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How Much Does It Cost to Study in China? Full 2027 Budget Guide
Oct,12 2026
It costs between RMB 40,000 and RMB 100,000 per year for most international students to study in China, including tuition and living expenses — but the real cost of studying in China depends on your programme, city, and lifestyle. This guide gives you realistic numbers for 2027 so you can plan your budget.
The Short Answer
According to university fee schedules, the main costs of studying in China are:
Tuition: roughly RMB 15,000–40,000 per year
Living expenses: roughly RMB 1,500–3,000 per month
One-off costs: application fees, visa fees, medical tests, flights
Tuition Fees by Programme
Tuition is the biggest cost. Here are typical ranges for 2027:
Programme | Annual tuition (RMB) |
|---|---|
Foundation / preparatory programme | 15,000–30,000 |
English-taught bachelor's degree | 18,000–40,000 |
Chinese-taught bachelor's degree | 15,000–35,000 |
Clinical Medicine (MBBS, English-taught) | 30,000–60,000 |
Arts, design, or studio-based degrees | 25,000–50,000 |
A foundation or preparatory programme is usually the most affordable way into a Chinese university. Top-ranked universities in Beijing and Shanghai usually charge more than universities in smaller cities. Science and engineering programmes with laboratory work also cost more than humanities degrees.
Living Costs by City Type
Living costs vary widely in China. Based on typical student spending:
Major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen): RMB 2,500–4,000 per month
Provincial capitals (Chengdu, Wuhan, Xi'an, Hangzhou): RMB 1,800–3,000 per month
Smaller cities: RMB 1,200–2,000 per month
University dormitories usually cost between RMB 6,000 and RMB 20,000 per year, which is far cheaper than renting privately. Food on campus is affordable — a canteen meal often costs RMB 10–25.
One-Off Costs to Budget For
Before you arrive, plan for these expenses:
Application and service fees: RMB 500–1,500 total
CSCA exam fee (if required): RMB 450 for one subject, RMB 700 for two or more, according to the China Scholarship Council
HSK exam fee (if required): around RMB 200–400 depending on level and country
Visa application fee: varies by country, roughly RMB 400–800 equivalent
Medical examination and residence permit: roughly RMB 600–1,000 in China
Flights: highly variable by country
Scholarships That Reduce Your Costs
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) can cover tuition, accommodation, a monthly living stipend, and insurance, according to the China Scholarship Council's guidelines on CampusChina. Provincial and university scholarships also offer partial tuition waivers. Many students study in China with a scholarship that covers most of these costs, so always check scholarship options before you decide a university is too expensive.
Sample Annual Budgets
Two realistic examples for 2027:
Student in a provincial capital, university dormitory, scholarship covering 50% tuition: about RMB 45,000–60,000 per year
Student in Beijing, self-funded, shared dormitory: about RMB 80,000–110,000 per year
How to Keep Your Costs Down
Choose a university in a smaller city, live in a dormitory, eat at campus canteens, and apply early for scholarships. Universities outside the largest cities often offer the same quality of education at a much lower total cost.
Official Sources and Update Time
This article follows fee and scholarship information published by Chinese universities and the China Scholarship Council. Check your target university's official fee schedule for exact figures. Last updated: October 2026.
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About SICAS
SICAS (Study In China Admission System) helps international students find the right programme, estimate real costs, and apply online to Chinese universities with full support.
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