15 Cheapest Universities in Hunan for International Students

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In 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 Hunan, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 35 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Hunan, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Hunan University of Technology 6,000 RMB - 12,000 RMB 60%
Changsha University of Science and Technology 7,000 RMB - 16,500 RMB 53%
Jishou University 9,000 RMB - 14,000 RMB 40%
Hunan International Economics University 12,000 RMB - 18,000 RMB 20%
Shaoyang University 12,000 RMB - 13,000 RMB 20%
Hunan Institute of Engineering 13,000 RMB - 15,000 RMB 13%
Xiangtan University 14,000 RMB 6%
Hunan Institute of Science and Technology 14,000 RMB - 21,000 RMB 6%
Hunan Agricultural University 14,000 RMB 6%
Central South University of Forestry and Technology 15,000 RMB - 23,000 RMB -1%
Hunan University of Science and Technology 15,000 RMB - 17,000 RMB -1%
Hunan University 15,000 RMB - 17,000 RMB -1%
University of South China 15,000 RMB -1%
Central South University 16,000 RMB - 36,000 RMB -7%
Hunan Normal University 17,000 RMB - 25,000 RMB -14%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 14,900 RMB for universities in Hunan.

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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Jishou University

Students looking for a good quality higher education in the province of Hunan should consider Jishou University. The institution was established in 1958 with the support of its local government. From only providing undergraduate programs in its early years of operation, the government has granted the university to offer master’s programs in 2003 and doctoral programs in 2012. To this day, Jishou University continues to flourish into becoming one of the leading universities in the region.

4. 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.

5. Shaoyang University

Shaoyang University was founded in 1958, but with a history going back to 1906. It has four campuses in Hunan Province, China, serving as home to nearly 27,000 students. The university specializes in undergraduate degree programs in varied disciplines, such as Economics, Medicine, Law, Biology, Science, and Agronomy.

6. Hunan Institute of Engineering

Hunan Institute of Engineering (HIE) is a national university in Xiangtan, China. It is part of government education initiatives, such as the Excellent Engineers Education and Training Program, 2011 Plan, and Double First-Class. Two colleges were merged to form HIE, one focused on mechanical and electrical while the other was dedicated to textile. Two campuses comprise the university, allowing it to offer several programs.

7. Xiangtan University

Xiangtan University was established in 1958, as initiated by Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China. The university has built 23 colleges and a graduate school, offering degree programs in History, Literature, Science, Economics, and Engineering. It currently enrolls more than 37,000 students and employs around 1,500 full-time teaching staff.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Central South University of Forestry and Technology

The Central South University of Forestry and Technology, founded in 1958, is a public academic institution in Changsha City, China. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in Forestry, Engineering, Business Management, and Sciences. The university caters to 41,000 students and employs over 2,500 faculty and staff.

11. Hunan University of Science and Technology

Hunan University of Science and Technology was formerly known as Northern Hunan Construction College, founded in 1949. Its formative years include improvements, redevelopments, and the merging of two institutions in 2003 before officially using its current name. The university is credited with having the best programs in two disciplines: Engineering and Chemistry. In addition, several of its academic programs are also acknowledged at the provincial level.

12. 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.

13. University of South China

The University of South China is a public institute of higher education. It is located in the charming city of Hengyang. Moreover, it was established in 2000 after Hengyang Medical College and Central South Institute of Technology merged into one institution.

14. 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.

15. 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.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Hunan University of Technology 7,000 RMB - 16,000 RMB 61%
Hunan Institute of Science and Technology 14,000 RMB - 21,000 RMB 22%
Xiangtan University 18,000 RMB -1%
University of South China 18,000 RMB -1%
Central South University of Forestry and Technology 18,000 RMB - 19,800 RMB -1%
Hunan University 19,000 RMB - 21,000 RMB -7%
Changsha University of Science and Technology 19,000 RMB -7%
Hunan Normal University 20,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB -12%
Hunan University of Science and Technology 20,000 RMB - 22,000 RMB -12%
Central South University 20,000 RMB - 43,000 RMB -12%
Hunan Agricultural University 20,000 RMB -12%
Hunan Institute of Engineering 20,000 RMB -12%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 17,800 RMB for universities in Hunan.

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1. 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Hunan University of Technology should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 7,000 RMB to 16,000 RMB annually for their master's degree.

2. Hunan Institute of Science and Technology

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Hunan Institute 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 Hunan Institute of Science and Technology is 14,000 RMB to 21,000 RMB.

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.

3. Xiangtan University

Xiangtan University was established in 1958, as initiated by Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China. The university has built 23 colleges and a graduate school, offering degree programs in History, Literature, Science, Economics, and Engineering. It currently enrolls more than 37,000 students and employs around 1,500 full-time teaching staff.

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

4. University of South China

Another affordable university to consider in Hunan is University of South China.

The University of South China is a public institute of higher education. It is located in the charming city of Hengyang. Moreover, it was established in 2000 after Hengyang Medical College and Central South Institute of Technology merged into one institution.

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

5. Central South University of Forestry and Technology

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Central South University of Forestry and 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 18,000 RMB yearly.

The Central South University of Forestry and Technology, founded in 1958, is a public academic institution in Changsha City, China. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in Forestry, Engineering, Business Management, and Sciences. The university caters to 41,000 students and employs over 2,500 faculty and staff.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Hunan University of Science and Technology

Hunan University of Science and Technology was formerly known as Northern Hunan Construction College, founded in 1949. Its formative years include improvements, redevelopments, and the merging of two institutions in 2003 before officially using its current name. The university is credited with having the best programs in two disciplines: Engineering and Chemistry. In addition, several of its academic programs are also acknowledged at the provincial level.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Hunan Institute of Engineering

Hunan Institute of Engineering (HIE) is a national university in Xiangtan, China. It is part of government education initiatives, such as the Excellent Engineers Education and Training Program, 2011 Plan, and Double First-Class. Two colleges were merged to form HIE, one focused on mechanical and electrical while the other was dedicated to textile. Two campuses comprise the university, allowing it to offer several programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Hunan 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 Hunan?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Hunan. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Hunan 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 Hunan, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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