Everything You Need to Know About Studying in China in English

China, as one of the most influential countries in global affairs and the world economy, is considered a valuable destination for further education. Additionally, its diverse cuisine, rich historical background, boundless natural beauty, and wide range of visual arts have made educational migration to China one of the most attractive options for international students. While China offers many remarkable benefits for international students, one of the primary concerns for those considering studying there is the availability of programs taught in English. This concern is completely understandable, as Mandarin is known to be one of the most challenging languages to learn. Fortunately, in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, opportunities to study in China in English have been made available. The number of universities offering English-taught programs in China is steadily increasing. In this article from Elm Vira’s series, let us explore the costs associated with studying in China in English. Is it possible to study in China in English? The availability of English-taught programs in China has attracted international students from all over the world. By studying in China in English, international students do not need to learn Chinese for undergraduate and master’s programs. Students who wish to migrate to China for their studies should ensure that they apply for English-medium programs when seeking admission. They should also specify the type of program they wish to pursue, as education in English in China is offered in two main formats.

1. English-Taught Programs for International Students

If you choose this type of English-taught program for your studies in China, you will not be attending classes with local students. If your primary goal in migrating for education to China is to connect with locals and find job opportunities after your studies, it is better not to enroll in these types of programs. Most English-taught programs offered by Chinese universities only accept international students. Some of these programs have never been offered or have remained closed due to a lack of enrollment from international students. Additionally, you should note that the level of English among the teaching and administrative staff may not always meet your expectations in these programs. Many students enrolled in these programs have dropped out after one semester or even after a single term of study.

1. Studying in China in English; English-Taught Programs Alongside Local Students

There are international universities in China that offer international study programs. Students studying at these universities receive degrees from these institutions. These international universities have campuses in various cities across China and are highly reputable. These universities also admit local Chinese students through the National College Entrance Exam (Gaokao). By enrolling in these universities, you will attend classes alongside local students, and all courses will be taught in English. The quality of education at these universities is very high, providing the opportunity to study in China in English. Only a select few universities in China offer English-taught programs.

Benefits of Studying in China China, with its rich cultural heritage and growing economy, has become an attractive destination for students. With more than 2,000 universities and colleges, China offers a wide range of educational opportunities for international students, from language courses and bachelor’s degrees to graduate programs and research opportunities. One of the key advantages of studying in this country is the ability to study in China in English. Some of the main benefits of studying in China include:

• High-quality education in top-ranked Chinese universities
• Affordable tuition fees
• High employment rates
• Diverse scholarship opportunities
• Cultural diversity
• Growing economy
• The possibility of studying in English

5 Top Universities to Study in China in English In recent years, many international students have chosen to migrate for studies to China. Currently, studying in English is available at many Chinese universities, attracting international students to these institutions. Students can also enroll in Chinese language courses to familiarize themselves with the language and culture while studying in China. Some of the best universities for studying in China in English include the following:

1. Study Abroad in China; Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University in Beijing is one of China’s most prestigious universities and one of the leading English-language institutions in the country. It has earned top rankings among China’s and the world’s best universities. Tsinghua was first established in 1911 as Tsing Hua Imperial College. Over the years, it has become one of the most attractive universities in China for international students. Tsinghua University offers a wide range of programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The university provides approximately 80 undergraduate programs, most of which are four years long, except for architecture and sculpture programs. These programs are available in both English and Chinese. Graduate students can choose from 30 English-taught programs, including 22 master’s programs and 8 doctoral programs.

1. Peking University (PKU)

Peking University is one of the best and most prestigious universities in China, welcoming thousands of international students by offering the opportunity to study in China in English. The university is renowned for its educational facilities, extensive research, and the largest library in Asia. Peking University comprises six faculties and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Many of its programs are available in English. Undergraduate programs at Peking University typically last four years. While students are not required to submit a language proficiency certificate, they are expected to have sufficient skills to study in both English and Chinese programs. If not, they must enroll in language training programs. Approximately 12 graduate programs are offered in English at the university.

1. Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Shanghai Jiao Tong University is a world-class institution and a leading English-language university in China, founded in 1896. It is directly managed by China’s Ministry of Education and has five different campuses. Over the past century, Shanghai Jiao Tong University has trained some of the country’s top scientists and has welcomed thousands of international students. Most of the engineering programs are offered in both English and French. Other English-language programs include computer science, automation, information engineering, mechanical engineering, and more. Although many programs are available in English, students are still required to learn Chinese. To study English at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, students must provide proof of English proficiency. A large number of graduate programs are also offered in English at this university.

1. University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)

The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) was founded in 1958 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, before moving to its current location in Hefei. This university was established to meet the scientific and technological needs of the country and to enhance its international competitiveness. Most of the top English-language programs at USTC are offered at the graduate level. Around 9 master’s programs and nearly all doctoral programs are available in English. Undergraduate programs are also offered at USTC; however, most of these 35 programs are conducted in Chinese. Some of these courses are available in both English and Chinese, but since the majority of programs are taught in Chinese, students are required to learn Chinese.

1. Zhejiang University

Zhejiang University, located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China. It was founded in 1897 and began admitting international students in 1979. Since then, over 30,000 international students have studied at the university. Zhejiang University is one of the institutions offering the opportunity to study in China in English, providing various programs in English, including bilingual programs, medicine, engineering, communications, and management. Students studying in English-language programs at Zhejiang University are not required to provide proof of Chinese language proficiency but may need an English language certificate. Master’s students can choose from English-language programs such as Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Construction and Intelligent Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. Some doctoral programs are also offered in English. Other universities offering programs in English in China include:

• University of Nottingham Ningbo China
• University of Liverpool – Jiaotong Xi’an
• Shanghai Chinese-English University
• Wenzhou-Kean University Shanghai
• Duke Kunshan University
• Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
• Guangxi University
• Sichuan University
• Fudan University

Best Cities for International Students in China As the number of international students in China continues to rise, major cities in the country offer a wide range of educational institutions that can provide English-language programs. The good news is that in larger cities, you will have no trouble finding both local and international students to communicate with in English. Some of the best cities in China for studying in English include:

1. Beijing

Beijing is one of the top student cities and is considered one of the best cities in China for studying Economics, Politics, Medicine, and Business in English. The city is home to some of the country’s most prestigious educational institutions offering English-language programs. For instance, the University of International Business and Economics is one of the best universities for studying Economics in English. It is also the only university that offers International Politics programs in English.

1. Studying in Shanghai in English

Shanghai, known as the hub of modernity in China, is home to the country’s first university, Fudan University. Studying in Shanghai in English will be convenient as there are several universities offering English-language programs and welcoming many international students. Shanghai Jiao Tong University is a renowned research institution with a high level of international recognition. International students in Shanghai will have no trouble establishing communication as there is a large community of international students in the city.

1. Hong Kong

If you’re looking for a place to study in China in English, consider Hong Kong, one of the most popular cities in the country. Hong Kong hosts at least 12 higher education institutions that offer English-language programs. The city also provides opportunities for studying undergraduate programs in English in fields like Education and Language Studies. Apart from the three cities mentioned, cities like Hangzhou also offer opportunities for international students to study in English, especially in fields such as Medicine. Cheapest Universities for Studying in China in English One of the key factors students should consider before pursuing studies in China is the cost of education. Keep in mind that most Chinese universities are much more affordable compared to universities in Europe or the U.S. The cheapest universities for international students in China are typically located in smaller cities. However, one of the most affordable universities in China is Capital Normal University, which charges about $5,000 per year. If you plan to study in Shanghai, Tongji University could be a cost-effective option. Some of the other affordable universities in China for studying abroad include Beihang University, Hunan University, Guangxi Normal University, and Sichuan University. It’s important to note that even though studying in China in English is an option, you will still need to learn Chinese to communicate with local people effectively.

Cost of Study in China 2025

The cost of studying in China depends on several factors, including the type of university, the city of study, the program, and the level of education. However, generally speaking, tuition fees in China are more affordable compared to many European and American universities. The annual tuition fees range from $3,000 to $47,000. Tuition fees are just one part of the total cost of studying in China. Students will also need to consider other expenses such as accommodation, food, clothing, transportation, books, and supplies. Here’s a breakdown of annual tuition fees for studying in English at some of China’s top universities:

• Nanjing University: $3,000
• Fudan University: $3,300
• University of Science and Technology of China: $3,800
• Peking University: $4,000
• Harbin Institute of Technology: $4,000
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University: $4,400
• Xi’an Jiaotong University: $4,500
• Tsinghua University: $45,000
• Zhejiang University: $45,000

Studying Medicine in China

China has become one of the best-growing destinations for international students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS). There are nearly 49 medical colleges in China that offer opportunities for international students. Each year, more than 10,000 students pursue the MBBS program in China. The MBBS program is typically a five-year course designed to provide high-quality medical education that equips graduates to become skilled doctors. Some of the best Chinese universities offering medical programs in English include:

• Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)
• Capital Medical University (CMU)
• Xiamen University (XMU)
• Jiangsu University (JSU)
• Guangzhou Medical University (GMU)

The cost of studying Medicine in these universities ranges from $3,200 to $11,000 per year, depending on the institution.

Studying Dentistry in China in English

The undergraduate dental surgery program in China lasts for six years and is offered with state-of-the-art educational facilities, advanced laboratories, and equipment. Several Chinese universities offer dentistry programs in English, making it accessible to international students. The annual tuition fees for studying dentistry in China range from $3,500 to $12,000, depending on the university. Here are some of the universities in China that offer dentistry programs in English:

• Dalian Medical University
• Nantong University
• Tianjin Medical University
• Southern Medical University
• Zhengzhou University
• Sichuan University
• Shandong University of Medicine
• Wenzhou Medical University

Admission Requirements for Medicine and Dentistry in China in English

To study in popular and competitive fields like Medicine and Dentistry in China in English, students are required to meet specific academic qualifications. While Chinese universities do not generally use entrance exams for admission, different institutions may have particular requirements depending on the university and level of study. Some universities might conduct virtual interviews for medical and dental program admissions. For admission to Medicine and Dentistry programs in China, students generally need to meet the following conditions:

• A minimum score of 60% in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in high school.
• A minimum age of 18 years.
• A 12-year diploma or an equivalent qualification from secondary education.
• For studying Medicine or Dentistry in English, students are required to provide proof of English proficiency, usually through TOEFL or IELTS.
  • The minimum accepted IELTS score is typically between 6.0 to 6.5.

These requirements ensure that students have the academic background necessary to succeed in these challenging and rewarding fields.

Required Documents for Studying Abroad in China

To study in China in English, the following documents are typically required:

1. Passport Copy
2. Identification Documents Copy
3. Several Passport-sized Photos
4. Application Form
5. University Admission Letter
6. Health Certificate
7. Motivation Letter
8. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
9. Criminal Record Certificate
10. Two Recommendation Letters
11. High School Diploma
12. Transcripts
13. Proof of Financial Support

Conclusion

China, with approximately 2,000 universities, boasts one of the largest university networks worldwide, hosting a significant number of international students annually. With over 500,000 international students, the country ranks third (after the USA and the UK) in attracting international students. The cost-effective education in China is a major incentive for students, making it an appealing destination for those wishing to study abroad. The availability of English-taught programs in many of its universities, coupled with affordable tuition fees and excellent educational and living facilities, has made China one of the most popular choices for international students. In this article, we have aimed to provide you with all the essential information you need about studying Medicine in China in English. For more information, feel free to contact our experts for a free consultation.