Program language
Chinese or English
Check whether teaching, materials and exams match the language you are ready for.
Life in China
Everything about student life in China
Choosing a city, settling in, budgeting and handling the practical side of living abroad.
Best Cities
Where international students study
Beijing
Capital city, dense university cluster and a classic Mandarin environment.
Shanghai
International business hub with a large expat and student community.
Chongqing
Fast-growing inland megacity known for a lower cost of living.
Guangzhou
Southern trade capital with strong links to Africa and the Middle East.
Shenzhen
China's technology and start-up centre.
Hangzhou
Tech and e-commerce city, famous for the West Lake.
Nanjing
Historic city with a large concentration of universities.
Wuhan
Major student city in central China.
Best Universities
How to compare universities
We do not publish rankings we cannot verify. Instead, compare universities on the factors that actually affect your experience.
University profiles are in preparation. Verified institution data will be published before applications open.
City and cost
Tier 1 vs inland cities
Your monthly budget is often shaped more by the city than by tuition.
International support
Student services
Look at the international office, dormitories and orientation support.
Best Apps
The apps you will use every day
Messaging, payments, mini-programs — the essential app.
Alipay
Payments, transport tickets and utility bills.
Didi
Ride hailing across most Chinese cities.
Meituan
Food delivery, groceries and local services.
Baidu Maps
Navigation and public transport routing.
Trip.com
Trains, flights and hotels for domestic travel.
Cost of Living
Planning a realistic monthly budget
Example ranges only — costs differ significantly between cities and lifestyles.
Dormitory or shared housing800 – 2,500 CNY / month
Food and groceries1,000 – 1,800 CNY / month
Local transport100 – 300 CNY / month
Mobile and internet50 – 150 CNY / month
Personal and leisure300 – 800 CNY / month
Student Guides
Practical guides for your first months
Visa
Guide in preparation
Residence Permit
Guide in preparation
SIM Card
Guide in preparation
Banking
Guide in preparation
Transportation
Guide in preparation
Accommodation
Guide in preparation
Food
Guide in preparation
Healthcare
Guide in preparation
What to Bring to China
Guide in preparation
Planning your move to China?
Let Forasse help you take the first step.