8 Cheapest Universities in Yunnan for International Students

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In Yunnan, 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 Yunnan, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 22 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Yunnan, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Yunnan University 10,000 RMB - 15,000 RMB 32%
Honghe University 11,400 RMB 22%
Dali University 12,000 RMB - 18,000 RMB 18%
Yuxi Normal University 12,000 RMB 18%
Kunming University of Science and Technology 15,000 RMB - 26,000 RMB -3%
Yunnan Normal University 15,000 RMB - 16,000 RMB -3%
Yunnan University of Finance and Economics 16,600 RMB - 25,000 RMB -14%
Kunming Medical University 24,000 RMB - 35,000 RMB -65%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 14,600 RMB for universities in Yunnan.

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1. Yunnan University

Yunnan University was established in 1922, making it one of the oldest comprehensive universities in China’s southwest region. It has two campuses, located in Chenggong and Donglu in Kunming City. The university currently has more than 26,000 students across its degree programs in Science, Technology, Fine Arts, Agriculture, and Business Administration.

2. Honghe University

Honghe University was established in 1978. Its predecessor was Mengzi Teachers College. Honghe University offers undergraduate programs in economics, education, agriculture, arts, engineering, and sciences, among others.

3. Dali University

Dali University was established in 2001 and is located in the province of Yunnan. The institution is comprised of different schools and research institutes. Under these, there are around 49 bachelor’s programs and 28 postgraduate programs.

4. Yuxi Normal University

Yuxi Normal University was founded in 2000 as a provincial university for undergraduate studies in Yunnan Province, China. It specializes in Fine Arts, along with Biology, Geology, and Visual Design programs. The university has over 13,000 students and around 830 faculty members.

5. Kunming University of Science and Technology

Kunming University of Science and Technology, one of China’s Top 100, is the largest public institution in Yunnan Province. It is also the only polytechnic university in the area and offers more than 300 courses in engineering, science, medicine, law, arts, and other disciplines. The institution comprises three campuses.

6. Yunnan Normal University

Every institution has its key features. For Yunnan Normal University, it is an excellent school for students who want to pursue a degree in teaching Chinese. One of its top-rated academic programs is Teaching Chinese to Speakers of other Languages. Aside from that, domestic and international students can choose from a broad spectrum of programs. Currently, the university offers over 90 undergraduate programs and more than 100 postgraduate programs.

7. Yunnan University of Finance and Economics

Yunnan University of Finance and Economics is a higher education institution that is specialized in areas of study, such as management and economics. There are also courses in other disciplines like liberal arts, law, and sciences.  Students interested can look into various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

8. Kunming Medical University

Kunming Medical University is a specialized public institution and leading medical school in Yunnan, China. It started as a part of the now Yunnan University but has since become independent and grown into the most prominent medical institution in the province. Several programs are offered, some of which are English-taught.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Yunnan University 8,000 RMB - 12,000 RMB 63%
Yunnan Normal University 17,000 RMB - 18,500 RMB 22%
Kunming University of Science and Technology 19,500 RMB - 33,000 RMB 10%
Dali University 22,000 RMB -1%
Yunnan University of Finance and Economics 23,000 RMB - 39,000 RMB -6%
Kunming Medical University 40,000 RMB -85%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 21,600 RMB for universities in Yunnan.

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1. Yunnan University

Yunnan University was established in 1922, making it one of the oldest comprehensive universities in China’s southwest region. It has two campuses, located in Chenggong and Donglu in Kunming City. The university currently has more than 26,000 students across its degree programs in Science, Technology, Fine Arts, Agriculture, and Business Administration.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Yunnan University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 8,000 RMB to 12,000 RMB annually for their master's degree.

2. Yunnan Normal University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Yunnan Normal University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Yunnan Normal University is 17,000 RMB to 18,500 RMB.

Every institution has its key features. For Yunnan Normal University, it is an excellent school for students who want to pursue a degree in teaching Chinese. One of its top-rated academic programs is Teaching Chinese to Speakers of other Languages. Aside from that, domestic and international students can choose from a broad spectrum of programs. Currently, the university offers over 90 undergraduate programs and more than 100 postgraduate programs.

3. Kunming University of Science and Technology

Kunming University of Science and Technology, one of China’s Top 100, is the largest public institution in Yunnan Province. It is also the only polytechnic university in the area and offers more than 300 courses in engineering, science, medicine, law, arts, and other disciplines. The institution comprises three campuses.

The tuition fee at Kunming University of Science and Technology for incoming international master’s students is 19,500 RMB to 33,000 RMB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Dali University

Another affordable university to consider in Yunnan is Dali University.

Dali University was established in 2001 and is located in the province of Yunnan. The institution is comprised of different schools and research institutes. Under these, there are around 49 bachelor’s programs and 28 postgraduate programs.

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

5. Yunnan University of Finance and Economics

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Yunnan University of Finance and Economics 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.

Yunnan University of Finance and Economics is a higher education institution that is specialized in areas of study, such as management and economics. There are also courses in other disciplines like liberal arts, law, and sciences.  Students interested can look into various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

6. Kunming Medical University

Kunming Medical University is a specialized public institution and leading medical school in Yunnan, China. It started as a part of the now Yunnan University but has since become independent and grown into the most prominent medical institution in the province. Several programs are offered, some of which are English-taught.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Yunnan 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 Yunnan?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Yunnan. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Yunnan is the Dali University, which offers Medical Imaging Studies, Herbal Science, and Legal Studies to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Dali University offers Surgery, Forensic Medicine, and Chinese Ethnic Economy.

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

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

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