In this area, we will discuss here the cost of studying in China at public and private Chinese universities, respectively, in addition to calculating the costs of living.
Many students choose China for their studies abroad. but why? Well, China has invested a lot in education over the past years and has established partnerships with universities all over the world.
Chinese universities provide good education. For this reason, there are currently more than 100 higher education institutions at the top of global university rankings.
Tuition fees in public universities
The average tuition fee at Chinese public universities ranges between US$2500 and US$10000 per academic year.
Tuition fees at private universities
Private universities usually have higher tuition fees. While most majors cost less than $30000 per year, you can pay more than $40000 per year in some MBA programs.
Did you know? East China Normal University in Shanghai, has tuition fees of over US$50000 per year.
The cost of studying in China
- The cost of studying medicine in China is 35000 CNY per year
- The cost of studying engineering in China is about 20000 CNY per year.
- The cost of accommodation in Beijing is 27000 CNY per year.
- The cost of studying nursing in China is 16000 CNY per year.
- The cost of studying mathematics in China is 11000 CNY per year.
Table of the cost of accommodation in Chinese cities
| City | Annual costs |
|---|---|
| Shanghai | About 15000 CNY per year |
| Hangzhou | About 7000 CNY per year |
| Guangzhou | About 9500 CNY per year |
1. Accommodation costs
Although Shanghai and Beijing are known worldwide as some of the most expensive cities to live in, you can find many affordable options for housing in these major cities. Prices are lower in places like Tianjin, Jiangsu and Sichuan.
The most popular accommodation options in China are:
- Student residence halls – prices range from 150 to 400 USD/month.
- Rent an Apartment – Expect to pay between $300 and $1000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment (depending on the city, location of the apartment, and amenities included).
- Living with a Chinese family – between US$350 and US$1000 per month.
Living with a roommate, whether in student housing or in an apartment, is the most expensive and popular option among international students. All accommodations (primarily student residences and apartments) require a security deposit of US$300-460. Utility bills also add about $50 per month to your expenses.
2. Food costs
Aside from being a great study abroad destination, China is also known for its diverse, interesting and very affordable cuisine.
The cost of a meal at a university cafeteria, a small local restaurant, or a fast food chain should be between $1 and $4. Mid-range dining options (prices between US$4 and US$7) include Chinese and international dishes.
If you buy food from local supermarkets, you will spend about $170-$200 per month:
3. Means of transportation
China has excellent public transportation with very low prices and even taking a taxi is very cheap. Below is a general list of public transport prices:
- Metro ride: 0.5 USD
- Taxi rate per kilometer: USD 0.33
- 20-minute taxi ride across town: US$4
- City bus: 0.3 USD
The cost of a student transit pass for public transportation is approximately $15-$20 per month.
The least expensive Chinese universities
Here we have listed some Chinese universities with the most affordable tuition fees:
- Ningbo University – Tuition fees between 2 and 600 USD/year
- Northwestern Polytechnic University – Tuition fees between $2 and $900/year
- Liaoning University of Technology – Tuition fees between 2 and 200 USD/year
- Beijing Normal University – Tuition fees between US$3 and US$470/year
I hope you found this article about the cost of studying in China useful for you.
