Study in China

See what it's like to study in China. With a booming economy, low living costs and 4,000 years of culture, there is much to offer students

The education system in China 

Universities in China are divided up into the following categories:

• research universities
• comprehensive universities
• colleges for professional training
• higher vocational education providers

Many Chinese universities concentrate on a specific field of study - though not exclusively (other subjects will be taught) - and use this area of expertise in their title. For example, the Beijing Institute of Technology, China Agricultural University and the Ocean University of China.

China has some 3,000 universities with around 600 of them enrolling international students each year. In 2009 there were 240,000 international students studying in China.

For more information visit China's University and College Admission System (CUCAS) - Higher Education in China .

In Hong Kong, there are eight government-funded universities, which include the University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

The higher education system in Hong Kong is similar to the UK, except that degree programmes last for four years.

UK qualifications are accepted when applying for courses. For more information, visit Gov HK - Studying in Hong Kong .

Entry requirements

To study in China you will need to meet the government's entry criteria, which can be found at China's University and College Admission System (CUCAS) - General Entry Requirements .

Institutions will have their own requirements for each degree programme so check with the university before applying. 

Programmes taught in Chinese will require candidates to display an appropriate level of Chinese language through the The Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) .

To apply for programmes in Hong Kong, go to individual university websites for more details. As universities are run similarly to those in the UK, qualifications from UK universities are generally accepted and application processes are alike.

Course fees

These will vary with each programme so check with the admissions department of your chosen university. Expenses for one academic year will typically cost £3,000-£6,000.

When applying to study in China you will have to consider:

• application fees;
• visa fees;
• travel expenses;
• tuition fees;
• living costs;
• accommodation costs.

Studying in China is relatively inexpensive when compared with the US or Britain. Larger cities on the East coast (Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong) will cost more in accommodation and tuition fees than inland smaller towns and cities.

Tuition fees range from between £6,000-£10,000 per year in Hong Kong and living expenses can also add up.

For more information on living costs in Hong Kong, see Study HK - Cost of Living .

Funding to study in China

International students with a high enough HSK score are considered favourable for Chinese Government Scholarships.

To find out about the scholarships available for students studying in China, visit Chinese Scholarship Council .

For a list of available scholarships and funding at universities in Hong Kong, go to, Study HK - Scholarships .

Chinese exchanges and placements

If you are enrolled at a UK university you may be able to study at universities in China and Hong Kong through exchange programmes. Many institutions in the UK will have links to China so discuss this with your tutor or visit the international office.

For example, the Business Management in China BA (Hons) at the University of Central Lancashire involves two overseas placements, including a four-week study tour of Beijing and a full-year study and work placement.

IAESTE offers science, engineering and technology students the chance to embark on 12-week paid placements in the summer and for longer periods at other times of the year. Find out more IAESTE UK .

Student visas

To study in China you will need a study visa (X-visa) or a business visa (F-visa). Both can be applied for at your nearest Chinese Embassy or consulate.

You can enter China on a tourist visa (L-visa) but must convert to one of the aforementioned visas to legitimately study in the country.

You can get more information on the required documentation needed when applying for a visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center .

Students from the UK can visit Hong Kong without a visa for six months, but will need a different visa to stay and study.

For information on Hong Kong study visas, go to Government of Hong Kong - Immigration Department - Public Services .