China Universities – FAQs for ASEAN Students

  • Some of the most prestigious universities include:

    • Tsinghua University

    • Peking University

    • Fudan University

    • Shanghai Jiao Tong University

    • Zhejiang University

    These universities are globally ranked and highly competitive.

  • Most universities accept:

    • A-Level / STPM

    • High school certificates (varies by country)

    • Foundation or diploma (for some programmes)

    Requirements differ depending on the university and programme.

  • It depends on your programme:

    • Chinese-taught programmes: HSK 4–6 required

    • English-taught programmes: No HSK required, but IELTS/TOEFL may be needed

    Some universities offer foundation Chinese courses before degree programmes.

  • Estimated annual costs:

    • Tuition fees: USD 2,000 – 8,000

    • Living expenses: USD 3,000 – 6,000

    China is one of the most affordable study destinations compared to Western countries.

  • Yes, there are many options:

    • Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

    • Provincial / city scholarships

    • University scholarships

    Many ASEAN students receive partial or full scholarships.

    • Top universities (e.g. Tsinghua, Peking): Highly competitive

    • Mid-tier universities: Moderate difficulty

    • International-friendly universities: More accessible

    Admission depends on academic results and programme demand.

  • Yes, China is a popular destination for MBBS:

    • English-taught programmes available

    • More affordable than Western countries

    However, students must ensure the degree is recognised in their home country.

    Examples:

    • China Medical University

    • Nanjing Medical University

  • Generally:

    • Part-time work is restricted for international students

    • Some internships may be allowed with university approval

    Students should not rely on part-time income.

    • On-campus dormitories (most common)

    • Off-campus apartments

    Dormitories are affordable and convenient for international students.

  • Yes, students must apply for a Chinese Student Visa (X1/X2).

    Universities provide the required documents (JW202/JW201 forms).

  • China offers opportunities in:

    • International trade

    • Technology and manufacturing

    • Chinese companies expanding globally

    Graduates with Mandarin skills have a strong advantage.

  • Typical intake:

    • September (main intake)

    • Some universities offer March intake

    Application timeline:

    • January – June (recommended)

    • Affordable tuition and living costs

    • Strong government scholarships

    • Rapidly growing global economy

    • Opportunity to learn Mandarin

    • Wide range of universities and programmes

    • Top academic students → Tsinghua, Peking, Fudan

    • Balanced option → Zhejiang, Shanghai Jiao Tong

    • Affordable & accessible → Shanghai University, Jinan University

    • Medical pathway → China Medical, Nanjing Medical

    • Language + business → Beijing Language and Culture University

    • Programme language (Chinese vs English)

    • Degree recognition in home country

    • Quality differences between universities

    • City living costs (Beijing/Shanghai higher)

China Universities – FAQs for ASEAN Students

1. What are the top universities in China?

Some of the most prestigious universities include:

  • Tsinghua University

  • Peking University

  • Fudan University

  • Shanghai Jiao Tong University

  • Zhejiang University

These universities are globally ranked and highly competitive.

2. What qualifications do I need to apply?

Most universities accept:

  • A-Level / STPM

  • High school certificates (varies by country)

  • Foundation or diploma (for some programmes)

Requirements differ depending on the university and programme.

3. Do I need Chinese language proficiency (HSK)?

It depends on programme:

  • Chinese-taught programmes: HSK 4–6 required

  • English-taught programmes: No HSK required, but IELTS/TOEFL may be needed

Some universities offer foundation Chinese courses before degree programmes

4. How much does it cost to study in China?

Estimated annual costs:

  • Tuition fees: USD 2,000 – 8,000

  • Living expenses: USD 3,000 – 6,000

China is one of the most affordable study destinations compared to Western countries.

5. Is it difficult to get into Chinese universities?

  • Top universities (e.g. Tsinghua, Peking): Highly competitive

  • Mid-tier universities: Moderate difficulty

  • International-friendly universities: More accessible

Admission depends on academic results and programme demand.

6. Can I study medicine (MBBS) in China?

Yes, China is a popular destination for MBBS:

  • English-taught programmes available

  • More affordable than Western countries

However, students must ensure the degree is recognised in their home country.

Examples:

  • China Medical University

  • Nanjing Medical University