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Study in China
Chinese and English-taught degrees at universities such as Tsinghua University and Peking University – with guidance on applications, student visas, costs and student life in China.
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- Region
- Asia
- Capital
- Beijing
- Currency
- CNY
- Language
- Standard Chinese (Mandarin)
Why Study in China?
Planning to study in China?
Explore universities, courses and scholarships, then start your journey with Application Abroad.
Start My Journey →Reasons international students consider China:
- Leading universities – Tsinghua, Peking and Fudan are internationally known.
- Government scholarships – The Chinese Government Scholarship for international students.
- Learn Chinese – Study the world’s most spoken first language.
- Ancient and modern culture – Thousands of years of history and fast-growing cities.
China has one of the world’s largest higher education systems and hosts students from all over the world. Tsinghua, Peking and Fudan universities are among its best known, and many universities teach programmes in English.
This guide covers the education system, how to apply, student visas, the costs to plan for and student life in China. Fees, visa rules and entry requirements change, so always confirm the latest details with the university and official government sources.
Reasons to Study in China
- 01
Leading universities
Tsinghua, Peking and Fudan are internationally known.
- 02
Government scholarships
The Chinese Government Scholarship for international students.
- 03
Learn Chinese
Study the world’s most spoken first language.
- 04
Ancient and modern culture
Thousands of years of history and fast-growing cities.
Process to Study in China
From counselling to your first day at university
International students usually apply directly to the university through its admissions office or online portal. You will normally need your previous certificates and transcripts (with certified translations into Chinese and English if issued in another language), a copy of your passport and, for some programmes, an entrance exam, interview or portfolio. Foreign qualifications may need to be recognised as equivalent before or after admission.
Choose a programme and university
Compare programmes at universities in China such as Tsinghua University and Peking University. Check the teaching language and that the institution is recognised.
Check entry requirements
Confirm the academic and language requirements, any entrance exams, and whether your qualifications need to be recognised.
Prepare your documents
Gather certificates, transcripts and your passport, with certified translations into Chinese and English where required.
Apply to the university
Apply through the university’s admissions office, online portal or the national application system before the deadline.
Receive your admission letter
Keep your official admission letter – you will need it for your visa or study permit.
Apply for your visa or study permit
Apply for the visa or permit that applies to you through the official authority, using your admission letter.
Plan funds and accommodation
Arrange your finances, health insurance and accommodation, and check vaccination requirements.
Travel and register
Travel to China, complete university registration and any residence formalities after arrival.
Required Documents to Study in China
Documents can vary by university, course and application route. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant institution.
Academic certificates and transcriptsUsually required
School-leaving certificate and, for postgraduate study, your degree certificate and transcripts.
Certified copies and translations into Chinese and English may be required.
Valid passportUsually required
Needed for your application, visa and registration.
Ideally valid for your whole stay.
Admission letterUsually required
The official offer or admission letter from your university.
Needed for the visa or study permit.
Proof of financial meansCommonly requested
Bank statements, a sponsor’s letter or a scholarship award letter.
The authorities decide what is accepted.
Language certificateDepends on your situation
Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.
Depends on the programme and your previous education.
Health insuranceCommonly requested
Proof of health insurance valid for your stay.
Some countries or universities require a specific scheme.
Recognition of qualificationsDepends on your situation
Confirmation that your foreign qualifications are equivalent to local ones.
Your university will tell you if this is needed.
Passport photosCommonly requested
Recent photos in the required format.
Popular Cities in China
Explore cities with universities in China.
Beijing
The capital and a major university city.
Shanghai
China’s largest city and financial centre.
Hangzhou
Home to Zhejiang University and a tech hub.
End-to-End Admissions Guidance
Application Abroad helps you plan every step of studying in China:
Admission and visa decisions are made by universities and the authorities – we never guarantee an outcome.
- Shortlisting universities and programmes, including Tsinghua University and Peking University
- Checking entry, language and qualification-recognition requirements
- Preparing certificates, translations and application documents
- Submitting applications and following up with admissions offices
- Preparing your student visa or study permit documents
- Pre-departure planning: accommodation, health insurance and travel
Free Counselling
In person or online, to understand your goals, budget and options.
Country, University & Course Selection
Shortlist universities and courses in China that fit your profile.
Standardized Test Preparation
Guidance on the English and admissions tests your courses ask for.
Application & Admission Assistance
Help preparing, submitting and tracking your applications.
SOP, LOR & Documentation
Support with statements of purpose, recommendation letters and documents.
Scholarship & Internship Assistance
Help exploring scholarships, funding and internship options.
Overseas Education Loan Assistance
Guidance on education loan options and paperwork.
Visa Processing
Help preparing your student visa application and documents.
Remittance, Forex & Accommodation
Support with money transfers, currency exchange and finding a place to live.
Pre-departure Guidance
Briefings on travel, arrival and settling in China.
Language and Exams for China
Language tests and admissions exams that may be relevant for China.
For Chinese-taught programmes, applicants usually need a minimum HSK level set by each university. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test. Some programmes also have their own entrance exams or aptitude tests.
Exam preparation
Coaching institutes can help you prepare for the language tests and entrance exams that universities in China may ask for.
Why Choose China as an International Student?
China suits international students looking for leading universities, government scholarships and learn Chinese. Tsinghua, Peking and Fudan universities are among its best known, and many universities teach programmes in English.
Student life
Student life centres on campus clubs, sports teams, cultural and faith associations and student unions. Popular student cities include Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou. Thousands of years of history and fast-growing cities.
Support for international students
Contact the university’s international or admissions office for help with admission letters, visa documents, registration and accommodation. Many universities have international student associations, and your country’s embassy can also help.
Before travelling, arrange health insurance, check vaccination requirements and read your government’s travel advice for China.
Working while studying
International students may only take part-time work or internships with approval from their university and the immigration authorities.
After graduation
Staying in China after graduation usually requires changing to a work permit or another residence permit, normally with a job offer from an employer. Check the current options with the immigration authority. A degree from China can also lead to further study or careers across Asia and internationally.
Costs of Studying and Living in China
Tuition fees
Set by each university per year
Often differ for national, regional and international students.
Application and registration fees
Set by each university one-time
Check the university’s admissions page.
Student visa or study permit
Set by the government per application
Confirm with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Varies by city and housing type per month
On-campus places are limited.
Living costs
Varies by city and lifestyle per month
Beijing is usually the most expensive city.
Health insurance
Varies by provider per year
Some universities or permits require it.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are set by each university and often differ for national, regional and international students. Private universities set their own fees, which are usually higher than at public universities.
Always check current fees on the university’s official website or with its admissions office before applying, and ask what is included (registration, examinations, materials).
Living costs
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle; Beijing is usually the most expensive place to live in China. Budget for accommodation, food, local transport, health insurance, study materials and visa or residence permit fees.
If your visa or permit application requires proof of funds, the amount is set by the authorities – confirm the current requirement with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Some universities offer on-campus halls of residence, but places are often limited, so ask the international or admissions office about housing as soon as you are admitted. Many students rent shared flats or rooms privately near campus.
Arrange temporary accommodation for your first weeks, view private housing before paying a deposit, and ask for a written rental agreement.
Visa to Study in China
Degree students apply for an X1 study visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate with the admission letter and the JW201 or JW202 form from the university, then apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arriving in China.
Typical requirements include a valid passport, the admission letter, proof of funds, health insurance or a medical certificate where required and passport photos. Requirements, fees and processing times vary by nationality, so always confirm them with the official authority.
Always confirm current visa requirements with the official government or immigration source.
Language Requirements to Study in China
Programmes are taught in Chinese, with many programmes – including medicine – in English.
For Chinese-taught programmes, applicants usually need a minimum HSK level set by each university. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test.
Minimum scores and accepted tests are set by each university and programme – check the admission requirements for your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Ask Application Abroad →
Can international students study in China?
Yes. Universities in China such as Tsinghua University and Peking University admit international students. Entry requirements, places and fees vary by university and programme, so check the admission requirements for your course.
What language are university programmes taught in China?
Programmes are taught in Chinese, with many programmes – including medicine – in English. For Chinese-taught programmes, applicants usually need a minimum HSK level set by each university. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test.
Do I need a visa to study in China?
Degree students apply for an X1 study visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate with the admission letter and the JW201 or JW202 form from the university, then apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arriving in China.
How much does it cost to study in China?
Tuition fees are set by each university and often differ for national, regional and international students; living costs depend on the city, with Beijing usually the most expensive. Check current fees with the university before applying.
Can I work while studying in China?
International students may only take part-time work or internships with approval from their university and the immigration authorities.
Planning to study in China?
Explore universities, courses, scholarships and other study-abroad options — then take the next step with Application Abroad.
Study in China
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