13 Cheapest Universities in Chengdu for International Students

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In Chengdu, Sichuan, 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 Chengdu, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 21 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Chengdu, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Chengdu University of Technology 4,500 RMB - 5,000 RMB 70%
Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 10,000 RMB - 25,000 RMB 32%
Chengdu University of Information Technology 12,000 RMB 19%
Chengdu Technological University 14,000 RMB - 16,000 RMB 5%
Chengdu University 14,000 RMB - 21,000 RMB 5%
University of Electronic Science and Technology of China 15,000 RMB - 20,000 RMB -2%
Xihua University 15,000 RMB - 18,000 RMB -2%
Southwestern University of Finance and Economics 16,000 RMB - 20,000 RMB -8%
Southwest University for Nationalities 17,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB -15%
Sichuan University 17,500 RMB - 45,000 RMB -19%
Sichuan Tourism University 18,000 RMB - 25,000 RMB -22%
Southwest Jiaotong University 18,000 RMB - 25,000 RMB -22%
Chengdu Normal University 20,000 RMB -36%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 14,700 RMB for universities in Chengdu.

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1. Chengdu University of Technology

The Chengdu University of Technology was founded in 1956, coming from its predecessor, the Chengdu Institute of Geology. It was renamed the Chengdu University of Technology in 1993, becoming a state key university. The Chengdu University of Technology, or CDUT, specializes in majors such as Geology, Geography, Geophysics, and Meteorology, among others.

2. Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CDUTCM) is a public university. It is situated in Sichuan province’s modern city of Chengdu. Moreover, as CDUTCM began welcoming students over 60 years ago, it is currently known as one of the oldest centers of learning that specializes in teaching traditional Chinese medicine.

3. Chengdu University of Information Technology

With over 22,000 students, Chengdu University of Information Technology, strives to focus on their students and their education. Their goal is to provide an education for their students that will help them become rounded individuals prepared to take on any challenge. Their mission is for their students to receive an education that they can use to help their communities and their countries.

4. Chengdu Technological University

Chengdu Technological University’s history can be traced back to 1913. The institution was renamed numerous times before officially using its current name in 2012. It began its operation as a vocational school which has then grown to a full-time undergraduate university offering diverse multidisciplinary programs. As a technological university, it has always prioritized providing exemplary education in the field of engineering. It has further expanded to offer well-structured and comprehensive interdisciplinary programs in other academic disciplines such as humanities, arts, foreign languages, and computer science.

5. Chengdu University

Chengdu University is a public institution in Chengdu, China. The university offers several undergraduate programs in ten academic disciplines. It also has a limited number of master’s degree courses available. Some of its engineering courses have been accredited by the national engineering education accreditation.

6. University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China is a public institution in Chengdu City. The university houses the country’s national electronic industry and was formed through the merging of electronic divisions of three universities. It is part of Project 211, Project 985, and Double First-Class Universities.

7. Xihua University

Xihua University is a public center of learning for students at the tertiary level. It is located in the charming city of Chengdu. Adding to this, it currently offers over 130 degree programs spread out across its 22 schools and colleges.

8. Southwestern University of Finance and Economics

Southwestern University of Finance and Economics is a prestigious public university known for its programs in business, finance, and economics. It operates across two campuses equipped with modern classrooms and libraries that facilitate learning. The university also boasts an excellent faculty, made up of top economists, business experts, and renowned scholars.

9. Southwest University for Nationalities

Southwest University for Nationalities, known as SWUN, was founded in 1950. SWUN has three campuses: the main campus is in Wuhou District, one in Shuangliu county, and the third one is in Taipingyuan. SWUN offers various programs in different areas of disciplines like languages, arts, literature, management, and sciences, among others.

10. Sichuan University

Sichuan University is a research-focused institute for tertiary studies. It is situated in the historically rich city of Chengdu. Founded in 1896, it is now one of China’s leading universities.

11. Sichuan Tourism University

Sichuan Tourism University is a specialized public institution in Chengdu City, China. Undergraduate programs related to tourism are primarily offered, and the university’s location and campus are even optimized for tourism. One of its schools, the Hilton School of Hospitality Management, is formed through cooperation with the Hilton Hotels Corp. Sichuan Tourism University is ranked 839th in China by EduRank.

12. Southwest Jiaotong University

Home to more than 40,000 students, Southwest Jiaotong University is highly recognized for its engineering programs. Since its establishment in 1896, they have produced more than 300,000 graduates in the field. As they continue moving forward, they aim to provide quality and innovative engineering education to local and international students at all levels.

13. Chengdu Normal University

Chengdu Normal University is a public institution for undergraduate students in Sichuan province, China. It started as the Sichuan Education Administration University in 1955 and earned its present name and status in 2012. More than 30 programs from 10 disciplines are available at Chengdu Normal. Three campuses comprise the university: Wenjiang, Renmin South Road, and Baiguolin.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Chengdu University of Technology 0 RMB 100%
Xihua University 16,000 RMB - 20,000 RMB 17%
Chengdu University 18,000 RMB - 27,000 RMB 7%
Chengdu University of Information Technology 18,000 RMB 7%
Southwestern University of Finance and Economics 20,000 RMB - 25,000 RMB -4%
Southwest University for Nationalities 21,000 RMB - 36,000 RMB -9%
Sichuan University 22,000 RMB - 50,000 RMB -14%
Southwest Jiaotong University 22,000 RMB - 26,000 RMB -14%
University of Electronic Science and Technology of China 25,000 RMB -30%
Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 30,000 RMB - 38,000 RMB -56%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 19,300 RMB for universities in Chengdu.

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1. Chengdu University of Technology

The Chengdu University of Technology was founded in 1956, coming from its predecessor, the Chengdu Institute of Geology. It was renamed the Chengdu University of Technology in 1993, becoming a state key university. The Chengdu University of Technology, or CDUT, specializes in majors such as Geology, Geography, Geophysics, and Meteorology, among others.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Chengdu University of Technology should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 RMB annually for their master's degree.

2. Xihua University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Xihua University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Xihua University is 16,000 RMB to 20,000 RMB.

Xihua University is a public center of learning for students at the tertiary level. It is located in the charming city of Chengdu. Adding to this, it currently offers over 130 degree programs spread out across its 22 schools and colleges.

3. Chengdu University

Chengdu University is a public institution in Chengdu, China. The university offers several undergraduate programs in ten academic disciplines. It also has a limited number of master’s degree courses available. Some of its engineering courses have been accredited by the national engineering education accreditation.

The tuition fee at Chengdu University for incoming international master’s students is 18,000 RMB to 27,000 RMB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Chengdu University of Information Technology

Another affordable university to consider in Chengdu is Chengdu University of Information Technology.

With over 22,000 students, Chengdu University of Information Technology, strives to focus on their students and their education. Their goal is to provide an education for their students that will help them become rounded individuals prepared to take on any challenge. Their mission is for their students to receive an education that they can use to help their communities and their countries.

The tuition fee in Chengdu University of Information Technology for master’s program for foreign students starts from 18,000 RMB.

5. Southwestern University of Finance and Economics

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics 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.

Southwestern University of Finance and Economics is a prestigious public university known for its programs in business, finance, and economics. It operates across two campuses equipped with modern classrooms and libraries that facilitate learning. The university also boasts an excellent faculty, made up of top economists, business experts, and renowned scholars.

6. Southwest University for Nationalities

Southwest University for Nationalities, known as SWUN, was founded in 1950. SWUN has three campuses: the main campus is in Wuhou District, one in Shuangliu county, and the third one is in Taipingyuan. SWUN offers various programs in different areas of disciplines like languages, arts, literature, management, and sciences, among others.

7. Sichuan University

Sichuan University is a research-focused institute for tertiary studies. It is situated in the historically rich city of Chengdu. Founded in 1896, it is now one of China’s leading universities.

8. Southwest Jiaotong University

Home to more than 40,000 students, Southwest Jiaotong University is highly recognized for its engineering programs. Since its establishment in 1896, they have produced more than 300,000 graduates in the field. As they continue moving forward, they aim to provide quality and innovative engineering education to local and international students at all levels.

9. University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China is a public institution in Chengdu City. The university houses the country’s national electronic industry and was formed through the merging of electronic divisions of three universities. It is part of Project 211, Project 985, and Double First-Class Universities.

10. Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CDUTCM) is a public university. It is situated in Sichuan province’s modern city of Chengdu. Moreover, as CDUTCM began welcoming students over 60 years ago, it is currently known as one of the oldest centers of learning that specializes in teaching traditional Chinese medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Chengdu, Sichuan?

Applying to cheap universities in Chengdu 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 Chengdu?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Chengdu. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Chengdu is the Chengdu Normal University, which offers Computer Science and Technology, and Trade and Economics to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Chengdu University offers Business Administration, Accounting, and Visual Communication Design.

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

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

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