15 Cheapest Universities in China for International Students

Search Courses:

In China, 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 China, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 887 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in China, make sure to read more!

Apply for 2025 Intake!

Applications for 2025 Intake are open. Search through the degrees around the world!

Apply Now

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Chifeng University 1,600 RMB 92%
Hubei University of Automotive Technology 2,000 RMB - 7,000 RMB 90%
Chongqing Medical Center 3,000 RMB 85%
Yibin University 3,700 RMB 82%
Hubei University for Nationalities 4,000 RMB 80%
Liupanshui Normal University 4,100 RMB 80%
Chengdu University of Technology 4,500 RMB - 5,000 RMB 78%
Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine 5,200 RMB - 7,400 RMB 74%
Hechi University 5,500 RMB 73%
Hunan University of Technology 6,000 RMB - 12,000 RMB 70%
Jiujiang University 6,000 RMB - 14,000 RMB 70%
Changsha University of Science and Technology 7,000 RMB - 16,500 RMB 65%
Yulin University 8,000 RMB 60%
Huanghuai University 8,000 RMB - 10,000 RMB 60%
Wuhan University of Science and Technology 8,000 RMB - 13,000 RMB 60%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 20,000 RMB for universities in China.

Search Bachelor's Courses for International Students!

Search through the bachelor's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. Chifeng University

Chifeng University is a public undergraduate institution established in 2003. It was formed by merging Chifeng Normal College of Nationalities with several colleges in the city. More than 50 undergraduate programs are offered by the university, including medical courses. The university is also affiliated with hospitals, thus, providing medical students with more opportunities.

2. Hubei University of Automotive Technology

The Hubei University of Automotive Technology is a public university that offers specialized undergraduate and master’s degree courses in Automotive Technology and Engineering. As a multidisciplinary university, it also offers programs in Management, Economics, and Science. There are more than 10,500 students on its campus in Shiyan City, China.

3. Chongqing Medical Center

Chongqing Medical University (CQMU) is among China’s leading medical institutions and is also a forerunner in medical research. It offers various programs in disciplines such as clinical medicine and immunology. With its many partnerships with premier universities abroad, CQMU is truly a global institution as well.

4. Yibin University

Yibin University is centered around their students and their education. Their goal is to help students discover their talents and gifts so they can chase their dreams. The university has been helping make a difference for over the last 40 years and invites students to continue to come and learn at Yibin University.

5. Hubei University for Nationalities

Hubei University for Nationalities is a provincial institution also known as Hubei Minzu University. This institution focuses on undergraduate subjects, but they also offer master’s programs. Thousands of students from in and out of Enshi City are welcomed every year into its 18 degree-offering school units. Overall, 60+ programs are available.

6. Liupanshui Normal University

The Liupanshui Normal University was established in 1978. It was only converted to a full-time undergraduate college back in 2009. The school offers programs in different disciplines, such as engineering, education, and more.

7. 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.

8. Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine

With nearly 20,000 students calling this university their home for the duration of their education there, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine has been educating students in the field of medicine for over the last 65 years. With many various courses to choose from, the university invites students from all over to come chase their dreams at their university. The university holds to the mission of changing the world of medicine and longs to train students to learn how to better the world.

9. Hechi University

Hechi University was founded in 1951, and officially became a university in 2003. Also known as HCU, Hechi University has two campuses, namely east and west. HCU offers programs for law, engineering, arts, and sciences, among others, and focuses on scientific research for the respective fields.

10. Hunan University of Technology

The Hunan University of Technology is a leading university when it comes to engineering and science degrees. It has excellent training facilities and teaching staff, producing wise-minded graduates that contribute deeply to the community. Throughout the years, the university has expanded and now offers management, arts, and economics subjects to both domestic and international students.

11. Jiujiang University

Jiujiang University is a local public university located in the Jiangxi Province. The school was established by a combination of different local colleges, such as the Jiujiang Teacher’s College and Jiujiang Vocational College. There are more than 30,000 students studying in programs in various disciplines like business, arts, engineering, and medicine.

12. 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.

13. Yulin University

Yulin University takes pride in its state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities. Since it was established, the university has aimed to train students and urge them to contribute to the local community. The university seeks to equip students with the appropriate skills and knowledge to help them become qualified professionals in the future.

14. Huanghuai University

Huanghuai University was founded in 1973 in its former name, Zhumadian Teachers’ College. The university is an undergraduate university and offers a wide range of specializations, such as Art and Design, Architecture, Music, and Engineering. It has two campuses that are home to more than 20,000 students.

15. Wuhan University of Science and Technology

Wuhan University of Science and Technology, abbreviated as WUST, traces back its roots to 1898 as Hubei Technical Institute. The name was officially changed to Wuhan University of Science and Technology in 1999. WUST offers specializations that cater to metallurgy, iron, steel, and engineering industries. WUST has two campuses, located each in Qingshan and Hongshan districts, both in Wuhan.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Minjiang University 0 RMB 100%
Hubei University of Automotive Technology 0 RMB - 10,000 RMB 100%
Chengdu University of Technology 0 RMB 100%
Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine 3,200 RMB - 32,000 RMB 87%
Hunan University of Technology 7,000 RMB - 16,000 RMB 72%
Yunnan University 8,000 RMB - 12,000 RMB 68%
Hefei University 10,000 RMB 60%
Baoji University of Arts and Sciences 12,000 RMB 52%
Liaoning Technical University 13,000 RMB - 20,000 RMB 48%
Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications 13,000 RMB - 15,000 RMB 48%
Capital Normal University 13,800 RMB - 16,000 RMB 44%
Hunan Institute of Science and Technology 14,000 RMB - 21,000 RMB 44%
Nanning Normal University 14,000 RMB - 18,000 RMB 44%
Xi’an University of Science and Technology 14,000 RMB - 16,000 RMB 44%
Mudanjiang Normal University 15,000 RMB 40%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 24,600 RMB for universities in China.

Search Master's Courses for International Students!

Search through the master's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. Minjiang University

Minjiang University is one of the public universities in Fujian Province in China. It officially started offering bachelor’s degree programs in 2002, though its history goes back 1958, through its predecessor, Fuzhou Teacher’s College. At present, the university is home to around 16,000 students.

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

2. Hubei University of Automotive Technology

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Hubei University of Automotive Technology. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Hubei University of Automotive Technology is 0 RMB to 10,000 RMB.

The Hubei University of Automotive Technology is a public university that offers specialized undergraduate and master’s degree courses in Automotive Technology and Engineering. As a multidisciplinary university, it also offers programs in Management, Economics, and Science. There are more than 10,500 students on its campus in Shiyan City, China.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at Chengdu University of Technology for incoming international master’s students is 0 RMB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine

Another affordable university to consider in China is Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.

With nearly 20,000 students calling this university their home for the duration of their education there, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine has been educating students in the field of medicine for over the last 65 years. With many various courses to choose from, the university invites students from all over to come chase their dreams at their university. The university holds to the mission of changing the world of medicine and longs to train students to learn how to better the world.

The tuition fee in Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine for master’s program for foreign students starts from 3,200 RMB.

5. Hunan University of Technology

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Hunan University of 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 7,000 RMB yearly.

The Hunan University of Technology is a leading university when it comes to engineering and science degrees. It has excellent training facilities and teaching staff, producing wise-minded graduates that contribute deeply to the community. Throughout the years, the university has expanded and now offers management, arts, and economics subjects to both domestic and international students.

6. Yunnan University

Yunnan University was established in 1922, making it one of the oldest comprehensive universities in China’s southwest region. It has two campuses, located in Chenggong and Donglu in Kunming City. The university currently has more than 26,000 students across its degree programs in Science, Technology, Fine Arts, Agriculture, and Business Administration.

7. Hefei University

Hefei University comprises of a total of four campuses. The goal of the university is to educate students to be creative, innovative, and unique. With many various programs, the university strives to provide an excellent education for their students in the fields of their dreams.

8. Baoji University of Arts and Sciences

Baoji University of Arts and Sciences is a public institution in Shaanxi province, China. It started as Baoji University in 1958. Then, the said university was merged with Baoji Teacher’s College in 1992 to form the present Baoji University of Arts and Sciences. It is ranked 385th in China by EduRank.

9. Liaoning Technical University

Liaoning Technical University was established in 1949 in Fuxin City, China. With more than 28,000 students, the university is among the key universities in the region. It offers degree programs in several fields, such as Engineering, Management, Science and Technology, and Business.

10. Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications

Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications (XUPT) is a Chinese educational institution. It is based in the city of Xi’An which is in the historically rich province of Shaanxi. Furthermore, XUPT is well-known for its courses and programs in engineering as well as information science technology.

11. 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.

12. Hunan Institute of Science and Technology

Hunan Institute of Science and Technology (HNIST) is a highly regarded public institution for its science and engineering programs. It comprises 16 units that offer undergraduate and graduate programs in science, engineering, liberal arts, economics, and other fields. HNIST’s excellent training is evident in the performance of its students, who have been winning competitions left and right.

13. Nanning Normal University

Nanning Normal University is a provincial institution comprising four campuses: Wuhe, Wuming, Mingxiu, and Changgang. The university’s history reflects a background in teaching education, especially since its ultimate predecessor is the Guangxi Secondary School for Teachers’ Training. However, current programs in the university extend beyond teaching and education, as they include the sciences, humanities, engineering, economics, etc.

14. Xi’an University of Science and Technology

Xi’an University of Science and Technology traces its history back to 1895 from its predecessor Mining and Metallurgy Division of the National Peiyang Technical Institute. Xi’an University of Science and Technology, also known as XUST, has two campuses: the Lintong Campus and Yanta Campus. XUST specializes in programs such as engineering, mining, and sciences, while also offering other courses such as management, economics, and arts, among others.

15. Mudanjiang Normal University

Mudanjiang Normal University is considered one of the oldest universities in the Heilongjiang Province. Throughout the years, it has participated in various international research projects and engaged in student exchange programs. The university aims to heighten the research training of the students as well as the teachers through its exceptional learning standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in China 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 China?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in China. For example, one of the best affordable schools in China is the Chengdu University of Technology, which offers Tourism Management, Applied Chemistry, and Business Administration to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Capital Normal University offers Ancient Chinese Literature, Chinese Philosophy, and Communication.

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

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

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