7 Cheapest Universities in Changsha for International Students

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In Changsha, Hunan, 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 Changsha, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 16 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Changsha, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Changsha University of Science and Technology 7,000 RMB - 16,500 RMB 61%
Hunan International Economics University 12,000 RMB - 18,000 RMB 33%
Hunan Agricultural University 14,000 RMB 22%
Hunan University 15,000 RMB - 17,000 RMB 16%
Central South University 16,000 RMB - 36,000 RMB 11%
Hunan Normal University 17,000 RMB - 25,000 RMB 5%
Changsha Medical University 43,500 RMB - 50,000 RMB -144%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 17,800 RMB for universities in Changsha.

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1. Changsha University of Science and Technology

Changsha University of Science and Technology became a public university in 2003 after the merger of Changsha Institute of Electric Power and Changsha Institute of Transportation. The university offers English and Chinese courses in Engineering, Science and Technology, and Management across its two campuses. With more than 31,000 students, the university is one of the largest in Hunan Province, China.

2. Hunan International Economics University

Hunan International Economics University is a private institution in Changsha City, China. It only offers bachelor’s programs in business, management, Chinese language, law, music, art, design, IT, and many other fields. It is ranked 529th in China by EduRank.

3. Hunan Agricultural University

Hunan Agricultural University is located in the serene city of Changsha in Hunan province. The university has attracted many prospective students, particularly those who would like to pursue a career in the agriculture sector. Some of the best academic programs in agricultural sciences and animal and plant science are offered at the university. And these top-ranked study programs are internationally acknowledged, making the institution a favorable school for domestic and international students.

4. Hunan University

Hunan University traces its roots going as far back as 976 A.D., originally Yuelu Academy. More than a millennia later, it has become one of the most renowned universities in China, where it is one of the country’s top 10 engineering universities. Moreover, it is also tiered as part of the top 1% of universities worldwide.

5. Central South University

Central South University traces its roots back to 2000 and has undergone several transformations. It has become a leading institution for higher education and research in China. The university excels in materials science, transportation engineering, mining engineering, environmental science, medical science, and computer science. Moreover, CSU actively encourages interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry, fostering technological advancements and innovations. By working closely with industry, CSU aims to bridge the gap between academia and real-world challenges, providing students with practical experiences and opportunities for internships and employment.

6. Hunan Normal University

Hunan Normal University is a public institution in Changsha, China. It is also part of the Chinese government’s Double First-Class Universities and Project 211. Numerous international universities have established partnerships with Hunan Normal University, providing its students with many unique opportunities. The university comprises eight campuses, allowing it to offer several bachelor’s and graduate courses.

7. Changsha Medical University

Changsha Medical University is said to be the first private school in the country that is focused on the medical field. The school offers courses for undergraduates. Some of these include medical imaging, pharmacy, and nursing.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Hunan University 19,000 RMB - 21,000 RMB 4%
Changsha University of Science and Technology 19,000 RMB 4%
Hunan Normal University 20,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB -2%
Central South University 20,000 RMB - 43,000 RMB -2%
Hunan Agricultural University 20,000 RMB -2%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 19,700 RMB for universities in Changsha.

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1. Hunan University

Hunan University traces its roots going as far back as 976 A.D., originally Yuelu Academy. More than a millennia later, it has become one of the most renowned universities in China, where it is one of the country’s top 10 engineering universities. Moreover, it is also tiered as part of the top 1% of universities worldwide.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Hunan University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 19,000 RMB to 21,000 RMB annually for their master's degree.

2. Changsha University of Science and Technology

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Changsha University of Science and Technology. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Changsha University of Science and Technology is 19,000 RMB.

Changsha University of Science and Technology became a public university in 2003 after the merger of Changsha Institute of Electric Power and Changsha Institute of Transportation. The university offers English and Chinese courses in Engineering, Science and Technology, and Management across its two campuses. With more than 31,000 students, the university is one of the largest in Hunan Province, China.

3. Hunan Normal University

Hunan Normal University is a public institution in Changsha, China. It is also part of the Chinese government’s Double First-Class Universities and Project 211. Numerous international universities have established partnerships with Hunan Normal University, providing its students with many unique opportunities. The university comprises eight campuses, allowing it to offer several bachelor’s and graduate courses.

The tuition fee at Hunan Normal University for incoming international master’s students is 20,000 RMB to 30,000 RMB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Central South University

Another affordable university to consider in Changsha is Central South University.

Central South University traces its roots back to 2000 and has undergone several transformations. It has become a leading institution for higher education and research in China. The university excels in materials science, transportation engineering, mining engineering, environmental science, medical science, and computer science. Moreover, CSU actively encourages interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry, fostering technological advancements and innovations. By working closely with industry, CSU aims to bridge the gap between academia and real-world challenges, providing students with practical experiences and opportunities for internships and employment.

The tuition fee in Central South University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 20,000 RMB.

5. Hunan Agricultural University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Hunan Agricultural University 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 20,000 RMB yearly.

Hunan Agricultural University is located in the serene city of Changsha in Hunan province. The university has attracted many prospective students, particularly those who would like to pursue a career in the agriculture sector. Some of the best academic programs in agricultural sciences and animal and plant science are offered at the university. And these top-ranked study programs are internationally acknowledged, making the institution a favorable school for domestic and international students.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Changsha, Hunan?

Applying to cheap universities in Changsha 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 Changsha?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Changsha. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Changsha is the Central South University, which offers Digital Publishing, Rural and Urban Planning, and Visual Communication Design to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Central South University offers Environmental Science, Mathematical Finance, and Pedagogy.


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 Changsha, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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