Are you thinking about the costs involved in relocating to China for the duration of your studies? Since China resumed issuing all types of visas in 2023, international student mobility has been recovering. During the 2024–2025 academic year, about 380,000 international students from 191 countries and regions were studying in China. China remains a major destination for higher education, and the cost of studying abroad is often a top concern for international students. We are therefore prepared to help you with this. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the living and educational expenses that international students may incur while studying in China. Now, let’s proceed!
Costs of Studying in China
We will now discuss how much it costs for international students to study in China.
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
In China, there is no set range for tuition costs. Tuition may change based on the subject you are applying for and the university you choose. The range is usually higher for medical, English-taught, business, and other specialized programs. Below are five universities and the fee ranges associated with each level. Always confirm the final amount with the official admission notice or the university’s current fee schedule.
| UNIVERSITY NAME | TUITION FEE |
|---|
| 1. Tsinghua University | Bachelor’s: 26,000 – 70,000 yuan/year
Master’s: from 28,000 yuan/year; some programs charge full-program fees up to 828,000 yuan total
Ph.D.: 32,000 – 75,000 yuan/year |
| 2. Zhejiang University | Bachelor’s: 19,800 – 42,800 yuan/year
Master’s: 22,800 – 32,800 yuan/year
Ph.D.: 29,800 – 39,800 yuan/year |
| 3. Shanghai Jiao Tong University | Bachelor’s: 24,800 yuan/year for many Chinese-taught undergraduate programs; selected English-taught or global programs may cost up to 120,000 yuan/year
Master’s: 28,900 yuan/year for standard programs; program-specific fees may vary
Ph.D.: 45,500 yuan/year for standard programs; program-specific fees may vary |
| 4. Tongji University | Bachelor’s: 20,000 – 45,000 yuan/year
Master’s: 22,960 – 154,000 yuan/year
Ph.D.: 30,000 – 68,000 yuan/year |
| 5. Nanjing University | Bachelor’s: 21,000 – 42,000 yuan/year
Master’s: 25,000 – 48,000 yuan/year for standard programs; professional programs may use separate fee schedules
Ph.D.: 30,000 – 54,000 yuan/year |
Other Student Costs
International students should also plan for application fees, medical insurance, books, residence permit costs, and other educational expenses in addition to tuition. Application fees are not the same at every Chinese institution. For example, Tsinghua University and Zhejiang University list an 800 yuan application fee, Tongji University lists a 600 yuan application fee, and Nanjing University lists 500 yuan for undergraduate applicants and 600 yuan for master’s and doctoral applicants. Shanghai Jiao Tong University lists an 800 yuan application fee for many degree applicants, while Shanghai Jiao Tong University Global College lists a 75 USD undergraduate application fee. Several universities also list medical insurance at about 400 yuan per semester or 800 yuan per year.
Costs of Living in China
The cost of living in China for international students varies significantly by city, campus, housing type, and lifestyle. Below is a city-based overview to help you plan your budget.
1. Shanghai
Shanghai is one of China’s major business and economic centers, so students should generally expect higher living costs than in many smaller cities. At Shanghai Jiao Tong University Global College, 2026 figures list dormitory accommodation at about RMB 3,000 per month and living expenses at about RMB 3,000 per month. For many Chinese-taught undergraduate routes at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, on-campus accommodation is listed at RMB 6,600 to RMB 12,600 per semester. Your total cost will depend on the campus, room type, and whether you live on or off campus.
2. Beijing
Beijing is China’s capital and one of its major education centers. It is another relatively high-cost city for international students, especially for those renting privately. Students should compare university dormitory fees with private rentals and plan several thousand yuan per month for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Costs can differ substantially by university, campus location, and lifestyle.
3. Hangzhou
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is generally more affordable than Shanghai or Beijing but is still a large and popular student city. Zhejiang University estimates exchange students’ living expenses at around RMB 2,000 per month, excluding accommodation. Accommodation costs vary by campus and room type, so students should check the latest university housing rates before budgeting.
4. Shenzhen
Shenzhen is known for technology, innovation, and employment opportunities. A student’s budget will depend heavily on whether they live on campus or rent privately. For example, Shenzhen University lists on-campus accommodation for international students at RMB 750 to RMB 8,000 per semester, depending on the campus and room type, excluding water and electricity. Students who rent off campus should budget more.
5. Chengdu
Due to its lower cost of living compared with many coastal megacities, Chengdu is a popular destination for international students. Housing costs vary by university and room type. For example, Sichuan University lists accommodation rates that range from annual shared-room rates to higher daily rates for single rooms. A practical monthly budget in Chengdu often depends on housing choice, meals, transportation, and lifestyle.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in China
1. Apply for Scholarships in China
International students can apply for scholarships funded by the Chinese government, municipal governments, and universities. For instance, the Chinese Government Scholarship Type A, also known as the Bilateral Program, supports undergraduate students, graduate students, general scholars, and senior scholars. Applicants usually apply through the dispatching authorities or Chinese embassy in their home country. International students studying in Shanghai may also be eligible for the Shanghai Government Scholarship. Type A covers tuition, accommodation and living expenses, and medical insurance, while Type B covers tuition and medical insurance. Official annual funding criteria range from RMB 59,200 for some undergraduate categories to higher amounts for master’s and doctoral categories.
You can also explore this list of Best Scholarships in China for International Students to find out more about paying for your study expenses in China.
China can be an affordable and rewarding place to study if you plan your tuition, housing, living expenses, and scholarship applications carefully.
We hope you make use of this article once you decide to Study in China. If you would like to know the academic and living expenses of different countries, visit our Cost of Studying and Living by Country page to compare the countries of your choice. Also, go over our list of Available Programs for International Students!
