Why Study in China?

China is way ahead of the world in terms of its economy, technology, research and education. Every year, thousands of international students apply to Chinese universities but only a few get through. This article elaborates the reasons on why to study in China for Indian students. 

Studying in China offers a unique combination of high-quality, globally recognised education, particularly in STEM and business courses at a significantly lower cost than Western countries. To get into a Chinese university, taking the Gaokao exam is mandatory for all Chinese students but this conditions is not mandatory for international students. However some universities like the Fudan University and Tsinghua University may ask you to take their own entrance exams after you apply for a bachelor’s course. 

While getting into the top universities in China is very difficult and competitive, international students have a higher probability of getting selected than Chinese students themselves. This is because a certain number of seats at select Chinese universities are meant for international students.

Top Reasons to Study in China for Indian Students

Let’s admit on one thing - very less number of Indian students actually consider China for studying abroad as most major attention is already taken by the conventionally famous and major destinations like the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, France, and Germany. Indian students aspire of studying in the top universities worldwide, such as Oxford, Harvard, MIT and University of Sydney, but little do we know that there are also some universities in China - for which, most aware students even leave their seats from the Harvard or the MITs. Surprised? Well, that’s the power and prestige of the top universities in China. Let’s learn about the top reasons on “Why Study in China” in this article ahead. 

1. The Chinese government spends heavily on funding education for domestic as well as international students. Several partially funded and fully-funded scholarships are facilitated for international students by China Scholarship Council (CSC). In addition, the cost of studying in China, particularly for healthcare, engineering and science related courses. Even the cost of living in China is quite manageable and controllable - as described by many international students in the country.
2. Unlike many nations, Chinese universities are at the epicentre of 5G, AI and robotics development. Studying here provides firsthand experience with the technology shaping the next decade.
3. Even though getting into the top universities of China like the Tsinghua University is considered extremely difficult (a hurdred times more difficult than getting into the IITs), getting into one is really advantageous for you. This is because graduating from one of these universities can get you a high paying job and get acquainted with the latest emerging technologies and build meaningful products. 
4. The research quality in China is one of the best in the world. It is generally said about the Chinese research projects that - they’re thinking way far ahead than where all of us currently are. Another factor is that the Chinese government puts in a lot of money in research projects that show meaningful use and growth prospects for future.
5. Tsinghua/Peking undergrads are often considered as strong as MIT/Harvard peers in raw technical skill.
6. Tuition fees at Chinese universities are low and over 50,000 government scholarships are available for students.
7. The safety and security in China are unparalleled. It’s not common in China for one to just commit a crime and move on. This is because there are cameras installed everywhere and one will have to pay heavy penalty charges or even go to jail if caught off guard by the police. And despite the ongoing global geopolitical tensions, Chinese cities remain very safe for international students with high levels of personal safety.
8. Students experience world-class, futuristic infrastructure (e.g., high-speed rail, smart cities) that provides a glimpse into the future of urban living.
9. The Chinese work culture is extremely competitive, fostering a deep, "no-excuses" sense of ownership and dedication that is different from typical Indian corporate culture. So, if you study from a university in China, all these leadership and self-discipline will be inculcated in your daily habits.
10. People of China are very helpful and accept the international student population with a warm attitude. The only barrier in establishing a good bond with the locals is that - very less number of the locals actually know the English language. It was quoted by a close associate - that if more Chinese people knew the English language or if he had known the Mandarin language himself, then he would have received greater amount of help from them.
11. With Indian and Chinese economies both evolving, studying in China provides a unique perspective on the world's most intense economic competitor. The focus is increasingly on STEM fields, making it ideal for engineers and researchers, provided one is prepared to adapt to a vastly different cultural and, in some cases, restricted digital landscape.
12. While others watch from afar, students in China gain an inside look at the world’s most influential supply chains and global trade hubs.

The benefits of studying in China are so diverse that students can study cutting-edge engineering on Monday and visit a UNESCO heritage site or a 5,000-year-old temple on Tuesday - providing a rare balance of rapid innovation and deep, ancient history.

Top Courses to Study in China in 2026

Students studying in China stress on the regularly updating syllabus of their courses that is aimed to meet the global trends and sustain in the long run. These courses are built to stay and not to be eradicated with time. So, the knowledge gathered from these courses will remain relevant in times to come. Classrooms are equipped with modern teaching facilities and the research laboratories are also up-to-date. 

The top courses to study in China for international students in 2026 are centered around technology, business and medicine - driven by high employability and global demand. Hence, the top fields include:

• Computer Science and AI
• MBBS (Medicine)
• Cybersecurity
• International Business/MBA
• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Architectural)
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) & Pharmacy

Top Universities in China in 2026

The top universities in China, like Tsinghua University, commonly called as the Harvard of China, are very difficult to get into but are worth the hype and one of many reasons why international students from around the world actually choose to study in China. Check out the top 10 universities in China in 2026 for international students.