The basic cost for a Chinese university varies much depending on the location and type of major you want to study. Also the Chinese currency known as RMB has quite a friendly exchange rate with many countries across the world whereas exchanging your countries currency with the Chinese currency may be extremely advantageous to you. Not only that, but most things in China are relatively cheap and the cost of living is extremely low.
Tuition fee
Tuition fee for foreign students studying in China varies depending on what and where you study. Coming just to learn Chinese language will only cost about 10,000-25,000 RMB per year, which is really cheap compared to other language schools that may be present in your country. If you want to study your major here in china, the price is also incredibly low!
- Bachelor’s degrees start at only 10,000 to 40,000 RMB per year which covers only tuition,
- Master’s Degrees are also not very costly ranging from 15,000 to 50,000 RMB per year and
- Doctoral Degrees start from 18,000 to 52,000 RMB per year.
Food
The food prices are inexpensive and cater to a wide range of taste. Western style food is also available in China as well as different country themed restaurants. A basic Chinese dish is about 10-25 RMB and western style dishes are around maybe 30-50 RMB.
Transport
Transportation includes taxis, buses and a metro system in most cities. They are all on maybe 2-20 RMB one way so transportation is not a problem.
Visa fee
Before coming to china you must get a visa, which usually last for about 30 days in the china mainland. A medical exam must also be taken before entering China which is a requirement for the visa. Residence permits are also available when you arrive in China once you submit the relevant documents to the Chinese visa application center. Each of their fees varies depending on your nationality and duration of the visa applied.
Also depending on where you arrive in china you may also need to pay for another plane or train to get to your city, they are typically not quite expensive but they vary depending on your destination.
Resident permit
Students must apply for residence permit to the local police authority with their passports, Admission Notice and Visa Application Form for Study in China (JW201 / JW202) within 30 days upon their arrival. Different cities have different fees for resident permit – It can be 400 RMB to 1000 RMB for 1-3 years
Insurance
Medical insurance are compulsory for international students; which is 600 RMB every year.
Accommodation
Accommodation is usually on campus at most universities, but off campus accommodation is also available near most campuses or in the city center. On campus accommodation includes living in a dormitory with other international students either in double or single rooms, and they are equipped with beds, closets, a TV, internet service and sometimes an in room bathroom. Some universities have bathrooms for the entire floor to use while others are much more accommodating. Rooms cost about 25-150 RMB per day, which is relatively cheap. Off campus accommodation prices will depend on the location and quality of the apartment.
Keeping important contact information of your university and knowing a few Chinese words also helps when first arriving to china. Once you arrive in china you can expect a lot of new things that may not be a custom in your culture, so be well prepared to make some changes that actually all contribute to the Chinese experience.
In total the annual cost of studying in China can range from 30,000-80,000 RMB; however it really varies depending on the individual, location, university and the course taken.