China has been touted as the world’s fastest growing economy and many students wish to study in China to learn more about the history of the country and to be able to take advantage of the growth story of China. The government of China is making strong efforts to promote higher education by increasing university funding with the aim of making China a scientific and academic world leader.
The living costs in most cities in China is relatively cheap and the standard of living is high. There are an increasing number of universities in China which are internationally well known, and students can study in English in these institutions. Academic degrees awarded by the top Chinese universities are now widely recognised in developed countries, and students who take advantage of their time studying in China to learn the language are at a significant advantage in applying for jobs in businesses looking to develop trade with China.
Tsinghua University established in 1911 is a research university located in Beijing. It is the top-ranked university in the Chinese mainland according to the QS World University Rankings 2021. Arts, literature, science, medicine, engineering, law and social sciences programmes are offered at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level. Prominent Chinese leaders are among the alumni.
Peking University formerly known as the Imperial University of Peking was established in 1898 and is located in Beijing. It is the second-ranked university in the Chinese mainland according to the QS World University Rankings 2021. The university offers courses at the bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral levels in the fields of humanities, social sciences, engineering, economics and management among others.
Founded in 1905, Fudan University is a public university located in Shanghai. It is the third-ranked university in the Chinese mainland according to the QS World University Rankings 2021. The university is well-known for its rigorous academic studies and liberal atmosphere. The university’s alumni are located all over the world including Japan, Canada, United States, Australia.
Established in 1896, Shanghai Jiao Tong University is a public university located in Shanghai. It is the fourth-ranked university in the Chinese mainland according to the QS World University Rankings 2021. This university is one of the oldest universities in China. The university offers programmes in life sciences and biotechnology, engineering, MBA and Finance amongst other disciplines.
Each of these cities offers distinct advantages depending on your interests, whether they lie in academic excellence, historical exploration, or cultural immersion.
GRE/GMAT: These are generally required for graduate programmes, especially in fields such as business (for GMAT) or science and engineering (for GRE). The requirements vary by university and programme, so it's important to check the specific requirements of the institution you're applying to.
IELTS: Many universities require proof of English proficiency for international students. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is commonly accepted. Some universities might also accept TOEFL scores. For undergraduate programmes, this is often necessary if the medium of instruction is English.
Mandarin Language Requirement: For programmes taught in Mandarin, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in Chinese. This can be through the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) test, which assesses Chinese language skills. However, many universities offer courses in English and do not require Mandarin proficiency for those programmes.
You will need to provide authenticated copies of your high school diploma or college degree, along with official transcripts. These documents should be translated into English or Chinese if they are not already in those languages.
Most universities will require a Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement. This document should detail your academic and career goals, why you are interested in studying at that particular university, and how the programme aligns with your aspirations.
Typically, you will need to submit two or three recommendation letters. These should come from individuals who can vouch for your academic abilities, such as teachers, professors, or employers.
A current resume or CV is often required, outlining your academic background, work experience, and any relevant extracurricular activities or achievements.
A valid passport is essential for international students. Ensure your passport is up-to-date and has sufficient validity to cover the duration of your studies.
After receiving an admission offer, you will need to apply for a student visa (X visa) to study in China. This usually involves attending a visa interview at the Chinese embassy or consulate in India. You’ll need to provide documents such as your admission letter, passport, visa application form, and proof of financial means.
The first step is university selection. Based on your profile and the course you wish to study, Dr Gupta will personally mark a list of universities for you. Keeping this list in mind, we will be able to determine the requirements for applications. After you have finalized your university list, you can move on to the next step.
A few months after your application has been submitted, universities will get back to you with their answers. You will be notified over email or university website about the outcome of your application. We will discuss these outcomes with you in detail and keep your priorities in mind, we will arrive at the university which you will be attending.
Once your visa application is accepted, before you leave to study abroad we have a pre departure workshop where we talk to you about insurance, loans, ticketing, medical requirements and other issues. The pre-departure session along with a networking session will help you prepare for every aspect of studying abroad you will initially come across when you fly to your university.
The cost of living in China for Indian students can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Here's a general breakdown:
University Dorms: Typically range from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per month. University dorms are generally cheaper and offer basic amenities.
Private Apartments: Can range from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per month, depending on the city and location.
Eating at university cafeterias or local eateries might cost around ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per month.
Dining out or cooking at home could range from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
Utilities (electricity, water, internet) can cost around ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per month.
Public transportation costs are relatively low, ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per month.
This includes things like leisure activities, personal items, and medical expenses, and can vary widely but might be around ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per month.
Overall, a monthly budget for an Indian student in China could range from ₹30,000 to ₹70,000, depending on the city and personal lifestyle. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai tend to be more expensive compared to smaller cities or towns.
Fees vary from institution to institution but on average tuition fees are about 35,000 Yuan per year and average living expenses are about 10,000 Yuan per year. The most popular and prestigious courses attract larger fees.
Scholarships are rare in China and students have to bear their entire education and living expenses. However, there are some bursaries and scholarships for international students offered by some institutions. Seek guidance from an overseas education consultant experienced in funding applications to find university scholarships and maximise chances of having them awarded.
The China student visa is granted for a period of 3 months and is a single entry visa. When you enter China you will have to visit the immigration office which will extend the visa to the duration of your studies. In order to obtain a study visa to China you will have to show proof of all your liquid assets and how you plan to pay for your education. These documents will include your income tax papers as well as your bank statements. You may also be required to provide health documents along with your student visa application. The visa process for China can take time and you should therefore apply early.
International students can work in China once they have been hired by a company. Getting employment for international students in China is not easy due to stiff competition from local Chinese students. However, if you can show relevant language and overseas business experience you will find yourself at an advantage.
Dr. Karan Gupta: From Counselor to Cover Star on Femina Magazine It&rsqu...
Ireland has emerged as a popular destination for Indian students seeking quality...