The Ultimate Guide for Nepalese Students to Study in China (2025)

Studying in China has emerged as a fantastic opportunity for Nepalese students due to the country's growing reputation for world-class education, affordability, and diverse opportunities. This blog offers a complete guide, from choosing a course to arriving in China, with all relevant costs and processes explained step by step.

Why Study in China?

Globally Ranked Universities:

• Home to prestigious institutions like Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Zhejiang University.
• Offers globally recognized degrees with cutting-edge facilities.

Affordable Education:

• Tuition fees and living expenses are lower than in Western countries.
• Scholarships are widely available.

Diverse Courses:

• Programs in engineering, medicine, business, arts, and sciences taught in English or Chinese.

Cultural and Geographic Proximity:

• Shared cultural values make the transition smoother for Nepalese students.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• Generous government and university scholarships make studying in China accessible.

Courses Offered in China for International Students

Popular Programs for Nepalese Students:

1. Undergraduate Programs (4–5 years)

• Medicine & Pharmacy
• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, IT)
• Business & Management
• International Relations

2. Postgraduate Programs (2–3 years)

• Master’s in Public Health
• MBA
• Engineering Specializations
• Chinese Studies

3. Short-Term and Exchange Programs

• Chinese Language Learning (6 months–1 year).

Language of Instruction

Courses in China are offered in two formats:

English-Taught Programs: Requires proof of English proficiency:

• IELTS: Minimum 6.0 (not less than 5.5).
• PTE: 58+.
• Duolingo: 115/120.
• TOEFL: Acceptable scores vary by university.

Chinese-Taught Programs: Requires a Chinese language proficiency test (HSK) that has six levels and for programs you need at least HSK4 level.

• HSK 1–2: Basic level.
• HSK 3–4: Intermediate level (common requirement for undergraduate programs).
• HSK 5: Advanced level, often needed for government scholarships.

Intakes in Chinese Universities

Chinese universities have two major intakes every year:

Spring Intake (February/March):

• Application Deadline: December–January.

Fall Intake (September):

• Application Deadline: June–July.

Most programs, especially English-taught ones, are available during the Fall Intake.

Recommendation: Apply for the September intake at least 4–5 months in advance (e.g., December or January) to maximize your chances of securing scholarships. Larger intake with significantly more scholarship opportunities.

Step-by-Step Process for Nepalese Students to Apply For China Study Visa

1. Research and Choose a Program

• Explore university websites or use platforms like CUCAS.
• Confirm language requirements (HSK for Chinese-taught programs).
• Check program details, tuition fees, and scholarships.

2. Apply to Universities

Prepare the following:

• Academic transcripts (10+2 and higher).
• Recommendation letters (for postgraduate programs).
• Language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, HSK, etc.).
• CV/Resume.
• Study Plan (minimum 2,000 words).
• Bank Statement (at least USD 3,000, issued within the last 6 months).
• Valid Passport and recent photos.
• Submit your application online.

Tip: Apply to multiple universities to increase your chances of acceptance.

3. Entrance Exams and Interviews:

Many universities require entrance exams and interviews to evaluate eligibility and scholarship potential.

4. Secure Scholarships (Optional)

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): Apply via the CSC portal.
• University or Provincial Scholarships: Check directly with your chosen university.
• Confucius Institute Scholarship: Ideal for language and cultural studies.

5. Receive Your Admission Letter

If accepted, you’ll receive an admission notice and a JW202 Form (required for your visa).

6. Apply for a Student Visa

X1 Visa (for Studying in china for more than 180 days) or X2 Visa (for studying in china for no more than 180 days)

Gather the following documents:

• Original passport (valid for at least 6 months).
• Completed visa application form (JW202 or JW201).
• Admission letter from University.
• Physical Examination Form (done at a designated hospital).
• Proof of financial support (bank statements).
• Police Report (issued within the last 6 months).
• Submit your application at the Chinese Visa Application Center in Kathmandu.

Visa Fee:

Approximately NPR 5,000.

Processing Time:

5–7 business days.

7. Prepare for Departure

• Book your flight (one-way tickets cost NPR 40,000–60,000).
• Arrange on-campus accommodation or rent an apartment.
• Familiarize yourself with Chinese culture and download useful apps (WeChat, Didi).

8. Arrive in China

• Register at your university within 30 days of arrival.
• Apply for a residence permit with your university’s help.

9. Additional Information

A. Part-Time Jobs and Internships:

• Part-time jobs are allowed within government guidelines.
• Internships are highly encouraged for skill-building.

B. Settling in China:

• While you can work and live in China after graduation, Chinese citizenship is not granted to international students.

C. Seat Allocation Refund:

• Some universities require a deposit (e.g., 2,000 RMB) to confirm your seat, which is refundable upon enrollment.

Cost of Studying in China

Here’s a detailed breakdown of costs for Nepalese students:

Pre-Departure Expenses

Tuition Fees

Living Expenses

The cost of living is extremely low in the case of international students in china. On-campus accommodation can cost around 700 Dollar for a whole year. Similarly, other costs of living including food, transportation, etc. can cost less USD 1900 per year.

Total Annual Cost

With Scholarship: NPR 3,00,000–5,00,000.

Without Scholarship: NPR 7,00,000–10,00,000.

Note: Costs may vary depending on the university, city, and life

Important Tips for Nepalese Students

1. Scholarship Opportunities:

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): Covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
• Provincial and University Scholarships: Offered by local governments and universities.
• Bilateral Scholarships: Available through the Nepal-China cultural exchange program.

2. Language Preparation:

• For Chinese-taught programs, HSK Level 4 or above is required. Consider language classes at Confucius Institutes in Nepal.

3. Health Insurance:

Mandatory for all students. Costs approximately NPR 10,000 annually.

4. Part-Time Work:

While full-time work isn’t allowed, students can work part-time with university approval.

5. Safety and Culture:

Respect local customs and laws. China is generally a safe country for international students.

Conclusion

Studying in China is an excellent opportunity for Nepalese students to gain quality education at an affordable cost. By following the outlined steps, preparing your budget, and applying for scholarships, you can make this dream a reality. From world-class universities to rich cultural experiences, China offers an unparalleled academic journey.

For more details, consult the Chinese Embassy in Nepal or reach out to your chosen university’s international office.

FAQs

Q1: How can studying in China benefit international students in their future careers?

China is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for international students. Beyond affordable tuition fees and globally recognized universities, one of the key advantages is the abundance of career opportunities after graduation.

The post-graduation employment rate for international students in China exceeds 90%. This success is largely attributed to the presence of numerous global corporations operating in the country, offering a range of professional opportunities.

Q2: Is an entrance exam mandatory for all universities?

Not all universities require entrance exams, but top-tier universities often do.

Q3: How can I ensure I get a full scholarship?

Maintain excellent academic grades, pass entrance exams, and demonstrate strong language proficiency.

Q4: How much total cost is required to study in china with or without scholarships?

Cost Varies according to the subjects and universities. Approximately, the tuition fee is usually less than USD 3500 per year in Top Chinese Universities; which in comparison to USA, Australia, UK, is more than 10 times affordable.The total cost depends on the scholarship you receive: Full Scholarship: Covers tuition, accommodation, insurance, and a monthly stipend (1,500–2,000 RMB).

Students only need to pay for airfare, visa, and other personal expenses (~ USD 1,000). Partial Scholarship: Covers part of the tuition and accommodation. Students must pay the remaining amount. No Scholarship: Tuition fees vary by university but typically range from USD 3,000 to USD 10,000 per year.

Q5. What are the most Popular cities for international students to study in china?

The most popular Cities are:

• Nanjing
• Beijing
• Hohai
• Shenzhen
• Zhejiang
• Hangzhou

Q6: How Safe is it for International Students in China?

China is well known for being very safe for international students and tourists. To put things into perspective, Global Peace Index 2024 has ranked China 43 places higher than the USA.

Q7: Can I study in China without knowing Chinese?

Yes, many universities offer English-taught programs. However, learning Chinese opens more scholarship opportunities.