So let’s get right to it—you want the scoop on the best places to study abroad for cheap, and one country is creeping, or more appropriately, heel kicking its way to the top of the list. Say nǐ hǎo to affordable study abroad in China!
Yes, there are some seriously cheap study abroad programs in China, but most importantly, it’s rich in ancient history, practices like martial arts, legends of dragons that symbolize luck and nobility, and of course some tasty TASTY cuisine.
Is an affordable program in China too good to be true? No way! We ain’t lying.
Great wall? Great savings!
China is an increasingly popular destination for students all around the world. It’s not only huge in population, but HUGE in cheap study abroad programs! The Chinese government is investing heavily in international students these days, so you can study in almost any city and be met with people from all over China, and all over the world.
These low cost programs are high in opportunity and experience. Call yourself a badass when you return home speaking Mandarin (the third most popular language to learn in the world), and dive into Chinese cuisine that blows PF Changs out of the running of even being called “Chinese” food.
Read on to learn how to study abroad in China for cheap!
Can I afford to study abroad in China?
Some experiences in China *are* worth splurging a little more on
It’s looking like you’ve been granted a good fortune, because the answer to that is YES! China happens to have amazing study abroad programs for students that are very affordable.
Since you’re probably on a student budget, we know that’s what you want to hear, and China is offering up all kinds of cheap study abroad programs that are bound to get you out of bed and onto a flight to the other side of the world!
You may be wondering how much money you’ll have to dish up to get a good study abroad. We know you’d rather be dishing up some fried mashi, and you will be!
China may be the home of the world’s second largest economy, but being a developing nation means your U.S. bucks will get you a long way in regards to housing, tuition, and cost of food. Depending on which major city you’re in, your costs could be even lower if the area is more rural and less populated.
Program lengths also vary when it comes to a study abroad in China, and semester long programs tend to be cheaper in China than other study abroad destinations!
There are numerous summer options as well if you’re looking for a quick getaway, but don’t rule out semester programs because they just might be cheaper than your university tuition in the States.
Now you're asking, “what can help me afford this?” It’s recommended to start your journey with some savings, but you’re not alone if you can’t cover the cost yourself.
There are over 800 study abroad scholarships to apply for on GoAbroad.com, and it doesn’t hurt to try and land some free money!
Or take the plunge and join other aspiring travelers like yourself and start your own campaign with FundMyTravel. It’s easy to get started, and you never know who may want to help you conquer your dream.
There are lots of tips and tricks you should know before you venture off to this great big country. Check out this helpful guide for more information before you cheap study abroad program in China begins.
6 ways to study abroad in China for almost free
1. Go Abroad China: Learn Chinese at Beijing Language and Culture University
For students searching for maximum academic impact on a budget, studying at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) is the gold standard. Known colloquially as the "Mini-United Nations," BLCU is China's top-ranked institution for teaching Mandarin to international students. Go Abroad China makes this prestigious education highly affordable by bundling university tuition with comprehensive support, including safe, comfortable student housing, visa assistance, and 24/7 on-site help. It is an incredibly cost-effective option that allows budget-conscious travelers to experience deep cultural immersion in China's historic capital while earning highly respected language credentials.
- Where: Beijing
- Cost: ~ $3,380 for 4 weeks
- Read program reviews
2. Asia Exchange - Shanghai University
If you’re looking to extend your adventure abroad for more than just a summer study abroad in China, look no further than this cheap semester program! When you study at Shanghai University you get introduced to the Chinese language as well as culture, trade law and foreign policy, business, and social science. A plus to the affordable program price that includes housing and tuition? You get to transfer a whole semester's worth of college credits! Yay!
- Where: Shanghai
- Cost: ~ $2000 per semester
- Read program reviews
3. WorldStrides: Study Abroad in Shanghai
If you want to boost your resume at an elite institution without breaking the bank, spending a month at Fudan University is a phenomenal choice. As a member of China's prestigious C9 League (the equivalent of the Ivy League), Fudan offers a premier academic setting right in the vibrant Yangpu District of Shanghai. This budget-conscious summer program gives you access to over 120 English-taught courses in business, international relations, and the humanities, alongside optional intensive Mandarin classes. The program delivers great value by pairing top-tier academics with built-in cultural perks like dumpling-making classes, tai chi lessons, a Huangpu River cruise, and dedicated local student buddies to help you adapt seamlessly to life in Shanghai.
- Where: Shanghai
- Cost: ~ $7,950
- Read program reviews
4. XMandarin Chinese Language School
If your budget is tight but you still want a highly structured, immersive language experience, XMandarin’s small-group courses offer incredible value. Operating out of fantastic, budget-friendly Chinese cities like Qingdao, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, this program avoids the premium price tags of Beijing or Shanghai while delivering high-quality education.The curriculum splits time between practical daily conversational skills and character building, capping group sizes at just a few students to ensure you get personal attention. Beyond the affordability of the tuition, the school packs extra value into your stay by hosting free extracurricular cultural activities—ranging from traditional cooking workshops to group hikes in the mountains—giving you plenty of chances to practice your Mandarin without spending an extra dime.
- Where: Qingdao, Chengdu, or Hangzhou
- Cost: ~ $284
- Read program reviews
5. USAC China: Chengdu Chinese Language and Culture Studies
Chengdu is the perfect place for students looking to be immersed in the natural beauty China has to offer, all while earning college credit! You’ll be speaking Mandarin like a pro and get the chance to take elective courses that include Chinese cuisine and Tai Chi! Eat amazing food and marvel in the martial arts. Your money gets you far in this cheap study abroad program while ensuring you receive an experience in the country’s high quality education.
- Where: Chengdu
- Cost: ~ $4,680 for four weeks
- Read program reviews
6. Immersion Program - Learn Chinese in China with Chinese Language Institute
There are lots of China study abroad programs that offer courses in language, but this one provides teachings at the most equipped school to learn Mandarin-- the Chinese Language Institute! CLI helps students become fluent by learning in an environment with one-on-one communication, and interaction with actual speakers. The program goes beyond the classroom, and you can choose your desired length so that you don’t break the bank.
- Where: Guilin
- Cost: ~ $2,400 for four weeks
- Read program reviews
None quite right? Browse ALL Cheap Study Abroad Programs in China
More ways to keep your costs for studying in China down
Learn even more ways to study in China for nearly free
More than finding a cheap study abroad program, you’re going to want to adopt a few tactics for keeping your everyday expenses to a minimum.
- Learn to bargain. “Duo shuo qian” means “How much?” and “Tai gui le!” means “Too expensive!” Don’t be afraid of asking for a deal at the market—but keep in mind this is their livelihood, and a couple-kuai difference isn’t going to do you in.
- Nom on street food. Your taste buds AND your wallet will love you for it! From noodles and rice dishes to dumplings galore—not to mention jianbing (fried cakes), hawthorns, and freshly roasted sweet potatoes—you’ll be full, satisfied, and (most importantly) not broke if you primarily eat local.
- Master public transportation. China is deemed to be #winning when it comes to transportation. You may be used to different forms of transit already, but China is far ahead of the U.S. when it comes to the amount of resilient transportation options. Find yourself jetting through the city on electric buses, metro systems, the high-speed rail, OR make that last mile using a bike sharing program. Some bikes are electric, so you can gain speed up to 30 miles per hour. Who would’ve known?!
- Use Apps to manage money. Weixin is an app you’ll want to have at your full disposal. Basically the hottest app in China, Weixin is the way most people communicate with each other, whether that’s messaging or using social networks. But besides being a killer way to stay connected while you’re abroad, it also offers a wallet function that allows you to send money to other users directly from your account. It’s basically a virtual wallet without the hassle--in addition to a perfect way to split a plate of dumplings with a friend! Yum.
You’re on your way to a cheap China study abroad!
It may look fancy, but your life in China doesn’t have to cost you a pretty penny!
Now that you know you can afford to travel to China, a country with history as long as the Great Wall of China itself, you can start planning your amazing study abroad! Preparing for a low cost program will make you feel at ease, but more importantly--excited! You’ve scored on an incredible study abroad in China and you should be proud of that.
Before you go be sure to practice your chopstick using skills, noodle slurping, and start stretching for all the Tai Chi you’re bound to learn! There is so much to explore when you study in China, and you’ll want to see every bit of it. It’s good to know you will have some extra dollars (or Yuan) to spend on your adventure. It may be a long flight around the world, but once you get there you won’t regret your decision. Zàijiàn!
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Haley Corzo
GoAbroad Editorial Intern
Haley is a curious traveler with a keen sense for words and the power they have to influence the world. She was lucky enough to begin traveling the US at a young age with her mom and went on to develop her own passion for traveling when she studied abroad in London. Her deep love for finding sense of place is what drives the bulk of her travels and she hopes to make many more discoveries on her journey.
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