Study in China: why more students are choosing it
Top-ranked universities, generous scholarships, Mandarin skills that open doors globally, and one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Here’s why more students are choosing China.
China has long been known as one of the world’s largest sources of international students. What’s changed is the direction of travel. Increasingly, students from Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and Africa are choosing to study in China rather than simply looking past it.
The reasons are compelling: world-ranked universities, a growing number of English-taught programs, some of the most generous government scholarships available to international students anywhere, and the practical advantage of building Mandarin skills while living in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. Here’s a full breakdown of what’s driving the trend.
Chinese universities are rising fast in global rankings
One of the clearest signals of China’s growing appeal as a study abroad destination is the trajectory of its universities in global rankings. The numbers are striking.
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Mainland China has 72 ranked institutions — the third highest after the United States (192) and the United Kingdom (90).
Chinese universities‘ strength in research and reputation has been a key driver of ranking improvements: 71% improved in citations per faculty and 64% in employer reputation in the 2026 rankings. For students who care about where their degree is recognised by employers, that trend matters.
You don’t need to speak Mandarin to study in China
One of the most common misconceptions about studying in China is the language barrier. The reality has changed significantly.
In 2026, there is a wide range of English-taught programs available across Chinese universities in business, engineering, computer science, international relations, design, and other fields. Many of China’s top universities offer full degree programs and exchange semester courses taught entirely in English, making study in China accessible to students who don’t yet speak Mandarin.
Most universities also offer free or subsidised Mandarin language courses alongside English-taught programs, which gives students the option to pick up the language during their time there without it being a prerequisite for admission.
You can study entirely in English, attend free Mandarin classes on the side, and graduate with both a recognised degree and a language skill that sets you apart. That combination is genuinely hard to find elsewhere.
The Mandarin advantage in the job market
Even basic Mandarin proficiency carries real career value. Employers increasingly prefer bilingual professionals fluent in English and Mandarin, and that language combination can improve salary prospects by 20 to 30%. China’s economic footprint spans trade, technology, finance, and manufacturing, and companies operating internationally are actively looking for people who can bridge that gap.
Mandarin is spoken by over one billion people. It is the language of the world’s second-largest economy and one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Picking it up while studying abroad in China is both a practical and a strategic advantage.
China’s scholarship offer is genuinely exceptional
China has one of the most generous government scholarship programs for international students in the world, and it is consistently underutilised by students from Western countries who simply aren’t aware of it.
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The Chinese Government Scholarship, administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), is the flagship program. A full CSC scholarship covers tuition fees, on-campus accommodation, a monthly living allowance of CNY 2,500 to 3,500 (approximately €320 to €450 per month depending on study level), comprehensive medical insurance, and a one-time travel allowance. That is a package worth up to $30,000 USD per year for some recipients!
There are currently over 50,000 international students in China on scholarships, and that number is growing year on year. The CSC covers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across a wide range of fields.
The new STEM visa
To improve their intake of international students, Mainland China is introducing a new STEM visa to make it easier for students hoping to study science, technology, engineering, or medicine to gain entry to one of their top institutions. This is a significant policy shift that makes China considerably more accessible for students in those fields.
The cost of living is lower than most students expect
China’s two most internationally prominent student cities, Shanghai and Beijing, have a reputation for being expensive. The reality for international students is more nuanced.
A student living in a university dormitory, eating at the university canteen, and using public transport can manage on as little as CNY 4,000 to 4,500 per month in Shanghai — roughly €500 to €560. University canteens typically serve full meals for CNY 8 to 20, among the cheapest institutional food options of any major city in the world.
China is investing heavily in future-facing programs
One of the most compelling reasons to study in China right now is the nature of what’s being taught there. China is not just a leading destination for business and language study. It is increasingly a global leader in the fields that will define the next decade.
Artificial intelligence and technology
China is a recognised global leader in AI, and universities are embedding these skills across engineering, finance, and healthcare programs. Beihang University now offers a dedicated Master’s Program in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data under the Chinese Government Scholarship, covering IoT perception, data science, and intelligent computing.
In April 2026, the United Nations University and Tsinghua University launched a joint AI ethics research hub to develop global governance standards and run graduate programs, training future leaders for international organisations. For students in tech, policy, or international relations, that is a genuinely significant development.
Emerging interdisciplinary fields
Chinese universities are introducing interdisciplinary degrees that combine technology, innovation, and sustainability, preparing students for careers that make a global impact. The shift is from studying what’s available in China to studying what you specifically want, in a country that is actively shaping the fields that matter most.
What studying in Shanghai actually looks like day to day
Shanghai is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities — a skyline that rivals New York, a food scene that spans every cuisine imaginable, and a cultural depth that rewards every week you spend there. It’s a city that moves fast and rewards curiosity.
Getting around is easy. Shanghai’s metro system is one of the most extensive and affordable in the world, with monthly transport costs staying well under CNY 200 to 300 for most students. High-speed rail connects Shanghai to Beijing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and dozens of other cities for weekend trips that are genuinely cheap and effortless.
Shanghai University has a well-established international student community, with dedicated offices for international students, English-language support services, and an active social scene that makes settling in considerably easier than arriving somewhere with no existing network.
Study in China with Asia Exchange
Asia Exchange partners with Shanghai University, one of China’s well-regarded institutions, offering a semester abroad program focused on Chinese language, culture, economics, and international trade. All courses are taught in English, up to 30 ECTS credits are available per semester, and program fees start from €2,490 per semester, making it one of the most accessible entry points into studying in China available through Asia Exchange.
For students who want the experience of living and studying in China without committing to a full degree, a semester in Shanghai is one of the best ways to experience everything this destination has to offer, from the academic environment and the cultural depth to the food, the cities, and the career-relevant language skills that come from simply being there.