- English-taught programmes and international university partnerships fuel China’s rise as a global study destination.
- Students benefit from world-class education, affordable tuition, and career opportunities in innovation hubs like Suzhou.
- XJTLU exemplifies the East-West educational blend, offering dual degrees and internships with top companies.
- Discover English-taught programmes in China easily through Studyportals – your gateway to global education.
When you think about studying abroad in English, China might not be the first place that comes to mind. However, China is rapidly emerging as an attractive study destination for international students.
With a booming innovation economy, world-class universities, and English-taught degrees, China offers the best of both worlds – global education and a rich cultural experience. In this article, we explore China’s strengths as a study destination, using Xi’an Jiaotong–Liverpool University (XJTLU) as a case study.
You’ll see why more young people worldwide are considering China for university, and how tools like Studyportals can help you discover these opportunities.
Why consider China for your studies?
China has long been a top source of international students for Western universities, but it has recently begun to change its approach. This Asian country is positioning itself as a top destination for students seeking to study abroad. It is also overcoming the language barrier by offering an increasing number of English language degrees. Here are some key reasons to put China on your list:
- World-class education, taught in English: Chinese universities are expanding their English-taught programmes every year. In fact, the number of English-medium programmes in China grew by 12% from 2021 to 2023 – from about 2,550 to nearly 2,900 – making China the largest provider of English-taught degrees outside the English-speaking world.
- Many Chinese universities have international partnerships; since 2004, China has established nine Sino-foreign universities (joint ventures with Western institutions), such as XJTLU, the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, and NYU Shanghai. This means you can get a globally recognised degree in China without a language barrier.
- Thriving Innovation & Career Opportunities: Many multinational companies in China seek international talent, so studying there can open doors to internships and jobs at Fortune 500 companies. And it’s not just Beijing or Shenzhen or Suzhou – for example, Chengdu (you probably didn hear of it, but it is home to 20 million people) now ranks 24th among the world’s most innovative cities and hosts over 13,000 high-tech companies.
- Affordable, High-Quality Degrees: Studying in China can be significantly cheaper than in Western countries while still delivering high-quality education. Tuition fees at Chinese universities are considerably lower – an average programme in China might cost between £1,300 and £2,400 per year, compared to over £20,000 per year at a UK university.
- China is investing heavily in higher education (the government plans to build 42 world-class universities by 2050and already has seven universities ranked in the global top 100.
- Rich culture and modern life: Last but not least, choosing China means experiencing a unique blend of ancient culture and contemporary living. Campuses are often located in vibrant cities where modern skyscrapers sit alongside historic temples and gardens. You can immerse yourself in Chinese culture – from language and food to festivals – all while enjoying the amenities of a safe, ultra-modern environment.
- Many universities even offer Mandarin language classes for international students as part of the programme so that you can pick up a new language alongside your degree.
A new wave of International universities in China
China’s higher education landscape is becoming increasingly international. Beyond traditional universities, a new wave of joint venture institutions has transformed the options for foreign students. These universities are set up in partnership with universities from the UK, USA, and other countries, combining the best educational systems. They teach entirely in English and follow international curricula and quality standards.
According to China’s Ministry of Education, there are over 1,000 joint programmes or institutes nationwide in 2024. At least nine independent Sino-foreign cooperative universities have been established on a larger scale since the mid-2000s. This includes examples like:
University of Nottingham Ningbo China (established with the University of Nottingham, UK),
- NYU Shanghai (with New York University, USA),
- Duke Kunshan University (with Duke University, USA),
- Xi’an Jiaotong–Liverpool University (with the University of Liverpool, UK).
Each offers full degree programmes in English, awarded jointly or in parallel with the foreign partner school’s qualifications. For students, this trend means they can earn a degree that is recognized internationally while studying in China.
Case study: XJTLU, A Sino-UK Success Story in Suzhou
Xi’an Jiaotong–Liverpool University (XJTLU) is an excellent example of how Chinese universities are becoming more global. It was founded in 2006 as a partnership between Xi’an Jiaotong University in China and the University of Liverpool in the UK. This means it combines the strengths of both Eastern and Western education.
Here’s why that’s exciting for students: all degree programmes at XJTLU are taught in English. Plus, when you complete an undergraduate degree here, you get two diplomas – one from XJTLU (recognised by China’s Ministry of Education) and one from the University of Liverpool in the UK.
The university offers approximately 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in science, engineering, business, finance, architecture, and urban planning – all taught in English. The campus is home to over 13,000 students and 500 staff members from more than 50 countries, creating a diverse and international environment.
XJTLU is situated in the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), a vast modern district often referred to asChina’s Silicon Valley. It’s home to thousands of companies, including over 120 Fortune 500 companies and high-tech research centres. This makes it a fantastic place for students, with loads of internship and job opportunities at companies like Siemens, KPMG, HSBC, and many others – all just around the corner.
Discovering opportunities with Studyportals
Finding English-taught programmes in China is easier than you might think. Studyportals is a great tool to explore your options. It’s the world’s largest study choice platform, listing over 200,000 English-taught programmes from more than 3,500 universities worldwide.
Explore over 1,400 English-taught Master’s in China
Every year, over 55 million students use Studyportals to compare courses abroad. You can filter programmes by country, subject, degree level, and language of instruction.
Each programme listing includes essential details like course content, entry requirements, fees, and direct links to apply. This makes it much simpler than browsing countless university websites. Plus, you can read student reviews and check rankings, helping you make a confident decision.
As English-taught options in China continue to grow, platforms like Studyportals ensure you don’t miss out on great opportunities. It’s a straightforward way to navigate the global study landscape and find the right fit for you.
In conclusion…
China isn’t just a place for short exchanges or teaching English anymore – it’s a serious study destination where you can earn a degree and kickstart your career. With innovative universities like XJTLU, affordable tuition, and a blend of Eastern and Western education, China has a lot to offer.
If you’re looking for an adventure and a unique educational experience, China might be the perfect choice. Platforms like Studyportals make it easy to explore your options. Your international education journey could start here – why not take a look?
Additional resources:
- Best universities in China
- Affordable universities in China in 2022
- How to get a student visa for China
- How to apply to an international university in China in 2022
- Study abroad in China: all you need to know about tuition and living costs
FAQs
Can I study in English in China?
Yes, many universities in China offer English-taught programmes, especially those with international partnerships like XJTLU.
How do I find English-taught programmes in China?
Use Studyportals to search for programmes by location, subject, and degree level. It’s quick and easy!
Are degrees from Chinese universities recognised internationally?
Yes, especially those from Sino-foreign joint venture universities like XJTLU, which offer dual diplomas.
What are the living costs like?
China’s living costs are generally lower than in Western countries, especially outside major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
