Costs and Budgeting

Updated:27/07/11 11:25:24 AM CST

Compared to developed countries, it is relatively easy to afford a very comfortable standard of living in China. In the university district of Beijing, students should expect to get by on around less than AUS$1,000 per month, except for tuition fees. Obviously, costs and expenses vary from city to city, those cities in China´s central and western regions are particularly inexpensive.

Numbers of publications offered in most major cities, and which is popular with expats and travelers around the world, list events, venues, restaurants, and also discuss aspects of living in each city, including costs and how to save money.

Chinese banks are open seven days a week on work days, and many automatic teller machines (ATMs), which can be found in shopping malls and hotels frequently by foreigners, will accept credit and debit cards.

In major cities, Chinese bank cards and credit cards are often accepted at larger restaurants and shopping malls. However, in other restaurants and in second and third tier cities it is best to carry cash.

The Bank of China is able to exchange almost any currency and remit money to most major countries.

For more information and operation about exchange and cards in China, you may visit certain banks business online.

Accommodation

The students will be arranged in safe, secure, clean and comfortable accommodation. The standard style of accommodation is in double occupancy rooms, but single accommodation is available at an additional cost.

All rooms include attached (en-suite) western-style bath, 24-hour hot water, air-conditioning, television and telephone. Most rooms offer ports for internet connection as well.

Accommodation for international students includes student dormitories, university affiliated apartments, and private rental accommodation. Check with your education institution for what they can offer.

Home stay options are also available.

In general, western China tends to be cheaper than the eastern port cities of Beijing, Qingdao, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. In Beijing, both furnished and unfurnished properties are available. Furnished houses are very easy to find in the rental market of Beijing.

Note that in China, taking out a lease on private accommodation may require a down payment of up to three months of rent. Leases of less than 12 months duration may require full upfront payment.

Do also visit the website of your intended place of learning. The local online includes listings for private rental accommodation. It also includes articles about renting and living in each city.

Food costs are generally reasonable in China, so housing is the major expense. For travel between cities, buses and boats are almost always cheaper than trains and planes.

Health care and insurance

According to Chinese law, overseas students who plan to study for more than six months in China are required to buy Group Integrated Insurance as one of the registration procedures, no matter whether they have bought personal insurance in their home country or not.

The cost of this may vary among learning institutions, but should cost approximately AUS$150 to AUS$ 200 per annum.

For more information please consult the education provider you intend to study with.

For more information about specific costs:

Not Included in the program tuition

· Airfare

· Passport application fee

· Vaccinations

· Daily Meals

· Water utility expenses (and gas if living in Building 5)

· Electricity in excess of 400 units per semester

· Study abroad medical insurance

· Textbooks

· Optional travel

· Personal expenses and souvenirs

· Visa application fee*

Financial Aid

Students cannot currently work on a student visa. Students are advised to consult their local Chinese Embassy or Consulate for the latest information. It is also advisable to contact your host institution’s international student services department or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website before committing to any kind of employment.

Scholarships

The Chinese Government offers scholarships with the Chinese Government Scholarship Program (CGSP), and nearly 100 higher educational institutions provide CGSPs.

The Chinese Government Scholarship Program is organized by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). The CSC serves to provide assistance to both Chinese citizens wishing to study abroad and to the foreign citizens wishing to study in China.