Cost in China

Key Takeaways

• Average annual tuition: $3,100 - $11,100 per year
• Monthly living expenses: $850 - $1,000 (big cities); $550 - $750 (smaller cities)
• Health insurance: ≈50 RMB per month (600 RMB per year)
• Visa proof of funds: Varies by visa; amount set by consulate or university
• Application fee: $150 one-time
• Visa, medical exam and initial processing: $250 - $350 one-time
• Mobile phone plan (monthly): 15.39 EUR per month
• Home internet (monthly): 11.58 EUR per month

Tuition Fees

• Average tuition for international students ranges from $3,100 to $11,100 per year.
• Fees vary by program and institution type.
• Expect lower fees for language and some arts programs.
• Expect higher fees for medicine and some professional degrees.
• Application fee: $150 one-time.

Living Costs (monthly and Annual)

• Monthly living costs depend on city size: $850–$1,000 in big cities and $550–$750 in smaller cities.
• Total estimated living cost per year is reported between $8,650 and $28,190.
• Rent ranges: student dormitories $150–$400 per month; city flats $300–$1,000 per month.
• Monthly utilities are about $80–$140.
• Food costs are about $1,800–$2,500 per year; university meals often cost 15 RMB or less.
• Living with a host family is commonly $300–$550 per month.

Verified Cost Data (monthly)

Use these verified monthly reference points from Numbeo when you build a budget.

Housing (monthly)

Markets (food Prices)

Transportation (monthly)

Sports & Leisure

Other Fees and One-off Costs

• Visa, medical exam and initial processing cost about $250–$350 one-time.
• Health insurance premium is 600 RMB per year (≈50 RMB per month) and is mandatory for registration at many universities.
• Mobile phone plan commonly costs 15.39 EUR per month; home internet about 11.58 EUR per month.
• Expect small extra fees: university registration, student union fees, and course materials. Amounts vary by institution.

Budget Example and Quick Steps to Create Your Plan

• Front-load the monthly totals when you plan. Use the Numbeo housing figure ($314) as a minimum base for a studio-level setup including utilities and internet.
• Example monthly budget for a smaller city:
• Rent and utilities: $314 (verified housing proxy) or $150–$400 for dorms.
• Food: $150–$210 (annual $1,800–$2,500 divided monthly).
• Transport: $22 (monthly pass, verified).
• Mobile + internet: 15.39 EUR + 11.58 EUR.
• Total example monthly: roughly $550–$750 in smaller cities.
• Steps to build your personal budget:

1. List tuition and mandatory fees per year.
2. Add verified monthly living figures (use $314 housing + $18 groceries + $22 transport as a baseline).
3. Add annual health insurance (600 RMB) and one-off visa costs ($250–$350).
4. Add a safety buffer of one to two months' living costs for arrival and setup.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to study in China?

Tuition typically ranges from $3,100 to $11,100 per year. Monthly living costs are about $850–$1,000 in big cities and $550–$750 in smaller cities. One-off pre-arrival costs often add $250–$350.

What is the monthly living cost I should budget?

Budget $850–$1,000 per month in major cities and $550–$750 in smaller cities. Use the Numbeo baseline of $314 for housing, $18 for groceries, and $22 for public transport as starting points.

How much is mandatory health insurance?

Health insurance premium is reported as 600 RMB per year, which is about 50 RMB per month. Many universities require this for registration.

What one-off fees should I expect before arrival?

Expect an application fee of $150 and visa-related costs including medical checks of about $250–$350. Universities may also require registration fees on arrival.

Are there lower-cost housing options for students?

Yes. Student dormitories typically cost $150–$400 per month. City flats start around $300 per month and rise to $1,000 depending on location and size.

Explore more

• Study in China
• Student visa for China
• Student life in China
• Education system in China
• Scholarships in China