Janice Lozano
China has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, with over 100 of its higher education institutions featuring in top global rankings. The country's investment in education and partnerships with universities from the UK and US have contributed to this trend. While Chinese universities offer quality education and high-standard facilities, the cost of attendance for international students varies. The average tuition fees at public universities range from $2,500 to $10,000 per academic year, but there are also programmes with no tuition fees. In addition to tuition, students must consider accommodation and living expenses, which can vary depending on the city and lifestyle choices. Scholarships are available to international students, providing full or partial funding for tuition and, in some cases, living expenses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University enrollment rate in 2023 | 60.2% |
| Number of students enrolled in 4-year university and college degree programs in 2023 | 47 million |
| Number of tertiary institutions in 2023 | 3,074 |
| Entry requirements | Results of the Gaokao entrance examination |
| Number of foreign students | Growing rapidly in recent years |
| Average tuition fees in public universities | $2,500 to $10,000 USD/academic year |
| Accommodation options | Student residence halls, renting a flat, living with a Chinese family, or living with a roommate |
| Average monthly accommodation costs | $150 to $1,000 USD |
| Average monthly utility bills | $50 USD |
| Average meal costs | $1 to $7 USD |
| Average monthly grocery costs | $170 to $200 USD |
| Average student transit pass cost | $15 to $20 USD/month |
| Average cost of books and study materials | $30 to $50 USD/semester |
| Average cost of medical insurance | $60 USD for six months |
| Availability of scholarships | Yes, providing full or partial funding for tuition fees |
| Student visa requirements | Student Visa Study (X visa) for programs over six months, or Business visa (F visa) for programs under six months |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international students
University is not free for Chinese students, who must take the Gaokao exam to enter. However, China is one of the most generous countries when it comes to providing scholarships for international students. There are currently over 50,000 international students in China with scholarships.
There are three main types of scholarships in China: government, non-government, and university-specific.
Government Scholarships
The Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) is one of the most common scholarships awarded to international students. It is a project of the Chinese Ministry of Education to advance education, cultural exchange, political cooperation, and intercultural understanding between China and other nations. CSC scholarships can be full or partially funded. Students who qualify may attend any of the 279 different universities. The scholarship includes a living allowance, health insurance, a return international airfare, and visa application fees.
Other government scholarships include:
- Jiangsu Government Scholarships: Undergraduate students receive $7000 per year for four years, while postgraduate students receive $9800 per year for two to three years.
- Beijing Government Scholarships: Undergraduate students get $2900 per year; postgraduate students get $4200 per year; doctorate students get $5600 per year.
- Zhejiang Government Scholarship
- Liaoning Scholarships
- Ningbo City Scholarship
- Hangzhou Government Scholarship
University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities in China offer scholarships to international students. For example, United International College offers limited scholarships for academically exceptional students, and Xiamen University is offering five different scholarships for international students.
Non-Government Scholarships
The Confucius Institute Scholarships are another option for international students.
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The Gaokao entrance exam
The exam consists of six subjects, including three mandatory subjects and three elective-mandatory subjects chosen by the applicants. The mandatory subjects typically include language, mathematics (arts/science), and a foreign language (usually English). The elective-mandatory subjects vary but may include history, geography, physics, chemistry, or biology, depending on whether the student is in an arts or science programme. Each subject has a unique paper structure and marking criteria designed to evaluate students' knowledge, thinking ability, and practical application skills.
To be eligible to take the Gaokao exam, students must have completed the required number of years of high school education, typically 12 years, and be in good physical health. The exam is not strictly age-restricted, but most participants are between 17 and 19 years old, as this is the typical age range after completing three years of high school. However, social candidates or repeaters who meet the entry requirements may participate outside of this age range.
The Gaokao exam usually takes place over two to four days, with the exact duration depending on the number of subjects being examined. It is a highly important examination for Chinese students, with millions participating each year. In 2023, a record 12.9 million students took the exam, with 7 million being admitted to colleges or universities. The exam is considered a representation of meritocracy in China, with entry based solely on exam results rather than extracurricular activities, donations, or family connections.
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University enrolment rate
University education in China is not free for international students. Tuition fees vary by university and level of study, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per year for undergraduate programs. However, the Chinese government and universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students to help offset the cost of tuition.
For Chinese citizens, higher education is also not entirely free. The tuition fee structure depends on the university, degree program, and student's residency status. The Chinese government provides various scholarships and subsidies to support citizens in their pursuit of higher education. These include national scholarships and targeted subsidies for students from low-income families or those studying in under-served fields. The government has also implemented policies such as Project 211 and Project 985 to strengthen higher education in the country.
According to the Ministry of Education, the university enrollment rate in China was 60.2% in 2023, representing 47 million mainland Chinese students enrolled in 4-year university and college degree programs across 3,074 tertiary institutions. This enrollment rate includes short-cycle degree programs, bachelor's degree programs, and above at universities, higher vocational colleges, adult higher education institutions, and online and self-learning higher education curricula.
The demand for higher education in China has been increasing over the years due to rising incomes and aspirations of Chinese families. The total number of enrollments in Chinese higher education institutions has been expanding, but this has been accompanied by a rising unemployment rate among young people. The unemployment rate for urban residents aged 18 to 24 surged from 17.3% to 21.3%, highlighting the challenges faced by new graduates in the job market.
In conclusion, while university education in China is not free for international students or citizens, the government and universities provide financial support through scholarships and subsidies to improve accessibility. The increasing demand for higher education has led to a growing enrollment rate in Chinese universities, contributing to the socioeconomic development of the country. However, the rising unemployment rate among young people remains a concern.
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Cost of living
The cost of living in China for international students is considered affordable when compared to other countries. The cost of living and tuition fees are much lower on average, and the Chinese government is investing heavily in education to gain more international recognition.
Accommodation
The most common accommodation options in China are:
- Student residence halls – prices range between 150 and 400 USD/month (995 to 2,655 yuan or £114 to £760 per month).
- Renting a flat – expect to pay between 300 and 1,000 USD/month for a one-bedroom apartment (1,660 to 6,637 yuan or £190 to £763 per month).
- Living with a Chinese family – prices range from 350 to 550 USD/month (2,320 to 3,650 yuan or £267 to £420 per month, often including at least one meal a day).
Food
A meal at a university canteen, a small local restaurant, or a fast-food chain should cost between 1 and 4 USD. Mid-range dining options (prices between 4 and 7 USD) include both Chinese and international dishes. If you buy food from local supermarkets, you’ll spend around 170–200 USD/month.
Other Costs
Other costs to consider when living in China include:
- Application fees: On average, application fees range from 90 to 150 USD and are typically not more than 200 USD.
- Tuition fees: The average tuition fees in Chinese public universities range between 2,500 and 10,000 USD/academic year. Programmes in medicine, engineering, and business cost more, averaging 159,300 to 331,885 yuan (£18,319 to £38,166) per year.
- Student visa: The cost of a student visa (X-Visa) is approximately 100 USD.
- Health insurance: All international students in China need to have valid health insurance, which costs around 100 USD.
- Utilities: Utility bills add around 50 USD/month to your expenses.
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Job market for graduates
China's job market is becoming increasingly challenging for new graduates. The unemployment rate for young people aged 16-24 in China rose to a record high of 21.3% in June 2023. This is partly due to insufficient demand from businesses, who are uncertain about the future and therefore reluctant to hire young workers, who typically require training.
The competition for state sector jobs is particularly fierce, despite non-state enterprises dominating China's labour market. Over half of China's workers with college degrees are employed by the state, and 64% of college students aspire to work in the state sector. However, only 51% of students seeking work in the state sector actually receive job offers from public employers. Male students, urban residents, CCP members, students with strong standardised test scores, those from higher-income families, and students with social connections to the state sector are more likely to find state jobs.
The tough job market has led to an increase in postgraduate students, as graduates seek to avoid the job search in a challenging economic climate. One graduate student said:
> "These years are really challenging, especially for the newly graduated students, because we don't have experience and it's quite hard for us to find jobs not only in China but all over the world."
In response to the challenging job market, Chinese universities have implemented student clubs and special training activities to cultivate soft skills in students and promote resilient personalities and life skills. Despite these efforts, the unemployment rate for urban residents aged 18-24 surged from 17.3% to 21.3% according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China.
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Frequently asked questions
University is not free for Chinese students. The average tuition fees in Chinese public universities range between 2,500 and 10,000 USD per academic year. However, there are some programmes with no tuition fees and scholarships available for Chinese students.
The cost of living as a student in China depends on the city and your spending habits. Shanghai and Beijing are known to be expensive cities, but there are affordable options for student accommodation. Student residence halls range between 150 and 400 USD per month, and renting a flat can cost between 300 and 1,000 USD per month. A meal at a university canteen or local restaurant can cost between 1 and 7 USD.
International students can apply for scholarships from the Chinese government or individual universities, which can provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living costs. Some scholarships are specifically for international students who have achieved excellent results in the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK).
