6 Cheapest Universities in Qingdao for International Students

Search Courses:

In Qingdao, 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 Qingdao, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 10 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Qingdao, 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 Qingdao for International Students

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Shandong University of Science and Technology 16,400 RMB - 18,000 RMB 6%
Qingdao University of Science and Technology 17,000 RMB - 20,500 RMB 3%
Qingdao University of Technology 17,000 RMB 3%
Ocean University of China 18,000 RMB - 23,000 RMB -3%
Qingdao University 18,000 RMB - 20,500 RMB -3%
Qingdao Binhai University 18,000 RMB -3%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 17,500 RMB for universities in Qingdao.

Search Bachelor's Courses for International Students!

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

Apply Now

1. Shandong University of Science and Technology

Shandong University of Science and Technology (SDUST) is a public institution that mainly provides science and technology (S&T) programs. Aside from these, they also have course offerings related to business, humanities, education, and arts. The school’s main campus is situated in Qingdao, but there are also campuses in Tai’an and Jinan.

2. Qingdao University of Science and Technology

Qingdao University of Science and Technology was founded in 1950 with an initial focus on vocational courses. After its move to Qingdao, the university has undergone further transition, eventually leading to its current focus on Science and Technology, along with Engineering, Management, and Liberal Arts. It has also built four campuses across several districts in the city.

3. Qingdao University of Technology

The Qingdao University of Technology was established in 1952, and it only started as a civil engineering-focused institution. As of now, the institution offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses even in other fields, like humanities, business, and more. Its performance in engineering programs has gained recognition in different rankings.

4. Ocean University of China

The Ocean University of China is a public institution in Qingdao City specializing in oceanography and fisheries science. It offers courses in science, engineering, fisheries, agronomy, pharmaceuticals, liberal arts, etc. Over the years, it became part of China’s Top 40 and Top 100 Universities lists. It comprises four campuses: Yushan, Fushan, Laoshan, and Huangdao.

5. Qingdao University

Qingdao University, founded in 1909, is one of the universities in Qingdao, in the Shandong Province, China. It offers academic programs in Engineering, Art, History, Philosophy, and Business, and most are taught in the Chinese language. Over 46,000 students, with more than 1,600 international students, are currently enrolled across the university’s 34 colleges.

6. Qingdao Binhai University

Qingdao Binhai University was founded in 1992. As a private institution, it was approved to award bachelor’s degrees in 2009. Qingdao Binhai University has various programs to offer such as architecture, languages, engineering, arts, medicine, and sciences, among others.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Shandong University of Science and Technology 20,400 RMB - 23,000 RMB 2%
Ocean University of China 20,500 RMB - 25,000 RMB 2%
Qingdao University 20,500 RMB - 24,600 RMB 2%
Qingdao University of Science and Technology 20,500 RMB - 24,600 RMB 2%
Qingdao University of Technology 22,000 RMB -5%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 20,800 RMB for universities in Qingdao.

Search Master's Courses for International Students!

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

Apply Now

1. Shandong University of Science and Technology

Shandong University of Science and Technology (SDUST) is a public institution that mainly provides science and technology (S&T) programs. Aside from these, they also have course offerings related to business, humanities, education, and arts. The school’s main campus is situated in Qingdao, but there are also campuses in Tai’an and Jinan.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Shandong University of Science and Technology should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 20,400 RMB to 23,000 RMB annually for their master's degree.

2. Ocean University of China

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Ocean University of China. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Ocean University of China is 20,500 RMB to 25,000 RMB.

The Ocean University of China is a public institution in Qingdao City specializing in oceanography and fisheries science. It offers courses in science, engineering, fisheries, agronomy, pharmaceuticals, liberal arts, etc. Over the years, it became part of China’s Top 40 and Top 100 Universities lists. It comprises four campuses: Yushan, Fushan, Laoshan, and Huangdao.

3. Qingdao University

Qingdao University, founded in 1909, is one of the universities in Qingdao, in the Shandong Province, China. It offers academic programs in Engineering, Art, History, Philosophy, and Business, and most are taught in the Chinese language. Over 46,000 students, with more than 1,600 international students, are currently enrolled across the university’s 34 colleges.

The tuition fee at Qingdao University for incoming international master’s students is 20,500 RMB to 24,600 RMB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Qingdao University of Science and Technology

Another affordable university to consider in Qingdao is Qingdao University of Science and Technology.

Qingdao University of Science and Technology was founded in 1950 with an initial focus on vocational courses. After its move to Qingdao, the university has undergone further transition, eventually leading to its current focus on Science and Technology, along with Engineering, Management, and Liberal Arts. It has also built four campuses across several districts in the city.

The tuition fee in Qingdao University of Science and Technology for master’s program for foreign students starts from 20,500 RMB.

5. Qingdao University of Technology

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Qingdao 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 22,000 RMB yearly.

The Qingdao University of Technology was established in 1952, and it only started as a civil engineering-focused institution. As of now, the institution offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses even in other fields, like humanities, business, and more. Its performance in engineering programs has gained recognition in different rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Qingdao 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 Qingdao?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Qingdao. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Qingdao is the Ocean University of China, which offers Fishery Science and Engineering, Marine Living Resources and Environment, and Aquaculture Science to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Ocean University of China offers Zoology, Aquatic Biology, and Aquaculture .

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

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

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