Studying in China 2025: Detailed Information from A – Z

General Introduction to Studying in China

China is located in the southeast of the Eurasian continent, bordering countries such as Vietnam, Russia, Mongolia, India, and North Korea. The climate varies from temperate to arid, with an average temperature ranging from -4.7°C in January to 26°C in July. The official language is Mandarin, though English is widely used in international training programs. The official currency is the Renminbi (CNY).

Why Choose to Study in China?

In recent years, China’s economy has grown rapidly, with its international position rising significantly. The education system has also received strong investment, attracting over 77,000 international students from more than 170 countries and territories. Particularly, more than 90% of students are self-funded due to tuition and living expenses being much lower than in Europe or the United States.

Outstanding reasons to study in China:

• Affordable costs: Tuition fees and living expenses are lower than in many developed countries.
• High-quality education: Many Chinese universities are listed in QS and Times Higher Education rankings.
• International environment: Students from different countries create a multicultural exchange environment.
• Career opportunities: As the world’s second-largest economy, China offers great career prospects.

Popular Majors for International Students in China

International students often choose majors that highlight China’s strengths:

• Language and Culture: Chinese language, culture, and history.
• Traditional Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy – globally recognized.
• Modern fields: International law, economics and finance, accounting, natural sciences, and engineering.

The combination of traditional and modern fields provides students with flexible choices, aligned with global career trends.

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Admission Requirements to Study in China in 2025

To be admitted to Chinese universities in 2025, students need to meet several requirements:

 

Academic and Language Requirements

Level of Study	Academic Requirements	Language Requirements	Additional Documents
Chinese Language Program	High school diploma, transcript	HSK (if available)	Medical certificate, extracurricular activities
Undergraduate	High school diploma, GPA ≥ 7.0	HSK level 4 or above	Recommendation letters, related research
Master’s	Bachelor’s degree, GPA ≥ 7.0	HSK level 5 or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs	2 recommendation letters, research/experience documents
Doctorate	Master’s degree, GPA ≥ 7.0	HSK level 5–6 or equivalent IELTS/TOEFL	2 recommendation letters from professors, research proposal

Note: For English-taught programs, students may submit IELTS/TOEFL instead of HSK.

Financial Requirements

Students must prove they have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition and living expenses. Required documents include:

• A savings account opened at least 6 months before application.
• Minimum balance as required by each school/region (usually from 10,000 USD).
• Financial guarantor: only accepted from parents or siblings.

After receiving the admission letter, students will be issued form JW-202/JW-201 to apply for a student visa (X1 or X2). Within 30 days of arrival, students must convert the X visa to a Residence Permit for legal stay.

Read More: China Tourist Visa Application Process 2025

How Much Does It Cost to Study in China?

When considering studying in China, students are usually concerned with two main costs: tuition fees and living expenses. Compared to Europe and the US, costs in China are much more affordable, and in some cases, similar to studying in Vietnam if managed well.

Tuition Fees in China 2025

Tuition varies by level and major:

• Chinese language and undergraduate programs: 1,500 – 4,000 USD/year.
• Master’s and Doctorate programs: 3,000 – 4,000 USD/year.

Living Expenses in China 2025

Living costs depend on the city and lifestyle:

• Nanning, Guangxi: around 200 USD/month.
• Beijing, Shanghai: around 500 USD/month.
• Campus meals: 400–500 CNY/month for 3 meals/day.
• Transportation: about 100,000 VND/month, similar to bus fares in Vietnam.

Overall, including tuition and living expenses, the total cost of studying in China in 2025 ranges from 70–150 million VND/year – quite affordable. Additionally, students can reduce expenses by applying for full or partial scholarships.

Read more: Things to Know When Traveling Independently in China in 2025

Scholarships in China

One key reason many Vietnamese students choose China is the availability of numerous scholarships with high value and accessible requirements. Scholarships may cover 50–100% of costs, sometimes including monthly living stipends.

 

Common Types of Scholarships

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): The most prestigious full scholarship, covering tuition, dormitory, insurance, and 2,500–3,500 CNY/month living allowance.
• University Scholarships: Offered by individual universities, usually partial, supporting tuition and accommodation.
• Provincial/City Scholarships: Funded by local governments, often prioritizing ASEAN students including Vietnamese.

Scholarship Requirements

To maximize chances of success:

• GPA of 3.0/4.0 or above (equivalent to 7.5–8.0/10).
• Minimum HSK level 4 (or IELTS/TOEFL for English programs).
• Non-Chinese nationality.
• Age limit: under 25 (undergraduate), under 35 (master’s), under 40 (PhD).

Application Documents

• Online scholarship application (CSC or university portal).
• Motivation letter (Study Plan/Personal Statement) and at least 2 recommendation letters.
• Academic transcripts and certificates, HSK/IELTS/TOEFL scores.
• Portfolio (for arts, design, or technical fields).

Part-Time Work Regulations for International Students

From 2025, China allows international students to work part-time up to 20 hours/week (80 hours/month).

 

Requirements include:

• Valid student residence permit (X1/X2).
• Approval letter from the university and Immigration Bureau.
• Official work contract, GPA ≥ 3.0.

Allowed jobs: English tutor, waiter, IT intern, tour guide, and on-campus jobs. Students may earn 500–1,000 USD/month, while gaining soft skills and networks. However, overworking or illegal employment may lead to penalties or visa cancellation.

Read more: What Should I Wear When Traveling to China?

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Studying in China 2025

 

Do I need to know Chinese to study in China?

Most degree programs require HSK level 4 or above, and some master’s or doctoral programs require HSK 5–6. For English-taught programs, IELTS/TOEFL can be used instead. Beginners can take short-term Chinese courses before progressing to higher education.

How much does it cost to study in China?

The total cost is more affordable compared to the US or Europe, averaging 70–150 million VND/year. Tuition ranges from 1,500–4,000 USD/year depending on the program, while living expenses vary from 200–500 USD/month.

Are Chinese scholarships difficult to obtain?

China offers the largest number of scholarships in Asia, from full to partial. With a GPA above 7.0 and good HSK/IELTS/TOEFL, your chances are high.

Can international students work part-time in China?

Yes, but with permission from the school and immigration authorities. Students can work on campus or at approved companies, a good way to gain experience and improve language skills.

Studying in China 2025 offers access to quality education, affordable costs, and attractive scholarships. For students seeking an international learning journey close to home with wide career opportunities, China is certainly a destination worth considering. Prepare your application early to secure scholarships and begin your future in Asia’s dynamic hub.

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