top-ranked universities, charges an average application fee of 1,128 yuan (£129).

Living Costs

The cost of living in China depends on the city. Beijing is one of the most expensive cities, with monthly expenses ranging from 1,000 to 1,200 USD. Shanghai and Shenzhen are the second most expensive, with monthly costs between 850 and 1,200 USD. In other Chinese cities, expenses could be as low as 600 USD per month.

The most common accommodation options in China are:

• Student residence halls – prices range between 150 and 400 USD/month.
• Renting a flat – expect to pay between 300 and 1,000 USD/month for a one-bedroom apartment.
• Living with a Chinese family – between 350 and 550 USD/month.
• Living with a roommate – the most common option among international students to save money.

Other living expenses include:

• Food – a meal at a university canteen or a small local restaurant costs between 1 and 4 USD.
• Transport – a student transit pass for public transportation costs around 15 - 20 USD/month.
• Books and study materials – 30 – 50 USD/semester.
• Medical insurance – around 60 USD for six months.

Scholarships

To attract more international students, the Chinese government has created a scholarship programme, providing full or partial funding for tuition fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Frequently asked questions