Are you thinking about studying in China? This is what you need to know about one of the most incredible study destinations abroad.
World-class education
China remains one of Asia’s major study destinations for international students. According to the latest reported figures, around 380,000 international students from 191 countries and regions studied in China during the 2024–2025 academic year, including about 205,000 students enrolled in higher-education or degree programs. This shows a recovery from pandemic-era declines, although it remains below China’s pre-pandemic peak of 492,185 international students in 2018. China has also strengthened the global recognition of its qualifications, signing mutual-recognition agreements for degrees and diplomas with 60 countries and regions. In addition, China continues to expand English-taught programs, joint universities, and international academic partnerships, including institutions such as NYU Shanghai, jointly established by New York University and East China Normal University, and Stanford University’s long-running academic collaboration with Peking University through the Stanford Center at Peking University.
In addition, the government’s participation in Chinese institutions is aimed at creating a high level of education throughout the country. No matter where you decide to study in China, you can be sure that your education will be first-class.
Professional opportunities
China has overtaken Japan recently as the world’s second-largest economy, which means that there are more and more job opportunities available for international students! If you want to work in a Chinese company, you have to master the language and have a basic knowledge of their culture. The ability to work in a Chinese company will allow you to succeed in almost any major economy. As an international student, you will learn the language, get to know the culture, and have an idea of the labor market, which will generate advantages to compete for jobs. Take a look at these universities offering programs taught in English.
Cost of living
Compared to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, the daily cost of living in China remains relatively affordable for many international students, especially for food, public transport, and university accommodation. A simple local meal or university-canteen meal can cost around $1–$4, while metro and bus fares are commonly very low, with many single trips costing less than $1. Monthly living expenses vary by city, but students may budget around $850–$1,000 per month in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and around $550–$750 per month in smaller cities. Student dormitories are usually among the cheapest housing options, commonly costing around $150–$400 per month, although accommodation in Beijing can be higher depending on the university and room type. For example, Peking University lists international student accommodation at 180–220 RMB per day, which is approximately $26–$32 per day, or about $795–$970 per month. China student visa fees vary by nationality and application country, but as a reference, the regular China visa fee in the United States is $140 for U.S. citizens and from $23 for many non-U.S. citizens, which is still much lower than the UK Student visa fee of £558, approximately $750.
Unparalleled experience
With a history of more than 4,000 years, the Chinese have been innovators in almost all subjects, including business, astronomy, martial arts, philosophy, and mathematics, while contributing greatly to studies of art, literature, and religion, among others. Although it may be difficult to adapt to Chinese culture at first, the reward of experiencing such a rich and developed culture is an experience like no other.
China is also one of the largest countries in the world. The geography varies from the mountains of the Himalayas, in the southwest, to the desert of the Gobi, in the north. In the coastal east, you can get mountains or beaches, depending on where you are. Exploring this great country is also possible, even at high speed (and affordably!), due to the trains that connect the main cities. It does not matter in which part of China you decide to study; you have the guarantee that this will change your life, and the experience will be unforgettable!