China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations with a storied history defined by discovery, innovation, and triumphs for humankind. In China, you can find the longest man-made structure in the world (The Great Wall of China) and colossal megacities (Beijing, Shanghai, and Guanghzou) alongside magnificent natural landscapes such as the Yellow Mountains and Li River. It is possible to study in China for several years and still barely scratch the surface of this vast land. In a country with a mostly rural population, economic reforms in the 1980s brought huge levels of urbanization and industrialization to China, resulting in unparalleled economic growth that transformed China into a global superpower.
The rise of China’s economy has been mirrored by improvements to its higher education sector. Chinese universities are some of the best-funded in the world. Since 2016, they’ve seen an income increase by some 57%, vastly outpacing other nations. The country is now home to several universities within the global top 200 and also the third-largest international student population worldwide. There is little doubt that China will soon sit at the table of the most prestigious countries in the world for higher education – if it is not there already.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
How much will it cost to live and study in China?
For one of the most reputable countries for higher education, the cost of studying in China is very reasonable. The cost of an MBA in China is in line with the high quality of education – you’re looking at at least EUR€30,000 in tuition fees. Given that it is such a large country, living costs can understandably vary a lot. For one person, monthly costs are estimated at around ¥3,700 (US$552). However, this depends largely on location and prices are likely to be lower in smaller cities.
Do I need to get a visa to live and study in China?
All international students who plan to study in China for more than six months are required to apply for the X1 visa. You can book an appointment on the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) and fill out the necessary forms. The standard visa processing time is four working days and the cost of a student visa varies depending on your country of origin. For example, US citizens pay US$140 while Australians pay A$109 – most other countries pay an application fee of less than US$30. The X1 visa is valid for 30 days and visa holders are required to apply for a temporary residence permit within 30 days upon entry into China. The temporary residence permit can be issued with a validity of up to five years.
How reputable are universities from China?
China’s wealth of universities and grad schools has been rapidly growing in quality over recent decades. Today, institutions such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Fudan University are all ranked within the top 100 in the world. Meanwhile, the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) boasts the best MBA program in China.
What is the job market like for graduates in China?
The proportion of the population who hold a master’s degree, MBA, or equivalent remains low in comparison to China’s peers in Asia, Europe, and North America, meaning there are job opportunities for highly-qualified graduates in China. Average post-graduation salaries have also been steadily rising for master’s and MBA graduates. If you would like to work in China post-graduation, you will need to apply for the Z visa (Chinese work visa).
Are there a lot of international students in China?
The number of international students in China has risen from 75,000 in 2003 to over 700,000 in 2019 – reflecting the concurrent rise in teaching standards, investment into higher education, and initiatives aimed at attracting more international students. China is now the third-most popular destination for international students in the world.
Did You Know?
Fun Facts About China
1
According to the Financial Times MBA Ranking 2022, China has six MBA programs in the top 100 worldwide.
2
China has the second-largest economy in the world, with a GDP of over US$14 trillion.
3
China produced the "Four Great Inventions" – paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass.
4
The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure in the world, but contrary to popular belief, it cannot be seen from space!
5
China is the most populous country in the world, with almost 1.4 billion residents.
Which Visas & permits do i need in China
All international students who plan to study in China for more than six months are required to apply for the X1 visa. You can book an appointment on the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) and fill out the necessary forms. The standard visa processing time is four working days and the cost of a student visa varies depending on your country of origin. For example, US citizens pay US$140 while Australians pay A$109 – most other countries pay an application fee of less than US$30. The X1 visa is valid for 30 days and visa holders are required to apply for a temporary residence permit within 30 days upon entry into China. The temporary residence permit can be issued with a validity of up to five years.
You are not permitted to work on an X-type visa. However, with the permission of your university and the local authorities, you may be able to do an internship or work part-time for a limited number of hours. If you would like to work in China post-graduation you will need to apply for the Z visa (Chinese work visa).
Banking in China
While most big cities in China accept international bank cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. You can also use them to withdraw money from ATMs across the country. However, if you plan to study in China for a long period of time – and potentially work afterward – it might be more convenient to open a Chinese bank account. Simply visit the local branch of a bank and provide the relevant documents, such as proof of ID, proof of student status, and proof of address. The biggest banks in China, with branches all over the country, are the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the Bank of China (BOC), the Agricultural Bank of China (ABC Bank), China Construction Bank (CCB), and the Bank of Communications. Most Chinese universities will help international students open a bank account.
What do I need to know about healthcare in China
The Chinese Ministry of Education requires all international students to take out private insurance, which must be valid throughout the duration of their stay in China. You can apply for international insurance in your home country before you arrive in China. Your insurance must cover accidental injury medical treatment and hospitalization medical treatment with a coverage of more than ¥400,000 (US$59,700).
You can also take out private health insurance in China. Your university admissions office may make recommendations and help you submit the necessary paperwork. Major insurance providers in China include China Taiping, Ping An, AXA Insurance, and Allianz Care. For international students, insurance per year will cost around ¥600-800 (US$89-119).
Housing options for students in China
In China, some universities provide on-campus accommodation, as well as off-campus housing for students. Costs for this type of accommodation range from US$150-400 per month, depending on the school, city, and type of room.
International students can also opt to rent an apartment with roommates or an entire apartment. For a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay between US$300-1,000 per month. In big cities like Beijing, rental prices are higher. Note that rent in China is paid every three, six, or 12 months, as opposed to the standard monthly schedule.
What are the public transport options in China
Across China, public transport options like buses, metros, and taxis make up a comprehensive transportation network nationwide. To save money, students can buy a special transportation card that gives them a discount of over 30% on bus and subway travel. When using a transportation card, a bus trip can cost as little as ¥2 (US$0.29).
In big cities, taxis are another fast method (outside of rush hour) of getting around. Typically, taxis in Beijing and Shanghai start at ¥13 (US$1.94) and charge per additional kilometer. The use of bicycles in big cities is generally
How much does a Big Mac cost in China
The Big Mac Index was invented by The Economist in 1986 as an informal way of measuring the purchasing power parity (PPP) between two currencies. The price of a Big Mac in China is ¥24.40 (equivalent to US$3.64, EUR€3.39, and JP¥463). For US$50, you can buy 13 Big Macs.
In China, the cost of living is relatively affordable, slightly lower than the world average. For one person, monthly costs are estimated at around ¥3,700 (US$552). However, this depends largely on location. The most expensive cities in China are Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing.
