It is essential for Pakistani students planning their academic journey abroad to have an understanding of the cost of living and tuition in China. Many students now prefer to study in China, where annual tuition costs range from $2,000 to $6,000, due to its low cost of living and affordable tuition. It is one of the most cost-effective destinations due to the low monthly costs of travel (10-20 dollars), food (100-150 dollars), and lodging (100-300 dollars). China provides high-quality education without imposing a significant financial burden thanks to its modern campus facilities and a variety of English-taught programs. Before you apply, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the fee structure and living expenses in this guide.
Tuition Fees in Chinese Universities
The study cost in China varies depending on the university, program, and city; however, cheap universities in China are widely available, especially among public institutions, which are generally more affordable than private ones.
| Program Type | Average Tuition (USD/year) | Approx. PKR/year |
| MBBS / Clinical Medicine | $3,000 – $6,000 | Rs. 8–16 lakhs |
| Engineering / IT | $2,000 – $4,500 | Rs. 6–13 lakhs |
| Business / Economics | $2,500 – $5,000 | Rs. 7–14 lakhs |
| Chinese Language | $1,000 – $2,000 | Rs. 3–5.5 lakhs |
| Master’s / PhD | $3,000 – $6,000 | Rs. 8–16 lakhs |
Apply early for China study scholarships like the CSC, Belt and Road Initiative, and university-specific grants to reduce tuition costs to lessen your financial burden and gain admission to prestigious schools. Pakistani students’ financial burdens can be significantly reduced by these competitive scholarships, which can pay for housing, tuition, and monthly stipends.
Other University Expenses
Besides tuition, Pakistani students in China must budget for additional annual costs such as registration, health insurance, visa renewals, medical checkups, and study materials.
| Registration/Admission Fee | $53 – $106 |
| Health Insurance | $42 – $71 |
| Residence Permit/Visa Extension | $71 – $88 |
| Medical Checkup | $21 – $35 |
| Study Materials & Books | $28 – $53 |
Living Costs in China for Pakistani Students
The cost of living in China varies by city. Studying in cities like Beijing or Shanghai may cost more, while cities like Wuhan, Xi’an, or Harbin are more affordable.
| Expense Category | Monthly Estimate
(USD) |
Monthly in PKR |
| Accommodation (shared) | $100 – $300 | Rs. 28,000 – 85,000 |
| Food & Groceries | $100 – $150 | Rs. 28,000 – 42,000 |
| Transport (public) | $10 – $20 | Rs. 3,000 – 5,500 |
| Internet & Mobile | $10 – $15 | Rs. 3,000 – 4,000 |
| Health Insurance | $60 – $100/year | Rs. 17,000 – 28,000/year |
| Entertainment & Misc | $30 – $60 | Rs. 8,500 – 17,000 |
Total Estimated Monthly Cost: $240 – $560 (Rs. 65,000 – 170,000)
Affordable Student Cities in China
The city you choose can greatly impact your overall budget. Here are some of the most affordable cities for Pakistani students, offering quality education with reasonable living costs.
| City | Living Cost (PKR/month) | Highlights |
| Wuhan | Rs. 75,000 – 95,000 | Hub of top MBBS universities |
| Xi’an | Rs. 70,000 – 90,000 | Affordable rent and transport |
| Harbin | Rs. 70,000 – 85,000 | Low cost, popular with Pakistani students |
| Nanjing | Rs. 85,000 – 105,000 | Quality universities, cheaper than Beijing |
| Beijing/Shanghai | Rs. 105,000 – 160,000 | Expensive but top-ranked institutions |


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