Studying in China is a priceless experience that offers countless benefits. With low tuition fees, top-ranking universities and high standard education, China is a sought-after country for international education.
If you’re looking for a university that suits your budget, check out our top 15 list of the most affordable and cheapest universities in China!
If you are looking for a Master’s program, check out the Cheapest Master’s Degrees in China.
15 Cheapest Universities in China
The tuition fees mentioned in this list are based on degree programs. These universities have some of the most affordable bachelor’s, master’s and PhD courses in China.
1) Bohai University
Tuition fee: starts at US$2,000/year
Application deadline: December 30, 2020 (March 2021 intake), August 31, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Bohai University:
Bohai University has outstanding reputation in engineering, chemistry, and computer disciplines. The employment rate of school graduates has remained above 90% for many years. Apply to Bohai University here.
Bohai University, founded in February 1950, is a comprehensive university sponsored by the Liaoning provincial government and located in Jinzhou city.
2) Chengdu University
Tuition fee: starts at US$2,200/year
Application deadline: August 31, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Chengdu University:
Chengdu University is the Chinese Ministry of Education’s “Excellent Engineer Education and Training Program” university. It is highly regarded for its chemical engineering, chemistry, dentistry and economics programs.
Chengdu University has a strong international exchange program forging cooperation with world-renowned universities in the world. Apply to Chengdu University here.
The new library of Chengdu University was completed in the spring of 2019.
3) Wuhan University
Tuition fee: starts at US$2,500/year
Application deadline: July 15, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Wuhan University:
One of the oldest and most prominent universities in China with a strong focus on sciences and research. It is honored as the “Most Beautiful University in China.” Wuhan University also has one of the most excellent educational infrastructure in China. Apply to Wuhan University here.
Wuhan University’s campus is one of the most beautiful in the world.
4) Shenzhen University
Tuition fee: starts at US$2,600/year
Application deadline: June 30, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Shenzhen University:
Shenzhen University is a main research center of Shenzhen city. For this reason, it consistently strives to maintain excellence in research-oriented undergraduate teaching as well as intensive programs for graduate and post graduate degrees.
Shenzhen University is one of the most modern universities in China. The campus has 30,000 internet connections and 99 % of classrooms and lecture rooms have been digitized. Apply to Shenzhen University here.
The business and management department at Shenzhen University.
5) Ningbo University
Tuition fee: starts at US$2,800/year
Application deadline: August 31, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Ningbo University:
Ningbo University is a young and dynamic university known for its natural science and engineering, liberal arts and education degrees.
The university boasts of state-of-the-art facilities; its library called the CNKI Network Administrative Service Center is popular for having a collection of approximately 1,400,000 books. Apply to Ningbo University here.
The Ningbo University campus has a wide space for study and research with magnificent buildings and pleasant lawns and greenery.
6) Jiangsu University
Tuition fee: starts at US$2,800/year
Application deadline: July 31, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Jiangsu University:
Jiangsu University is one of the oldest educational institutions in China with its origins dating back to 1902. The university has particular strength in engineering, clinical medicine and materials science programs.
JSU’s undergraduate programs have been graded excellent by the Chinese Ministry of Education. Its employment rate has also be graded 95% for many years now. Apply to Jiangsu University here.
Jiangsu University (JSU) is ranked among the top 100 universities out of over 2,000 higher educational institutions in China.
7) Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College
Tuition fee: starts at US$2,900/year
Application deadline: December 30, 2020 (March 2021 intake), June 30, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College:
It is the only college in China specializing in Chinese language teaching and culture experience in China. It’s the number one choice of international students who want to learn Chinese or study Chinese culture and history. Apply to Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College here.
BLCC has built up a high reputation for its outstanding Chinese teaching and professional service all around the world over the past 60 years.
8) Tianjin University
Tuition fee: starts at US$2,900/year
Application deadline: June 30, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Tianjin University:
Tianjin University is the first modern university in China. It is also the first university in China to fully adopt the western higher education system. For this reason, majority of its faculty are top caliber foreign experts who are masters in their fields.
Five disciplines at Tianjin University are in the top 1% of Essential Science Indicators: material science, chemistry, engineering, physics, biology and biochemistry. Apply to Tianjin University here.
Tianjin University has produced over 100 officials who have changed the economy and politics.
9) Jinzhou Medical University
Tuition fee: starts at US$3,300/year
Application deadline: April 15, 2021 (March 2021 intake)
Why study at Jinzhou Medical University:
Jinzhou Medical University is a public university in China offering one of the best English-taught MBBS programs. It also has strengths in other medical courses particularly pharmacy, opthalmology, imaging and nuclear medicine and stomatology. The university is recognized by WHO and ECFMG. Apply to Jinzhou Medical University here.
JZMU ranks in the top 10 medical universities in China and the top 350 medical university in the world, making it a prestigious university for medical scholars to attend.
10) University of Science and Technology Beijing
Tuition fee: starts at US$3,600/year
Application deadline: June 30, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at University of Science and Technology Beijing:
The University of Science and Technology Beijing is a top-ranking university in the fields of metallurgy and materials sciences engineering courses. It is part of the Chinese Government’s 211 and 985 Projects. Learn more about these initiatives here.
Because of its strength in these fields, USTB is a leading innovator among Chinese universities. USTB developed the first electric arc furnace and first industrial-size robot, and designed the housing materials for satellite Dong Fang Hong 1. Apply to University of Science and Technology Beijing here.
USTB’s main focus is on engineering, maintaining a balanced program consisting of science, management, humanities, economics and law.
11) Asia Europe Business School
Tuition fee: starts at US$3,600/year
Application deadline: June 30, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Asia Europe Business School:
Asia Europe Business School is a product of cooperation between East China Normal University and elite French management school – emlyon business school.
AEBS has a unique teaching system called the Enterprise mentor system. Each student will have an academic mentor who counsels them in academic development. And an enterprise mentor (executives of well-known enterprises/institutions) who guides them on professional learning, business practice and career planning. Apply to Asia Europe Business School here.
Asia Europe Business School is located in Zizhu International Education Park, Minhang District of Shanghai where there are large numbers of Chinese-foreign cooperation (or international) projects and institutions.
12) Beijing Language and Culture University
Tuition fee: starts at US$3,800/year
Application deadline: June 30, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Beijing Language and Culture University:
Beijing Language and Culture University leading liberal arts and language training university in China. It is known as the “Little United Nations” in China for hosting 12,000 international students every year.
BLCU is also called “The Cradle of Diplomats” because it has educated thousands of high ranking government ministers, parliament speakers and other governmental officials. Apply to Beijing Language and Culture University here.
BLCU is the only international university in China with its main task set at teaching the Chinese language and culture to foreign students.
13) Peking University
Tuition fee: starts at US$4,000/year
Application deadline: March 1, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Peking University:
Peking University (also known as “Beida”) is one of the oldest and most distinguished higher education institutions in China. PKU tops major national and international rankings for best universities every year. The university is a member of the C9 League, China’s Ivy League.
The National School of Development at PKU is one of the leading think tanks in China. Its international MBA programs are one of the best in the world. Apply to Peking University here.
Ancient pagoda-styled courtyard buildings of Peking University’s Langrun Garden.
14) Nanjing Medical University
Tuition fee: starts at US$4,200/year
Application deadline: June 30, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Nanjing Medical University:
One of the first medical universities in China to offer six-year medical education programs. NMU’s MBBS program is accredited by medical councils or associations across the world.
International graduates of NMU also have a high passing rate in their home country’s medical licensing examinations. For example, the one-time passing rate for Nepalese students is 83% and Indian students above 50%. Apply to Nanjing Medical University here.
The university has two campuses, Wutai and Jiangning. Wutai Campus, located at the south foot of Wutai Hill in Gulou District, Nanjing, has a land area of eight hectares and is a center of clinical teaching and research.
15) Tsinghua University
Tuition fee: starts at US$4,500/year
Application deadline: January 8, 2021 (September 2021 intake)
Why study at Tsinghua University:
Tsinghua University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The university is currently ranked No. 20 in the world, No. 1 in Asia and No. 1 in China according to QS World University Rankings.
Tsinghua University is a founding member of the C9 League. The university is globally recognized for its accounting and finance, architecture, business and management and biological sciences courses. Apply to Tsinghua University here.
Tsinghua University has one of the most breath taking campuses in China.
Cost Of Living In China And Other Expenses
Now that you have a list of the most affordable universities in China, the next thing to check is the cost of living and other expenses.
Aside from your tuition fee, you have to consider additional university expenses such as: application fee, visa fee, books and supplies, insurance, flight tickets and more. Read our article here for more in-depth information.
The good news is, there are so many scholarships in China that can cover all those expenses as well as your tuition fee and accommodation. Learn more about Chinese scholarships here.
On one hand, your cost of living in China will depend on the city where you study. Bigger cities such as Beijing and Shanghai have higher living costs compared to more provincial areas. You can check the cost of living in different Chinese cities here and use the cost calculator.
Start Your China Journey Now!
Studying in China gives you more than professional returns. No price can match the knowledge you’ll gain, the friendships you’ll create, and the memories you’ll share.
Read more about tuition fees in Chinese universities here and check out admissions requirements here. Start your application in any of the universities above!
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