Beijing is an ideal place to study because of its proximity to so many unique places. Weekend trips to see the Terracotta warriors in Xi’an, or eat fresh seafood in Qingdao are entirely possible. During longer holidays and summer break, catching a flight to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, or Thailand will only set you back a few hours and a few hundreds dollars.
Beijing also has a nice climate that includes all four seasons: hot, dry summers, a warm spring, cold winters and a cool fall.
Because Beijing is also one of the country’s biggest cities, both of Beijing’s airports (including the newly built Daxing International Airport) offer flights to hundreds of countries, cities and regions around the world and China’s ever-expanding high-speed rail network makes it easy to travel around the world’s fourth-largest country.
Best Universities in Beijing for International Students
Each year, many of Beijing’s universities continue to rise in the QS world reputation rankings, including Renmin University, Peking University, and Tsinghua University, which ranked 16th in 2019 and 1st in Asia.
Tsinghua University, which is located on former royal gardens of the Qing Dynasty and boasts over 44 departments and 11 schools.
Another popular study abroad China program is located at Peking University, which is the first national university created in Chinese history and one that includes over 80 countries in its international exchange program
In addition to their global standings, universities in Beijing are continually adding English-language programs available to anyone in the world. Advantages to this include small class sizes, world-renowned professors, and an international environment.
Many distinguished scholars, experts and politicians also come to Tsinghua to give speeches. Some notable examples include Former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Scholarships for Studying Abroad in Beijing
If the hefty price tag of UK/USA universities scares you, then Chinese universities are the perfect alternative. The government, along with several other organizations, offers full-ride or partial scholarships for students looking to study in China.
Each year, China has seen a growing number of international students at its universities because China actively encourages international students to come study here – largely through the numerous scholarships it offers.
Tuition costs for studying abroad in Beijing vary based on the program and the university, but most are incredibly affordable. For help finding scholarships and/or financial aid to study in China, or general questions about programs offered at Chinese universities, check more information online.
Beijing is Rich in Culture
China has thousands of years of history, which is reflected in a lot of its architecture, but is also a very modern country even compared to western standards.
Walking through the streets of Beijing, it’s almost impossible to not feel some sense of Chinese culture. In addition, some of the world’s most famous sights are in Beijing, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. And let’s be honest, real Chinese food is delicious and certainly part of the country’s culture.
Studying abroad in Beijing is much more than just attending classes, it’s about understanding and experiencing the unique culture of the country where you study, and Beijing has an abundance of it.
There are many universities you can visit when you study in China, but some of the most popular and prestigious are located in Beijing.
Beijing is quickly becoming a modernized city, yet it still is home to hundreds of historical buildings and landmarks.
popular attractions include:
• The Temple of Heaven, constructed in 1406 for Taoist worship
• The Niujie Mosque, built in 996 during the Liao Dynasty
• The Forbidden City, which served as the home for Chinese Emperors for almost five centuries
Budget and Cost of Living
Beijing is quite cheap in terms of public transport, food, a night out, and shopping. If you’re studying abroad here, you’ll likely be in the dorms, which are cheaper than renting an apartment, and if you’ve got a scholarship, then your housing will be covered.
Markets offer cheap fruits and vegetables, and going out to eat, or ordering take out is surprisingly cheap as well. All universities in China also provide several canteens which offer a variety of cheap and delicious Chinese cuisine.
Top Reasons to Study in Beijing
Studying abroad in Beijing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering your higher education.
However, if you look at the cost, outstanding university reputations, variety of English-language programs and proximity to so many interesting places, you might want to reconsider your college plans.
Beijing is a unique blend of modern and traditional culture and studying abroad in China’s capital might just be the best decision you ever made.