How to Study in Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR

Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR have traditionally been popular destinations for students looking to study business abroad.

 

Hong Kong attracts more than 10,000 international students. Meanwhile in China, international student numbers reached around half a million in 2019, dropping to around 250,000 in 2021, due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. While more recent figures aren’t readily available, the country has recently announced plans to attract international STEM graduates to study and work in China by offering a new visa.

 

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. Recent visa changes may also attract a new generation of students to this innovative 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

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. You’ll also be located in one of the world’s biggest economies and a hotbed of rapid hi-tech innovation. 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. Chinese (Mandarin) is a language spoken by almost 1.2 billion people worldwide, and 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 country. 

 

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.

 

Meanwhile, Hong Kong is a rewarding destination for business students due to its status as a global financial hub. Hong Kong ranks 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 Shanghai University of Finance and Economics both of which have MBA programs that rank among the top 20 schools globally.

 

Other top-ranking business schools in China include Fudan University School of Management, and Peking University Guanghua School of Management.

 

In Hong Kong, prospective business students could consider HKUST Business School—which ranks in the top 40 worldwide for its MBA and Master's in Management programs—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 assists them in navigating the application process for Chinese universities. 

 

You’ll need some essential documents for your application, including:

• Academic transcripts
• University diploma (if applicable)
• A valid passport
• Chinese or English language proficiency certificate
• Professional reference(s)

For MBA programs in mainland China and Hong Kong, you’ll also need to submit a GMAT test score with your application. The GMAT 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. 

 

At time of writing (October 2025) China has recently announced the K visa, for holders of STEM bachelor’s degrees. Check with your consulate if you are applying soon. 

While the K visa information is still being finalized, current students should apply for an X visa: X1 if you’re staying longer than 180 days and X2 if you’re staying less than 180 days. The application fee for a Chinese student visa for US citizens is US$140; however, citizens of other countries will pay different fees. 

 

You’ll submit your visa application through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC), or if your country 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.

 

If you’re studying in Hong Kong, you’ll also need to apply for a student visa. Your visa should be processed within six weeks, but 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
• Letter of acceptance
• Passport photo
• Evidence of scholarship or proof of funds  

What Are Tuition Fees in Mainland China and Hong Kong?

 

China is also 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. 

 

Tuition fees for top-ranked MBAs in mainland China are significantly lower than those at other international schools. For example, the MBA tuition fee at the best business school in China, CEIBS, totals approximately US$69,000. 

 

Although fees in Hong Kong are higher than in mainland China, study costs remain more affordable than some countries, such as the United States. 

 

Management courses in Hong Kong typically have higher fees; for example, the Master of Management program at HKUST costs approximately US$50,000. An MBA could cost you around US$80,000—still significantly less than in the US where you can pay $200,000 or more for a two-year MBA.

 

 

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. China ranked 99th out of 146 countries for its cost of living, and though Hong Kong is much more expensive—appearing at 14th on the ranking—it’s still more affordable than Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States.

 

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$150–US$900
• Groceries and food: US$250
• Transport: US$10–US$40
• Restaurant meal: US$2–US$7
• Gym membership: US$45

Data gathered from numbeo.com, thechairmansbao.com, applyforchina.com.

Hong Kong

• Rent: US$650–US$2,000
• Transport: US$70
• Restaurant meal: US$6.50–US$13
• Gym membership: US$80

Data gathered from studyinhongkong.edu.hk, 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 US 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 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 MBA programs), and language certificates (if applicable). Once accepted, students must apply for an X visa (China) or a Hong Kong student visa before starting their studies. A new K visa is being developed and may apply to students.

   

• Tuition fees are far lower than in the US or Europe, averaging US$3,300–10,000 per year in China and around US$30,000 in Hong Kong, with MBAs costing significantly less than in Western schools.

   

• Living costs vary—China is highly affordable, while Hong Kong is pricier but still cheaper than cities such as New York or Singapore. Scholarships, including those from the Chinese Government and the Belt and Road scholarship program, can further ease expenses.

Interested in studying in mainland China and Hong Kong SAR? Connect with top business schools and learn about your study options at a GMAC Tour. Find out more