Last Updated on December 16, 2025
Over the past decade, China has grown in popularity as an affordable study abroad destination. The location has climbed up the ranks globally when it comes to recognised degrees. In 2024, almost 610,000 international students were enrolled in courses in China, and the numbers are set to rise further. The most popular subjects happen to be AI, pharma and engineering, which is luring students from all corners of the globe. Today, China is at the helm of innovation, research, and technology. Thus, study in China for Indian students is a hit today.
In this blog, we will explore the top colleges, courses, fees, eligibility, scholarships, and career scope in China for Indian students. This will help one make the required preparations early on.
Key Features – Study In China For Indian Students
| Number of Universities In China | More than 3,000 |
| Degrees For Indian Students | Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees |
| Grading System | 4-scale or 5-scale |
| Average Cost of Education (Annual) | CN¥ 18,000 – 100,000 |
| Top Universities In China | Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University |
| Top Courses In China | Engineering, Computers, Healthcare, Business |
| Top Scholarships In China | Chinese Government Scholarship, Belt and Road Scholarship, Confucius Institute Scholarship |
Why Study in China?
- High-Ranking Universities
China has top universities like Tsinghua, Peking, and Fudan. They are well known for engineering, humanities, sciences, and languages, and are recognised worldwide. - Affordable Tuition Fees
Studying in China is cost-effective. Tuition fees are much lower than in Western countries, making quality education more accessible. - Strong Investment in Higher Education
China has invested heavily in tertiary education. Projects like 211 and 985 show the government’s focus on improving universities. - Cultural Exposure
Students get the chance to learn Mandarin and experience Chinese culture firsthand through festivals, history, and daily life. - Personal Growth
Living in China helps students become more independent, open-minded, and adaptable in a global environment.
Top Universities In China For Indian Students
The Chinese higher education framework offers three levels.
- Undergraduate Courses – 4 years/ Medicine – 6 years
- Master’s Courses – 2-3 years
- Doctorate – 3-4 years
If you want to study in China, it is important for you to do the above. Now let us delve into the top universities for Indian students.
| University Name | QS World Chinese University Ranking | Location | Top Courses |
| Peking University | 27 | Beijing | Management, Law, Humanities |
| Tsinghua University | 25 | Beijing | Computer Science, Engineering, Business |
| Fudan University | 50 | Shanghai | International Studies, Business |
| Zhejiang University | 68 | Hangzhou | STEM courses |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University | 51 | Shanghai | Medicine, Engineering, Technology |
| Nanjing University | 133 | Nanjing | Science and Research |
The world rankings on different platforms keep changing. So, if you want to know about the latest rankings, you should work with a study abroad consultant. The universities listed above offer globally-acclaimed courses, which can pave the way for lucrative careers for the students.
Cost Of Studying In China For Indian Students In 2026
| Course Name | Average Tuition Fees( Annual) | In INR |
| Undergraduate courses | CN ¥20,000 – ¥40,000 | ₹2.49 – ₹4.99 Lakh |
| MBBS courses | CN ¥30,000 – ¥60,000 | ₹3.74 – ₹7.49 Lakh |
| Master’s courses | CN ¥25,000 – ¥50,000 | ₹3.12 – ₹6.24 Lakh |
| Doctorate | CN ¥30,000 – ¥55,000 | ₹3.74 – ₹6.86 Lakh |
| Language courses | CN ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 | ₹1.24 – ₹2.49 Lakh |
The above fees are comparatively lower than what an Indian student will pay for in the US or the UK. And that is why, most Indian students are flocking to China for education.
Cost of Living In China For Indian Students
Just like other destinations like the US, the UK, and Canada, one has to take into account living expenses, while studying abroad. So, let us find out what you must plan for. Again, you must remember that staying in Shanghai and Beijing can be more expensive, since they are metros. Find out the average living costs, underneath.
| Expense Head | Average Monthly Cost |
| Accommodation | CN¥1,200 – ¥3,000 |
| Fooding and Groceries | CN ¥800 – ¥1,200 |
| Transport | CN ¥150 – ¥300 |
| Utilities / Bills | CN ¥300 – ¥500 |
| Miscellaneous | CN ¥500 – ¥800 |
Eligibility Criteria – For Indian Students
| Course Level | Eligibility Requirements | Important Details |
| Undergraduate Courses | Class 12 with minimum 60% aggregate, For MBBS NEET is required | Many top universities even ask for 75%, Subjects must align with streams |
| Postgraduate Courses | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with 60-65% | IELTS and TOEFL requirement waived off, if you studied Bachelor’s in English |
| Doctorate Courses | Master’s degree, research proposal, and innovative thesis | Prior publications strengthen application |
| Language Courses | Basic English/ Chinese proficiency Level 1/ 2 | Required in cases, where candidate does not meet requirement for direct entry or does not meet language requirement |
The requirements and eligibility may vary depending on the university and course. The above is a generalised representation. Those students who want to study MBBS in China, can consult a study abroad consultant for more detailed requirements.
Admission Process For Chinese Universities
- In the first phase, you must choose the course and university. Always look for universities and colleges having English-taught courses for study in China for Indian students. Alongside verify the academic requirements and prepare to furnish proof of financial background.
- In the second phase you must prepare all the documents asked for, like academic transcripts, SOPs, LORs, and valid passports. Apply through the university website or China Scholarship Council. After your application has been approved, you get the JW202 form, which is required for visa application.
- One must apply for the X1 visa, which is a long-term study visa for studying in China for Indian students. Submit all required documents to the Chinese Embassy. Thereafter, plan your travel and accommodation. Post-arrival, within 24 hrs, you have to register your temporary residence as well, on local Public Security Bureau. The next step is to get your X1 visa converted to Resident permit.
Thus, the requirements for study in China for Indian students are very specific. You must stick to the same, to get an entry for educational purposes.
Study MBBS In China
China is a popular location for MBBS aspirants from India. The reason being, that most medical universities in China are recognised by the NMC (India), WHO, and other global medical bodies. The students can practice anywhere after completion of the course. The MBBS course generally has a duration of 5-6 years.
Intakes At Chinese Universities For Indian Students
To study in China for Indian students, it is important to know about intakes. They are:
- March Intake ( Deadline October-January)
- September Intake (Deadline February – August)
China Scholarships For Indian Students
Today, study in china for Indian students is a very popular option. The university fees are already very affordable. To top it off, there are scholarships for meritorious students. There are government scholarships, university scholarships, and those offered by educational departments. Let us take a dive into the various China scholarships, their coverage, and benefits.
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Eligibility |
| Chinese Government Scholarship | Complete tuition fee, accommodation expense coverage, and stipendof CNY 2,500–3,500 | Academically strong students |
| Confucius Institute Scholarship | Covers tuition fees, living allowance, and health insurance | For students opting for Chinese language and culture studies |
| Provincial Government Scholarships | Varies | Regional Government offerings for meritorious students |
| University Scholarships | Full or partial tuition fee waiver | Based on university grade |
| Belt and Road Scholarship | Full waiver on tuition fee, accommodation, and stipend up to CNY 3,000 | For specific countries, like India |
You should apply early, as most scholarships for the September intake have a deadline of April-May for application. To stay updated, work closely with a study abroad consultant.
Post-study Work Opportunities
China boasts a booming economy, where industrialisation is taking place faster than in other nations. Thus, China is a lucrative destination for international graduates. Additionally, China has numerous initiatives to draw talent. Global companies are actively recruiting talent from across the world. The main sectors are engineering, technology, healthcare, and business.
Let us find out the top sectors, top companies, and average salary offered.
| Top Sectors | Top Companies | Average Annual Salaries |
| Engineering | Haier, Huawei | CN ¥150,000 – ¥200,000 |
| IT | Lenovo, Baidu | CN ¥180,000 – ¥250,000 |
| Business | Xiaomi, Bank of China | CN ¥140,000 – ¥200,000 |
| Finance | HSBC China, Citibank China, | CN ¥160,000 – ¥220,000 |
| Healthcare | Huashan Hospital, China Medical University Hospital | CN ¥120,000 – ¥180,000 |
Conclusion
Studying in China opens a lot of international opportunities for Indian students. The place offers competitive courses that are recognised globally, along with a research background. You also get scholarships to fund your education. However, the requirements to study in China for Indian students can be very specific. Thus, it is best to approach studying in China with the help of an advisor.
If you want to gain complete knowledge on studying in China for Indian students, you can get in touch with Admissify. We can help you to shortlist the best university, according to your course choice. We will also give you all the important information regarding specialisations available, fees, scholarships, internships, and accommodation. Additionally, we also help in securing lucrative jobs through our partners. Avail of our free screening now!
FAQs
Recent estimates show around 20,000–25,000 Indian students are studying in Chinese universities, especially in courses like medicine (MBBS), engineering, and other degrees
You can get a full scholarship to study in China through CSC, university scholarships, and local ones.
You may be required to pay around CN ¥2,000-4,000 in smaller cities like Tier 2/3, to CN ¥8,000-10,000, for central locations. This is for a private 1-BHK. For shared spaces, it can be lower.
If you plan well in advance, China can be affordable for Indians. Big cities are costly, but suburbs are cheaper.
Undergraduate courses in China last 4 years. MBBS lasts 5-6 years.
Yes, you can do that. For that, you need a work visa, which is a Z visa.
Abhrajita Mondal, is a Content Writer who has dabbled in numerous genres including education since the last five years, and has a deep interest in Holistic Wellness & Lifestyle practices. She is an Ex-HR with over 10 years of corporate experience. For a voracious reader and consumer of information, which finds a way of expression through writing, she does that with elan. Abhrajita loves to travel and is a complete foodie. She has a thirst for the unknown, and loves to read esoteric books.
