Studying in China provides a myriad of attractive options for international students who seek a high quality yet affordable education. Looking at China’s economic development, it is evidence enough that China is on the rise. It takes pride in being the world’s fastest growing economy and the second largest economy in America. With economic growth, there is an increased focus on education and the PRC’s government has heavily invested into education which has led to the provision of excellent options to all students. Chinese universities have carved a spot on the world stage as some of the best universities for international students who seek new, challenging and attractive options.

Besides, China is a very large country packed with historical and natural attractions. China provides a plethora of opportunities for international students to take on adventurous trips to tourist attractions and immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture.

Why Study in China?

Recently, so many countries across the globe have experienced a strong demand to study in China. In 2014, there were more than 377,000 international students from over 180 countries studying in China for either non-degree or degree programs. The numbers are still looking up, and statistics show that by 2020 China will have more than 500,000 international students. The government has put in a lot of measures to achieve this, such as the provision of scholarships for international students. Why China? Below are some of the reasons:

1. Respectable and Topped-Ranked Universities

Chinese has been rapidly expanding its number of universities as well as higher education programs. This expansion runs parallel to the large economic growth that China continues to experience, making Chinese universities an attractive destination for international students. Around 600 Chinese universities, colleges and institutes have been accredited to admit international students.

A good number of Chinese universities have been numerically ranked based on their positions in the overall Best Global Universities rankings. The institutions are ranked based on their research performance and ratings by members of the academic community around the world and Asia, and some of the Chinese universities score highly. China recorded 30 institutions ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2025/2016 and even a higher number in the QS University Rankings, Asia 2016. Some of the top Chinese universities include:

  • Tsinghua University 5th in Asia and 25th in the world
  • Peking University 9th in Asia and 41st in the world
  • Fudan University 11th in Asia and 51st in the world
  • Shanghai Jiao Tong University 22nd in Asia and 70th in the world
  • Zhejiang University 24th in Asia and 100th in the world
  • University of Science and Technology of China 25th in Asia and 113th in the world
  • Nanjiang University 23rd in Asia and 130th in the world
  • Beijing Normal University 40th in Asia and 232nd in the world
  • Wuhan University 44th in Asia and 273rd in the world

Tsinghua and Peking universities are some of the prestigious Chinese universities and also members of the elite C9 League. Tsinghua has Architecture, Civil Engineering and Material Science as its best performance while Peking does well in modern languages, Chemistry, Linguistics, Social Policy and Administration as well as Mineral and Mining Engineering. Fudan University has its best performance in Chemistry, modern languages, Politics and Material Science.

Some of the other Chinese universities best for international students include University of International Business and Economics, Sichuan University, Guangxi Normal University and the University of Hong Kong. China also has a good number of lesser-known but very fast-developing universities including Tianjin and Tongi University.

2. Outstanding Subjects Offered

China is emerging as a nation which offers quality education with cutting edge disciplines which are highly competitive in the global market. According to statistics, Chinese universities enrol most international students in the following fields: Clinical Medicine, Business Administration, Computer Science and Technology, Civil Engineering, Chinese Training, Chinese Language and Literature, Mechanical Engineering, Communication Engineering, and Architecture.

3. Affordable Study Costs

The cost of studying in China is much more reasonable when compared to European countries, Japan, America, South Korea and other Asian countries. Most tuition for English-taught courses range between $2,000 and $4,000 annually. International students can also live a comfortable life on a small budget with housing going at about $200 and $300 per month in big cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, and can even go lower in 3rd and 4th tier cities. Food and transport are also very affordable.

4. Employment Advantages

China is likely to be part of your future regardless of whether you get into engineering, business, healthcare, hospitality, law or architecture. The experience of studying in a fast-growing economy will make you better positioned to succeed. China’s unprecedented growth has made it obvious that people who can speak Chinese and have firsthand experience of living in China will be better positioned when it comes to employment. Employers understand that a profound comprehension of China’s culture and its market growth is a big advantage for those who want to become the next generation of leaders.

All the world’s top 500 companies do business in China, and a good number have their Asian-Pacific headquarters in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Beijing. This is a clear indication of China’s increasing influence as a global economic power, and this is beneficial to the students who study in Chinese universities since it’s the perfect opportunity for them to get into the global work market.

5. Rich Travel Experiences and Discovery

Studying in Chinese university is not only great for your career prospects but also provides the perfect way to fully discover and enjoy a charming country full of mystery. China is a country of splendid civilisation and quiet a long history. There is so much to do in China when not in class, and you will launch your new exploration to experience its blended mixture of modern and ancient civilisations, enjoy its spectacular beauty, study its deep culture and also make new friends from all over the world.

China is vast, and this gives it a huge variety of landscapes, cultures and climates. You will be impressed with the eye-catching works of modern architecture and the endless tourist attractions whether in the remote areas of Tibet or the cosmopolitan city of Beijing. International students also enjoy the unique nightlife in China comprising of extravagant mega-clubs and private karaoke rooms.

6. Experience a Different Culture

It’s fascinating to study in Chinese universities since you will be able to immerse in new incredible cultures, customs, foods, traditions, language and social atmospheres. In China, you will be able to engage with so many different cultures first hand. The Chinese people and culture are very multicultural, comprising of 56 different ethnic communities. When you immerse yourself in these customs and cultures, you will be able to visualize the world in a new perspective, something you wouldn’t get from just reading the history and geography books. It’s the perfect opportunity to have a completely different and unique experience of life.

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