China is home to some of the best universities in Asia and the world. In the 2024–2025 academic year, about 380,000 international students from 191 countries and regions were studying in China.
Even with this prestige, studying in China does not have to come with a steep price. You can get an affordable yet world-class education at some of the cheapest universities in China for international students.
Affordable Schools in China for International Students
1. Guangxi University
Guangxi University, also known as Xida, is a research institution based in Nanning, Guangxi. Founded in 1928, it is one of the oldest and largest universities in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Guangxi University has grown into a major comprehensive university in the region. Its academic disciplines cover fields such as engineering, agriculture, medicine, management, economics, law, education, liberal arts, science, and art.
The university is also a national “211 Project” university and a Double First-Class construction university in Guangxi.
2. China University of Mining and Technology
The China University of Mining and Technology, or CUMT, is a national university founded in 1909.
Formerly connected to the Jiaozuo School of Railroad and Mines, CUMT is now a key national university in Xuzhou, Jiangsu. It is included in China’s 211 Project and has Mining Engineering and Safety Science and Engineering listed as Double First-Class construction disciplines.
CUMT is known for its mining and engineering strengths, including programs in mining, safety, mechanical, civil, chemical, and electrical engineering, as well as mathematics, computer science, and physics. China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing is now a separate institution that has operated independently since 2003.
3. Wuyi University
Wuyi University, or WYU, is a public undergraduate university in Wuyishan, Fujian province. Its predecessor was founded in 1958 as Nanping Teachers College, and the institution later developed into Wuyi University.
Today, WYU offers more than education courses. Its schools include Tea and Food Science, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Ecology and Resource Engineering, Arts, Tourism, Humanity and Teacher Education, Business, Cartoons and Animations, and Modern Information Service.
4. Chongqing University
Chongqing University is one of the most affordable major universities in China for international students. Founded in 1929, it is listed as one of the best institutions in China and is a member of the Excellence League.
It is also a Double First-Class university. Chongqing University currently hosts about 50,000 students, including more than 1,600 international students.
Chongqing University’s academic units include faculties and schools across science, social sciences, humanities, engineering, built environment, and information science and technology.
5. Zhejiang University of Science and Technology
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: from RMB 17,000/year (undergraduate) | from RMB 21,000/year (graduate)
Founded in 1980, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology (ZUST) is a public university in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.
True to its name, ZUST focuses on engineering while also offering programs in science, arts, management, economics, and related fields.
Besides its STEM courses, ZUST offers programs in areas such as international economics and trade, international business, digital media technology, visual communication design, and Chinese language programs for international students.
6. Zhengzhou University
Zhengzhou University, or Zhengda, is a public university based in Henan, China. The original Zhengzhou University was founded in 1956, and the current university was formed in 2000 through the merger of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University of Technology, and Henan Medical University.
Because of this, Zhengda has become one of the largest universities in China. It has four campuses in Zhengzhou and a broad academic structure.
Given the university’s large structure, this cheap university in China is currently organized into 51 schools or departments. These schools offer various specializations, including medicine and health sciences, humanities and social sciences, and science and engineering.
7. Zhejiang University
Zhejiang University is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. It is currently listed among China’s top universities, including a national ranking of 3rd in the 2025 ShanghaiRanking Best Chinese Universities Ranking cited by the university.
As a Double First-Class university, this affordable university in China operates several campuses, including Zijingang, Yuquan, Xixi, Huajiachi, Zhijiang, Zhoushan, and Haining. Zijingang is the main campus for many first- and second-year undergraduates and hosts administrative offices for more than 30 schools and colleges. Yuquan is home to most schools and departments in the Faculty of Engineering, Xixi hosts several humanities and social science colleges, and Huajiachi is connected to continuing education and the former Zhejiang Agricultural University.
8. Wuhan University
Wuhan University is one of China’s leading universities and is highly ranked in several international league tables. It has more than 50,000 students, including international students.
Founded in 1893, the Hubei-based university is famous for its picturesque campus near East Lake. At this affordable university in China, students may pursue programs across fields such as philosophy, language and literature, art, history, law, economics, physics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, medicine, and health sciences.
FAQS About Studying in China
What Are the General Requirements to Study in China?
A high school leaving certificate or equivalent qualification is generally required for taking an undergraduate program in China. For graduate studies, a bachelor’s degree is generally required for master’s programs, while doctoral programs usually require a master’s degree. Depending on the program, you may also have to submit transcripts and recommendation letters. Admission may also require proof of language proficiency, such as an HSK exam score for Chinese-taught programs or TOEFL, IELTS, or another accepted English-language proof for English-taught degrees.
Do Universities in China Offer English-taught Programs?
Yes, there are many English-taught universities in China. One of the best universities to take such programs is Peking University, which lists English-taught master’s programs including programs in law, public administration, public policy, international relations, and other fields. Another good option is top-ranked Tsinghua University, which currently offers 38 graduate programs in English.
We hope that this article on the cheapest universities in China was helpful. Make sure to also check out the China Page and the Available Programs for International Students for more information about studying abroad!
