At a glance
China, by the numbers
#13 + #14
Peking & Tsinghua Universities — two of the world's top 15
QS World University Rankings 2027
#12
Beijing — the year's biggest riser, up 19 places
QS Best Student Cities 2027
50,000 km
of high-speed rail — about two-thirds of the world total
China State Railway, 2025
59
UNESCO World Heritage Sites — second only to Italy
UNESCO, 2024
Field notes
- Mandarin has more native speakers than any other language — around 940 million
- The Great Wall stretches 21,196 km — farther than the flight from Beijing to Buenos Aires
Highlights
Why China
China opens the door to the world's largest education system and a landscape of opportunities for ambitious students. With thousands of English-taught programs, tuition far lower than most Western universities, and cities where ancient history meets cutting-edge technology, China offers an experience as diverse as its geography.
The world's fastest-rising universities
Tsinghua and Peking now rival the Ivy League.
Mandarin where it's spoken most
Immersion in the language 1.4 billion people use daily.
A resume line that stands out
China experience signals ambition to every global employer.
History at a scale nowhere else matches
The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, 5,000 years deep.
Programs
Programs in China
2-Week Asia Pathway China Summer School Program
Partner University
Learn Mandarin in Beijing and explore Xi'an.
3-Week Asia Pathway China Summer School Program
Partner University
Learn Mandarin in Beijing and explore Xi'an and Tianjin.
China TEFL Certification & Teaching
International TEFL Academy Shanghai
Get TEFL certified in Shanghai. Coming soon.
Budget planning
Cost of living in China
Typical monthly costs for an international student.
*Prices are estimates based on available sources and may vary by location, lifestyle, and availability.
Dive deeper
Detailed breakdowns, housing, and money-saving tips for students.
Visa Information
Visa at a Glance
Visa type
X2 Student Visa (study ≤180 days)
- Processing time
- 4-10 working days
- Work rights
- Not permitted
- Funds needed
- Per program — CNY 30,000–60,000 (~$4,200–8,300) common for short language courses
- Short-course funds mirror the language figures; X2 still needs the JW202 issued by the school.
Key requirements
- Application form — Short-program form
- Academic records — Per program
- Proof of language — Often none
- Financial proof — Per program
- Passport — 6+ months validity
- Application fee — Per program
Guides & Articles
Guides & articles for China
Complete GuideWhy Study in China? 10 Reasons to Choose China
Ten grounded reasons to consider studying in China, from academic choice and Mandarin immersion to scholarships, cities, transport, and cultural learning.
Read the guide
ScholarshipsChinese Government Scholarship: The Complete Guide to Fully Funded Study in China in 2026
GuidesLeading Universities in China: How International Students Should Compare Them
Student LifeStudent Housing in China: Dorms, Apartments, and Where to Live
Language