Choosing a destination to study abroad in, either for a semester or the entire degree, can be an extremely daunting task. Mainland China is currently home to thousands of international students looking for an international education. Since the 1990s, China has been rapidly expanding its number of universities and higher education programs. This expansion runs parallel to the large economic growth that China continues to experience, making Chinese universities an attractive destination for international students. Thousands of students from around the world are going to China to experience the waking of the ‘sleeping dragon’ and the fast growth of the Chinese markets. All major cities in China have at least one university, and international students are often drawn to these metropolitan hubs.

In China, higher education is typically divided into three different categories: general, technical, and specialized universities and colleges. There are opportunities and locations for study in every field. In China you will find programs not only specializing in economics, business and the nation’s latest advancements in technology, but also in history, language, and cultural studies. It is not only the fast-paced urban life that makes China an attractive destination for international students, but also the ancient roots of Chinese history, culture and art. 

When choosing a university in China, it is important to keep the overall outcome of your studies in mind. If your main goal of spending time in China is strictly language based, it is crucial to search for universities and colleges with strong language departments. If employment or further studies is your goal after studying in China, it is always important to search for a university or college with a high academic standard. Overseas study can have a wide range of benefits, particularly when looking for employment.

With thousands of higher education institutions in China, it can be a tough task to find the right one. So we did a little of the work for you! To help you on your search we have compiled a list of our top 10 Chinese universities and colleges.

• Zhejiang University
• Peking University
• Tsinghua University
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Fudan University
• Wuhan University
• Nanjing University
• Shandong University
• Sun Yat-sen University 
• South China University of  Technology 

As you embark on the life-changing journey of studying in a foreign country, make sure to also checkout the extensive list of Chinese programs in your field through the INOMICS database.

Photo credit: See-ming Lee