Many international students choose China as their study abroad destination. But why is that? In recent years, China has made significant investments in education and has formed collaborations with institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Chinese universities provide high-quality education and amenities. As a result, over 100 higher education institutions are presently included in top rankings produced by Times Higher Education and Top Universities.
Chinese university tuition costs
Public university tuition costs
Tuition expenses at Chinese public institutions typically vary between 2,500 and 10,000 USD each academic year. There are also some programmes with no tuition payments. These are often given by colleges from other countries with campuses in China (for example, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Denmark).
Private university tuition costs
Tuition at private colleges is typically greater. While most courses cost less than 30,000 USD per year, certain MBA programmes might cost more than 40,000 USD per year.
Private institutions from other nations may have much greater costs. For example, tuition rates at the New York University (NYU) Shanghai, which was founded in partnership with the East China Normal University of Shanghai, exceed $50,000 USD per year.
China’s most cheap universities
We’ve compiled a list of the most cheap Chinese universities:
- Tuition at Ningbo University is between $2,600 and $4,700 USD per year.
- Tuition at Northwestern Polytechnical University is between $2,900 and $4,350 USD each year.
- Liaoning University of Technology – tuition ranges from $2,200 to $3,760 USD each year
- Tuition at Beijing Normal University ranges between $3,470 and $4,670 USD each year.
Universities in China that we recommend
- University of Zhejiang
- Suzhou Centennial University
- Hong Kong Baptist University – Beijing Normal University United International University
International students’ living expenses in China
Average cost of living in Chinese cities:
- Beijing is one of the most expensive cities, with monthly prices ranging between $1,000 and $1,200 USD.
- Shanghai and Shenzhen are the second most costly cities, with monthly rents ranging from 850 to 1,200 USD.
In all other Chinese cities, you may get by on 600-1,000 USD each month. This amount may also include housing if you live in a resident hall.
Keep in mind that living expenses vary greatly across China. Tuition prices, the status and type of university, the size of the city, and your spending habits can all greatly increase or decrease your expenses.
Accommodation costs
Although Shanghai and Beijing are regarded across the world as some of the most expensive places to live in, there are various inexpensive housing alternatives in these metropolitan cities. Rates are significantly lower in Tianjin, Jiangsu, and Sichuan.
In China, the most prevalent types of lodging are:
- Student living halls cost between $150 and $400 USD each month.
- Renting a flat – A one-bedroom apartment will cost between $300 and $1,000 USD per month (depending on the city, the location of the apartment and the included facilities).
- Living with a Chinese family costs between $300 and $500 a month.
Living with a roommate, whether in a student housing or an apartment, is the most cost-effective and popular choice for foreign students. A security deposit of $300 – 460 USD is required for all accommodations (mostly student dorms and apartments). Utility costs add about $50 USD to your monthly expenses.
Costs of food
A lunch should cost between 1 and 4 USD at the university canteen, a small neighbourhood eatery, or a fast food chain. Mid-range eating alternatives (prices ranging from $4 to $7 USD) include both Chinese and international cuisine.
You will spend around 170 – 200 USD per month if you buy food from local supermarkets. International grocery chains such as Walmart, Carrefour, Auchan, and Metro are available. If you want to save money, consider cooking at home. Also, buy fruits and vegetables at fresh markets, where you may fill a large shopping bag with fruits for as little as 2 – 3 USD.
Transportation
China offers great public transportation at relatively low costs, and taxi journeys are also quite inexpensive. Here is a general price list for public transportation:
- 0.5 USD for a metro ride
- Taxi fare per kilometre: 0.33 USD
- A 20-minute cab journey across town costs $4 USD.
- 0.3 USD for the city bus
A monthly student transit pass for public transportation costs between $15 and $20 USD.
