How to Choose the Right University in China for Your Major
China is quickly emerging as a major international education hub. However, choosing the right university for your major is essential because there are hundreds of prestigious institutions in China. Choosing a university that supports your academic objectives can determine your future success, regardless of your career goals—whether they are in business, medicine, engineering, or the arts.
In this blog, we will help you choose the right university with confidence! We’ll break down the most popular majors for international students in China, explain why they’re in demand, and suggest the top three universities for each field.
1. Business & Economics
Why it’s in demand: China, also known as the second-biggest economy in the world and a global powerhouse in international trade. They not only provide unmatched chances to learn about business, but also in a practical setting. China is a real-life case study for global supply chains, finance, and business. Moreover, because of its quickly changing markets and innovative culture, they gradually put emphasis on e-commerce. Furthermore, a number of prestigious universities offer bilingual programs that combine Eastern business practices with Western business theory, and they work with many global companies.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Tsinghua University (Beijing) – Home to the prestigious School of Economics and Management with global partnerships and elite faculty.
Fudan University (Shanghai) – Located in the financial heart of China, Fudan offers strong business programs with an international focus.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Shanghai) – Renowned for its Antai College of Economics and Management, highly ranked for MBA programs.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Tsinghua University (Beijing) – Home to the prestigious School of Economics and Management with global partnerships and elite faculty.
Fudan University (Shanghai) – Located in the financial heart of China, Fudan offers strong business programs with an international focus.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Shanghai) – Renowned for its Antai College of Economics and Management, highly ranked for MBA programs.
2. Engineering & Technology
Why it’s in demand: In the industries of telecommunications, green energy, high-speed rail, infrastructure development, and emerging technologies, China is the global leader. Its massive investments in robotics and smart cities, urban megaprojects, and Belt and Road Initiative make it the perfect place for engineering students to get practical experience. Not only in China but also around the world, engineering graduates are highly sought after. Therefore, Engineering & Technology Major become a popular choice for those who can combine technical proficiency with intercultural cooperation.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Tsinghua University (Beijing) – Often called the “MIT of China,” providing world-leading research in engineering disciplines.
Harbin Institute of Technology (Harbin) – Best known for aerospace, robotics, and collaboration with high-tech industries.
Zhejiang University (Hangzhou) – Offers cutting-edge programs and hands-on learning in one of China’s most innovative and futuristic cities.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Tsinghua University (Beijing) – Often called the “MIT of China,” providing world-leading research in engineering disciplines.
Harbin Institute of Technology (Harbin) – Best known for aerospace, robotics, and collaboration with high-tech industries.
Zhejiang University (Hangzhou) – Offers cutting-edge programs and hands-on learning in one of China’s most innovative and futuristic cities.
3. Medicine (MBBS)
Why it’s in demand: Several international medical councils recognize China’s MBBS programs, which are among the most reasonably priced in the world. With the help of contemporary teaching hospitals and numerous universities offering MBBS programs that are taught exclusively in English, students receive both theoretical instruction and hands-on training. Additionally, China’s achievements in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and public health management provide exceptional educational opportunities that are not available anywhere else.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Peking University Health Science Center (Beijing) – China’s top medical school with access to hospitals and cutting-edge research.
Fudan University – Shanghai Medical College (Shanghai) – Offers modern training with access to top-tier clinical facilities.
Capital Medical University (Beijing) – Providing strong clinical teaching, with affiliations to over 20 hospitals.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Peking University Health Science Center (Beijing) – China’s top medical school with access to hospitals and cutting-edge research.
Fudan University – Shanghai Medical College (Shanghai) – Offers modern training with access to top-tier clinical facilities.
Capital Medical University (Beijing) – Providing strong clinical teaching, with affiliations to over 20 hospitals.
4. Chinese Language & Literature
Why it’s in demand: Chinese, the second most spoken language and one of the most valuable, has more than 1 billion native speakers. Today, it’s employed in business, diplomacy, and cross-cultural interactions. This resulted in the demand for experts who speak Chinese. Besides fluency, the requirements to have an awareness of its rich literary, historical, and philosophical traditions is rising along with China’s influence on the world. Students majoring in this program are prepared for jobs in international relations, education, translation, and sinology research.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Beijing Language and Culture University (Beijing) – The top choice for foreign students learning Chinese language and culture.
Peking University (Beijing) – Offers deep exploration into classical and modern Chinese literature.
East China Normal University (Shanghai) – Known for its flexible, modern language programs and experienced faculty.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Beijing Language and Culture University (Beijing) – The top choice for foreign students learning Chinese language and culture.
Peking University (Beijing) – Offers deep exploration into classical and modern Chinese literature.
East China Normal University (Shanghai) – Known for its flexible, modern language programs and experienced faculty.
5. Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
Why it’s in demand: China is currently leading the world in the development of big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Global tech behemoths like Tencent, Huawei, Baidu, and Alibaba are present. In addition, Chinese academic institutions receive substantial funding to promote smart technology research. China is a great place for students who want to be involved in the next wave of digital transformation. One of the reason being its thriving tech ecosystem and government-backed innovation policies.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Tsinghua University (Beijing) – Partnered with tech giants and famous for AI and computer science research.
University of Science and Technology of China (Hefei) – Excels in AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing research.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Shanghai) – Located in a tech hub with strong computer science and internship opportunities.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Tsinghua University (Beijing) – Partnered with tech giants and famous for AI and computer science research.
University of Science and Technology of China (Hefei) – Excels in AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing research.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Shanghai) – Located in a tech hub with strong computer science and internship opportunities.
6. International Relations & Political Science
Why it’s in demand: Understanding Chinese foreign policy, international law, and political theory is becoming crucial for diplomats. In addition, analysts and global strategists as China continues to extend its diplomatic and economic influence across continents. With embassies and think tanks nearby, studying international relations (IR) in China exposes students to Asia-Pacific politics, international organizations, and China’s distinct governance structure up close.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Peking University (Beijing) – Houses one of the best schools for international studies in Asia.
Renmin University of China (Beijing) – Strong in politics, law, and public policy, with close ties to government bodies.
Fudan University (Shanghai) – Offers global perspectives and partnerships in diplomacy and international relations.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Peking University (Beijing) – Houses one of the best schools for international studies in Asia.
Renmin University of China (Beijing) – Strong in politics, law, and public policy, with close ties to government bodies.
Fudan University (Shanghai) – Offers global perspectives and partnerships in diplomacy and international relations.
7. Art & Design
Why it’s in demand: From digital media and architecture to fashion and animation, China’s creative industries are flourishing. The nation provides a distinctive setting for creativity and artistic expression by fusing traditional artistic traditions with out-of-the-box design ideas. Students are exposed to both traditional crafts and international creative trends through major art fairs, design expos, and film festivals held in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Central Academy of Fine Arts (Beijing) – China’s top art school, globally recognized for excellence in fine arts.
China Academy of Art (Hangzhou) – Combines classical Chinese aesthetics with modern design thinking.
Tsinghua University – Academy of Arts & Design (Beijing) – Fuses creativity with technology for future-forward designers.
Top 3 Universities to Choose:
Central Academy of Fine Arts (Beijing) – China’s top art school, globally recognized for excellence in fine arts.
China Academy of Art (Hangzhou) – Combines classical Chinese aesthetics with modern design thinking.
Tsinghua University – Academy of Arts & Design (Beijing) – Fuses creativity with technology for future-forward designers.
Start Your Journey to Study in China Today
Choosing to study in China is a life-changing decision that opens the door to world-class education, cultural diversity, and exciting global opportunities. Whether you’re researching top China universities or preparing your China university application, having a trusted partner can make all the difference.
At ApplyForChina, we make the process simple and stress-free. From finding the right university to submitting your application, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
