How much does it cost to study in mainland China?

Sponsored by Duke Kunshan University 

Studying abroad in mainland China might be more affordable than you think. With readily available scholarships, a low cost of living and opportunities to work while you study, there are plenty of ways to study in China for a reasonable cost. 

Located in Kunshan, in the Jiangsu province of mainland China, Duke Kunshan University was established in 2013 as a partnership of the US’s Duke University and China’s Wuhan University.  

Today, Duke Kunshan University is a highly selective university that offers four-year bachelor’s degree programmes and five internationally recognised master’s programmes. All programmes award degrees of Duke University, which ranks in the global top 50, according to the most recent QS World University Rankings. 

But how much will studying at a globally renowned university in mainland China cost you? Read on to find out… 

Why study in China? 

In mainland China, you can get a US-style education and receive a US-accredited degree, without the high cost of living in the US. There are also a greater number of scholarships available for students, so although tuition fees can seem high initially, they may not be as bad as they seem.  

You’ll also have all of the benefits of studying in China: experiencing a rich culture, visiting historical cities, and maybe even learning a new language.  

Mainland China is also incredibly diverse, and this is reflected in its international university community. At Duke Kunshan, for example, 70 percent of faculty and 30 percent of students are international. Students will get the opportunity to learn and socialise in Duke Kunshan’s 200-acre, state-of-the-art campus and enjoy Kunshan’s picturesque lakes, rivers, and forests. 

Costs to take into account when studying in mainland China  

If studying in mainland China sounds appealing to you, you may be wondering how much to budget. When putting together a budget, make sure to take into account the cost of tuition, accommodation, transportation and food, as well as other miscellaneous costs such as phone bills and insurance. 

Tuition costs in mainland China 

Traditional Chinese universities may offer programmes with very low tuition fees, but these programmes usually require a proficiency in Chinese.    

If you choose to study at Duke Kunshan University, you will receive an immersion in Chinese culture with a western-style education.  

Duke Kunshan University graduate programmes charge the same rates of tuition as Duke University in the US, as students will graduate with Duke University degrees. As a result, students can expect to pay US$42,750 to 60,500 (approximately £35,300 to 50,000 depending on the programme) per year for their graduate school tuition, based on DKU’s 2022 tuition costs. 

However, to make up for this additional cost, Duke Kunshan offers scholarships, work opportunities, and financial aid to international students, including:  

• Merit-based scholarship: All applicants are automatically considered for available scholarships, including full scholarships. Applicants who apply before the priority deadline will have a better chance of getting a higher scholarship. So far, 100 percent of admitted international students at Duke Kunshan graduate programmes were awarded scholarships.   
• Research assistant (RA) or teaching assistant (TA) opportunities: Students can apply for RA or TA positions at DKU, which pay 40-75 RMB per hour (~ £5 to £9). 
• Administration student worker: Students can also apply for administrative jobs in the university, such as residence assistant, which provides a chance to live on campus for free in addition to stipends.  
• The university also provides various funding and grants which students can apply for.  

Accommodation costs in mainland China  

The accommodation costs will vary depending on where in mainland China you decide to study and whether you decide to live on campus or off campus. Most students in the first year of their programme choose to live on campus in university operated housing, allowing them to meet new friends and be close to campus.  

At Duke Kunshan University, an on-campus dorm room will set you back approximately ¥1,480 to ¥2,200 per month (~£175 to £260). Off-campus housing is generally cheaper, costing approximately ¥3,000 to ¥4,660 (~ £350 to £550) per month for a three-bedroom apartment. 

Check the university’s website to find out the exact costs of on-campus student accommodation as this will vary.

Transportation costs in mainland China  

Mainland China is very well connected, with most cities accessible in less than six hours by train and low costs for public transportation. Some universities, including Duke Kunshan University, even offer free school shuttle buses from dorms and nearby locations to the university. 

If you are looking to use public transportation around the cities, a bus ticket will cost around 1¥ to 2¥ per ride (approx.10p to 20p). Alternatively, taxis are very affordable, costing around 2¥ per kilometre in Kunshan. 

High-speed trains are also very inexpensive, with a 17-minute ride from Kunshan to Shanghai costing approximately £2.90, and a five-hour ride from Kunshan to Beijing costing approximately £67. 

If you’d like to travel to other areas of Asia during your studies, there are plenty of international airports close to every major city. For example, Kunshan has three nearby airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Sunan Shuofang International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. These are easily accessible from the university by bus, taxi, or train.  

Cost of food in mainland China 

Mainland China’s food is enjoyed all around the world. If you’re studying in China, you will want to make the most of it by trying the local cuisine. In Kunshan, for example, Suzhou dishes characterised by their soft, sweet flavour are the most popular. 

Duke Kunshan University estimates that each meal on campus will cost approximately 15¥ to 30¥ per meal (approx. £1.70 to £3.50). Off campus, the university estimates that you should budget approximately 2,000¥ per month (approximately £235) for food. 

Additional costs   

Be sure to consider additional costs when putting together your budget, such as books, supplies, phone bills, etc. Duke Kunshan University recommends budgeting around £2,675 per year for this. Additionally, insurance will cost around £1,517 per year.