Study in China: the 2026–2027 guide
A complete guide to bachelor's study in China: partner universities and QS rankings, annual tuition and living costs, Chinese Government Scholarship and the CSCA exam, documents, the X1 student visa and a step-by-step application.
Last updated: 21 October 2026 · Figures from data published by our partner universities
In short
- 47 partner universities in 13 cities, 1,921 bachelor's programmes; 191 taught entirely in English.
- Annual tuition: 13,800 ¥ – 180,000 ¥, median 22,000 ¥ (≈ $3,100).
- Monthly living costs (excluding housing): 2,550 ¥–4,050 ¥ in the largest cities, 1,730 ¥–3,000 ¥ elsewhere.
- Scholarships: the Chinese Government Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, a stipend and insurance; bachelor's applicants need a CSCA result.
- Intake: most programmes start in September; scholarship applications usually close between December and February.
Why study in China?
China has invested heavily in science and technology over the past two decades. The results are most visible at its universities, where laboratories, scholarships and international programmes expand every year.
Sources: National Bureau of Statistics of China (2006) · National Bureau of Statistics of China (2026) · WIPO PCT Yearly Review 2026 · Nature Index 2026 Research Leaders · ICEF Monitor (2026). More: Why China?
Which universities can I study at?
17 of our partner universities are in the top 500 of the QS World University Rankings 2027. The highest ranked:
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) · Shanghai · QS 36
- Nanjing University · Nanjing · QS 90
- Wuhan University · Wuhan · QS 165
- Tianjin University (TJU) · Tianjin · QS 235
- Beijing Normal University · Beijing · QS 237
- Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) · Beijing · QS 243
- Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) · Xi'an · QS 296
- Sichuan University · Chengdu · QS 300
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) · Wuhan · QS 307
- Shandong University · Jinan · QS 309
All 47 partner universities → · By city →
Which programmes, in which language?
Programmes are taught in English or Chinese. English-taught programmes require IELTS/TOEFL, Chinese-taught programmes HSK; students without Chinese can start with a one-year language preparation.
Programme finder → · English-taught programmes → · Studying medicine in China → · Which major suits me? →
How much does it cost to study in China?
Tuition is published by each university and varies by programme and language: annual bachelor's tuition at our partner universities ranges from 13,800 ¥ to 180,000 ¥, median 22,000 ¥. Medicine and some international programmes cost more. Campus dormitories are usually cheaper than renting in the city.
| Example (lowest-cost programme) | Tuition | Dormitory | Living | Total / year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) | 24,800 ¥ | 13,200 ¥ | 30,600 ¥–48,600 ¥ | 68,600 ¥–86,600 ¥ |
| Wuhan University | 20,000 ¥ | 8,400 ¥–14,400 ¥ | 20,760 ¥–36,000 ¥ | 49,160 ¥–70,400 ¥ |
| University of Electronic Science & Technology of China (UESTC) | 15,000 ¥ | 3,000 ¥–6,000 ¥ | 20,760 ¥–36,000 ¥ | 38,760 ¥–57,000 ¥ |
Estimates; flights, health insurance and first-year residence permit costs are not included. Calculate for your programme → · Cost of living guide → · Annual tuition by university →
Scholarships to study in China
From the 2026/2027 academic year, international students applying for bachelor's programmes in China take a new exam. Scholarship options depend on your study level and the channel you apply through.
Chinese Government Scholarship: embassy channel
Full scholarship: tuition waiver, free dormitory or housing allowance, monthly stipend (CNY 2,500 bachelor's, 3,000 master's, 3,500 doctoral) and medical insurance; international airfare not included. Age limits: under 25 for bachelor's, under 35 for master's, under 40 for doctoral. Bachelor's applicants need a CSCA score report; Chinese-taught master's and doctoral applicants need HSK 4. Apply on campuschina.org following the Chinese embassy's timetable in your country.
Chinese Government Scholarship: university channel
For master's and doctoral students only (Chinese University Program). You apply directly to a participating university, and it is also a full scholarship. Applications usually run from early January to early April; each university sets its own deadline.
Provincial and city scholarships
Some local governments fund their own scholarships. The Beijing Government Scholarship, for example, has three categories: A (tuition, housing, living costs and insurance), B (tuition, housing and insurance) and C (tuition and insurance). You apply directly to a university in Beijing.
University scholarships
Many universities offer their own scholarships or tuition discounts; amounts and conditions vary. A Chinese Government Scholarship holder cannot hold another scholarship from the Chinese government or the university at the same time (one-off awards excepted).
Study in Beijing: university scholarships · Chinese Embassy (2026/2027 CGS notice)
Check which scholarships you are eligible for →
The CSCA exam
- What is it?
- The China Scholastic Competency Assessment: a standardised academic test run by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) for international students applying for bachelor's study in China.
- Who takes it?
- From 2026/2027, every international applicant to a bachelor's programme in China. The score report is required for the Chinese Government Scholarship and universities use it in admission decisions. It is not required for master's or doctoral applications, which ask for HSK or English certificates instead.
- Subjects
- Mathematics is compulsory for everyone. Whether you also need physics or chemistry depends on the requirements of your university and programme. Professional Chinese (humanities and science versions) is compulsory for Chinese-taught programmes and for all Chinese Government Scholarship applicants, whatever the teaching language. If you apply to a fully English-taught programme without the scholarship, you do not need it. Mathematics, physics and chemistry can be taken in English or Chinese.
- Fee
- CNY 450 for one subject, CNY 700 for two or more. Paid online when you register by Visa or Mastercard issued outside mainland China, WeChat Pay or Alipay.
- Format
- Home-based online (with a live proctor) or computer-based at a test centre. Both run at the same time with the same content, duration and scoring.
- When?
- Six sessions in 2026–2027: 14–15 November 2026, 19–20 December 2026, 23–24 January, 13–14 March, 24–25 April and 26–27 June 2027. Each session lasts two days: Professional Chinese and Mathematics on day one, Physics and Chemistry on day two; the first subject starts at 08:00 or 14:00 Beijing time. Registration opens a few weeks before each session, only on csca.cn.
- Results
- Each subject is scored out of 100; results are released within 10 working days. Scores are valid for two years and there is no limit on attempts; universities usually accept your best valid score.
2026–2027 sessions: 14 – 15 November 2026 · 19 – 20 December 2026 · 23 – 24 January 2027 · 13 – 14 March 2027 · 24 – 25 April 2027 · 26 – 27 June 2027
Scholarship deadlines usually fall between December and February, so students aiming for a September start should sit the November, December or January session. Which subjects you need depends on the university and major; your advisor will confirm them with you.
CSCA exam: how to register and prepare →
Admission requirements and documents
To apply
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months, colour scan of the photo page)
- Passport-style photo (white background, taken within the last 6 months)
- High school diploma: original and English translation, both notarised (if not yet graduated, a certificate of enrolment)
- Transcript: original and English translation, both notarised
- English language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.; requirements vary by university)
- CSCA test result (required by many universities from 2026)
- Chinese language certificate (HSK; otherwise a Chinese preparatory programme is possible) (Chinese-taught programmes)
After admission
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form
- Police clearance certificate (criminal record)
- Bank statement or financial guarantee letter
Language, CSCA and age requirements vary by university; each university page has an "Admission requirements" box compiled from its official guide.
How to apply, step by step
- Choose your programme and universityCompare 1,921 bachelor's programmes at our partner universities by tuition, language, city and QS ranking.
- Check the requirementsDepending on the language of instruction you need HSK or IELTS/TOEFL; many universities also require a CSCA result and have an age limit. The eligibility check shows this in minutes.
- Apply onlineFill in the form, upload your passport, diploma and transcript, and pay the 50 USD application fee by card or bank transfer.
- Receive your admission letterYour adviser forwards your application to the university; the admission letter and visa form (JW201/JW202) come from the university.
- Get your X1 student visaApply for the X1 visa at the Chinese embassy or visa centre with your admission documents.
- Travel to China and registerRegister at the university; within 30 days of entering China on an X1 visa you apply for a residence permit.
Start your application → Talk to an adviser
Student visa (X1)
Study longer than one semester requires an X1 student visa. You apply with the admission letter and the JW201/JW202 form sent by the university; within 30 days of entering China you obtain a residence permit. X1 visa guide →
Can I work while studying?
A 2022 regulation allows international students in degree programmes to work while studying in China.
After completing at least one year at their university, students may work on or off campus for up to 8 hours a week (40 hours a month) with the approval of their university and the local immigration office; during summer and winter holidays this rises to 16 hours a week (80 hours a month).
Off-campus work or internships are recorded on the residence permit. Working without permission is illegal and puts the residence permit at risk.
Source: The PIE News · Chongqing Municipal Government
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in China?
Annual tuition for bachelor's programmes at our partner universities ranges from 13,800 ¥ to 180,000 ¥, with a median of 22,000 ¥ (about $3,100). Monthly living costs excluding housing are estimated at 2,550 ¥–4,050 ¥ in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou and 1,730 ¥–3,000 ¥ in other cities.
Can I study in China without speaking Chinese?
Yes. 191 bachelor's programmes at our partner universities are taught entirely in English and do not require HSK. Chinese-taught programmes usually require HSK 4–5; without Chinese you can start with a one-year preparatory programme.
Can I get a scholarship to study in China?
Yes. The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend and health insurance; there are also provincial, city and university scholarships. From 2026/27, bachelor's scholarship applications require a CSCA result.
What is the CSCA exam and when is it held?
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment is the academic exam for international students applying to bachelor's programmes in China. 2026–2027 sessions: 14 – 15 November 2026; 19 – 20 December 2026; 23 – 24 January 2027; 13 – 14 March 2027; 24 – 25 April 2027; 26 – 27 June 2027.
Can I study medicine (MBBS) in China in English?
Yes, but only at universities authorised by China's Ministry of Education to teach MBBS in English. Our partner universities offer English- and Chinese-taught medicine programmes; see the medicine guide.
Can I work while studying in China?
Students who have completed at least one year may work up to 8 hours a week (16 in holidays) with the approval of the university and the local immigration authority; working without permission is not allowed.
Which documents do I need to apply?
Passport, photo, high-school diploma or certificate of enrolment, transcript, a language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL or HSK) and, at many universities, a CSCA result. After admission: a medical examination form, a police certificate and proof of funds.
Not sure where to start?
Take the two-minute eligibility check to see which exams and documents you need, or contact us for advice.