Study abroad·East & Southeast Asia· 8 min read

Studying Business & Economics in China: A Guide for International Students

Studying business, economics and management in China as an international student — English- and Chinese-taught options, entry routes, funding, and how to verify details.

Last updated 13 July 2026

Key facts

Teaching language: English or Chinese, varies by university and level — verify per program
Possible admission tests: Some postgraduate programs ask for GMAT or GRE — program-specific, confirm officially
Language proof: IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught, or HSK for Chinese-taught
Funding: Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) plus university/provincial scholarships — see official portals
Verify on: Each university's official admissions page and campuschina.org

Business and economics study in China

Business, economics and management are widely offered to international students in China, from undergraduate degrees through to master's and PhD programs. Many universities run English-taught business and economics tracks alongside their Chinese-taught degrees, but the specific programs and their teaching language differ by institution.

This guide describes how these programs are generally structured and how to apply, without ranking universities. Because programs, entry rules and fees are set by each university and change over time, always confirm the details on the official admissions page.

English-taught vs Chinese-taught programs

English-taught business and economics programs are relatively common at postgraduate level, while undergraduate business degrees are often taught in Chinese and therefore need Chinese-language proof. Availability varies, so check each university's published program list rather than assuming a subject is available in your preferred language.

English-taught programs typically ask for IELTS or TOEFL, or an English-medium exemption — verify the accepted proof.
Chinese-taught programs typically ask for an HSK score at a level the university sets.
Some postgraduate business programs may also ask for GMAT or GRE — this varies by program, so confirm before applying.

How to apply

Most international applicants apply directly to each university's international students office. Common documents include transcripts, language proof, a statement or study plan, and references, but the exact list, deadlines and any application fee are program-specific and change each cycle.

Do not rely on second-hand figures for fees or dates. Check the official international-admissions page for the current requirements, and apply only through official channels.

Scholarships and funding

Funding options include the Chinese Government Scholarship (administered by the CSC on behalf of the Ministry of Education) and a range of university and provincial scholarships. Amounts, coverage and eligibility change over time, so verify current details on the official CSC portal and the university's scholarship page.

No service can guarantee you a place or an award. Any offer of a "guaranteed" admission or scholarship in exchange for money should be treated as a scam.

After your degree and verifying programs

If you intend to use the qualification in your home country, recognition depends on that country's own rules — in India, for instance, a foreign degree may require equivalence assessment by the relevant national authority. Confirm this with the official body rather than assuming it is settled by the university.

We describe careers and study in neutral terms and make no salary or job promises. Verify every program on its official university page and the CSC study-in-China portal before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

Do business master's programs in China require GMAT or GRE?

Some do and some do not — it varies by university and program. Check the official admissions page for your chosen program to see whether GMAT, GRE or another test is required, and what scores are accepted.

Can I study business in China in English?

Yes at many postgraduate programs, and at some undergraduate programs. Availability differs by university, so review each institution's list of English-taught programs and verify the language of instruction officially.

Will a Chinese business or economics degree be recognised back home?

Recognition depends on your home country. In India this may involve equivalence assessment by the relevant national body. Confirm the requirement with that official authority — no university or agent can guarantee recognition.

How much does it cost?

Tuition and living costs vary by university and city and change each year, so we do not quote fixed figures. Check the official university fee page and CSC portal for current amounts.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: Study in China — China Scholarship Council (CSC) portal; Peking University — International Students Division (official); Ministry of Education of China (English); Study in China — official Gov.cn service page.

Last verified: 13 July 2026.