Study in Beijing
Quick Facts
City Overview
Beijing, China's capital and political-cultural center, hosts 32 CSCA-accepting universities including Peking University and Tsinghua University—both ranked among the world's top 20. This ancient city with over 3,000 years of history seamlessly blends UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Forbidden City and Great Wall with modern CBD districts. Home to over 100,000 international students, Beijing offers a mature international student community.
Why Study Here
Five reasons to study in Beijing: 1) Top-tier universities—PKU, Tsinghua, and other world top-20 schools; 2) Cultural immersion—UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Forbidden City and Great Wall; 3) Career opportunities—headquarters of multinational companies offer rich internship and job resources; 4) International community—100,000+ international students form a mature network; 5) Language environment—as the capital, Mandarin is the most standard here, with the highest English proficiency.
Detailed Living Costs
Beijing is one of China's most expensive cities, but remains very affordable compared to Western countries. International students typically spend ¥3,000-5,000 per month. Haidian District hosts most universities and is more affordable than the Chaoyang CBD area.
On-campus dorm: ¥1,000-2,000/mo; Off-campus shared: ¥2,000-4,000/mo
Canteen: ¥15-25/meal; Off-campus dining: ¥20-50/meal
Subway: ¥3-10/trip; Bus: from ¥2; Student monthly passes available
Campus WiFi free; Mobile plans ¥50-150/mo
Money-saving tips: Wudaokou and Xueyuan Road areas offer student-friendly prices; Food delivery apps (Meituan/Ele.me) have new user discounts; Get a Yikatong transit card for transfer discounts.
Climate
Beijing has a temperate continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Spring (Mar-May) is dry and windy with occasional sandstorms; Summer (Jun-Aug) is hot and rainy, reaching 35°C+; Autumn (Sep-Nov) is the best season with clear skies; Winter (Dec-Feb) is cold and dry, often below 0°C. September (fall semester) or March (spring semester) are ideal times to arrive.
Transportation
Beijing has one of the world's largest subway networks with 27 lines covering the entire city, operating roughly 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM. Both Capital International Airport (PEK) and Daxing International Airport (PKX) have direct subway/express rail to downtown. The bus system is extensive with easy QR code payment. Get a Yikatong transit card for seamless transfers between subway, bus, and bike-share with transfer discounts. DiDi ride-hailing is widely used.
Student Life
Student life in Beijing is vibrant and diverse. Wudaokou, known as the 'Center of the Universe,' is popular among Korean students with numerous Korean restaurants and nightlife venues. Sanlitun is an international bar street and shopping district. 798 Art District is a paradise for art lovers. Weekends can be spent visiting UNESCO sites like the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Forbidden City. All major universities have international student organizations and cultural exchange activities.
Safety
Beijing is one of the safest major cities globally with very low crime rates—it's relatively safe to walk alone even late at night. Comprehensive security systems are in place both on and off campus. For emergencies: 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), 119 (fire). Major hospitals like Peking Union Medical College Hospital and China-Japan Friendship Hospital have international departments with English services. International students must have medical insurance in China, usually arranged by the university.
Language Environment
As the capital, Beijing has relatively higher English proficiency among Chinese cities, but daily communication is still primarily in Mandarin. English is more commonly used on university campuses, and commercial areas and tourist sites usually have English signage. Learning basic Chinese is recommended for daily life. Beijing Language and Culture University, Tsinghua, and others offer excellent Chinese language courses. Translation apps (like Baidu Translate) can help during the initial transition.
Tips for Students
- Get a Yikatong transit card for transfer discounts
- Download essential apps: DiDi, Meituan, Alipay
- Fall semester arrival lets you experience Beijing's beautiful autumn
Universities in Beijing (47)
Peking University Health Science Center
北京大学医学部
Renmin University of China
中国人民大学
Beijing Normal University
北京师范大学
University of Science and Technology Beijing
北京科技大学
Central University of Finance and Economics
中央财经大学
University of International Business and Economics
对外经济贸易大学
Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications
北京邮电大学
Beijing Film Academy
北京电影学院
Beijing Sport University
北京体育大学
Beijing Institute of Technology
北京理工大学
Beihang University
北京航空航天大学
Beijing Language and Culture University
北京语言大学
Peking University
北京大学
Beijing Technology and Business University
北京工商大学
North China Electric Power University
华北电力大学
Beijing Jiaotong University
北京交通大学
MinZu University of China
中央民族大学
Beijing Foreign Studies University
北京外国语大学
China University of Petroleum - Beijing
中国石油大学（北京）
Communication University of China
中国传媒大学
Beijing Foreign Studies University-International Business School
北京外国语大学国际商学院
China University of Political Science and Law
中国政法大学
Beijing International Studies University
北京第二外国语学院
Beijing University of Chemical Technology
北京化工大学
Capital University of Economics and Business
首都经济贸易大学
Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
北京建筑大学
Beijing Forestry University
北京林业大学
China Women's University
中华女子学院
Capital Normal University
首都师范大学
Tsinghua University
清华大学
Capital University of Physical Education and Sports
首都体育学院
Beijing University of Technology
北京工业大学
Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology
北京石油化工学院
Beijing Hospitality Institute
北京第二外国语学院中瑞酒店管理学院
Capital Medical University
首都医科大学
Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
北京中医药大学
Central Academy of Fine Arts
中央美术学院
Beijing Foreign Studies University - School of International Relations and Diplomacy
北京外国语大学国际关系学院
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
中国农业科学院
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
中国科学院大学
China Agricultural University
中国农业大学
China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing
中国矿业大学(北京)
Peking Union Medical College
北京协和医学院
China Foreign Affairs University
外交学院
The Central Academy of Drama
中央戏剧学院
China Conservatory of Music
中国音乐学院
Central Conservatory of Music
中央音乐学院
Scholarships in Beijing (30)
Renmin University of China Belt and Road Scholarship for International Students
Renmin University of China Scholarships for Foreign Students
Central University of Finance and Economics Scholarships for Undergraduate International Students
Peking University Scholarships for Foreign Students
Beijing Film Academy Belt and Road Scholarship for Foreign Students
Cost Estimate
Explore Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Beijing as a student?
The average monthly living cost in Beijing for international students is approximately ¥2,500 (about $352). This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and daily expenses.
How many universities in Beijing accept CSCA exam scores?
Beijing has 47 universities that accept CSCA exam scores for international student admission. Of these, 61 English-taught programs are available.
What is the total cost for a 4-year bachelor's degree in Beijing?
The estimated total cost for a 4-year bachelor's degree in Beijing is approximately ¥220,000 (about $30,986), including tuition and living expenses.
Which district in Beijing is best for international students?
Haidian District is the top choice, home to Peking University, Tsinghua, BUAA, and other top universities. It has a strong academic atmosphere and lower living costs than CBD areas. Wudaokou and Xueyuan Road offer abundant student-friendly dining and entertainment. If budget allows and you prefer an international vibe, the Sanlitun area in Chaoyang is also a good option.
How is the air quality in Beijing?
Beijing's air quality has improved significantly in recent years, but winter may occasionally have smoggy days. Keep some N95 masks handy. Use an AQI (Air Quality Index) app to monitor real-time conditions. Most indoor venues and campus buildings have air purification equipment.
How to get from the airport to university?
From Capital Airport (PEK), take the Airport Express (¥25) to Dongzhimen, then transfer to the subway. From Daxing Airport (PKX), take the express to Caoqiao and transfer. DiDi ride-hailing to Haidian costs about ¥100-200. Some universities offer airport pickup services during enrollment season.