# CNUniStudy

> Independent English-language guide to studying in China: profiles of 30+ leading Chinese universities with ten-year QS, ARWU (ShanghaiRanking) and THE ranking history, degree programmes open to international students, scholarships, HSK requirements, visa steps and daily news.

CNUniStudy (https://cnunistudy.com) is an independent reference site about studying in
China, published in 6 languages (English, 简体中文, Español, Tiếng Việt, Bahasa Indonesia, Français).
It publishes profiles of 33 Chinese universities with ten years of
QS/ARWU/THE ranking history, 254 sourced articles covering admissions,
scholarships, visas, tests, cities, applicant experience reports and student life, and direct
links to the official Chinese government application portals. Ranking data is compiled from the
published editions of each ranking body; figures are cited per page.

## Language versions

- English (English): https://cnunistudy.com/
- Chinese (简体中文): https://cnunistudy.com/zh/
- Spanish (Español): https://cnunistudy.com/es/
- Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt): https://cnunistudy.com/vi/
- Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia): https://cnunistudy.com/id/
- French (Français): https://cnunistudy.com/fr/

## Core sections

- [University profiles](https://cnunistudy.com/universities): 33 universities — history, campuses, faculty, disciplines, notable alumni, English-taught programmes and 2017–2026 QS/ARWU/THE rankings.
- [Ranking comparison tool](https://cnunistudy.com/rankings): side-by-side ranking history for any set of Chinese universities.
- [Programmes](https://cnunistudy.com/programs): degree programmes open to international students, by subject and teaching language.
- [Application guide](https://cnunistudy.com/apply): the full process from shortlisting to enrolment, with month-by-month timeline.
- [Tests & requirements](https://cnunistudy.com/apply/tests): CSCA, HSK, IELTS/TOEFL, physical examination, recommendation letters.
- [Student visa](https://cnunistudy.com/apply/visa): X1/X2 visas, JW201/JW202, residence permit.
- [Cost of living](https://cnunistudy.com/apply/cost-of-living): tuition, housing and city-by-city student budgets.
- [Official portals](https://cnunistudy.com/apply/official-portals): the official Chinese government application websites.
- [Scholarships](https://cnunistudy.com/scholarships): CSC, Confucius Institute, provincial, university and bilateral funding.
- [Experience sharing](https://cnunistudy.com/experience): first-hand accounts from applicants who won scholarships and places, each naming its source.
- [Chinese language](https://cnunistudy.com/chinese-language): HSK 3.0 levels, study plans, where to learn.
- [News](https://cnunistudy.com/news): dated, sourced policy, ranking and admissions updates.
- [Student stories](https://cnunistudy.com/stories): first-person accounts and field notes.
- [City guides](https://cnunistudy.com/cities) · [Subject guides](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects) · [FAQ](https://cnunistudy.com/faq) · [About & sources](https://cnunistudy.com/about)

## Universities covered

- [Peking University (北京大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/peking-university): Beijing, Beijing. Founded 1898. QS 2026: 14; ARWU 2026: 22; THE 2026: 13. Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics.
- [Tsinghua University (清华大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/tsinghua-university): Beijing, Beijing. Founded 1911. QS 2026: 17; ARWU 2026: 18; THE 2026: 12. Computer Science & Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture / Built Environment.
- [Fudan University (复旦大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/fudan-university): Shanghai, Shanghai. Founded 1905. QS 2026: 30; ARWU 2026: 41; THE 2026: 36. Clinical Medicine, Basic Medicine, Chinese Language & Literature.
- [Shanghai Jiao Tong University (上海交通大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/shanghai-jiao-tong-university): Shanghai, Shanghai. Founded 1896. QS 2026: 47; ARWU 2026: 30; THE 2026: 40. Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering, Clinical Medicine.
- [Zhejiang University (浙江大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/zhejiang-university): Hangzhou, Zhejiang. Founded 1897. QS 2026: 49; ARWU 2026: 24; THE 2026: 39. Computer Science & Technology, Agricultural Science / Crop Science, Optical Engineering.
- [Nanjing University (南京大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/nanjing-university): Nanjing, Jiangsu. Founded 1902. QS 2026: 103; ARWU 2026: 75; THE 2026: 62. Astronomy, Geology / Earth Sciences, Atmospheric Science.
- [University of Science and Technology of China (中国科学技术大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/university-of-science-and-technology-of-china): Hefei, Anhui. Founded 1958. QS 2026: 133; ARWU 2026: 40; THE 2026: 51. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics.
- [Tongji University (同济大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/tongji-university): Shanghai, Shanghai. Founded 1907. QS 2026: 184; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 151-200. Civil Engineering, Architecture / Built Environment, Urban & Rural Planning.
- [Wuhan University (武汉大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/wuhan-university): Wuhan, Hubei. Founded 1893. QS 2026: 186; ARWU 2026: 81; THE 2026: 131-150. Geodesy & Surveying, Remote Sensing & Geomatics, Law.
- [Harbin Institute of Technology (哈尔滨工业大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/harbin-institute-of-technology): Harbin, Heilongjiang. Founded 1920. QS 2026: 241; ARWU 2026: 101-150; THE 2026: 131. Mechanical Engineering, Control Science & Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering.
- [Tianjin University (天津大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/tianjin-university): Tianjin, Tianjin. Founded 1895. QS 2026: 262; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 171. Chemical Engineering, Architecture / Built Environment, Instrument Science & Technology.
- [Beijing Normal University (北京师范大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/beijing-normal-university): Beijing, Beijing. Founded 1902. QS 2026: 263; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 171. Education, Psychology, Chinese Language & Literature.
- [Southern University of Science and Technology (南方科技大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/southern-university-of-science-and-technology): Shenzhen, Guangdong. Founded 2011. QS 2026: 275; ARWU 2026: 201-300; THE 2026: 160. Materials Science & Engineering, Mathematics, Physics.
- [Xi'an Jiaotong University (西安交通大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/xi-an-jiaotong-university): Xi'an, Shaanxi. Founded 1896. QS 2026: 281; ARWU 2026: 92; THE 2026: 201-250. Power Engineering & Engineering Thermophysics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.
- [Beijing Institute of Technology (北京理工大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/beijing-institute-of-technology): Beijing, Beijing. Founded 1940. QS 2026: 292; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 201-250. Mechanical Engineering (Vehicle Engineering), Information & Communication Engineering, Control Science & Engineering.
- [Shandong University (山东大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/shandong-university): Jinan, Shandong. Founded 1901. QS 2026: 309; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 301-350. Mathematics, Clinical Medicine, Materials Science & Engineering.
- [Huazhong University of Science and Technology (华中科技大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/huazhong-university-of-science-and-technology): Wuhan, Hubei. Founded 1952. QS 2026: 315; ARWU 2026: 73; THE 2026: 151. Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
- [Sun Yat-sen University (中山大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/sun-yat-sen-university): Guangzhou, Guangdong. Founded 1924. QS 2026: 321; ARWU 2026: 65; THE 2026: 201-250. Clinical Medicine, Basic Medicine, Ecology.
- [Sichuan University (四川大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/sichuan-university): Chengdu, Sichuan. Founded 1896. QS 2026: 327; ARWU 2026: 87; THE 2026: 201-250. Stomatology (Dentistry), Polymer Materials / Materials Science, Clinical Medicine.
- [Xiamen University (厦门大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/xiamen-university): Xiamen, Fujian. Founded 1921. QS 2026: 355; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 251-300. Chemistry, Marine Sciences / Oceanography, Applied Economics.
- [South China University of Technology (华南理工大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/south-china-university-of-technology): Guangzhou, Guangdong. Founded 1952. QS 2026: 375; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 351-400. Light Industry Technology & Engineering, Architecture / Built Environment, Materials Science & Engineering.
- [Nankai University (南开大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/nankai-university): Tianjin, Tianjin. Founded 1919. QS 2026: 377; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 181. Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics.
- [Southeast University (东南大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/southeast-university): Nanjing, Jiangsu. Founded 1902. QS 2026: 415; ARWU 2026: 101-150; THE 2026: 251-300. Architecture / Built Environment, Electronic Science & Technology, Information & Communication Engineering.
- [Central South University (中南大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/central-south-university): Changsha, Hunan. Founded 2000. QS 2026: 415; ARWU 2026: 96; THE 2026: 301-350. Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering.
- [Dalian University of Technology (大连理工大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/dalian-university-of-technology): Dalian, Liaoning. Founded 1949. QS 2026: 437; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 301-350. Chemical Engineering, Mechanics, Civil Engineering.
- [Beihang University (北京航空航天大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/beihang-university): Beijing, Beijing. Founded 1952. QS 2026: 441; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 251-300. Aeronautical & Astronautical Science, Instrument Science & Technology, Materials Science & Engineering.
- [University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (电子科技大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/university-of-electronic-science-and-technology-of-china): Chengdu, Sichuan. Founded 1956. QS 2026: 441; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 301-350. Electronic Science & Technology, Information & Communication Engineering, Computer Science & Technology.
- [Shanghai University (上海大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/shanghai-university): Shanghai, Shanghai. Founded 1994. QS 2026: 471; ARWU 2026: 201-300; THE 2026: 401-500. Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanics, Sociology.
- [Jilin University (吉林大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/jilin-university): Changchun, Jilin. Founded 1946. QS 2026: 486; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 301-350. Automotive Engineering, Chemistry, Law.
- [East China Normal University (华东师范大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/east-china-normal-university): Shanghai, Shanghai. Founded 1951. QS 2026: 486; ARWU 2026: 201-300; THE 2026: 351-400. Education, World History, Geography.
- [Zhengzhou University (郑州大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/zhengzhou-university): Zhengzhou, Henan. Founded 1956. QS 2026: 501; ARWU 2026: 301-400; THE 2026: 501-600. Materials Science & Engineering, Clinical Medicine, Chemistry.
- [Northwestern Polytechnical University (西北工业大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/northwestern-polytechnical-university): Xi'an, Shaanxi. Founded 1938. QS 2026: 531; ARWU 2026: 151-200; THE 2026: 351-400. Aeronautical Science & Technology, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.
- [Renmin University of China (中国人民大学)](https://cnunistudy.com/universities/renmin-university-of-china): Beijing, Beijing. Founded 1937. QS 2026: 601; ARWU 2026: 301-400; THE 2026: 401-500. Applied Economics, Law, Sociology.

## Applicant experience reports (26)

- [Fatima Hassan from Tanzania: a PhD in artificial intelligence at USTC](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/fatima-hassan-tanzania-ustc-phd-artificial-intelligence): A researcher who wanted to apply artificial intelligence to healthcare access in rural Tanzania found a group at the University of Science and Technology of China working on exactly that.
- [Samuel Ochieng from Tanzania: environmental engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong on a municipal scholarship](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/samuel-ochieng-tanzania-shanghai-jiao-tong-environmental-engineering): A master's student funded by the Shanghai Government Scholarship worked on renewable energy applications for rural communities, using Chinese green technology as the starting point.
- [What successful scholarship applicants did differently: the patterns across 20 published accounts](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/what-successful-csc-applicants-did-differently): Across accounts from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa, the same six decisions recur — and none of them is about academic brilliance.
- [Type A and Type B: how to run both CSC routes in one application cycle](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/csc-type-a-and-type-b-running-both-routes): The two CSC routes are assessed by different committees, use different agency numbers and have different deadlines — which is why applicants who run both roughly double the number of people who see their file.
- [The scholarship interview: what assessors actually test, and how successful applicants prepared](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/scholarship-interview-what-assessors-actually-ask): Interviews for Chinese government and university scholarships test communication, motivation and a coherent plan — not vocabulary. Generic answers about cost savings are the most common way to fail one.
- [The mistakes that cost applicants a year — and how to avoid every one of them](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/application-mistakes-that-cost-a-year): Name mismatches, expired documents, a single-route strategy and last-day submission cause more rejections than weak academic records. Here is the failure list, drawn from published accounts and official guidance.
- [How to write a study plan that wins funding: what the successful accounts have in common](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/how-to-write-a-study-plan-that-wins-funding): Applicants whose study plans worked describe the same structure — a real problem, a specific field, a named research group, and a defined plan for after graduation. None of them used a template.
- [Choosing universities and supervisors: what the successful applications got right](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/choosing-universities-and-supervisors-what-worked): Application fees are cheap compared with a wasted year. The applicants who won funding targeted three to five universities across different cities and, for research degrees, secured a supervisor before submitting.
- [Fahim Faisal from Bangladesh: a 2.96 GPA and a full CSC scholarship](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/fahim-faisal-bangladesh-csc-harbin-engineering-university): A Bangladeshi applicant with a weak bachelor's average was awarded a fully funded CSC master's at Harbin Engineering University on the strength of four years of work with Chinese companies and a study plan tied to a problem back home.
- [Zohaib Ali from Pakistan: winning CSC for a master's in food science in Changsha](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/zohaib-ali-pakistan-csc-changsha-university-food-science): A Pakistani agriculture graduate found the CSC on social media, applied immediately, sat IELTS even though it was not required, and was awarded a full scholarship in food science and engineering.
- [Lim from Malaysia: choosing CSC Type B and getting it right the second time](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/lim-malaysia-csc-type-b-south-china-university-of-technology): A Malaysian student lost a provincial scholarship during her bachelor's, then worked out how the CSC Type A and Type B routes differ and won funded postgraduate study at South China University of Technology.
- [Kandit Ratanasurakarn from Thailand: rejected first, funded at Tsinghua the second time](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/kandit-ratanasurakarn-thailand-tsinghua-law-tuition-scholarship): A Thai law graduate failed his first CSC attempt, spent a year refining the file, and won a tuition scholarship for a Master of Laws at Tsinghua — while a classmate with better Chinese missed the deadline by applying at the last minute.
- [Nguyen Khoa Vu from Vietnam: from "UK or US only" to Tsinghua in one campus visit](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/nguyen-khoa-vu-vietnam-tsinghua-economics-csca-interview): A Vietnamese school leaver who insisted on the UK or the US changed his mind after a family visit to Beijing — then passed a 15-minute interview with three professors, on the strength of HSK 6, IELTS 7.5 and CSCA results.
- [Kwame Oppong Hackman from Ghana: one email that led to a Tsinghua PhD](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/kwame-oppong-hackman-ghana-tsinghua-phd-earth-system-science): The first Ghanaian to complete a doctorate at Tsinghua emailed a professor he had never met, got a reply the same day, and arrived in Beijing on a CSC scholarship five months later.
- [Doan Thi Kim Dung from Vietnam: a scholarship aimed at going home](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/doan-thi-kim-dung-vietnam-csc-business-administration): A Vietnamese applicant from a province full of Chinese factories chose a Chinese business degree because the knowledge would be useful in Bac Ninh when she returned — and won a CSC place in the 2025/26 round.
- [Do Gia Hien from Vietnam: an exchange year turned into an AI degree at HIT](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/do-gia-hien-vietnam-harbin-institute-of-technology-computer-science): A one-year exchange programme convinced a Vietnamese student that China was where the AI work was happening. Two years later he won a place in computer science at Harbin Institute of Technology.
- [Liedya Kristina from Indonesia: learning business in Chinese at Beijing Normal](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/liedya-kristina-indonesia-beijing-normal-university-business): An Indonesian student of Chinese heritage chose a fully Chinese-taught undergraduate programme, funded by the Silk Road Muxi scholarship — and made the language itself part of the qualification.
- [Two sisters from Vietnam: a master's in Chinese philosophy at Shandong University](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/le-sisters-vietnam-shandong-university-chinese-philosophy): Sisters from Vietnam applied to the same programme in the same year and started a master's in Chinese philosophy at the university in Confucius's home province, funded by an international Confucian studies scheme.
- [A South African graduate from Tsinghua: "you cannot study international politics without understanding China"](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/komo-south-africa-tsinghua-international-relations-huawei): A South African international relations graduate took a Tsinghua master's on a Chinese Government Scholarship, then went to work for Huawei in South Africa applying what he had learned.
- [From Jilin University to Deloitte: what a Chinese degree does for an African graduate](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/south-african-graduate-jilin-university-diplomacy-deloitte): A South African international relations student at Jilin University used debate, Model UN and New Development Bank events to turn a scholarship into a career in emerging-markets analysis.
- [Ten years of medical training: a Tanzanian student at Tongji Medical College](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/ana-tanzania-medical-training-huazhong-university): A Tanzanian applicant won a Chinese Government Scholarship straight out of secondary school and spent a decade training in medicine at Huazhong University of Science and Technology's Tongji Medical College.
- [Multiple applications, one full scholarship: a case study in running several universities at once](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/mirabror-shanghai-lixin-full-scholarship-multi-university-strategy): An applicant who applied across Shanghai and Hangzhou ended the cycle with three admissions and a full tuition scholarship in economics and international trade at his first-choice business school.
- [Rodion Shitikov: the Shanghai Government Scholarship through a multi-school application](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/rodion-shitikov-shanghai-government-scholarship-lixin): A second case from the same cycle in which an applicant applied to several Shanghai business schools and came away with a municipal scholarship covering tuition.
- [Grace Mmbando from Tanzania: a PhD in public health at Fudan University](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/grace-mmbando-tanzania-fudan-phd-public-health): A Tanzanian researcher with a full Chinese Government Scholarship completed a public health doctorate at Fudan, publishing on tropical disease and receiving a WHO young researcher award.
- [Jackson Mosha from Tanzania: a Tsinghua master's in biomedical engineering](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/jackson-mosha-tanzania-tsinghua-biomedical-engineering): A Tanzanian graduate combined a Chinese Government Scholarship with a living allowance at Tsinghua, published three papers and won a university innovation award.
- [Baraka Madandi from Tanzania: Peking University on a full scholarship, and an internship at Tencent](https://cnunistudy.com/experience/baraka-madandi-tanzania-peking-university-computer-science): A student from a small Tanzanian town reached a full Chinese Government Scholarship for computer science at Peking University, then an internship at Tencent while still enrolled.

## Application guides (28)

- [Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): eligibility, stipend and how to apply](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/chinese-government-scholarship-csc-complete-guide): The single largest funding scheme for international students in China. It covers tuition, accommodation, insurance and a monthly stipend — and it requires a pre-admission letter before you apply.
- [Confucius Institute Scholarship: full funding for Chinese language and TCSOL degrees](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/confucius-institute-scholarship-guide): A dedicated scheme for Chinese language study and for training as a Chinese teacher, available at more than 150 host universities.
- [Shanghai Government Scholarship: Type A and Type B awards explained](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/shanghai-government-scholarship-guide): Shanghai funds several thousand international students a year through two separate programmes with very different routes to entry.
- [Beijing Government Scholarship and university-level awards at Beijing universities](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/beijing-government-scholarship-and-university-awards): Municipal funding plus the internal scholarships offered by Tsinghua, PKU, Beihang and other Beijing institutions.
- [Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Yangtze Delta government scholarships: a comparison](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/jiangsu-zhejiang-and-yangtze-delta-scholarships): Four provincial schemes covering Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou and the surrounding region, with different coverage and deadlines.
- [Guangdong and Greater Bay Area scholarships for international students](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/guangdong-greater-bay-area-scholarships): Provincial and municipal funding covering Sun Yat-sen University, SCUT, SUSTech and the Guangdong campus network.
- [Belt and Road and regional scholarships: the schemes most applicants miss](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/belt-and-road-and-regional-scholarships-explained): Beyond CSC there is a large set of bilateral, provincial and named scholarships that fund international students in China — often with far less competition.
- [Schwarzman Scholars at Tsinghua University: the fully funded China master's](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/schwarzman-scholars-programme-guide): A one-year, fully funded master's in global affairs at Tsinghua, modelled on the Rhodes Scholarship and taught entirely in English.
- [Yenching Academy at Peking University: China studies in English](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/yenching-academy-peking-university-guide): A fully funded master's in China studies at PKU, taught in English and open to applicants from any discipline.
- [MBBS in China: scholarship options, tuition and what it actually costs](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/mbbs-in-china-scholarships-and-costs): An English-taught six-year medical degree for around a fifth of the cost of a UK or US medical school — but check the recognition rules in your home country first.
- [Fully funded master's and PhD places in China: the realistic path](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/fully-funded-masters-and-phd-in-china-how-to-get-one): Most international doctoral students in China are funded. Here is how the funding actually works and what supervisors expect.
- [Partial scholarships and tuition waivers: how to fund a degree when you miss the full award](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/partial-scholarships-and-tuition-waivers-in-china): Full CSC awards are highly competitive. Several alternatives remove most of the cost without requiring the same selection process.
- [CSCA: the new academic test every undergraduate scholarship applicant must take](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/csca-test-guide-for-undergraduate-applicants): From the 2026/2027 cycle, Chinese Government Scholarship applicants for bachelor's programmes must sit the China Scholastic Competency Assessment.
- [Funding Chinese language study: HSK thresholds and scholarship routes](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/hsk-scholarships-and-language-study-funding): You do not need HSK to start learning Chinese in China — and several scholarships pay you to do it.
- [Can international students work in China? The rules on part-time jobs and internships](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/international-student-part-time-work-and-internship-rules): Legally, yes — but only after at least one academic year, only with school approval, and only with an annotation added to your residence permit.
- [Passing the annual review: how to keep a Chinese scholarship for four years](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/scholarship-annual-review-how-to-keep-your-funding): Almost every Chinese scholarship is renewed annually against performance criteria. Most terminations are avoidable.
- [The China scholarship calendar: what to do in every month of the year](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/scholarship-application-timeline-calendar): A month-by-month plan covering CSC, provincial schemes, university applications, CSCA and HSK.
- [How to write a study plan that gets accepted by Chinese universities](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/how-to-write-a-study-plan-for-a-chinese-university-application): The study plan is the document Chinese admissions committees rely on most heavily for graduate applicants. Here is what they look for.
- [Recommendation letters and document preparation for Chinese university applications](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/recommendation-letters-and-documents-for-china-applications): Which documents are needed, how they must be authenticated, and the ones that delay applications most often.
- [Application fees and the hidden costs of applying to Chinese universities](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/chinese-university-application-fees-and-hidden-costs): Application fees are small, but notarisation, testing, medical examinations and visa travel add up. Here is a realistic total.
- [Cost of living in China: a realistic international student budget for 2027](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/cost-of-living-in-china-a-realistic-student-budget): City-by-city living costs, dormitory versus private rent, and what an all-in year actually costs.
- [English-taught bachelor's degrees in China: what is actually available](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/top-english-taught-bachelors-degrees-in-china): The English-taught portfolio is smaller than agencies imply and concentrated in specific fields. Here is how to tell a real programme from a marketing page.
- [Dual degrees and Sino-foreign universities: getting a US, UK or European award in China](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/dual-degree-and-sino-foreign-universities-in-china): A growing number of Chinese universities award a partner institution's degree alongside the Chinese one. Here is what exists.
- [X1 and X2 student visas and the residence permit: the complete process](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/china-student-visa-x1-x2-and-residence-permit-process): Which visa you need, what the JW201/JW202 forms are for, and the 30-day clock that starts when you land.
- [Dormitory or private rent? Housing options for international students in China](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/campus-housing-dormitory-or-private-rent-in-china): On-campus dormitories are cheap, convenient and sometimes compulsory. Off-campus renting is cheaper per square metre only if you go far out.
- [Health insurance and medical care for international students in China](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/health-insurance-and-medical-care-for-students-in-china): China requires comprehensive medical insurance for international students. Here is what the national scheme covers and what it does not.
- [Bank accounts, WeChat Pay and Alipay: managing money in China as a student](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/banking-payments-and-money-in-china-for-students): China is close to cashless. Setting up a Chinese bank account in your first week is not optional if you want to function.
- [Student life in China: clubs, canteens, holidays and making friends](https://cnunistudy.com/guides/student-life-and-campus-culture-in-china): What daily life actually looks like, from the campus canteen at 7am to the week-long National Day holiday in October.

## Recent news and updates (61 in total)

- [CSC Type A versus Type B: which route should you use?](https://cnunistudy.com/news/chinese-government-scholarship-type-a-versus-type-b): One goes through your national embassy, the other through a designated university. Applying to both is the standard strategy.
- [The application mistakes that cost applicants a full year](https://cnunistudy.com/news/study-in-china-application-mistakes-that-cost-a-year): Missing documents, mistimed tests and unverified programmes account for most failed cycles. All of them are preventable.
- [Support services for international students: what universities are improving](https://cnunistudy.com/news/international-students-safety-and-support-services-review): Chinese universities have been expanding orientation, counselling and career services for international students, but provision remains uneven.
- [CSC 2027/2028 application round: what opens in November and what to prepare now](https://cnunistudy.com/news/csc-2027-2028-application-round-what-to-expect): The Chinese Government Scholarship cycle opens each November with embassy deadlines in February. Here is the document set to assemble in advance.
- [Staying on to work in China after graduation: permits, routes and reality](https://cnunistudy.com/news/graduate-employment-and-work-permits-after-a-chinese-degree): Working in China after a Chinese degree is possible, and the graduate of a Chinese university has a real advantage in the work permit assessment — but the routes are specific.
- [China's 15th Five-Year Plan: what it means for international students](https://cnunistudy.com/news/fifteenth-five-year-plan-education-opening-2026-2030): The State Council has set out plans to expand the "Study in China" brand, attract foreign students and build globally recognised Chinese education brands through 2030.
- [Read the fine print: which campus will you actually study on?](https://cnunistudy.com/news/chinese-university-campuses-outside-main-cities-warning): Several leading Chinese universities teach programmes across multiple cities, and the campus is often not the one applicants picture.
- [X1 and X2 student visas: online applications and electronic JW forms](https://cnunistudy.com/news/x1-and-x2-visa-what-changed-in-application-processing): Most Chinese missions now require online appointment booking, and the JW201, JW202 and DQ forms are issued electronically.
- [What studying in China costs in 2027: tuition, accommodation and living expenses](https://cnunistudy.com/news/cost-of-study-in-china-comparison-2027): Typical tuition is CNY 20,000–50,000 a year, with total annual costs between CNY 60,000 and 130,000 depending on city and programme.
- [China to export engineering, AI and vocational education standards](https://cnunistudy.com/news/engineering-and-stem-education-export-chinese-standards): The 15th Five-Year Plan prioritises sharing Chinese standards in vocational education, engineering, AI education and teacher training.
- [What to expect from September orientation at a Chinese university](https://cnunistudy.com/news/chinese-universities-september-orientation-programme): Registration, medical checks, residence permit processing, campus tours and — most usefully — the group police registration session.
- [Reminder for new students: the 30-day residence permit clock and the internship annotation](https://cnunistudy.com/news/study-residence-permit-rules-and-internship-annotation-reminder): The X1 visa must be converted into a residence permit within 30 days of entry, and off-campus work requires an annotation on that permit.
- [English-taught master's degrees in China: what exists by field](https://cnunistudy.com/news/english-taught-masters-degrees-in-china-list-by-field): Engineering, business, public health, China studies and computer science are where English-medium master's provision is concentrated.
- [Schwarzman Scholars opens another application cycle at Tsinghua](https://cnunistudy.com/news/tsinghua-schwarzman-scholars-application-cycle): The one-year, fully funded master's in global affairs accepts applications from any nationality and does not require Mandarin.
- [How Chinese universities set tuition for international students](https://cnunistudy.com/news/chinese-universities-international-student-tuition-and-fee-policy): International students generally pay a separate, higher fee schedule than domestic students, though scholarship coverage is correspondingly more generous.
- [Chinese-taught programmes are raising their HSK requirements](https://cnunistudy.com/news/chinese-language-proficiency-requirements-tighten): HSK 4 for postgraduate study and HSK 5 for undergraduate are now the norm at competitive universities, with HSK 6 expected in law and literature.
- [Research collaboration: how international students publish with Chinese laboratories](https://cnunistudy.com/news/research-collaboration-opportunities-for-international-students): Publication expectations in Chinese research groups are explicit, and co-authorship with a Chinese laboratory is a portable asset.
- [Hangzhou's technology sector and the graduate jobs it creates](https://cnunistudy.com/news/why-hangzhou-technology-jobs-attract-international-graduates): Zhejiang University's proximity to Alibaba and Ant Group makes it one of the strongest graduate pipelines in China.
- [Warning: scholarship application scams and how to avoid them](https://cnunistudy.com/news/china-scholarship-application-scam-warning): No legitimate intermediary can guarantee admission, and no official system charges for a scholarship place.
- [Shenzhen's hardware ecosystem: what it offers engineering students](https://cnunistudy.com/news/shenzhen-hardware-ecosystem-for-engineering-students): Huaqiangbei, Shenzhen University Town and the city's robot and drone industries give students access that exists nowhere else.
- [Yenching Academy at Peking University: two years of China studies, fully funded](https://cnunistudy.com/news/yenching-academy-application-and-funding): An interdisciplinary English-taught master's across six research areas, with tuition, accommodation, stipend and travel covered.
- [After you accept: the sequence between an offer letter and your first class](https://cnunistudy.com/news/q-and-a-what-happens-after-you-accept-an-offer): From admission notice to JW form, visa, residence permit, registration and enrolment.
- [State Council education plan targets return of overseas graduates and international expansion](https://cnunistudy.com/news/state-council-education-plan-international-expansion-detail): A new education development plan sets priorities for 2026–2030, including research collaboration, vocational education exports and the international Chinese language brand.
- [China's domestic university enrolment continues to expand alongside international recruitment](https://cnunistudy.com/news/chinese-university-enrolment-numbers-record-high-2026): With 1,000-plus institutions enrolling international students and near-record domestic participation, Chinese higher education has become the largest system in the world.
- [MBBS applicants warned again: check your home country's recognition list first](https://cnunistudy.com/news/mbbs-recognition-warning-for-prospective-medical-students): China's English-taught medical degree is well established, but licensing rules differ sharply between countries.
- [Scholarship results, appeals and what to do if your funding is suspended](https://cnunistudy.com/news/how-china-scholarship-results-and-appeals-work): Annual review outcomes can be appealed through the university. Documented grounds matter.
- [Optics Valley: Wuhan's photonics cluster and its graduate pipeline](https://cnunistudy.com/news/wuhan-optics-valley-engineering-careers): East Lake High-Tech Development Zone is one of China's largest technology clusters and recruits directly from Wuhan and HUST.
- [300 UK students from nine universities begin study tours at ten Chinese universities](https://cnunistudy.com/news/uk-china-student-exchange-programme-nine-universities): A new China–UK mobility programme sends students from York, Birmingham, Edinburgh and others to six Chinese cities.
- [What the top Chinese university alumni networks actually do for graduates](https://cnunistudy.com/news/tsinghua-and-peking-alumni-network-career-effects): The professional value of a Chinese degree is often concentrated in networks — and they work differently from Western ones.
- [Verifying an English-taught programme before you accept: the questions that matter](https://cnunistudy.com/news/why-china-english-taught-programme-verification-matters): Programme pages vary widely in accuracy. Five specific questions separate a genuine English-medium degree from a translated one.
- [Joint degree engineering programmes in China: the expanding English-taught route](https://cnunistudy.com/news/shanghai-jiao-tong-joint-institute-engineering-expansion): Dual-degree structures with Michigan, Edinburgh, Illinois and Paris partners give international students a foreign award and a Chinese degree.
- [Sino-foreign universities: studying entirely in English for a foreign degree in China](https://cnunistudy.com/news/sino-foreign-universities-independent-route): Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and Duke Kunshan University award UK and US degrees from campuses in Jiangsu.
- [Engineering is now the most popular field for international students in China](https://cnunistudy.com/news/engineering-most-popular-field-for-international-students): More than a quarter of all degree-seeking international students in China study engineering. Here is where they are concentrated.
- [Haidian and Zhongguancun: studying inside Beijing's research district](https://cnunistudy.com/news/beijing-research-district-haidian-zhongguancun): The densest concentration of universities, national laboratories and technology companies in China sits in one Beijing district.
- [Zhejiang University's Haining campus: the English-language route into a top-50 university](https://cnunistudy.com/news/zhejiang-haining-international-campus-intake-growth): The International Campus hosts joint programmes with the University of Edinburgh and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and teaches entirely in English.
- [Postgraduates now make up 35% of China's international degree students](https://cnunistudy.com/news/china-adds-postgraduate-share-of-international-students): The composition of international students in China is shifting upward, with research degrees growing fastest.
- [Internship rules clarified for international students in Shanghai and Beijing](https://cnunistudy.com/news/part-time-work-and-internship-enforcement-clarified): Municipal authorities have repeated that off-campus internships require an approval letter and a residence permit annotation.
- [More than 570,000 Chinese students studied abroad in 2025, with 94% returning](https://cnunistudy.com/news/open-doors-report-chinese-students-abroad-and-return-rate): Ministry of Education data shows a high and rising return rate among Chinese graduates of overseas universities.
- [Summer schools in China: four weeks to two months, the lowest-commitment way in](https://cnunistudy.com/news/summer-schools-and-short-stay-study-in-china-2027): Programmes at Fudan, Peking, Tsinghua, Zhejiang and BLCU combine language classes with lectures, and some are funded.
- [Where international students in China come from: the regional breakdown](https://cnunistudy.com/news/students-from-asia-largest-share-of-china-international-enrolment): Asia accounts for 61% of enrolment, Africa 16%, Europe 16% and the Americas and Oceania 7%.
- [China hosted 380,000 international students in 2024–25, Ministry of Education says](https://cnunistudy.com/news/china-hosts-380000-international-students-2024-2025): The first full post-pandemic enrolment picture shows a more diverse student body, a higher share of postgraduates and engineering as the most popular field.
- [Guangdong and Greater Bay Area scholarship places expand alongside campus growth](https://cnunistudy.com/news/guangdong-greater-bay-area-scholarship-places-expand): Provincial and municipal funding has grown with the build-out of campuses in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai.
- [Degrees in Chinese language and literature for international students](https://cnunistudy.com/news/degrees-in-chinese-language-and-literature-for-foreigners): Four-year Chinese-taught degrees in Chinese language, with large Confucius Institute Scholarship provision.
- [Jiangsu links scholarship funding to internships in provincial companies](https://cnunistudy.com/news/jiangsu-jasmine-scholarship-internship-component): The Jasmine Jiangsu programme combines study funding with a structured internship placement — an unusual model in Chinese scholarship provision.
- [Can you combine scholarships in China? What the rules allow](https://cnunistudy.com/news/scholarship-stacking-rules-what-can-be-combined): Most Chinese scholarships prohibit holding two full awards simultaneously, but tuition waivers, assistantships and external grants can often be combined.
- [More than 1,000 Chinese institutions now enrol international students](https://cnunistudy.com/news/study-in-china-website-lists-1000-plus-hosting-institutions): The official Study in China platform lists over a thousand institutions hosting international students from more than 190 countries.
- [Study facilities on Chinese campuses: libraries, laboratories and 24-hour rooms](https://cnunistudy.com/news/chinese-university-library-and-study-facilities): Chinese university libraries are large, heavily used and often open late. Examination weeks change the campus entirely.
- [Chinese university academic calendar: intakes, semesters and the Spring Festival break](https://cnunistudy.com/news/chinese-university-academic-calendar-and-intake-dates): The main intake is September, with a second intake in February or March at many universities. Language programmes run four intakes a year.
- [Shanghai Government Scholarship 2027 round opens with Type A and Type B routes](https://cnunistudy.com/news/shanghai-government-scholarship-2027-round): Shanghai funds several thousand international students a year through two schemes with different coverage and different selection committees.
- [Clubs, sport and campus culture: how Chinese university societies work](https://cnunistudy.com/news/student-clubs-and-extra-curricular-life-in-china): Hundreds of clubs per university, and the strongest route into Chinese student social life.
- [Beijing Government Scholarship and university awards: the 2027 picture](https://cnunistudy.com/news/beijing-government-scholarship-2027-round): The municipal scheme pays a monthly stipend of CNY 1,400–2,000 alongside partial or full tuition, and the city's top universities add their own awards on top.
- [Confucius Institute Scholarship 2027 round: what is funded and how to apply](https://cnunistudy.com/news/confucius-institute-scholarship-2027-round-opens): Full funding for one semester to four years of Chinese language study, with master's places available in teaching Chinese as a foreign language.
- [How to verify that a Chinese university and programme are properly recognised](https://cnunistudy.com/news/how-to-verify-a-chinese-university-is-recognised): Three lists matter: the Ministry of Education list of recognised institutions, the CSC designated host list, and your own country's recognition list.
- [Why China's research facilities matter to international postgraduate students](https://cnunistudy.com/news/china-university-facilities-laboratory-investment): National synchrotrons, supercomputing centres and well-funded instrument pools are among the most cited practical advantages by research students.
- [Biomedical research in China: scale, funding and where international PhDs go](https://cnunistudy.com/news/life-sciences-and-biomedical-research-in-china-growth): Structural biology, neuroscience and translational medicine have grown rapidly, with funded doctoral places widely available.
- [CSCA: the academic test now required of every undergraduate scholarship applicant](https://cnunistudy.com/news/csca-test-dates-and-what-changed-for-undergraduate-applicants): The second and final required CSCA sitting for September 2026 enrolment took place on 25 January. From now on, no undergraduate CSC application is complete without a valid score report.
- [Campus China programme search: how to use the official portal properly](https://cnunistudy.com/news/campus-china-portal-programme-search-updated): The official Study in China portal lists scholarship programmes by institution, level and language — and it is the only authoritative source on designated host universities.
- [The full first-year cost of studying in China, line by line](https://cnunistudy.com/news/cost-of-application-and-first-year-budget-history): Beyond tuition: application fees, tests, notarisation, medical examination, visa, flights and the first month before any stipend arrives.
- [THE 2026: China places five universities in the global top 40 for the first time](https://cnunistudy.com/news/the-2026-rankings-china-five-universities-in-global-top-40): Tsinghua is Asia's top university for a third consecutive edition. Harbin Institute of Technology is the biggest climber, up 21 places.
- [ARWU 2025: 222 mainland Chinese universities ranked, 13 in the world top 100](https://cnunistudy.com/news/arwu-2025-china-222-universities-13-in-world-top-100): Tsinghua enters the global top 20 for the first time and takes the Asian number-one position from the University of Tokyo.
- [QS 2026: 72 mainland Chinese universities ranked, five inside the global top 100](https://cnunistudy.com/news/2026-qs-rankings-72-mainland-chinese-universities-ranked): Peking University holds 14th place — the highest ever for a mainland Chinese institution — while Nanjing University records the edition's biggest jump.

## Student stories (30)

- [Field notes: how to pick a supervisor in China, and how to be picked by one](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-how-to-pick-a-supervisor-in-china): The supervisor determines your funding, your research, your equipment access and your graduation timeline. This is the most important decision in a Chinese postgraduate application.
- [Field notes: teaching English in China after graduation](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-teaching-english-in-china-as-a-graduate): It remains one of the most common first jobs for international graduates — and the legal requirements are stricter than most people think.
- [Lâm Chi from Vietnam: how she won a Confucius Institute Scholarship to Fudan](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/lam-chi-vietnam-fudan-confucius-scholarship): A 19-year-old Vietnamese student applied to two scholarship schemes, was rejected by one, and ended up at Fudan University with full funding and HSK 6.
- [Axel Nilsson from Sweden: writing a master's thesis at Shanghai Jiao Tong University](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/axel-nilsson-sweden-sjtu-thesis-semester): A Swedish graduate student spent his final master's semester at SJTU's Antai College, working on stock market reactions to China's carbon-neutrality pledge.
- ["My dream to study in China finally came true": a Swedish student's semester of Chinese](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/song-northern-lights-swedish-student-shanghai-normal-chinese): After years of studying Chinese in Sweden, a scholarship finally made a semester in Shanghai possible — and the classes were harder than expected.
- [Grace from the Philippines: five years in China on a Belt and Road scholarship](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/grace-philippines-beijing-jiaotong-belt-and-road-scholarship): She accepted the offer in two days, cried over Chinese in her first year, and now studies vehicle engineering in Mandarin alongside Chinese classmates.
- [An American student in Beijing: "show up in person, tell stories instead of arguing"](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/american-student-in-beijing-uibe-cultural-bridge): A US student at the University of International Business and Economics argues that the awkward spaces are where the important work happens.
- [Melisa from Turkey: winning a master's scholarship by finding the right supervisor](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/melisa-turkey-sw-china-university-supervisor-route): Her first choice university could not recommend her for CSC funding. A second supervisor's support changed the outcome.
- ["Way more futuristic than anything I've seen in America": students on China's robotics sector](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/us-delegation-wuhan-humanoid-robots-student-reaction): A visiting US student delegation in Wuhan saw humanoid robots pour tea, write calligraphy and play chess — and revised their expectations.
- [Field notes: your first week in China, and the six things that actually matter](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-first-week-in-china-what-nobody-tells-you): Compiled from published student accounts of the arrival period — what goes smoothly, what goes wrong, and the order to do things in.
- [Field notes: what actually works when you learn Chinese in China](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-learning-chinese-what-actually-works): Compiled from published accounts by learners at Chinese universities — the tactics that are consistently reported to work, and the ones that are not.
- [Field notes: what living in a Chinese university dormitory is really like](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-living-in-a-chinese-dormitory): Compiled accounts of dormitory life — the good, the irritating and the cultural adjustments.
- [Field notes: how international students actually make Chinese friends](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-making-friends-with-chinese-students): The single most commonly discussed difficulty in student accounts, and the approaches reportedly most effective.
- [Field notes: eating in China with dietary restrictions](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-food-halal-vegetarian-and-dietary-needs): Halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy management — what university canteens actually offer.
- [Field notes: mental health support for international students in China](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-mental-health-and-support-services): What universities provide, what they do not, and how students have navigated the gap.
- [Field notes: what international graduates of Chinese universities actually do next](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-what-graduates-do-after-a-chinese-degree): Compiled from published accounts: the four career routes that dominate, and what each requires.
- [Field notes: surviving your first winter in north-east China](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-winter-in-northeast-china): Compiled accounts of living at -25 °C in Harbin, Changchun and Shenyang, and why students end up loving it.
- [Field notes: the visa and immigration mistakes international students actually make](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-visa-and-immigration-mistakes-to-avoid): Compiled from published warnings and student accounts: the errors that cause serious problems, and the ones that are merely annoying.
- [Field notes: what an English-taught programme in China is really like](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-studying-at-an-english-taught-programme-reality): Compiled from student accounts of English-medium degrees — the genuine advantages and the common disappointments.
- [Field notes: applying to Chinese universities directly versus through an agent](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-applying-direct-versus-through-an-agent): Most Chinese universities take international applications directly, and it is free to try. Where agents genuinely add value, and where they do not.
- [Field notes: how to choose between two Chinese university offers](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-choosing-between-two-offers): A practical framework used by students who have been admitted to more than one programme.
- [Field notes: the academic culture difference in Chinese universities](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-chinese-academic-culture-what-to-expect): Examination weighting, class participation, the supervisor relationship and what "face" means in practice.
- [Field notes: safety, police registration and legal awareness in China](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-safety-and-legal-awareness-in-china): China is statistically very safe for international students. The legal risks that do exist are mostly administrative.
- [Field notes: what women international students report about studying in China](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-women-studying-in-china): Compiled from published accounts: safety, classroom dynamics, healthcare and dress norms.
- [Field notes: travelling in China as a student, cheaply and well](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-travel-in-china-on-a-student-budget): High-speed rail, student tickets, sleeper trains and the apps you actually need.
- [Field notes: summer schools and short programmes in China](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-summer-schools-and-short-programmes-in-china): The lowest-commitment way to test whether studying in China is right for you — and often the easiest to get funding for.
- [Field notes for parents: what to know when your child studies in China](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-parents-guide-to-a-child-studying-in-china): The questions parents ask most, answered with the facts that matter.
- [Field notes: why you should start Chinese before you arrive, and how far you can get](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-learn-chinese-before-you-arrive): The most consistent piece of advice in every published student account. Six months of self-study changes your first semester completely.
- [Field notes: when a university's ranking does not match the student experience](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-gap-between-ranking-and-experience): Compiled observations on the gap between research ranking and teaching quality — and how to research past it.
- [Field notes: the first term, honestly](https://cnunistudy.com/stories/field-notes-how-to-handle-homesickness-and-the-first-term): The period between weeks three and twelve is the hardest. Compiled accounts of what helps.

## City guides (17)

- [Beijing for international students: cost of living, districts and campus life](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/beijing-student-city-guide): China's capital hosts the largest concentration of top-ranked universities in the country — and the highest rent. Here is what Beijing actually costs and how to choose where to live.
- [Shanghai for international students: campuses, rents and realistic budgets](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/shanghai-student-city-guide): China's most international city, with the country's largest concentration of English-taught programmes outside Beijing. Here is how to budget and where the campuses actually are.
- [Guangzhou for international students: Cantonese food, low rents and Greater Bay Area jobs](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/guangzhou-student-city-guide): Southern China's largest student city, with the country's biggest African and Southeast Asian student communities and the lowest living costs of any tier-one city.
- [Shenzhen for international students: studying in China's tech capital](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/shenzhen-student-city-guide): A city that barely existed in 1980 is now the hardware capital of the world and hosts campuses of five major Chinese universities.
- [Hangzhou for international students: Zhejiang University, Alibaba and West Lake living](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/hangzhou-student-city-guide): One of China's most liveable cities, home to its largest university by international enrolment and to Alibaba's headquarters.
- [Nanjing for international students: two top universities and China's most student-heavy city](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/nanjing-student-city-guide): A former imperial capital with an unusually high ratio of students to residents, and two universities inside the global top 150.
- [Wuhan for international students: two major universities and the lowest costs of any big city](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/wuhan-student-city-guide): Central China's academic capital, with Wuhan and Huazhong universities inside the global top 100 in ARWU and living costs among the lowest in urban China.
- [Xi'an for international students: Silk Road history with two top-100 engineering universities](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/xian-student-city-guide): The eastern terminus of the Silk Road, with Xi'an Jiaotong and Northwestern Polytechnical universities and living costs well below the coast.
- [Chengdu for international students: pandas, low costs and two huge universities](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/chengdu-student-city-guide): Consistently ranked China's most liveable large city, with Sichuan University, UESTC and the best food in the country.
- [Tianjin for international students: Beijing access at two-thirds the price](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/tianjin-student-city-guide): A major port city 30 minutes from Beijing by high-speed rail, with Nankai and Tianjin universities sharing one large modern campus.
- [Xiamen for international students: China's most beautiful campus city](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/xiamen-student-city-guide): A subtropical island city in Fujian with the country's most photographed university campus and strong links to Southeast Asia.
- [Harbin for international students: Russia-influenced architecture and aerospace engineering](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/harbin-student-city-guide): Winter temperatures of -25 °C and the Harbin Institute of Technology, one of the C9 League's engineering universities.
- [Dalian for international students: a coastal engineering city with Japanese links](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/dalian-student-city-guide): A clean seaside city in Liaoning with a leading technical university and a strong Japanese and Korean business presence.
- [Changchun for international students: China's automotive capital and its cheapest university city](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/changchun-student-city-guide): Home of the First Automobile Works and of Jilin University, one of the largest universities in the country.
- [Qingdao for international students: sea air, beer and a Shandong University campus](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/qingdao-student-city-guide): A coastal city in Shandong with a new seaside university campus, excellent air quality and a strong Japanese and Korean business sector.
- [Suzhou for international students: gardens, industry and Shanghai on the doorstep](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/suzhou-student-city-guide): A UNESCO-listed canal city in Jiangsu with the world's largest manufacturing base for laptops and a new Nanjing University campus.
- [Zhuhai and the Greater Bay Area education hub: campuses, costs and cross-border study](https://cnunistudy.com/cities/zhuhai-and-shenzhen-education-hub-guide): Guangdong has built one of the largest concentrations of campuses in China. Here is how Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou fit together.

## Subject guides (26)

- [Studying medicine in China: MBBS, postgraduate medicine and clinical training](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-medicine-in-china-mbbs-and-postgraduate): China trains more doctors than any country. For international students the MBBS is the entry point, but postgraduate clinical training is where the real value is.
- [Studying computer science and AI in China: the strongest universities and what it takes](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-computer-science-and-ai-in-china): Chinese computer science departments are now genuine global leaders in AI, computer vision and systems — and they recruit international students in both English and Chinese.
- [Studying engineering in China: mechanical, civil, electrical and chemical compared](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-engineering-in-china-mechanical-civil-electrical): China produces more engineers than any other country. Here are the universities that lead each discipline and what each specialism involves.
- [MBA and business master's degrees in China: accredited schools and what they cost](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/mba-and-business-masters-in-china): Several Chinese business schools hold triple accreditation. Here is which ones, what they cost, and how they compare to a Western MBA.
- [Studying law in China: LL.M. programmes, Chinese law in English and career paths](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-law-in-china-for-international-students): A small but growing set of Chinese law schools teach entirely in English, aimed at foreign lawyers and international students.
- [Studying Chinese in China: programme types, levels and realistic progress](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-chinese-language-in-china-programmes-and-levels): How long it actually takes to reach each HSK level, what the courses cost, and how to choose a language centre.
- [Studying architecture and urban planning in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-architecture-and-urban-planning-in-china): China built more buildings in twenty years than Europe built in a century. Its architecture schools are among the strongest in the world.
- [Studying aerospace engineering in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-aerospace-and-aviation-in-china): China has the world's second-largest space programme. Two universities supply most of its engineers.
- [Studying materials science and chemistry in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-materials-science-and-chemistry-in-china): China publishes more chemistry and materials research than any other country, and its departments are unusually well funded.
- [Studying agriculture and food science in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-agriculture-and-food-science-in-china): China feeds 20% of the world's population on 9% of its arable land. Its agricultural universities are world leaders in crop science.
- [Studying economics and finance in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-economics-and-finance-in-china): China has become a genuine centre for economics research, and several of its schools now recruit internationally and teach in English.
- [Studying international relations and China studies in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-international-relations-and-china-studies): English-taught master's programmes in Chinese politics, foreign policy and area studies, and what they lead to.
- [Studying environmental science and sustainability in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-environmental-science-and-sustainability-in-china): China is the world's largest investor in renewable energy and has committed to carbon neutrality by 2060. Its environmental faculties have scaled accordingly.
- [Studying art, design and media in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-art-design-and-media-in-china): China's design and film industries have grown rapidly, and its dedicated art academies are world-class within their disciplines.
- [Studying cybersecurity and software engineering in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-cybersecurity-and-software-engineering-in-china): China has the world's largest internet user base and a large cybersecurity industry. Here is where to study it.
- [Studying public health and nursing in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-public-health-and-nursing-in-china): China trained thousands of epidemiologists after 2003 and its public health faculties now lead on global health research.
- [Studying translation and interpreting in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-translation-and-interpreting-in-china): China has the world's largest translation market and dedicated MTI programmes training conference interpreters.
- [Studying sports science and physical education in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-sports-science-and-physical-education-in-china): A serious field in China, with strong state investment and dedicated universities for sport.
- [Studying pharmacology and pharmaceutical science in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-toxicology-and-pharmacology-in-china): China is the world's largest producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients and a fast-growing centre of drug discovery.
- [Studying psychology and cognitive science in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-psychology-and-cognitive-science-in-china): China has one of the largest psychology research communities in the world, with particular strength in cognitive neuroscience.
- [Studying tourism and hospitality management in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-tourism-and-hospitality-in-china): China is the world's largest source market for international tourism and a huge domestic travel market. Its hospitality schools train at scale.
- [Studying mathematics and statistics in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-mathematics-and-statistics-in-china): China has become a serious mathematics power, with Peking and Tsinghua departments now attracting international faculty and students.
- [Studying traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-architecture-of-chinese-traditional-medicine): TCM is a regulated, degree-based field in China with dedicated universities, hospitals and WHO-recognised training standards.
- [Studying marine science and oceanography in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-marine-science-and-oceanography-in-china): China operates the world's largest fishing fleet and a growing oceanographic research programme, with dedicated marine universities.
- [Studying mining, metallurgy and energy resources in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-mining-metallurgy-and-energy-resources-in-china): China processes more minerals and metals than any other country. Central South and China University of Mining and Technology lead the field.
- [Studying civil engineering and infrastructure in China](https://cnunistudy.com/subjects/study-civil-engineering-and-infrastructure-in-china): China built the world's largest high-speed rail network, longest sea bridge and tallest buildings. Its civil engineering schools show you how.

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