Degree Programs

Quick Answer: What Degree Programs in China Are Available?

Degree programs in China include bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs for international students. Many universities offer English-taught options, while Chinese-taught programs usually require HSK results.

Students can compare subjects, tuition fees, scholarships, and admission requirements before choosing a program.

What Types of Degree Programs in China Can You Study?

The main degree programs in China are bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs. Each type of degree has different entry rules, study goals, and time requirements.

The three main options are:

• Bachelor’s degree: Usually the first university degree after high school.
• Master’s degree: Graduate study after a bachelor’s degree.
• PhD: Advanced study focused mainly on research.

Chinese colleges and universities offer these programs across a wide range of subjects.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs in China

Bachelor’s degree programs in China are a common choice for international students. Many universities offer English-taught options across business, medicine, science, and other fields.

Types of Bachelor’s Programs Offered

China has thousands of colleges and universities. International students can choose from a wide range of bachelor’s programs.

International students can choose English-taught programs in many fields. These include business, medicine, social sciences, liberal arts, and science and technology.

• Business & Economics: International Business, Finance, Marketing, Management
• Medicine: MBBS
• Information Technology: Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems
• Social Sciences: International Relations, Sociology, Political Science

Students can also study in Mandarin. Chinese-taught programs usually require HSK results.

Bachelor’s Admission Requirements

Requirements vary by university and program. Students commonly need:

• High school diploma
• Language proof: IELTS or TOEFL for some English-taught programs, or HSK for Chinese-taught programs
• Other documents: Some universities ask for a personal statement or recommendation letters

Tuition Fees and Costs

Bachelor’s tuition is often about CNY 14,000–56,000 per year. Fees depend on the university and program.

Scholarships for Bachelor’s Programs

International students can apply for many bachelor’s scholarships in China.

Scholarships may cover some or all study costs. Common options include:

• University-specific scholarships: Universities may offer funding based on grades or financial need.
• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): May cover tuition, housing, a monthly stipend, and medical insurance.
• Provincial and city scholarships: Some cities and provinces offer their own funding.

Career Opportunities and Internships

Tsinghua University and Peking University are well known worldwide.

A Chinese university degree can support careers in China and abroad. Many Chinese universities work with companies to offer internships in engineering, business, and technology.

Eligible international graduates may apply for a work permit and residence permit in China. The rules depend on the job, employer, and location.

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Master’s Degree Programs in China

Master’s degree programs in China offer graduate study after a bachelor’s degree. Students can choose taught or research-based programs.

Common options include:

• Taught programs: Students learn through classes and assignments.
• Research programs: Students work with a supervisor and usually complete a thesis.

Many universities also offer English-taught master’s programs.

Types of Master’s Degree Programs in China

Chinese universities offer two types of master’s degree programs:

• Taught Programs: Students build knowledge and skills through classes and assignments. Popular options include MBA, International Business, and Data Science.
• Research-Based Programs: Students do independent research with a supervisor. Most programs require a thesis. They can prepare graduate students for research careers.

Many universities offer master’s programs in English. Therefore, international students do not need fluent Mandarin.

Master’s Admission Requirements

Applicants usually need:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Academic transcripts
• Language proof, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or HSK
• A study plan or personal statement
• Recommendation letters

Some programs may also require a research proposal, interview, or entrance exam.

How Long Is a Master’s Degree in China?

Most programs take two to three years. Students usually complete courses and may also do research, a thesis, or an internship.

Master’s Programs in China: Tuition and Scholarships

Master’s tuition in China typically ranges from CNY 20,000 to CNY 54,000 per year.

Living costs vary by city. Students may spend about CNY 2,000 to CNY 4,700 per month on housing, food, and transport.

International students can also apply for several scholarships:

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): The scholarship may cover tuition, housing, a monthly stipend, and medical insurance. Competition can be high.
• University-specific scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships based on grades or financial need.
• Provincial and city scholarships: Available for specific universities and regions, such as Shanghai and Zhejiang.

Post-Graduation Career Opportunities

Master’s graduates can work in China or abroad.

China offers internships and jobs in technology, finance, and international trade. These skills can help graduates enter the job market.

Students can continue to graduate school in China. Some graduate programs offer research funding and study support.

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PhD Programs in China

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is a research-based doctoral degree. PhD programs in China are available in engineering, science, medicine, business, and other fields.

Many students choose to study for a PhD in China because of:

• Research opportunities: Chinese universities offer modern labs, research funding, and projects with overseas universities.
• Lower study costs: PhD tuition can be lower than at many Western universities. Scholarships can also reduce the total cost.
• Strong universities: Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are well known for research and higher education.
• Career options: PhD graduates can work in universities, research centers, companies, or industry.

Types of PhD Programs

• Full-time PhD: Students focus mainly on research and courses.
• Part-time PhD: Some programs allow students to study while working.
• Joint PhD: Students may complete part of their research at another university.

PhD Admission Requirements

Applicants usually need:

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Academic transcripts
• Research proposal
• Recommendation letters
• Language proof
• Interview, if required

How Long Does a PhD in China Take?

Most PhD programs take three to four years to complete.

Students normally:

• Complete required courses
• Work with a research supervisor
• Conduct original research
• Write and defend a dissertation

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

PhD tuition in China is usually about CNY 20,000–54,000 per year.

Living costs are often around CNY 2,000–4,700 per month, depending on the city.

International PhD students can also apply for scholarships:

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): May cover tuition, housing, a monthly stipend, and medical insurance.
• University scholarships: Many universities offer funding based on academic results or financial need.
• Provincial and city scholarships: Some local governments offer scholarships for international PhD students.

Careers After a PhD

PhD graduates may work in universities, research centers, companies, government, or nonprofit groups. Some also continue with postdoctoral research.

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Ready to Study in China?

Students can compare degree programs in China, universities, tuition fees, scholarships, and admission requirements before applying.

Applicants can also contact Apply For China for application help.

FAQs About Degree Programs in China