15 Cheapest Universities in Beijing for International Students

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In Beijing, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in China without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Beijing, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 59 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Beijing, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Beijing for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Beijing ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Capital Normal University 11,800 RMB - 14,500 RMB 57%
China Women’s University 16,000 RMB - 24,000 RMB 41%
Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology 18,000 RMB - 20,000 RMB 33%
North China University of Technology 19,600 RMB - 29,600 RMB 28%
Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture 20,000 RMB 26%
Minzu University of China 20,000 RMB - 28,000 RMB 26%
China University of Political Science and Law 20,000 RMB 26%
Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications 20,000 RMB - 24,600 RMB 26%
Beijing Technology and Business University 21,000 RMB - 24,000 RMB 22%
Beijing University of Technology 21,000 RMB 22%
Communication University of China 21,200 RMB - 24,000 RMB 22%
Beijing International Studies University 22,000 RMB 19%
Central University of Finance and Economics 22,000 RMB 19%
Capital University of Economics and Business 22,000 RMB 19%
North China Electric Power University 22,000 RMB 19%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 26,900 RMB for universities in Beijing.

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1. Capital Normal University

Capital Normal University is one of the high-ranking public universities in China. Located in Beijing, the university has been responsible for cultivating talents in the Chinese capital throughout the years. It offers study options across a broad range of disciplines and has received multiple awards for its excellence in teaching, particularly at the undergraduate level.

2. China Women’s University

China Women’s University (CWU) is a league on its own, being the only state-owned women’s academic institution in China and connected with the All-China Women’s Federation. Thousands of young Chinese women had their skills, talent, and knowledge honed and developed within CWU’s walls. Indeed, from a small vocational school, CWU has transformed into an empowering and specialized university.

3. Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology

Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, or BIPT, was founded in 1978. BIPT focuses on petrochemical technology and is affiliated with China’s largest oil company, Sinopec. As BIPT specializes in petrochemical programs, students have filed work in their factory.

4. North China University of Technology

The North China University of Technology was founded in 1947 in Beijing, China. It currently has 12 schools that offer various programs such as engineering, accounting, economics, law, etc. They also have extensive scientific research, having 17 laboratories and 13 affiliated institutions across the country.

5. Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture is a public institution founded in 1907 as the Capital Elementary Industrial School. It was only in 2013 when the university earned its present name. Notably, it is the only architectural university in Beijing and has begun several cooperation initiatives with other universities. The university comprises two campuses (Xicheng and Daxing), through which it offers more than 50 bachelor’s and master’s programs.

6. Minzu University of China

Minzu University of China (MUC) is considered one of the country’s most important higher learning institutions as it represents China’s 56 different ethnic groups. It’s one of the most comprehensive public universities in the country and the best of a kind that promotes the various cultures of China’s multiple ethnic groups. The Chinese Ministry of Education recognizes MUC as one of the most elite institutions in the country, considering it a Class A Double First Class University. MUC is the first in China and among the top worldwide in various disciplines, especially in ethnology, Chinese ethnic minority arts & languages, and literature.

7. China University of Political Science and Law

The China University of Political Science and Law, founded in 1952, is among the universities in China that offer legal studies, along with courses in Science, Philosophy, Arts, and Management. Its two campuses in Beijing are home to more than 18000 students. Since its foundation, the university has grown to become one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country.

8. Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications

Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT) is a public institution situated in China’s capital. It specializes in technology, including cable communications, wireless communications, electronic engineering, etc. This top-ranking university is a member of government initiatives for bettering education, such as Project 211 and Double First-Class Universities.

9. Beijing Technology and Business University

Beijing Technology and Business University was founded in 1950 in Beijing as a public university. Also called BTBU, Beijing Technology and Business University have different schools such as engineering, economics, business, art and communication, law, etc. BTBU also has international affiliations and innovative partnerships with different institutions around the world.

10. Beijing University of Technology

Beijing University of Technology (BJUT) is a leading public institution in China’s capital. It was established to develop more engineering talents for the nation. The university is part of the Chinese government’s education initiatives, such as Project 211 and the Double First-Class Initiative. Its chemistry, engineering, computer science, and other programs are top-ranked worldwide.

11. Communication University of China

Communication University of China offers extensive courses in the realms of communication and technology. They hold the vision of training bright leaders in these fields. With many courses surrounding theses subjects as well as many others, students can come to learn to change the world of technology at Communication University of China.

12. Beijing International Studies University

The Beijing International Studies University was founded in 1964 as a public research university. Today, it is one of the leading universities in the fields of tourism, hospitality management, and international studies and trade. Also known as BISU, Beijing International Studies University has two campuses located in Beijing, the main campus in Guomao, and the second campus in Tongzhou.

13. Central University of Finance and Economics

The Central University of Finance and Economics is a public institution in Beijing, China, and was founded shortly after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. This university is supported not just by the Ministry of Education but also by the Ministry of Finance. It is part of several government education programs, like the Double First-Class Universities, Project 211, and Leading Academic Programs Innovation Platform.

14. Capital University of Economics and Business

The Capital University of Economics and Business carries the goal of educating students to use their education to help people in their communities and people around the world. In whatever field of work they wish to study, the students of this university will be taught to use talents wisely and in ways that will make a difference. Though economics and management is the focus of most of their studies, students can learn to how to make that difference through choosing any of the various courses of the university.

15. North China Electric Power University

The North China Electric Power University comprises two campuses, one in Beijing and another in Baoding. This public institution is focused on developing future talents for the energy and power industry. Several courses, some English-taught, are offered at the university, including engineering, automation, and business majors.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Beijing for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Beijing ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Capital Normal University 13,800 RMB - 16,000 RMB 57%
Renmin University of China 20,000 RMB - 89,000 RMB 38%
Minzu University of China 22,400 RMB - 28,000 RMB 31%
Beijing University of Technology 23,000 RMB - 40,000 RMB 29%
Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology 23,000 RMB - 25,000 RMB 29%
Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture 25,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB 23%
North China University of Technology 25,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB 23%
China Foreign Affairs University 25,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB 23%
Beijing Normal University 25,300 RMB - 32,300 RMB 22%
Beijing Technology and Business University 26,000 RMB - 34,000 RMB 19%
Central University of Finance and Economics 26,000 RMB - 40,000 RMB 19%
Capital University of Economics and Business 27,000 RMB - 37,000 RMB 16%
Beijing International Studies University 27,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB 16%
China Youth University for Political Sciences 27,000 RMB 16%
Communication University of China 27,000 RMB 16%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 32,100 RMB for universities in Beijing.

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1. Capital Normal University

Capital Normal University is one of the high-ranking public universities in China. Located in Beijing, the university has been responsible for cultivating talents in the Chinese capital throughout the years. It offers study options across a broad range of disciplines and has received multiple awards for its excellence in teaching, particularly at the undergraduate level.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Capital Normal University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 13,800 RMB to 16,000 RMB annually for their master's degree.

2. Renmin University of China

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Renmin University of China. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Renmin University of China is 20,000 RMB to 89,000 RMB.

Located in the culture-rich city of Beijing, Renmin University of China is a public academic institution specializing in the fields of humanities and social sciences. It is consistently recognized for its strong programs in philosophy and law. In recent years, the university has started to build a strong reputation in the field of business. Renmin also boasts strong links to more than 100 international universities and research institutes, which students can benefit from.

3. Minzu University of China

Minzu University of China (MUC) is considered one of the country’s most important higher learning institutions as it represents China’s 56 different ethnic groups. It’s one of the most comprehensive public universities in the country and the best of a kind that promotes the various cultures of China’s multiple ethnic groups. The Chinese Ministry of Education recognizes MUC as one of the most elite institutions in the country, considering it a Class A Double First Class University. MUC is the first in China and among the top worldwide in various disciplines, especially in ethnology, Chinese ethnic minority arts & languages, and literature.

The tuition fee at Minzu University of China for incoming international master’s students is 22,400 RMB to 28,000 RMB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Beijing University of Technology

Another affordable university to consider in Beijing is Beijing University of Technology.

Beijing University of Technology (BJUT) is a leading public institution in China’s capital. It was established to develop more engineering talents for the nation. The university is part of the Chinese government’s education initiatives, such as Project 211 and the Double First-Class Initiative. Its chemistry, engineering, computer science, and other programs are top-ranked worldwide.

The tuition fee in Beijing University of Technology for master’s program for foreign students starts from 23,000 RMB.

5. Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 23,000 RMB yearly.

Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, or BIPT, was founded in 1978. BIPT focuses on petrochemical technology and is affiliated with China’s largest oil company, Sinopec. As BIPT specializes in petrochemical programs, students have filed work in their factory.

6. Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture is a public institution founded in 1907 as the Capital Elementary Industrial School. It was only in 2013 when the university earned its present name. Notably, it is the only architectural university in Beijing and has begun several cooperation initiatives with other universities. The university comprises two campuses (Xicheng and Daxing), through which it offers more than 50 bachelor’s and master’s programs.

7. North China University of Technology

The North China University of Technology was founded in 1947 in Beijing, China. It currently has 12 schools that offer various programs such as engineering, accounting, economics, law, etc. They also have extensive scientific research, having 17 laboratories and 13 affiliated institutions across the country.

8. China Foreign Affairs University

China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) is a public center of excellence. It is located in Beijing, the bustling capital of the country. Additionally, CFAU is highly regarded for producing excellent diplomats.

9. Beijing Normal University

Beijing Normal University (BNU) is a renowned university located in Beijing, China. Established in 1902, it is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious universities, with a strong emphasis on teacher education, basic sciences, and humanities. BNU has a long-standing reputation for excellence in teacher education and produces a significant number of qualified teachers each year. Additionally, BNU hosts international conferences, symposiums, and academic events to facilitate global knowledge exchange and collaboration among the students.

 

10. Beijing Technology and Business University

Beijing Technology and Business University was founded in 1950 in Beijing as a public university. Also called BTBU, Beijing Technology and Business University have different schools such as engineering, economics, business, art and communication, law, etc. BTBU also has international affiliations and innovative partnerships with different institutions around the world.

11. Central University of Finance and Economics

The Central University of Finance and Economics is a public institution in Beijing, China, and was founded shortly after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. This university is supported not just by the Ministry of Education but also by the Ministry of Finance. It is part of several government education programs, like the Double First-Class Universities, Project 211, and Leading Academic Programs Innovation Platform.

12. Capital University of Economics and Business

The Capital University of Economics and Business carries the goal of educating students to use their education to help people in their communities and people around the world. In whatever field of work they wish to study, the students of this university will be taught to use talents wisely and in ways that will make a difference. Though economics and management is the focus of most of their studies, students can learn to how to make that difference through choosing any of the various courses of the university.

13. Beijing International Studies University

The Beijing International Studies University was founded in 1964 as a public research university. Today, it is one of the leading universities in the fields of tourism, hospitality management, and international studies and trade. Also known as BISU, Beijing International Studies University has two campuses located in Beijing, the main campus in Guomao, and the second campus in Tongzhou.

14. China Youth University for Political Sciences

China Youth University for Political Sciences was originally founded in 1948, then named Central School of the Communist Youth League of China. The university has its campus situated in Xisanhuan Bei Lu in Beijing. They offer different programs focusing on law, politics, public administration, Marxism, journalism, economics, etc.

15. Communication University of China

Communication University of China offers extensive courses in the realms of communication and technology. They hold the vision of training bright leaders in these fields. With many courses surrounding theses subjects as well as many others, students can come to learn to change the world of technology at Communication University of China.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Beijing?

Applying to cheap universities in Beijing requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in China for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Beijing?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Beijing. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Beijing is the Beijing International Studies University, which offers International Relations and Affairs, Financial Management, and Law to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Beijing International Studies University offers Accounting, Aesthetics, and Applied Linguistics.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Beijing, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Beijing as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Beijing for international students was helpful!