15 Cheapest Universities in Guangdong for International Students

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In Guangdong, 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 Guangdong, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 43 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Guangdong, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
South China Agricultural University 15,000 RMB - 22,500 RMB 54%
Zhaoqing University 15,000 RMB 54%
Dongguan University of Technology 16,000 RMB - 21,000 RMB 51%
Hanshan Normal University 16,000 RMB - 25,000 RMB 51%
Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University 16,800 RMB - 22,800 RMB 48%
South China Normal University 17,000 RMB - 22,000 RMB 47%
Shaoguan University 17,000 RMB - 23,000 RMB 47%
Guangdong University of Technology 18,000 RMB - 25,000 RMB 44%
Guangzhou University 18,000 RMB - 20,000 RMB 44%
South China University of Technology 18,200 RMB - 26,000 RMB 44%
Guangdong University of Foreign Studies 18,400 RMB - 33,500 RMB 43%
Guangdong University of Finance and Economics 19,000 RMB 41%
Jinan University 19,000 RMB - 32,000 RMB 41%
Guangdong Medical University 20,000 RMB 38%
Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine 25,000 RMB 22%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 32,100 RMB for universities in Guangdong.

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1. South China Agricultural University

Another university that is a part of the Double First-Class University program, the South China Agricultural University is definitely a top-notch institution. Although it has a plus when it comes to agricultural subject areas, the quality of education in other fields is exemplary as well. It also offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs for arts, education, business, and more.

2. Zhaoqing University

Zhaoqing University is a public institute of higher education. It is based in the modernized province of Guangdong. Furthermore, it is well-known for being the largest institution in the city.

3. Dongguan University of Technology

The Dongguan University of Technology (DGUT) is a public institution in Guangdong, China. Although first formulated in 1990 and established in 1992, it only began receiving undergraduate students in 2002 and graduate students in 2006. The university is regarded as a science and technology cooperation base and a High-level Polytechnic University. DGUT comprises two campuses: Guancheng and Songshan.

4. Hanshan Normal University

Founded in 1903, Hanshan Normal University (HSNU) is considered to be among the key universities in Guangdong province. Since its inception, the university has undergone several name changes until it officially used its current name in 1993. HSNU offers a wide range of academic disciplines and has cultivated countless talented and skillful graduates occupying positions in various industries in the private and public sectors. Currently, the university offers advanced study programs lectured by highly competent instructors and professors.

5. Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University

Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, or GPNU, is a public university established in 1957. It is authorized by the Education Department of Guangdong Province to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees. GPNU has different facilities available to its students such as training centers, laboratories, information centers, gymnasium, library, and dormitory buildings.

6. South China Normal University

The South China Normal University is a well-reputed institute considered one of the best in the country. It is the university of choice for many domestic and international students because of its excellent academic legacy, innovative research projects, and numerous industry partnerships. The university is proud to have experts, academics, and scholars as part of its prestigious faculty that aims to continiously improve educational strategies each year.

7. Shaoguan University

Shaoguan University is a public university that offers interdisciplinary programs at the undergraduate level. Its student body comprises local students from different regions in China and international students from neighboring countries and autonomous regions of Hongkong, Macau, and Taiwan. Moreover, the university’s primary goal is to provide high standards of teaching and research to its students. It has cultivated numerous outstanding graduates that occupy different public and private sectors across China.

8. Guangdong University of Technology

The Guangdong University of Technology was established in 1958 as a provincial university. The Guangdong University of Technology, abbreviated as GDUT, has a total of seven campuses across Guangdong province. GDUT offers different programs such as arts, sciences, management, technology, and engineering.

9. Guangzhou University

Located in and named after the large city of Guangzhou, Guangzhou University is a university focused on keeping with the times. With over 37,000 students enrolled, the university strives to ensure that their students are receiving the best education. Their goal is to provide an education that is up to date with the times in which their students live.

10. South China University of Technology

The South China University of Technology is one of the public universities in Guangzhou, China. It was founded in 1952 under its former name, South China Institute of Technology, and has since brought stronger academic strategies in the field of Engineering and Science. Currently, the university offers degree programs in Literature, Management, Economics, and Philosophy.

11. Guangdong University of Foreign Studies

Guangdong University of Foreign Studies is a public higher education institution that shows strength in the fields of international culture and languages. It covers quite a huge area as the university is composed of three campuses. The school also has a big community as it has research centers and designated faculties, like business, languages and cultures, and more.

12. Guangdong University of Finance and Economics

Guangdong University of Finance and Economics is an important institution in the region of Guangdong. Its primary goal is to cultivate talented graduates by providing the highest quality of teaching and research. The university can rightfully boast of being one of the region’s select universities with the highest employability rate. This has indeed become one of the exceptional achievements of the university.

13. Jinan University

Jinan University is a Chinese public center of learning for tertiary students. It is situated in the modernized city of Guangzhou. Adding to this, it has five campuses and some are located in Shenzhen and Zhuhai.

14. Guangdong Medical University

Guangdong Medical University is a prominent university in the province of Guangdong, China. Its most widely known academic programs are clinical medicine, pharmacology, and toxicology. These programs are globally acknowledged by ESI (Essential Science Indicators) and are considered top-rated educational programs in medicine. Furthermore, the university has recently welcomed and is currently accepting international students into its campuses.

15. Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine

Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine was founded in 1924. It was originally named as Guangdong Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology School. Specializing in medicine, they offer programs in pharmacy, nursing, traditional Chinese medicine, etc.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
South China Normal University 19,000 RMB - 35,000 RMB 33%
Guangdong University of Technology 20,000 RMB 30%
Guangzhou University 20,000 RMB - 22,000 RMB 30%
Dongguan University of Technology 20,000 RMB 30%
South China University of Technology 23,000 RMB - 44,500 RMB 19%
Guangdong University of Foreign Studies 25,000 RMB - 59,000 RMB 12%
Guangdong University of Finance and Economics 25,000 RMB - 28,000 RMB 12%
Guangdong Medical University 27,000 RMB - 33,000 RMB 5%
Guangzhou Medical University 30,000 RMB -6%
Sun Yat-Sen University 30,000 RMB - 90,000 RMB -6%
Shenzhen University 30,000 RMB - 45,000 RMB -6%
Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine 32,000 RMB -13%
Southern Medical University 38,000 RMB - 41,000 RMB -34%
Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology 42,000 RMB - 54,000 RMB -48%
Shenzhen MSU-BIT University 42,000 RMB -48%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 28,300 RMB for universities in Guangdong.

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1. South China Normal University

The South China Normal University is a well-reputed institute considered one of the best in the country. It is the university of choice for many domestic and international students because of its excellent academic legacy, innovative research projects, and numerous industry partnerships. The university is proud to have experts, academics, and scholars as part of its prestigious faculty that aims to continiously improve educational strategies each year.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, South China Normal University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 19,000 RMB to 35,000 RMB annually for their master's degree.

2. Guangdong University of Technology

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

The Guangdong University of Technology was established in 1958 as a provincial university. The Guangdong University of Technology, abbreviated as GDUT, has a total of seven campuses across Guangdong province. GDUT offers different programs such as arts, sciences, management, technology, and engineering.

3. Guangzhou University

Located in and named after the large city of Guangzhou, Guangzhou University is a university focused on keeping with the times. With over 37,000 students enrolled, the university strives to ensure that their students are receiving the best education. Their goal is to provide an education that is up to date with the times in which their students live.

The tuition fee at Guangzhou University for incoming international master’s students is 20,000 RMB to 22,000 RMB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Dongguan University of Technology

Another affordable university to consider in Guangdong is Dongguan University of Technology.

The Dongguan University of Technology (DGUT) is a public institution in Guangdong, China. Although first formulated in 1990 and established in 1992, it only began receiving undergraduate students in 2002 and graduate students in 2006. The university is regarded as a science and technology cooperation base and a High-level Polytechnic University. DGUT comprises two campuses: Guancheng and Songshan.

The tuition fee in Dongguan University of Technology for master’s program for foreign students starts from 20,000 RMB.

5. South China University of Technology

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, South China 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 23,000 RMB yearly.

The South China University of Technology is one of the public universities in Guangzhou, China. It was founded in 1952 under its former name, South China Institute of Technology, and has since brought stronger academic strategies in the field of Engineering and Science. Currently, the university offers degree programs in Literature, Management, Economics, and Philosophy.

6. Guangdong University of Foreign Studies

Guangdong University of Foreign Studies is a public higher education institution that shows strength in the fields of international culture and languages. It covers quite a huge area as the university is composed of three campuses. The school also has a big community as it has research centers and designated faculties, like business, languages and cultures, and more.

7. Guangdong University of Finance and Economics

Guangdong University of Finance and Economics is an important institution in the region of Guangdong. Its primary goal is to cultivate talented graduates by providing the highest quality of teaching and research. The university can rightfully boast of being one of the region’s select universities with the highest employability rate. This has indeed become one of the exceptional achievements of the university.

8. Guangdong Medical University

Guangdong Medical University is a prominent university in the province of Guangdong, China. Its most widely known academic programs are clinical medicine, pharmacology, and toxicology. These programs are globally acknowledged by ESI (Essential Science Indicators) and are considered top-rated educational programs in medicine. Furthermore, the university has recently welcomed and is currently accepting international students into its campuses.

9. Guangzhou Medical University

Guangzhou Medical University is a leading medical university in Guangdong, China. Its interdisciplinary programs in clinical medicine are among the top-rated academic programs in the country and across the globe. The school currently offers two English-taught programs at the undergraduate level. Prospective international students of medicine and surgery are welcome to apply to the said programs. In addition, young medical professionals proficient in Chinese are also welcome to enroll in its postgraduate and doctoral programs.

10. Sun Yat-Sen University

In 1924, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the known father of Chinese modernization, founded Sun Yat-Sen University. The Ministry of Education of the Republic of China supervises the university, hosting more than 64,000 students. The university has 5 campuses across Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai cities, occupying more than 5 square kilometers of land area.

11. Shenzhen University

Shenzhen University (SZU) is a public institute of tertiary studies based in China. Specifically, it is located in the province of Guangdong. SZU’s motto of, “Self-reliance, Self-discipline, Self-improvement” rings true as it is well-known across the country for producing numerous well-rounded graduates.

12. Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine

Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine was founded in 1924. It was originally named as Guangdong Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology School. Specializing in medicine, they offer programs in pharmacy, nursing, traditional Chinese medicine, etc.

13. Southern Medical University

Southern Medical University is a Chinese medical school in Guangzhou, Guangdong. It is a top-ranking medical education institution, affiliated with 11 hospitals non-directly connected to many more. Thousands of students choose from its wide range of medical and medicine-related programs, some of which are available in English. The university is also recognized by the World Health Organization.

14. Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology

One of China’s few sino-foreign joint universities is the Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT). The institute was founded by two leading universities, Shantou University in China and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology (Technion) in Israel. This recently established school aims to be a premier university that caters to science and technology programs in Guangdong province. In becoming such a competent institution, its study programs are aligned with Technion, and all its courses are conducted in English. In addition, students taking up postgraduate programs have the opportunity to spend a couple of semesters in Israel, a rare chance for every student not to miss.

15. Shenzhen MSU-BIT University

Shenzhen MSU-BIT University is a private non-profit institution formed by a collaboration between the municipal government, Lomonosov Moscow State University, and the Beijing Institute of Technology. Thus, Russian proficiency is a need, and Russian-related programs are offered at the university. Although there are other foreign universities in China, it is still considered a first of its kind, i.e., first Sino-Russian academic institution.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Guangdong 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 Guangdong?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Guangdong. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Guangdong is the Guangdong Medical University, which offers Information Resources Management, Biomedical Engineering, and Nursing to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Guangdong Medical University offers Clinical Medicine, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and Basic Medical Sciences.

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

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

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