Study Majors in China 2025

Career Opportunities and Development Trends after Studying Abroad

Have you ever wondered which study majors in China suit you best? Among hundreds of options, which one not only matches your interests but also opens up career opportunities?

Industry Demand

China’s labor market is rapidly developing, creating great opportunities for international students. Some prominent fields of study in China with high recruitment demand include:

Information Technology (IT): The IT industry is booming thanks to advancements in AI and cybersecurity. Graduates have the chance to work for top corporations such as Alibaba, Huawei, and Tencent.
Economics & Management: If you are interested in studying economics in China, this is an excellent choice. The demand for professionals in this field remains high.
Tourism & Hospitality: Studying tourism in China is becoming increasingly popular as the country welcomes hundreds of millions of international visitors each year. This field helps students enhance their communication, event management, and service management skills.
Medicine: With a long-standing tradition in traditional Chinese medicine, studying medicine in China offers students a chance to combine modern and traditional practices — a valuable foundation for a successful career.
Language & Translation: Majors such as Chinese Language and Translation are ideal for those passionate about languages and eager to become cultural bridges between nations.

Average Salary and Career Advancement

In an increasingly competitive global job market, salary and promotion opportunities are key factors when choosing a career path. In China, graduates generally enjoy higher income levels and better career prospects compared to those in Vietnam.

Information Technology

Ranked number one among study majors in China, IT graduates earn an average starting salary of 6,000–12,000 RMB/month (≈ 20–40 million VND). In Vietnam, this figure typically ranges from 10–18 million VND/month. Furthermore, advancement opportunities come faster due to the global working environment at billion-dollar corporations.

Economics

Economics and Management graduates in China typically earn 5,000–10,000 RMB/month, significantly higher than in Vietnam (8–12 million VND/month). A major advantage of studying in China is the opportunity to intern at multinational corporations and connect with the global market.

Tourism & Hospitality

This sector also shows a noticeable difference. In China, the starting salary is 4,000–8,000 RMB/month (≈ 14–28 million VND), while in Vietnam it averages 7–12 million VND/month. The biggest advantage of studying in China is practical training in an environment with a large international customer base — especially now that tourism is rebounding strongly post-pandemic.

Medicine

Medical graduates in China earn around 7,000–15,000 RMB/month (≈ 24–52 million VND), higher than the 15–25 million VND/month range in Vietnam. Moreover, students gain hands-on experience at university-affiliated hospitals and have access to international research opportunities — advantages that are harder to find in domestic programs.

Read more: How much does a self-guided trip to China cost?

How to Choose the Right Major and University

When deciding to study abroad, choosing the right major and institution is the foundation for success. This ensures an effective study journey and a clear career direction. You should consider the following:

Understand Your Interests and Strengths

Before making a decision, ask yourself:

What field am I truly passionate about?
Where do my skills and strengths lie?

If you love technology, consider IT. If you have a passion for business, studying economics in China is ideal. For those who enjoy socializing and communication, tourism management is a great fit.
And if your goal is to pursue medicine or traditional healthcare, studying medicine in China offers a long-term, stable career path.

Compare the Pros and Cons of Popular Majors in China

Comparing study majors helps students evaluate their capabilities, market demand, and long-term development potential — ultimately answering the question: “Which study major in China is right for me?”

Major	Advantages	Disadvantages	Comparison with Other Countries
Information Technology (IT)	Workforce demand increases 20–25% annually; rapid promotion opportunities; internship options at Huawei, Tencent, Alibaba	High competition; stressful workload; constant need to update technology	Lower tuition than the U.S.; earlier internship opportunities; requires Chinese proficiency for full advantage
Tourism & Hospitality	Practical learning environment; international exposure; develops multicultural communication and management skills	Low starting salary; seasonal job fluctuations; competition with international students	Lower cost than Australia or the U.S.; abundant hands-on practice; higher Chinese language requirement
Medicine	High prestige and stability; combines modern and traditional medicine; strong job demand	Long study duration; intensive practical requirements	Shorter training period than Japan or Korea; lower cost than the U.S.; hands-on hospital training opportunities
Economics & Management	Dynamic learning environment; internships at multinational firms; develops data analysis and marketing skills	Competitive field; requires both soft skills and foreign languages	Lower tuition than the U.S. and Australia; strong Asian business network; Chinese proficiency essential for internships

Read more: What foods should you try when visiting China?

Frequently Asked Questions about Studying in China

Are There Study Programs for High School Students?

Yes, China offers a variety of programs for high school students, including:

Academic Exchange: Study for one semester or a full year at a local secondary school to experience student life in China.
Language Immersion: Full-time Chinese language courses lasting from a few weeks to one year to improve communication skills.
Cultural Integration: Designed for students interested in culture and history but not fluent in Chinese — offering vivid, hands-on cultural experiences.

Academic Calendar in China

The fall semester usually starts in September. Each academic year is divided into two semesters:

Semester 1: September – January (winter break from mid-January to early February)
Semester 2: March – mid-June (summer break from mid-June to early September)

The fall semester is the main intake for full-time programs.

Should You Stay in Dormitories or Homestays?

Dormitories: Safe, convenient, and ideal for new students to adapt to the local environment and culture.
Homestay/Private Housing: Recommended for later years — allowing students to experience Chinese family life, practice the language, and develop independence.

Is Learning Chinese Required Before Studying in China?

Not all programs require it. However, learning basic Chinese before arrival helps you:

Adapt more quickly to academic and daily life.
Enhance your communication skills, participate in extracurricular activities, and make new friends.

Are Tuition and Living Costs in China Expensive?

Studying in China is relatively affordable compared to other countries, depending on the city and field of study:

Tuition: 20,000–60,000 RMB/year for undergraduate programs; medicine and engineering may cost more.
Living Costs: Around 2,500–5,000 RMB/month in major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, and lower in smaller provinces.
Compared with the U.S., Australia, or Japan, studying in China offers reasonable costs while maintaining high education quality and valuable international exposure.

Comparing Studying in China: Advantages and Considerations

When considering studying abroad, many Vietnamese students and parents often worry about cost and education quality. In this context, China stands out thanks to its affordable tuition and living expenses, as well as cultural similarities with Vietnam.

Many top Chinese universities, such as Peking University and Tsinghua University, rank among the world’s best and offer attractive scholarship programs, helping students expand knowledge and develop careers.

Compared to the U.S., Australia, Canada, or Japan, the overall cost of studying in China is significantly lower — sometimes similar to or just slightly above the cost of living in Vietnam.

Cultural and Lifestyle Similarities

Cultural, climatic, and lifestyle similarities make it easier for Vietnamese students to adapt and feel at home in a new environment.

Attractive Scholarship Programs

A major advantage of studying in China is the wide range of scholarships, covering 10%–100% of tuition and living costs. This helps students access modern education while reducing financial pressure and maximizing future career potential.

Expanding Career Prospects

China’s economy is booming across all industries. As of 2025, more than 12.2 million graduates enter the job market each year, with employment rates between 76%–84%. Moreover, starting salaries in many fields are significantly higher than in Vietnam.

A Promising Future with Studying in China

Each year, Chinese graduates achieve an employment rate of up to 84%, clearly demonstrating the strength of its economy and labor market.

In an increasingly competitive world, choosing study majors in China not only provides access to advanced education but also opens doors to global career opportunities.

So — will you stay within your comfort zone, or take a bold step to seize opportunities in a nation rising to global prominence?
Your answer could be the key to unlocking the future career you’ve always dreamed of.

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