Financial Planning

Managing Your Student Finances in China

Plan your budget effectively with this guide to tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, and financial requirements for studying in China.

China Student Money Guide

Plan tuition, living costs and funding for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 study years

Monthly Budget Overview

CNY

AccommodationCNY 1,800

Food & GroceriesCNY 30 to CNY 60 a day

Utilities & InternetCNY 50 to CNY 100

Yearly Tuition (examples)

CNY 19,800 to CNY 40,000

Chinese-taught bachelor's and master's programmes at Zhejiang University (ZJU) and Tsinghua University, not counting medicine. English-taught, medical and business programmes cost more. Prices are in Chinese yuan (CNY, also called RMB).

Living Costs Calculator

Finance Topics

Money Topics

Read each guide to plan your money for China.

Tuition Fees

Complete breakdown of tuition costs across universities in China

Key information

Program-wise fee structure
Public vs private universities
Additional academic costs
Payment schedules and methods

Learn More

Living Costs

Comprehensive guide to living expenses and budgeting in China

Key information

Accommodation costs by city
Food and daily expenses
Transportation costs
Personal and entertainment budget

Learn More

Financial Proof

Documentation and requirements for proving financial capacity

Key information

Required financial documentation
Bank statement requirements
Sponsor documents
University-specific requirements

Learn More

Scholarships

Available scholarships and funding opportunities for international students

Key information

Government scholarships
University-specific funding
Merit-based opportunities
Application deadlines and process

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Student Jobs

Work opportunities and regulations for international students

Key information

Work permit regulations
On-campus job opportunities
Part-time work options
Post-graduation work rights

Learn More

Budget Overview

Plan Your Budget

Example costs.

Example Monthly Costs in Tianjin

Housing, food and phone for one student

Essential Monthly Expenses

Accommodation

CNY 1,800

Nankai campus housing, a month

Food & Groceries

CNY 30 to CNY 60 a day

Food and drink

Utilities & Internet

CNY 50 to CNY 100

Phone, a month

Costs vary significantly based on location and lifestyle. Figures are estimates and subject to change.

Money Management

Bank Cards in China

A Chinese bank card lets you pay with WeChat or Alipay. Almost all Chinese banks open cards for students from other countries.

Papers to Open a Bank Account

Valid passport
Proof of where you live, such as your dormitory (student housing) registration

Proof that you are a student at the university
Your contact details

Money Transfer & Payment Methods

Options for receiving and sending money internationally

Money Transfer Options

Bank Wire Transfers

Traditional bank-to-bank transfers using SWIFT/BIC codes.

Secure

Reliable

Higher fees

Money Transfer Services

Services like Wise, Remitly, Western Union, and MoneyGram.

Lower fees

Better exchange rates

App-based tracking

Common Payment Methods

Cash

Keep some cash on hand for small purchases and emergency situations. ATMs are widely available.

Smart Financial Tips

Expert advice to help you manage your finances effectively while studying in china

Budgeting

Add tuition, housing, insurance and the fee for your China stay permit (the card that lets you live in China) to see your real first-year cost.

Use your campus card (a student card you top up with money) in canteens (the university's cheap dining halls). A canteen lunch usually costs CNY 10 to CNY 20.

Fees

Pay fees in Chinese yuan. If the dollar or rupee rate changes, ZJU (Zhejiang University) asks you to pay the missing money when you arrive.

If you pay your own tuition, it is usually not refunded.

Scholarships

Apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship (money from China's government for foreign students) together with your admission application.

Check city scholarships such as the Beijing and Shanghai Government Scholarships.

Pro Tips for china

Currency Management

• Monitor exchange rates and transfer money when rates are favorable
• Use multi-currency cards to avoid conversion fees
• Keep some local cash (CNY) for emergencies

Local Financial Culture

• Learn about local tipping customs and practices
• Understand tax obligations for international students
• Explore local student financial support programs

Remember: Financial planning is key to a successful study abroad experience. Start planning early and don't hesitate to seek advice from financial advisors or your university's international student services.