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Study in China

Chinese universities offer English-taught programmes in engineering, business and medicine, as well as Chinese-taught degrees. Government scholarships are available for many levels of study.

Main intakes
September is the main intake, with a smaller March intake
Student visa
X1 student visa
Region
Asia-Pacific
Country
Flag of ChinaChina

The education system in China

Bachelor’s degrees take four years (longer for medicine), master’s degrees two to three years and doctorates three or more.

Why students choose China

  • Chinese Government Scholarships for international students
  • English-taught programmes at many universities
  • Exposure to one of the world’s largest economies

Popular courses and study areas

These fields are well established in China. Availability, language of instruction and entry requirements still vary by university and level.

  • Engineering
  • Data Science
  • Finance
  • Chinese Language
  • Medicine
  • International Trade

Universities in China

A few of the well-known universities students often consider. Drag or swipe to see more.

Listed for reference only — this is not a list of partner institutions. We shortlist from all recognised universities in China based on your profile, budget and goals.

Choosing a university in China

Rankings are a starting point, not the answer. When we build a shortlist for China, we compare:

  • Course modules, teaching style and any placement or project components
  • Entry requirements against your marks, backlogs and test scores
  • Total cost — tuition, living costs in that city and visa funds
  • Intake dates and deadlines that fit your timeline
  • Recognition of the institution and what your final certificate will state

See how we approach this in course and university selection.

Admission requirements

Apply directly to the university or through scholarship schemes. Chinese-taught programmes require HSK results.

Typical documents are listed in our guide to preparing university application documents.

Language requirements

English-taught programmes ask for IELTS or TOEFL in many cases; Chinese-taught programmes require HSK.

Not sure which test to take? Compare IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test.

Tuition fees and living costs

Fees depend on the university, city and language of instruction.

Fees and required funds change, so we don’t publish fixed figures here. We confirm current costs for each programme on your shortlist using the university’s and government’s own websites.

Scholarships and funding

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

Covers tuition and may include accommodation and a stipend; applied for via the embassy or a university.

Eligibility, amounts and deadlines are set by each provider and change yearly. Read more about scholarship planning or ask about education loan guidance.

Student visa: X1 student visa

You need an admission notice and a JW201/JW202 form from your university, then apply at the Chinese visa centre. Register for a residence permit after arrival.

Official resources

Application timeline

September is the main intake, with a smaller March intake.

  1. 1
    10–12 months before

    Research & tests

    Profile review, destination and course research, book language or admission tests.

  2. 2
    8–10 months before

    Shortlist & documents

    Finalise your shortlist, prepare statements and request recommendations.

  3. 3
    6–9 months before

    Apply

    Submit applications and scholarship applications.

  4. 4
    3–6 months before

    Offer, funds & visa

    Accept an offer, arrange funds and apply for the X1 student visa.

  5. 5
    1–2 months before

    Get ready to fly

    Accommodation, travel and our pre-departure briefing.

  6. Intake

    Start your course

Information on this page was last reviewed in October 2026. Always confirm requirements on the official websites linked above.

FAQs about studying in China

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