9 Cheapest Universities in Dalian for International Students

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In Dalian, Liaoning, 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 Dalian, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 15 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Dalian, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Liaoning Normal University 18,000 RMB - 43,000 RMB 17%
Dalian Polytechnic University 19,000 RMB - 34,000 RMB 13%
Dalian University of Technology 19,500 RMB - 25,500 RMB 10%
Dalian University of Foreign Languages 19,900 RMB 8%
Dalian Maritime University 20,000 RMB - 22,000 RMB 8%
Dalian Ocean University 20,000 RMB - 24,000 RMB 8%
Dongbei University of Finance and Economics 21,000 RMB - 35,000 RMB 3%
Dalian Medical University 25,000 RMB - 45,000 RMB -15%
Dalian Neusoft University of Information 32,000 RMB -48%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 21,700 RMB for universities in Dalian.

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1. Liaoning Normal University

Liaoning Normal University was founded in 1951 in Dalian, northern China. Also known as LNNU, Liaoning Normal University has two campuses: the Huanghe Road Campus and the Western Hill Campus. LNNU is one of the renowned institutions of higher learning not only in Liaoning Province but also across China.

2. Dalian Polytechnic University

Dalian Polytechnic University is perceived to be a global university. It highly promotes internationalization on its campus by accepting international students and collaborating with other neighboring countries. In addition, one of its primary goals is to offer interdisciplinary programs that are open to all students across the globe regardless of nationality and background.

3. Dalian University of Technology

The Dalian University of Technology is one of China’s prestigious and globally recognized institutions. Over the years, the university has produced a pool of talented and skillful graduates employed in various private and public industry sectors. The education provided by the university proved to be one of the highest standards in China. With multi-disciplinary programs and qualified instructors, it is no doubt that it is the preferred choice of local and international students.

4. Dalian University of Foreign Languages

Dalian University of Foreign Languages was initially established to teach elite politicians and foreign diplomats the Japanese translation and language. While still providing the Japanese language program, the institution has gradually progressed into an interdisciplinary university that offers a wide array of academic disciplines in foreign language and literature, management, economics, art, engineering, and law. Furthermore, as a prominent institution that offers foreign language programs, the university employs highly qualified local and international instructors from across the globe.

5. Dalian Maritime University

Dalian Maritime University was initially founded as Dalian Marine College in 1953, however, its roots can be traced back to 1909 when a Shipping Management Section was formed by the Nanyang Institute in Shanghai. Dalian Maritime University, abbreviated as DMU, was the result of three marine institutions merging together: Northeast Navigation College, Fujian Navigation School, and Shanghai Nautical College. DMU boasts its specializations in offering programs in navigation, marine technology, and marine engineering.

6. Dalian Ocean University

Dalian Ocean University is a public institution in Northern China specializing in oceanography and fisheries. However, they also include other disciplines like engineering, arts, law, agriculture, etc. The university started as the Northeast Fisheries Technical School in 1952 and earned its present name in 2010. All three campuses of Dalian Ocean University are located in the city: Huanghai, Bohai, and Wafangdian.

7. Dongbei University of Finance and Economics

Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (DUFE) is a large public institution in Dalian, China. Its programs focus on finance, economics, management, and law. It also has courses in arts and sciences. DUFE also has strong relationships with foreign universities, allowing cooperation and exchange programs.

8. Dalian Medical University

Dalian Medical University’s history goes back to 1947, when it was first called Kanto Medical School. Over the years, it experienced merging, separation, relocation, and return to its original place. Such experiences helped shape and transform it into a world-class medical school. Several of its programs are well-ranked, one at a national and several at the provincial level.

9. Dalian Neusoft University of Information

Dalian Neusoft University of Information (DNUI), a private institution in Dalian, also has campuses in Foshan and Chengdu. It was formed by a collaboration between two tech companies: Neusoft Group and Dalian Software Park Co., Ltd. Such spirit of partnership extends to the university, which has cooperative relationships with over 90 universities abroad. DNUI’s academic performance cannot be understated, as it is ranked among China’s top private and overall universities by various ranking groups.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Dalian Polytechnic University 23,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB 17%
Dalian Maritime University 24,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB 14%
Dalian University of Foreign Languages 24,000 RMB 14%
Dalian University of Technology 24,500 RMB - 29,500 RMB 12%
Liaoning Normal University 25,000 RMB 10%
Dalian Ocean University 25,000 RMB 10%
Dongbei University of Finance and Economics 35,000 RMB -26%
Dalian Medical University 41,000 RMB -48%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 27,700 RMB for universities in Dalian.

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1. Dalian Polytechnic University

Dalian Polytechnic University is perceived to be a global university. It highly promotes internationalization on its campus by accepting international students and collaborating with other neighboring countries. In addition, one of its primary goals is to offer interdisciplinary programs that are open to all students across the globe regardless of nationality and background.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Dalian Polytechnic University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 23,000 RMB to 30,000 RMB annually for their master's degree.

2. Dalian Maritime University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Dalian Maritime University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Dalian Maritime University is 24,000 RMB to 30,000 RMB.

Dalian Maritime University was initially founded as Dalian Marine College in 1953, however, its roots can be traced back to 1909 when a Shipping Management Section was formed by the Nanyang Institute in Shanghai. Dalian Maritime University, abbreviated as DMU, was the result of three marine institutions merging together: Northeast Navigation College, Fujian Navigation School, and Shanghai Nautical College. DMU boasts its specializations in offering programs in navigation, marine technology, and marine engineering.

3. Dalian University of Foreign Languages

Dalian University of Foreign Languages was initially established to teach elite politicians and foreign diplomats the Japanese translation and language. While still providing the Japanese language program, the institution has gradually progressed into an interdisciplinary university that offers a wide array of academic disciplines in foreign language and literature, management, economics, art, engineering, and law. Furthermore, as a prominent institution that offers foreign language programs, the university employs highly qualified local and international instructors from across the globe.

The tuition fee at Dalian University of Foreign Languages for incoming international master’s students is 24,000 RMB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Dalian University of Technology

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

The Dalian University of Technology is one of China’s prestigious and globally recognized institutions. Over the years, the university has produced a pool of talented and skillful graduates employed in various private and public industry sectors. The education provided by the university proved to be one of the highest standards in China. With multi-disciplinary programs and qualified instructors, it is no doubt that it is the preferred choice of local and international students.

The tuition fee in Dalian University of Technology for master’s program for foreign students starts from 24,500 RMB.

5. Liaoning Normal University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Liaoning Normal 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 25,000 RMB yearly.

Liaoning Normal University was founded in 1951 in Dalian, northern China. Also known as LNNU, Liaoning Normal University has two campuses: the Huanghe Road Campus and the Western Hill Campus. LNNU is one of the renowned institutions of higher learning not only in Liaoning Province but also across China.

6. Dalian Ocean University

Dalian Ocean University is a public institution in Northern China specializing in oceanography and fisheries. However, they also include other disciplines like engineering, arts, law, agriculture, etc. The university started as the Northeast Fisheries Technical School in 1952 and earned its present name in 2010. All three campuses of Dalian Ocean University are located in the city: Huanghai, Bohai, and Wafangdian.

7. Dongbei University of Finance and Economics

Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (DUFE) is a large public institution in Dalian, China. Its programs focus on finance, economics, management, and law. It also has courses in arts and sciences. DUFE also has strong relationships with foreign universities, allowing cooperation and exchange programs.

8. Dalian Medical University

Dalian Medical University’s history goes back to 1947, when it was first called Kanto Medical School. Over the years, it experienced merging, separation, relocation, and return to its original place. Such experiences helped shape and transform it into a world-class medical school. Several of its programs are well-ranked, one at a national and several at the provincial level.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Dalian, Liaoning?

Applying to cheap universities in Dalian 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 Dalian?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Dalian. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Dalian is the Dalian Maritime University, which offers Information Science and Technology, Public Administration, and Applied Physics to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Dalian Maritime University offers Materials Science and Engineering, Control Science and Engineering, and Theory of Marxism.

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

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

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