How to study in mainland China and Hong Kong SAR
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Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR have traditionally been popular destinations for students looking to study business abroad.
Hong Kong attracts tens of thousands of international students a year. This number is expected to grow after the Hong Kong SAR government announced it will raise the cap on non‑local undergraduate students at publicly funded universities to 50 percent of local undergraduate places starting in the 2026–27 academic year. Meanwhile in China, 380,000 international students were studying in the country in the 2024-2025 academic year.
People choose to study in China for many reasons, whether it’s the chance to learn more about Asian culture and history or to study at one of the many top-ranked business schools in Asia. China is also rolling out a new K visa to attract international STEM graduates and researchers to live, work, and conduct research in the country.
If you’re wondering how to study in mainland China and Hong Kong, this guide will take you through the whole process, including:
- The benefits of studying in mainland China or Hong Kong
- The best business schools in mainland China and Hong Kong
- How to apply to international universities in China or Hong Kong
- How to get a Chinese student visa
- The cost of studying in mainland China or Hong Kong
Not sure where your future should take you? Take our Study Abroad Quiz and discover destinations and programs that are a good fit for you
Why study in mainland China or Hong Kong?
When you study business in mainland China or Hong Kong, you’ll have the opportunity to explore thousands of years of history, unique landscapes, and an entirely different culture. China is also a global technology superpower and one of the world’s biggest economies. All of this will make your study abroad experience even more rewarding.
Studying in these destinations also provides an opportunity to learn a new language. Mandarin Chinese is spoken by almost 1.2 billion people worldwide and is an important international business language.
Affordable tuition fees and a lower cost of living also attract students seeking to study at a top university for less than they would in their home location.
Which Chinese universities rank highest for business programs?
As one of the world’s largest economies, China presents numerous opportunities for business students. Whether you want to explore innovative industries, such as fintech, in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen, or broaden your knowledge of Chinese business practices, China is a great place to study abroad.
In China, graduates can pursue careers in technology, real estate, insurance, and e-commerce. Some of the biggest Chinese companies—including Alibaba and Huawei—also operate globally, so you could also get experience in international business after landing a job in China.
Its status as a global financial hub makes Hong Kong a rewarding destination for business students. Hong Kong ranks among the top global financial centers and is currently third in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), just behind the traditional stalwarts of New York and London. If you’re planning on working in finance or fintech and want to explore the myriad of opportunities available in Asia, Hong Kong is the place to be.
Mainland China and Hong Kong are also home to some of the world’s best business schools. In China, the best schools include CEIBS and Peking University Guanghua School of Management, both of which have MBA programs that rank among the top 20 globally, according to the Financial Times MBA rankings 2026.
Other top-ranking business schools in China include Fudan University School of Management and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.
In Hong Kong, prospective business students could consider HKUST Business School—which currently ranks in the top 50 QS Global MBA Rankings for its MBA and the top 40 in QS rankings for its Master in Management program—and HKU Business School.
How to apply to study abroad in mainland China and Hong Kong
Applying to universities or business schools in mainland China and Hong Kong is much the same as for other destinations. Once you’ve found the program you want to study, you’ll apply online directly through the university. You can also apply through CUCAS, an online platform designed for international students that will help you navigate the application process for Chinese universities.
You’ll need some essential documents for your application, including:
- Academic transcripts
- University diploma/degree certificate (if applicable)
- A valid passport and a passport photo
- Chinese or English language proficiency certificate
- Professional reference(s)
- CV/resume
For many MBA programs in mainland China and Hong Kong, you’ll also need to submit a GMAT test score with your application. The GMAT exam is the most widely accepted standardized exam for graduate business courses in China.
What documents are needed for a Chinese student visa application?
Once you’ve received your letter of acceptance from your university or business program in mainland China or Hong Kong, you’ll need to apply for a student visa.
You should apply for an X1 visa if you’re staying longer than 180 days and X2 if you’re staying 180 days or fewer. The application fee for a Chinese student visa depends on your nationality and the number of entries. Recent fee tables have listed around US$140 for US passport holders, but fees for citizens of other countries can vary so check with your local Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa center before applying.
You’ll submit your visa application through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC), or if your location doesn’t have one, through the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. Remember to fill out the JW201 or JW202 form you receive from your university or business school and include this with your application.
It’s advisable to apply for your visa to China one to two months before your flight.
If you’re studying in Hong Kong, you’ll also need to apply for a student visa. Your visa will take six to eight weeks to process, but could take longer in the summer peak season so it’s best to apply early.
For the Chinese and Hong Kong student visa, you’ll need to supply some typical documents with your application:
- Valid passport and a photocopy of its information page
- Letter of acceptance
- Passport photo
- JW201 or JW202 form for mainland China
- Evidence of scholarship or proof of funds
What are tuition fees in mainland China and Hong Kong?
China is a popular destination for international students thanks to its affordable tuition fees. On average, fees for undergraduate and graduate programs range between US$3,300 and US$10,000 per year at many public institutions, though elite and specialized programs may charge more.
Tuition fees for top-ranked MBAs in mainland China are higher than for other graduate programs but significantly lower than those at other international schools. For example, tuition for the full‑time MBA at CEIBS, one of mainland China’s highest‑ranked business schools, is around US$80,000
Although fees in Hong Kong are higher than in mainland China, study costs remain more affordable than in some countries, such as the United States.
Management courses in Hong Kong offer numerous post-study career opportunities, particularly in sectors such as finance, professional services, technology, and logistics. The Master in Management program at HKUST costs approximately US$50,000. MBAs in Hong Kong typically range from about US$50,000 to US$80,000. By comparison, some two‑year MBA programs in the United States can cost well over US$200,000 in tuition and fees alone.
What are living expenses for students in mainland China and Hong Kong?
Your living costs will vary depending on where you study in this region. In 2026, China ranked 124th out of 155 countries for its cost of living, and though Hong Kong is much more expensive—appearing at 15th on the ranking—it’s still more affordable than Singapore, Switzerland, and Norway.
To give you an idea of how much to budget for studying in mainland China and Hong Kong, here’s an example of monthly costs for everyday items.
Mainland China
- Rent: US$220–US$1200
- Groceries and food: US$250
- Transport: US$13–US$44
- Restaurant meal: US$2–US$7
- Gym membership: US$45
Data gathered from numbeo.com, wise.com and applyforchina.com.
Hong Kong
- Rent: US$510–US$2,500
- Groceries: US$191-US$383
- Transport: US$70
- Restaurant meal: US$5.50–US$13
- Gym membership: US$80
Data gathered from studyinhongkong.edu.hk and numbeo.com.
What types of scholarships are available for foreign students in mainland China or Hong Kong?
Even though many areas of China are more affordable than studying in the United States or Europe, many students will still find that they need financial assistance. In this case, numerous organizations offer Chinese scholarships to international business students. Chinese Government Scholarships are the most popular, but authorities in individual cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, also offer scholarships to international students.
If you’re studying in Hong Kong, check if you’re eligible for the Belt and Road scholarship, which subsidizes tuition fees for eligible students from countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. You should also check the website of the business school you’re applying to, as many will have their own list of scholarships for international students.
Finding loans to study in mainland China and Hong Kong is more difficult. However, because tuition fees and living costs are lower than in other destinations, many students use scholarships and their own funds to cover the cost of their studies.
TL;DR: How to study abroad in mainland China and Hong Kong
- Mainland China and Hong Kong are top study destinations for business students, offering world-class universities, exposure to fast-growing economies, and access to global companies like Alibaba and HSBC.
- Applications are similar to those for other study destinations, requiring transcripts, test scores (such as the GMAT for many MBA programs), and language certificates (if applicable). Once accepted, students must apply for an X visa (for mainland China) or a Hong Kong student visa before starting their studies.
- Overall costs are often lower than in the United States and Europe, with Chinese programs and MBAs generally cheaper than in Hong Kong, and both offering scholarships to reduce tuition and living expenses.
