At a glance
China, by the numbers
#13 + #14
Peking & Tsinghua Universities — two of the world's top 15
QS World University Rankings 2027
#12
Beijing — the year's biggest riser, up 19 places
QS Best Student Cities 2027
50,000 km
of high-speed rail — about two-thirds of the world total
China State Railway, 2025
59
UNESCO World Heritage Sites — second only to Italy
UNESCO, 2024
Field notes
- Mandarin has more native speakers than any other language — around 940 million
- The Great Wall stretches 21,196 km — farther than the flight from Beijing to Buenos Aires
Highlights
Why China
China opens the door to the world's largest education system and a landscape of opportunities for ambitious students. With thousands of English-taught programs, tuition far lower than most Western universities, and cities where ancient history meets cutting-edge technology, China offers an experience as diverse as its geography.
The world's fastest-rising universities
Tsinghua and Peking now rival the Ivy League.
Mandarin where it's spoken most
Immersion in the language 1.4 billion people use daily.
A resume line that stands out
China experience signals ambition to every global employer.
History at a scale nowhere else matches
The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, 5,000 years deep.
Programs
Programs in China
2-Week Asia Pathway China Summer School Program
Partner University
Learn Mandarin in Beijing and explore Xi'an.
3-Week Asia Pathway China Summer School Program
Partner University
Learn Mandarin in Beijing and explore Xi'an and Tianjin.
China TEFL Certification & Teaching
International TEFL Academy Shanghai
Get TEFL certified in Shanghai. Coming soon.
Budget planning
Cost of living in China
Typical monthly costs for an international student.
*Prices are estimates based on available sources and may vary by location, lifestyle, and availability.
Dive deeper
Detailed breakdowns, housing, and money-saving tips for students.
Visa Information
Visa at a Glance
Visa type
X2 Student Visa (study ≤180 days)
- Processing time
- 4-10 working days
- Work rights
- Not permitted
- Funds needed
- Per program — CNY 30,000–60,000 (~$4,200–8,300) common for short language courses
- Short-course funds mirror the language figures; X2 still needs the JW202 issued by the school.
Key requirements
- Application form — Short-program form
- Academic records — Per program
- Proof of language — Often none
- Financial proof — Per program
- Passport — 6+ months validity
- Application fee — Per program
