Is Studying in China Worth It? Top 5 Good Reasons to Study in China

More and more people have been choosing China as a study destination. According to the latest statistics in 2018, 492,185 international students are enrolled in higher education institutions in China. But why? Is it really worth it?

Here are the Top  5 reasons that make studying in China a smart choice, and why it may be the best decision for your future:

1. China is a global powerhouse

In recent times, people are debating about “Peak China”, suggesting that the country’s economic boom is slowing. Despite that China remains a global powerhouse, and this matters for international students choosing to study in China.

Here’s why:

Massive Global Investment Footprint

Since 2016, China has consistently ranked among the world’s top three countries in foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, and since 2017, it has been the world’s largest bilateral official creditor, lending more to other countries than the World Bank, IMD, and all 22 Paris Club creditors combined.

This means studying in China gives you the opportunity to tap into deep global networks. After graduating, you will have more chances to work on international projects and land jobs with companies that operate worldwide.

World-Leading Industries

China has become a global leader in the clean energy sector like electric vehicles and solar cells. These industries are now challenging Western producers. If you are planning to study in fields related to this, like engineering and intelligent manufacturing, you will gain direct access to internships in local companies that will lead the industry in the future

Companies looking to penetrate the growing Chinese market also look for individuals who understand local culture and language. A degree from a reputable Chinese university paired with relevant internships can make you very appealing in the global job market.

Cultural Exchange Hub

As of 2022, China has built 125 overseas economic trade cooperation ones, with nearly 90% located in Belt and Road countries. This strengthens China’s global links, which means that students, scholars, and professionals from every continent are going to China, be it for study or work. As an international student, you will be able to meet people from so many different countries and learn so many things from their culture.

2. You can learn Chinese language

Studying in China also gives you the chance to master one of the world’s most important languages: Mandarin Chinese. Being in China lets you practice Chinese every day, both inside and outside the classrooms. It’s the most immersive way to learn a language.

Keep in mind that learning Chinese is not just about words or grammar. It opens doors to understanding China’s politics, economy, history, and rich cultural heritage, from ancient poetry to classic novels to modern pop culture. This cultural knowledge helps you truly connect with the billions of people in the world who speak it.

3. China has internationally recognized degrees

Degrees from Chinese universities are increasingly recognized worldwide. Many universities now offer English-taught programs and are earning global accreditations such as:

• AACSB for business schools
• ABET for engineering programs
•  WFME for medical schools
• EQUIS and AMBA for business and management programs

Thanks to these accreditations, degrees from Chinese universities are widely accepted in countries across the U.S, U.K., EU, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, especially in fields like engineering and business management.

4. Education in China is affordable

Studying in China is cost-effective compared to other top study destinations like the U.S., U.K., and Australia. You can get world-class education while spending far less on tuition and living costs.

Lower Tuition & Application Fees:

• China: Application fees usually range from 90–150 USD (rarely over 200 USD), and annual tuition averages just 3,300–9,900 USD (about 20,000–60,000 RMB).
• UK: Top universities charge 150–250 GBP (about 250–410 USD) for applications, and tuition for international students starts at 16,000 USD per year or more.
• USA: Application fees average 38 USD, and tuition at leading schools is often 35,000 USD+ per year.
• Australia: Some universities charge around 100 AUD (about 65 USD) for applications, and tuition can be 20,000 USD+ per year.

You can save even more by studying in smaller cities in China, like Xi’an, Chongqing, Chengdu, or Wuhan, where living and tuition costs are about 20-30% cheaper than in cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Even for specialized programs like MBBS, programs in these cities are very affordable, ranging from 22000 RMB to 50000 RMB per year (~3000 to 7000 USD)

Lower Living Costs:

• China:
  •  Big cities (Beijing, Shanghai): 4500-5000 RMB/month (~740-830 USD)
  •  Smaller cities: 1500-3500 RMB/month (~250-580 USD)
• UK: London costs ~1,310 USD/month, other cities 330–818
• US: 1,300–1,650 USD/month on average, with dorms 3,500–7,000 USD/year
• Australia: 10,750–13,437 USD/year in New South Wales & Victoria

Scholarships Available:

If cost is still a concern, you can study Chinese first and aim for a high HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) score to qualify for Chinese Government Scholarships, which can cover tuition, living costs, or both.

Learn more about the affordability of living in China through our articles on the cost of living in China and available scholarships.

5. China offers a fantastic travel experience

Studying in China means living in one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations.

In China, you can ride ultra-fast high-speed trains between snow-capped mountains, misty karst peaks, neon-lit megacities, and ancient old towns, all in the same semester.

Travel is also seamless and affordable, luxury hotels for under $20, cross-country trains under $40, and various apps that handle everything from rideshares to translations.

Between classes, you can explore futuristic cities, centuries-old historic buildings, and amazing regional cuisines, turning your student life into an adventure.

Conclusion

Studying in China means gaining internationally recognized education, valuable cross-cultural experience, and the chance to travel in a culturally-rich and dynamic country, all at a fraction of the cost of studying in the West.

So is it worth it to study in China?

Absolutely.

If you want an unforgettable studying experience that will change your future (for the better), China is the place to go to.