China has emerged as one of the most affordable and academically strong study destinations for Pakistani students. With globally ranked universities, English-taught programs, and generous scholarships, China offers quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to many Western countries. In 2026, studying in China remains a cost-effective and future-focused option for Pakistani students.
This blog provides a complete breakdown of tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, and financial planning for Pakistani students planning to study in China.
China attracts thousands of Pakistani students every year due to:
Affordable tuition fees
Low cost of living
Globally recognized degrees
English-taught programs
Strong Pakistan–China relations
Wide range of government scholarships
Tuition fees in China vary by university and program but are generally affordable.
Bachelor’s Programs:
PKR 4–8 lakh per year
Master’s Programs:
PKR 5–10 lakh per year
MBBS Programs:
PKR 6–12 lakh per year
Top public universities usually charge lower fees compared to private institutions.
Living expenses depend on the city and lifestyle, but overall costs are manageable.
Average Monthly Expenses:
Accommodation: PKR 40,000 – 70,000
Food: PKR 25,000 – 40,000
Transport: PKR 5,000 – 8,000
Utilities & Internet: PKR 6,000 – 10,000
Estimated Monthly Cost:
PKR 80,000 – 120,000
Pakistani students can choose between:
University dormitories (most affordable)
Shared apartments
Private rentals
University hostels are safe, economical, and preferred by international students.
China offers some of the most generous scholarships worldwide.
Major Scholarships Include:
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Provincial Government Scholarships
University-Specific Scholarships
These scholarships may cover:
Full tuition fees
Accommodation
Monthly stipend
Medical insurance
International students in China are allowed to work part-time with university and local authority approval.
Work Limits:
Up to 20 hours per week
This helps students manage daily expenses and gain experience.
Pakistani students commonly enroll in:
Medicine (MBBS)
Engineering
Computer Science
Business & Management
International Relations
Many programs are offered fully in English.
General requirements include:
Academic transcripts
Valid passport
English proficiency (IELTS or medium of instruction letter)
Study plan or SOP
Medical examination report
Pakistani students apply for an X1 or X2 study visa.
Key steps include:
University admission letter
JW202 or JW201 form
Financial proof
Medical certificate
The visa process is straightforward for Pakistani applicants.
For budget-conscious students, cities like:
Wuhan
Xi’an
Nanjing
Harbin
offer quality education with lower living expenses compared to Beijing or Shanghai.
Medical insurance is mandatory for international students and is usually included in tuition or scholarship packages.
Graduates can:
Work in China with a valid work permit
Return to Pakistan with an internationally recognized degree
Explore opportunities linked to CPEC and multinational companies
Pakistani students should:
Apply early for scholarships
Choose affordable cities
Opt for university accommodation
Track monthly expenses
China remains one of the most affordable and practical study destinations for Pakistani students in 2026. With low tuition fees, manageable living costs, and excellent scholarship opportunities, China provides strong academic value and global exposure.
With proper planning and guidance, studying in China can be a smart investment in your academic and professional future.