Studying in China — is it a good idea? In China, millennia-old traditions meet futuristic technology, sprawling metropolises, and one of the world’s most dynamic economies. From the Great Wall of China to breathtaking mountain landscapes and bustling street food markets, studying in China offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and modernity. Curious? Then find out everything you need to know about studying in the Middle Kingdom right here!
China is one of the most exciting study destinations in the world. The country combines economic dynamism, a culture dating back thousands of years, and one of the largest higher education systems in the world. More than 2,500 colleges and universities offer a wide range of programs—from traditional bachelor’s and master’s programs to specialized research programs. Elite universities such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University are particularly well-known and regularly rank among the top institutions internationally.
The Chinese higher education system is now heavily aligned with international standards and also follows the bachelor’s-master’s structure. At the same time, the government and universities are investing heavily in internationalization and research. More and more universities are offering English-language degree programs to attract international students. Tens of thousands of international students are now studying at Chinese universities. As a result, a semester abroad in China can often be easily combined with studies in Germany. In addition, the German-Chinese equivalence agreement facilitates the recognition of academic credits and degrees.
At the same time, studying in China differs significantly from the typical university experience in Germany in several ways. Classes are often more structured and characterized by lecture-style instruction, attendance checks, and regular tests. In return, students benefit from an intensive learning environment, high academic standards, and exciting insights into one of the world’s most important economic and technological regions. In addition to public universities, private institutions and international partnerships with foreign universities are also gaining increasing importance. When studying in China, you can therefore expect a blend of tradition, innovation, and internationality.
Are you thinking about studying in China but still unsure? That’s understandable—after all, you’ll be facing not only a new language and culture, but also a completely different daily routine as a student. At the same time, few other countries offer a comparable blend of millennia-old traditions, cutting-edge technology, and international career opportunities. There is so much to discover when studying in China. We’ll show you five good reasons why studying in the Middle Kingdom can really be worth it.
The Chinese higher education system is now largely based on the internationally recognized bachelor’s-master’s structure. A bachelor’s program in China typically lasts four years and leads to the academic degree of Xueshi, which is comparable to a bachelor’s degree. In some fields, however, the program may last five years or be combined directly with a subsequent master’s program. The Shuoshi, which builds on this, corresponds to a master’s degree and is awarded after two to three years. Requirements for this include, among other things, sufficient credit points, a written thesis, and its presentation before an examination committee. The doctoral program leading to the Boshi, the Chinese doctoral degree, generally takes an additional three to six years and is strongly research-oriented.
In addition to traditional universities, China also has what are known as junior colleges. These offer particularly practice-oriented programs that last about two to three years. The academic year is divided into two semesters, making it similar in structure to the German higher education system.
The academic year in China is divided into two semesters, making it similar to the German higher education system. The fall semester usually begins in September and ends in mid-January or early February. The spring semester then begins in February or March and lasts until July. Exams are often held at the end of each semester. Thanks to this structure, a semester abroad in China can be integrated relatively easily into a degree program in Germany. However, applications to begin studies in the fall should be submitted early, as many universities set their deadlines between January and April.
There are various grading systems in China. A 100-point system is commonly used for university studies in China. The highest possible grade is 100 points, while a minimum of 60 points is generally required to pass an exam. Some universities instead use four- or five-point GPA scales or letter grades based on the American system. Academic performance is tracked using credit points, though the conversion to the European ECTS system may vary by university. Anyone wishing to have their Chinese academic credits recognized should therefore clarify the exact conversion with their home university well in advance.
Higher education in China is traditionally highly structured and characterized by lecture-based instruction. Lectures, lecture notes, and regular midterm and final exams play a central role in everyday academic life. Unlike in Germany, attendance checks and the submission of assignments are often mandatory and strictly enforced. In addition, there are often weekly tests or dictations, which require students to continuously review the material. Seminars and discussions are less common, but modern teaching methods and practical elements such as mandatory internships are becoming increasingly important. This gives international students exciting insights into Chinese learning and work culture.
Studying in China generally involves tuition fees. However, by international standards, these are often considered relatively moderate—especially when compared to traditional study destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia. The actual cost depends on various factors, such as the university, the location, the field of study, and the degree being pursued. As a result, there are no standard tuition fees.
For international students, tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree program typically range from 1,500 to 5,000 euros per year. Master’s programs and doctoral degrees are often slightly more expensive, generally costing between 2,000 and 8,000 euros annually. Programs in business, medicine, or technical fields are particularly costly, as they often require expensive equipment or specialized laboratories. Tuition fees can also be higher at prestigious universities in major cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Public universities in China are generally significantly cheaper than private universities or international programs. There are often additional costs, such as for course materials, special courses, or a one-time registration fee. Some universities charge additional fees for certain English-language programs or courses that require special equipment.
One positive aspect is that, in exchange programs between German and Chinese universities, tuition fees in China may be waived entirely in some cases. Overall, despite existing fees, China remains a relatively affordable destination for studying abroad—especially for students who wish to gain international experience in an economically and culturally stimulating environment.
Compared to many Western countries, the cost of living in China is often significantly lower—especially outside major cities like Beijing or Shanghai. However, how expensive your daily life actually turns out to be depends heavily on where you live and your personal lifestyle. While smaller cities can be very affordable, prices in economic hubs sometimes already reach German levels.
International students should budget approximately 400 to 850 euros per month for housing, food, transportation, and leisure activities. Chinese meals are particularly affordable in university cafeterias, food stalls, or small restaurants, where a meal often costs only between 3 and 8 euros. Public transportation and taxi rides are also relatively inexpensive. Many international students initially live in university-owned dormitories. The cost there is usually between 150 and 300 euros per month. Shared apartments or private apartments often offer more comfort, but are significantly more expensive in large cities. Additionally, you should factor in expenses for a visa, health insurance, course materials, and travel within China.
A good way to reduce the cost of studying in China is to spend a semester abroad instead of pursuing a full bachelor’s or master’s degree there. Since you typically take fewer courses during a semester abroad than you would during a full degree program abroad, tuition fees are often lower as well. It is particularly advantageous if your home university in Germany has a partnership with a Chinese university: You can often save additional money through a so-called exchange scholarship. In this case, the partner universities provide a certain number of study places at reduced rates for students from the respective partner university. Additionally, various external funding options are available to international students, which we will discuss in more detail in the next section. So high costs don’t have to stand in the way of your dream of studying abroad in China. The best thing to do is to contact the International Office or International Student Office at your university directly to find out about your options for a semester abroad in China.
Don’t want to miss out on a Chinese degree? Then the Dual Degree program might be the perfect option for you. You’ll start by spending two semesters in a master’s program at Munich Business School, followed by two additional semesters at Tongji University’s School of Economics and Management in China. Upon successful completion of your studies, including your master’s thesis, you will receive two academic degrees: a German Master of Arts from Munich Business School and a Chinese Master of Science from Tongji University in Shanghai.
“How am I even supposed to pay for my studies in China?”—given the high costs, this question is often the main concern when it comes to studying abroad in China. For some students, it even leads them to give up on their dream of studying abroad. But it doesn’t have to be that way. While it’s true that you may need to rely on financial support from your family or your own savings to study in China, there are also various external funding options available that can help cover at least part of your tuition and living expenses. We’ll show you what options are open to you:
If you want to study in China, you should start looking into the admission requirements of universities well in advance. While requirements vary depending on the university and program, some basic conditions apply almost everywhere. To help ensure your application to study in China is successful, we’ve summarized the most important points for you:
You want to study abroad—that much is clear. But where should you go? It feels like the whole world is at your feet, and you’re spoiled for choice. North or south? A prestigious university that will give your career a real boost, or a semester abroad that feels more like a vacation than work? Ideally, you’d have it all. How on earth are you supposed to decide?
Our information pages will help you find the right destination and university for your study abroad adventure—whether in Europe, the U.S., or overseas:
For many people, studying in China is a dream come true—and for good reason. At the same time, studying abroad in China requires careful planning and financial preparation. To make planning easier for you and give you all the important information at a glance, this FAQ provides answers to common questions about studying in China.
In China, you can study almost any subject—from business, computer science, and engineering to medicine, politics, or linguistics and cultural studies. Programs related to Asia, artificial intelligence, or international business are particularly popular among international students. Many universities also offer bachelor’s and master’s programs taught in English.
Yes, with a high school diploma or a vocational diploma, you can generally study in China. To be admitted to a bachelor’s program, Chinese universities typically require at least twelve years of schooling. In addition, you will usually need to demonstrate sufficient language proficiency—either in English or Chinese, depending on the program you choose and the language of instruction.
Tuition fees are generally required for studying in China. However, by international standards, these fees are often considered relatively moderate—especially when compared to traditional study destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia. In some cases, however, tuition fees may be waived entirely for exchange programs between German and Chinese universities. You will still be responsible for covering your own living expenses during your stay in China.
The cost of studying in China depends heavily on the university, city, and program of study. International students should budget approximately 400 to 850 euros per month for housing, food, transportation, and leisure activities. Tuition fees for bachelor’s programs usually range from 1,500 to 5,000 euros per year; master’s programs are often more expensive. You should also factor in additional expenses for a visa, health insurance, and course materials.
Yes, in principle, you can also study online in China. Many prestigious universities, such as Tsinghua University and Peking University, offer online courses, language programs, and in some cases even fully online degree programs. However, you should carefully check the recognition of such degrees. Degrees earned entirely online from Chinese universities are not always recognized without issue in Germany. Conversely, China also recognizes many foreign online degrees only to a limited extent. Therefore, be sure to check with the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) in advance regarding the respective requirements and recognition options.
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