10 Cheapest Universities in Jinan for International Students

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

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Shandong Normal University 14,000 RMB - 25,500 RMB 26%
Shandong University of Finance and Economics 15,000 RMB - 21,000 RMB 21%
Qilu University of Technology 15,000 RMB - 31,500 RMB 21%
Shandong Jianzhu University 16,000 RMB - 20,000 RMB 15%
Qilu Normal University 16,000 RMB 15%
Shandong University 18,000 RMB - 45,000 RMB 5%
University of Jinan 20,000 RMB - 22,000 RMB -6%
Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 23,000 RMB -22%
Shandong University of Arts 23,000 RMB -22%
Shandong Yingcai University 28,000 RMB - 37,800 RMB -48%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 18,900 RMB for universities in Jinan.

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1. Shandong Normal University

Shandong Normal University (SDNU) is a public institute of tertiary studies. It is based in Shandong province’s bustling city of Jinan. Additionally, SDNU is known for its outstanding instructors who provide high-quality education to all students.

2. Shandong University of Finance and Economics

Shandong University of Finance and Economics, or SDUFE, is located in the historic city of Jinan. SDUFE was initially founded in 1952, then named the Shandong Institute of Finance and Economics. The Shandong University of Finance and Shandong Economic University merged on July 4, 2011, formally forming Shandong University of Finance and Economics. As a university, they specialize in programs related to economics, management, and finance, while also offering additional programs such as engineering and physical education.

3. Qilu University of Technology

The Qilu University of Technology, abbreviated as QLUT, is one of the most reputable universities in the province of Shandong. QLUT has four campuses spread between Heze and Jinan. QLUT offers multiple programs in different areas such as arts, law, management, engineering, and sciences, among others.

4. Shandong Jianzhu University

Shandong Jianzhu University is a public institute of higher studies. It is located in the scenic city of Jinan. Furthermore, the center of excellence has two campuses which are the Heping Campus and the New Campus.

5. Qilu Normal University

Qilu Normal University was founded in 1948 as a public university in Jinan. Originally Shandong Institute of Education, it was renamed Qilu Normal University in 2012. Qilu Normal University offers courses from different fields of study such as literature, languages, arts, sciences, mathematics, and tourism, among others.

6. Shandong University

Shandong University, also called Shanda or SDU, is a public research university that was established in 1901. SDU has a total of eight campuses: six are located in Jinan, while two others are located in Weihai and Qingdao. Shandong University also has a number of research centers catering different fields from engineering to humanities and social sciences, and also has three university hospitals.

7. University of Jinan

The University of Jinan (UJN) is a public center of excellence. It offers a variety of courses for all students across the tertiary level. Additionally, UJN is located in the picturesque province of Shandong.

8. Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, abbreviated as SDUTCM, was founded in 1958 as Shandong Traditional Chinese Medicine College. SDUTCM was reorganized in 1996, hence the name was changed to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. SDUTCM has focused on science, technology, and innovation research platforms.

9. Shandong University of Arts

The Shandong University of Arts, founded in 1958, is a public university located in Jinan City, China. It has two campuses in the region, spanning 1,000 acres of land. More than 10,000 students are taking degree programs in Musicology, Fine Arts, Drama, Urban Art, and Art Management.

10. Shandong Yingcai University

Shandong Yingcai University, established in Jinan City, is one of the most prominent private universities in China. It is also a leading institution based on various assessments and rankings of private Chinese institutions. Students do not just enjoy high-quality education but also numerous opportunities within and outside the country.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Shandong Normal University 18,400 RMB - 30,700 RMB 23%
Shandong University of Finance and Economics 20,000 RMB - 28,000 RMB 16%
Shandong Jianzhu University 20,000 RMB - 24,000 RMB 16%
Shandong University 22,000 RMB - 40,000 RMB 8%
University of Jinan 28,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB -17%
Shandong University of Arts 28,000 RMB -17%
Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 30,000 RMB -26%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 23,800 RMB for universities in Jinan.

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1. Shandong Normal University

Shandong Normal University (SDNU) is a public institute of tertiary studies. It is based in Shandong province’s bustling city of Jinan. Additionally, SDNU is known for its outstanding instructors who provide high-quality education to all students.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Shandong Normal University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 18,400 RMB to 30,700 RMB annually for their master's degree.

2. Shandong University of Finance and Economics

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Shandong University of Finance and Economics. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Shandong University of Finance and Economics is 20,000 RMB to 28,000 RMB.

Shandong University of Finance and Economics, or SDUFE, is located in the historic city of Jinan. SDUFE was initially founded in 1952, then named the Shandong Institute of Finance and Economics. The Shandong University of Finance and Shandong Economic University merged on July 4, 2011, formally forming Shandong University of Finance and Economics. As a university, they specialize in programs related to economics, management, and finance, while also offering additional programs such as engineering and physical education.

3. Shandong Jianzhu University

Shandong Jianzhu University is a public institute of higher studies. It is located in the scenic city of Jinan. Furthermore, the center of excellence has two campuses which are the Heping Campus and the New Campus.

The tuition fee at Shandong Jianzhu University for incoming international master’s students is 20,000 RMB to 24,000 RMB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Shandong University

Another affordable university to consider in Jinan is Shandong University.

Shandong University, also called Shanda or SDU, is a public research university that was established in 1901. SDU has a total of eight campuses: six are located in Jinan, while two others are located in Weihai and Qingdao. Shandong University also has a number of research centers catering different fields from engineering to humanities and social sciences, and also has three university hospitals.

The tuition fee in Shandong University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 22,000 RMB.

5. University of Jinan

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Jinan 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 28,000 RMB yearly.

The University of Jinan (UJN) is a public center of excellence. It offers a variety of courses for all students across the tertiary level. Additionally, UJN is located in the picturesque province of Shandong.

6. Shandong University of Arts

The Shandong University of Arts, founded in 1958, is a public university located in Jinan City, China. It has two campuses in the region, spanning 1,000 acres of land. More than 10,000 students are taking degree programs in Musicology, Fine Arts, Drama, Urban Art, and Art Management.

7. Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, abbreviated as SDUTCM, was founded in 1958 as Shandong Traditional Chinese Medicine College. SDUTCM was reorganized in 1996, hence the name was changed to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. SDUTCM has focused on science, technology, and innovation research platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Jinan, Shandong?

Applying to cheap universities in Jinan 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 Jinan?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Jinan. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Jinan is the Qilu Normal University, which offers Political Education, Economics and Finance, and Psychology to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Shandong Jianzhu University offers Civil Engineering, Energy Power, and Architecture.

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

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

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