14 Cheapest Universities in Xian for International Students

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In Xian, Shaanxi, 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 Xian, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 32 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Xian, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications 11,000 RMB - 15,000 RMB 32%
Northwest University of Politics and Law 14,000 RMB 13%
Xi’an Technological University 14,000 RMB - 15,400 RMB 13%
Xi’an University of Science and Technology 14,000 RMB - 16,000 RMB 13%
Xi’an Polytechnic University 14,000 RMB - 16,000 RMB 13%
Xi’an University of Technology 15,000 RMB - 16,000 RMB 7%
Xi’an Shiyou University 15,500 RMB - 18,500 RMB 4%
Chang’an University 16,000 RMB 1%
Xi’an International Studies University 16,000 RMB 1%
Shaanxi Normal University 16,500 RMB - 32,000 RMB -3%
Xidian University 17,000 RMB -6%
Xi’an Jiaotong University 20,000 RMB - 40,000 RMB -24%
Northwestern Polytechnical University 20,000 RMB - 22,000 RMB -24%
Northwest University, China 21,000 RMB - 31,500 RMB -31%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 16,100 RMB for universities in Xian.

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1. Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications

Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications (XUPT) is a Chinese educational institution. It is based in the city of Xi’An which is in the historically rich province of Shaanxi. Furthermore, XUPT is well-known for its courses and programs in engineering as well as information science technology.

2. Northwest University of Politics and Law

Northwest University of Politics and Law consists of two campuses and was established over 80 years ago. With the vision of training students in the field they wish to learn, the university provides many diverse courses of study. The mission they hold is to change the world through each student that passes through their university from all over the world.

3. Xi’an Technological University

Xi’an Technological University is an advanced institution that is notably known for giving the best higher education in the field of engineering and science and technology. The school has modern facilities, laboratories, and a research center designed explicitly for its key academic disciplines. Furthermore, it has partnered with prestigious universities across the globe to ensure that only the best and highest standards of education will be instilled in its students.

4. Xi’an University of Science and Technology

Xi’an University of Science and Technology traces its history back to 1895 from its predecessor Mining and Metallurgy Division of the National Peiyang Technical Institute. Xi’an University of Science and Technology, also known as XUST, has two campuses: the Lintong Campus and Yanta Campus. XUST specializes in programs such as engineering, mining, and sciences, while also offering other courses such as management, economics, and arts, among others.

5. Xi’an Polytechnic University

Xi’an Polytechnic University (XPU) is a public polytechnic institution in Shaanxi, China. The university takes pride in being the only Western China institution to specialize in Textile and Apparel. Indeed, many programs in the said field are available, along with courses in engineering, design, etc. Such specialty can be traced to its predecessors, the Beijing Higher Industrial School and Beijing Higher Industry Institute Weaving Academy.

6. Xi’an University of Technology

Xi’an University of Technology has educated talented and skillful professionals since it started its operations in 1949. The university can be considered one of the influential institutions in Shaanxi, China, as it promotes internationalization on its campus. Prominent foreign instructors and professors across the globe are invited to hold lectures and do research. In addition, the institution also sends student delegates to other countries to participate in different conferences and seminars to broaden their knowledge and skills.

7. Xi’an Shiyou University

Xi’an Shiyou University, or XSYU, is a public higher education institution that is situated in Shaanxi Province. The school is recognized for its specialty in petroleum and petrochemical engineering. Aside from this, there are also programs being offered related to business, sciences, and more.

8. Chang’an University

Chang’an University was founded in 1951. With five campuses all located across Xi’an, Chang’an University offers different programs such as engineering, management, business, architecture, economics, etc. On April 18, 2000, Chang’an University was formally named through the merger of Northwest Institute of Construction Engineering, Xi’an Engineering Institute, and Xi’an Highway University.

9. Xi’an International Studies University

Xi’an International Studies University is a public university best known for its foreign language programs. Its world-class campus is equipped with language laboratories, multimedia rooms, and smart classrooms. The university is also proud of its strong faculty composed of experts, scholars, and top talents in China.

10. Shaanxi Normal University

Located in the historical city of Xi’an, Shaanxi Normal University boasts an exceptional legacy of academic instruction. It is best known for its programs in education and teacher training, which are the fields it originally focused on when it was founded. Because of this, it is fondly nicknamed the “Cradle of Teachers in China.” The university also offers several undergraduate and postgraduate programs in other fields, including the arts, sciences, and business.

11. Xidian University

Xidian University is an exemplary institution located in Xi’an, China. It tops the list as one of the most prominent providers of high-quality education in the engineering and computer science academic fields. Educational programs such as Computer Science, Electronic Science and Technology, and Information and Communication Engineering are all rated A+ by Essential Science Indicators (ESI) international ranking. In addition, the university has garnered many national prestigious awards making them one of the leading universities in China.

12. Xi’an Jiaotong University

Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) is a prestigious university in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China. It is one of China’s oldest and most selective universities, known for its excellence in engineering, technology, and business. The university conducts research in robotics, information technology, energy, materials science, biomedicine, and transportation. And to foster the research, XJTU actively promotes collaboration with industry, government agencies, and international partners to translate research findings into practical applications.

13. Northwestern Polytechnical University

Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) is a highly regarded public educational institution. It is best known as one of China’s National Key Universities. Moreover, NPU is based in the scenic province of Shaanxi.

14. Northwest University, China

Northwest University is a public institution founded in 1902 in Xi’an, China. By 1978, it was established as one of China’s key universities and became part of Project 211. The university enjoys support from the government through the project and the “One University for One Province Initiative.” Regarded for its petroleum engineering, economics, and writing programs, the university welcomes thousands of students yearly.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications 13,000 RMB - 15,000 RMB 34%
Xi’an University of Science and Technology 14,000 RMB - 16,000 RMB 29%
Northwest University, China 15,000 RMB - 22,000 RMB 24%
Xi’an Polytechnic University 16,500 RMB 16%
Northwest University of Politics and Law 18,000 RMB 8%
Xi’an Technological University 18,000 RMB - 27,000 RMB 8%
Shaanxi Normal University 19,800 RMB - 36,000 RMB -1%
Xi’an International Studies University 19,800 RMB -1%
Chang’an University 21,000 RMB -7%
Xi’an Shiyou University 21,500 RMB -10%
Xidian University 22,000 RMB -12%
Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology 25,000 RMB -28%
Northwestern Polytechnical University 30,000 RMB -53%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 19,600 RMB for universities in Xian.

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1. Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications

Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications (XUPT) is a Chinese educational institution. It is based in the city of Xi’An which is in the historically rich province of Shaanxi. Furthermore, XUPT is well-known for its courses and programs in engineering as well as information science technology.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 13,000 RMB to 15,000 RMB annually for their master's degree.

2. Xi’an University of Science and Technology

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Xi’an University 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 Xi’an University of Science and Technology is 14,000 RMB to 16,000 RMB.

Xi’an University of Science and Technology traces its history back to 1895 from its predecessor Mining and Metallurgy Division of the National Peiyang Technical Institute. Xi’an University of Science and Technology, also known as XUST, has two campuses: the Lintong Campus and Yanta Campus. XUST specializes in programs such as engineering, mining, and sciences, while also offering other courses such as management, economics, and arts, among others.

3. Northwest University, China

Northwest University is a public institution founded in 1902 in Xi’an, China. By 1978, it was established as one of China’s key universities and became part of Project 211. The university enjoys support from the government through the project and the “One University for One Province Initiative.” Regarded for its petroleum engineering, economics, and writing programs, the university welcomes thousands of students yearly.

The tuition fee at Northwest University, China for incoming international master’s students is 15,000 RMB to 22,000 RMB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Xi’an Polytechnic University

Another affordable university to consider in Xian is Xi’an Polytechnic University.

Xi’an Polytechnic University (XPU) is a public polytechnic institution in Shaanxi, China. The university takes pride in being the only Western China institution to specialize in Textile and Apparel. Indeed, many programs in the said field are available, along with courses in engineering, design, etc. Such specialty can be traced to its predecessors, the Beijing Higher Industrial School and Beijing Higher Industry Institute Weaving Academy.

The tuition fee in Xi’an Polytechnic University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 16,500 RMB.

5. Northwest University of Politics and Law

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Northwest University of Politics and Law 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.

Northwest University of Politics and Law consists of two campuses and was established over 80 years ago. With the vision of training students in the field they wish to learn, the university provides many diverse courses of study. The mission they hold is to change the world through each student that passes through their university from all over the world.

6. Xi’an Technological University

Xi’an Technological University is an advanced institution that is notably known for giving the best higher education in the field of engineering and science and technology. The school has modern facilities, laboratories, and a research center designed explicitly for its key academic disciplines. Furthermore, it has partnered with prestigious universities across the globe to ensure that only the best and highest standards of education will be instilled in its students.

7. Shaanxi Normal University

Located in the historical city of Xi’an, Shaanxi Normal University boasts an exceptional legacy of academic instruction. It is best known for its programs in education and teacher training, which are the fields it originally focused on when it was founded. Because of this, it is fondly nicknamed the “Cradle of Teachers in China.” The university also offers several undergraduate and postgraduate programs in other fields, including the arts, sciences, and business.

8. Xi’an International Studies University

Xi’an International Studies University is a public university best known for its foreign language programs. Its world-class campus is equipped with language laboratories, multimedia rooms, and smart classrooms. The university is also proud of its strong faculty composed of experts, scholars, and top talents in China.

9. Chang’an University

Chang’an University was founded in 1951. With five campuses all located across Xi’an, Chang’an University offers different programs such as engineering, management, business, architecture, economics, etc. On April 18, 2000, Chang’an University was formally named through the merger of Northwest Institute of Construction Engineering, Xi’an Engineering Institute, and Xi’an Highway University.

10. Xi’an Shiyou University

Xi’an Shiyou University, or XSYU, is a public higher education institution that is situated in Shaanxi Province. The school is recognized for its specialty in petroleum and petrochemical engineering. Aside from this, there are also programs being offered related to business, sciences, and more.

11. Xidian University

Xidian University is an exemplary institution located in Xi’an, China. It tops the list as one of the most prominent providers of high-quality education in the engineering and computer science academic fields. Educational programs such as Computer Science, Electronic Science and Technology, and Information and Communication Engineering are all rated A+ by Essential Science Indicators (ESI) international ranking. In addition, the university has garnered many national prestigious awards making them one of the leading universities in China.

12. Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology

Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, or XUAT, was established dating back to 1895. XUAT grew over the years through mergers of various institutions, and is open to cater to different programs such as economics, sciences, and management, and focused on specializations in engineering and architecture. XUAT has numerous laboratories and research centers in Shaanxi province.

13. Northwestern Polytechnical University

Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) is a highly regarded public educational institution. It is best known as one of China’s National Key Universities. Moreover, NPU is based in the scenic province of Shaanxi.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Xian, Shaanxi?

Applying to cheap universities in Xian 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 Xian?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Xian. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Xian is the Chang'an University, which offers Energy and Power Engineering, Business Administration, and Geology to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Chang'an University offers Control Science and Engineering, Applied Economics, and Civil Engineering.

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

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

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