Study destinations / China
Study in China from India
Study in China is rising as a popular destination for Indian students. China is well-known for its high-quality tech and medical courses with affordable fees. You’ll get exposure to one of the world's largest economies easily.
There are hundreds of programs in English, so you don’t need to know Chinese to study in China.
A wide choice of universities and specialist programmes
Government-funded scholarships
English-taught degree options
Why study in China?
- Chinese universities provide diverse academic options.
- World-class tech and MBBS programs with affordable fees.
- Find out about specialization programs offered by Chinese universities.
- English-taught programs.
- Opportunity to study fully funded by the Chinese government and other financial aid.
- A chance to explore the thousand-year-old culture and the Mandarin language.
Quick facts about studying in China
| Feature | Details |
| Popular study destinations | Beijing Shanghai Hangzhou Nanjing Wuhan Guangzhou Chengdu |
| Popular courses | Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business/Economics, Medicine (MBBS), and Lab-based Sciences |
| Teaching language | English-taught programs are widely available |
| Undergraduate tuition | From RMB 20,000 to RMB 40,000 per year for general programs; From RMB 30,000 to RMB 60,000 per year for MBBS |
| Postgraduate tuition | From RMB 25,000 to RMB 50,000 per year. |
| Scholarships | Chinese Government Scholarship, university awards and selected institutional funding |
| Student visa | X1 for study exceeding 180 days; X2 for study of 180 days or less |
| Admission requirements | Academic certificates, language evidence and programme-specific documents |
| Main intake | September (Autumn intake). There is also a March (Spring intake) for specific programs. |
| Post-study opportunities | Subject to eligibility |
What documents do you need to study in China?
| Requirement | What it means |
| Academic qualifications | School certificates for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree certificate for postgraduate studies. |
| Documents | All academic certificates and transcripts |
| Language proficiency | English-language evidence |
| Valid passport | A passport meeting the university and visa requirements |
| Personal statement or study plan | Many Chinese universities and scholarship programmes ask for that |
| Recommendation letters | Often requested for postgraduate and research applications |
| Additional assessments | Interviews, entrance examinations, or subject-specific documents where applicable |
| Medical documentation | Required if specified by the university or visa process |
| Financial evidence | Evidence of funding or scholarship support |
Step-by-step process to study in China
- Choose your course and the university that you want to join.
- Check if you are eligible for that course.
- Apply for university admission. Talk to a study abroad consultancy in India if needed.
- Look for scholarships to fund your studies.
- After getting admitted, apply for your student visa.
- Book your flight to China and check with the place you’ll be staying.
Intakes to study in China
September is a common intake for degree programmes in China.
There is another intake in March each year.
| Application stage | Recommended timing |
| Research courses and universities | 9-12 months before intended enrolment |
| Prepare academic and language documents | 6-9 months before enrolment |
| Submit university applications | According to the institution's published deadline |
| Apply for scholarships | Follow the specific scholarship deadline |
| Complete visa documentation | After obtaining the required admission documents |
| Arrange travel and accommodation | After checking admission and visa timelines |
Is studying in China affordable?
Yes, studying in China is very affordable for Indian students. If you compare studying in China with other popular destinations, you will see a huge difference. The tuition fees are approx. 3000-6000 USD per year.
| Cost category | Annual planning range (RMB) |
| Undergraduate tuition | 20,000-40,000 |
| Postgraduate tuition | 25,000-50,000 |
| Specialist programmes, including some medicine degrees | May be higher |
| Accommodation and living expenses | 18,000-36,000 |
| Visa, insurance, travel and initial setup | Budget separately |
Monthly cost to live in China
| Expense category | Monthly planning range (RMB) |
| Accommodation | 800-3,000+ |
| Food and groceries | 800-1,800 |
| Local transport | 100-300 |
| Mobile and internet | 50-150 |
| Personal and study expenses | 300-800 |
Most popular courses to study in China
- MBBS
- Nursing and Health Sciences.
- Software Engineering, Machine Learning, and AI.
- Engineering in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, and Industrial areas.
- Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing.
- International business, economics, management, and finance.
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Energy systems, sustainability and environmental technology.
Compare the courses in GRADSearch. You will see which top Chinese programs and universities are suitable for you.
Top universities in China
Top Chinese universities worth researching:
| University | Location | Areas to explore |
| Tsinghua University | Beijing | Engineering, technology, science and management |
| Peking University | Beijing | Sciences, humanities, economics and medicine |
| Fudan University | Shanghai | Medicine, business, humanities and sciences |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University | Shanghai | Engineering, technology, medicine and management |
| Zhejiang University | Hangzhou | Engineering, computer science, sciences and agriculture |
| University of Science and Technology of China | Hefei | Science, engineering and research |
| Nanjing University | Nanjing | Sciences, humanities and research |
| Wuhan University | Wuhan | Engineering, sciences, medicine and humanities |
| Tongji University | Shanghai | Engineering, architecture and urban planning |
| Harbin Institute of Technology | Harbin | Engineering, robotics and aerospace-related fields |
Best scholarships for international students to study in China
| Scholarship or funding route | Provider | Potential coverage |
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | Chinese government and participating institutions | Fully funded |
| University scholarships | Individual Chinese universities | Full or partial tuition waivers, stipends or other benefits |
| Provincial or municipal scholarships | Participating local authorities and institutions | From partial tuition relief to full packages |
| Research funding | Eligible universities and research groups | Monthly research stipends or laboratory grants |
Can you work while studying in China?
You cannot work legally outside the campus while studying in China.
You need written consent from your university. After that, apply to the local Exit and Entry Administration (Public Security Bureau) to have an official work-study or internship added to your residence permit.
Authorized work-study hours are heavily restricted to protect your studies. Typically, you can work 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month during school semesters.
How long can you stay and work in China after studies?
Once you graduate, you are not automatically eligible to stay in China.
You need to meet the applicable employment, work-permit, and residence requirements. Then you can stay and work in China.
Potential career sectors include:
- Technology, software, and data-related industries
- Engineering and advanced manufacturing
- International trade and business services
- Finance and consulting
- Research and scientific development
- Supply chain and logistics
- Renewable energy and environmental technology
China student visa guide
As an Indian student, you can generally apply for the longer X1 visa. Because your undergraduate or post-graduation programs will exceed 180 days for sure.
The documents you will need:
- Valid passport.
- Completed visa application form and picture to the required specifications.
- An admission notice issued by the Chinese university or institution.
- Form JW201 or JW202 as required for an X1 application.
- Financial documents or scholarship letters, if requested.
- Other necessary documents that the specific Chinese embassy or visa center may ask for.
Steps to Apply for a Chinese Student Visa
- Apply and get the admission offer from the selected university in China.
- Check whether the university has provided you with the proper admission letter and JW201 or JW202 form.
- Decide on the kind of visa you need. Commonly, it will be an X1 visa for Indian students.
- Apply for that visa.
- Complete post-arrival formalities after getting the visa.
Why use study in China consultants?
Study in China consultants are available to assist you through the process of various methods of teaching, applications for universities, scholarships, and obtaining visas in China.
How does Gradstar help you study in China?
Gradstar supports you throughout your study in China journey.
We provide services such as:
- Which course fits you.
- Universities filtered on the basis of your background.
- Helping you with the application and documentation.
- Advice on funding your studies.
- Preparing all academic documents and other supporting documents.
- Informing you about the student visa and documents.
- Calculating fees for your studies and other costs.
FAQs
1. Is China a good destination for Indian students?
China can be a suitable destination for students interested in engineering, technology, business, medicine, and the sciences. Suitability depends on the course, teaching language, budget, and recognition requirements for the intended qualification.
2. Can Indian students study in China in English?
Yes. Some Chinese universities offer English-taught programmes, particularly at the postgraduate level and in selected specialist fields like MBBS. You should confirm the teaching language and admission requirements of your chosen programme.
3. Which visa do I need to study in China?
The X1 visa is generally for study exceeding 180 days, while the X2 visa is for study lasting 180 days or less. The most common category for Indian students is the X1 visa.
4. Which intake is best for China?
September is a common intake for degree programmes, although some universities offer another entry period in March. Check with your study abroad consultants for your chosen programme.
5. Does Gradstar help with China university applications and student visas?
Yes, Gradstar provides guidance on course selection, top Chinese university applications, scholarship research, document preparation, China student visa planning, and pre-departure arrangements.