- Choose a university and programme, and check whether it is taught in Chinese or English.
- Apply directly to the university, or for a Chinese Government Scholarship through the CSC portal (campuschina.org) if you want funding.
- Receive your admission letter and the Visa Application Form for Study in China (JW201 for scholarship students or JW202 for self-funded students).
- Prepare a scholarship letter or a bank statement showing at least USD 2,500 per year (enough to cover your whole study period).
- Apply for the X1 visa through the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad or its consulates/visa centre in Pakistan, with your passport, JW form and admission letter.
- Arrange travel and compulsory student health insurance as required by your university.
- After arriving, register with your university and apply for a residence permit at the local exit-entry office within 30 days.
Study in China from Pakistan
Checked October 9, 2026 against official sources
China is one of the most popular study destinations for Pakistani students, helped by close ties between the two countries and a large number of Chinese Government (CSC) and university scholarships. It is especially well known among Pakistanis for medicine, engineering and science degrees at large public universities. Students enter on an X1 study visa and then convert it to a residence permit after arrival. Studying in China also offers a chance to learn Mandarin, which is increasingly useful for CPEC-related careers.
Money to show (visa)2,500 USD / yearabout PKR 692,521
Work while studyingInternational students may take part in work-study (勤工助学) activities arranged under university rules, but may not take up employment or run a business.
Why Pakistani students choose China
- Long-term students (over 180 days) travel on an X1 visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad or its consulates
- X1 visa holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entering China
- Visa applicants show a scholarship or funds of at least USD 2,500 per academic year
- Health insurance is compulsory for all international students
- On-campus work-study is permitted, but regular employment or business is not
What it costs
| Proof of funds for the X1 student visa (if not on a scholarship) Or equivalent in Pakistani rupees; the sponsor's closing bank balance should cover the whole study period |
2,500 USD per year about PKR 692,521 |
|---|
Living costs: Beijing · Shanghai (daily food, transport and rent estimates).
Work out the money to show in PKR → · Tuition is listed on each university page below.
Universities in China
All 3 →Peking University
Beijing
Tsinghua University
Beijing
Varies by discipline and programme (2027 entry). Chinese-taught or bilingual ...
Zhejiang University
Hangzhou
Master's: CNY 22,800-32,800 per year by discipline (CNY 22,800 for philosophy...
Scholarships in China
All 4 →
Check official site
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The Chinese Government Scholarship funds international students for bachelor's, master's, doctora...
Check official siteSchwarzman Scholars
A fully funded one-year Master's in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, built to de...
Check official siteAsian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) at Tsinghua University
Funded by the Bai Xian Asia Institute, AFLSP offers non-Chinese students from Asia a scholarship ...
Check official sitePeking University Scholarship for International Students (PKUS)
Peking University's own scholarship for new international graduate students offers full or partia...
Student visa and English
- China student visa: requirements, documents and fees (Usually 4 working days at the Embassy after it receives y...)
- Most degree programmes are taught in Chinese, but some universities offer English-taught programmes; check the programme listing on the Study in China portal or the university's international admissions office.
- Chinese universities operate compulsory insurance for all international students; a student who does not buy the required insurance will not be admitted or registered.
Steps to study in China
Frequently asked questions
How much bank balance do I need for a Chinese student visa?
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan asks X1 applicants for either proof of a scholarship or proof of financial resources of at least USD 2,500 per academic year (or the rupee equivalent). The closing balance of your sponsor's bank statement should be enough to cover all your study years in China.
Can I work part-time while studying in China?
China's Ministry of Education rules allow international students to take part in work-study activities, but they may not take up employment or run a business. Work-study must follow your university's rules, so check with your international student office before taking any job.
Which visa do I need to study in China?
If your course lasts more than 180 days you need an X1 visa; shorter courses use an X2 visa. X1 holders must apply for a residence permit at the local public security exit-entry office within 30 days of arrival in China.
Can my family visit me while I study in China?
According to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, family members of an X1 student can apply for an S1 (relative-visiting) visa, providing a copy of the student's X1 documents and proof of the relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate. Check the embassy's visa instructions before applying.
Amounts in PKR use today's exchange rate. Rules change; always confirm on the official pages linked here before you apply.
Plan your application
Embassy & visa centres in Pakistan
- Consulate General of China Karachi
- Consulate General of China Lahore
- Embassy of China Islamabad
