English-Taught Programmes in China: Universities, Tuition and IELTS Requirements

English-taught programmes in China are a real way to earn a Chinese degree without speaking Chinese: they exist at bachelor's and master's level and in medicine. They usually cost more than Chinese-taught programmes and offer fewer majors, but you can start studying straight away, without a language year. Below are specific universities and programmes, their fees, IELTS and TOEFL requirements, and what to consider before applying. For all routes without Chinese — foundation, 1+4, language year — see How to Apply to China Without Knowing Chinese.

What you can study in English in China

You can earn a bachelor's, master's or PhD in English at Chinese universities, as well as the MBBS medical degree. Most English-taught options are at master's level.

The most common fields:

1. Engineering and IT — computer science, electrical, civil and environmental engineering.
2. Business and economics — international trade, business administration, finance, MBA.
3. Medicine — English-taught MBBS; see Medical Education in China.
4. Marine science, food technology, pharmacy — at specialised universities.
5. China Studies — programmes about China taught in English.

Chinese universities with English-taught programmes

The table lists universities that publish English-taught programmes and their fees in official admission guides.

Source: Harbin Institute of Technology — bachelor's, Harbin Institute of Technology — master's, Ocean University of China, Zhejiang Normal University — bachelor's, Zhejiang Normal University — master's, Peking University

Fees are from universities' 2026 guides. Other leading universities, such as Tsinghua, Fudan and Zhejiang University, also offer English-taught programmes listed on their international students' websites.

How much do English-taught programmes cost?

English-taught programmes usually cost more than Chinese-taught ones. A comparison at Harbin Institute of Technology:

Source: Harbin Institute of Technology — bachelor's, Harbin Institute of Technology — master's

But not always: at Zhejiang Normal University, a bachelor's costs RMB 18,000 a year in both Chinese and English. Compare specific universities. For a full budget with housing and living costs, see How Much It Costs to Study and Live in China.

English language requirements

IELTS and TOEFL requirements vary: some universities accept IELTS 5.5, while top universities set a much higher bar:

Source: Ocean University of China, Harbin Institute of Technology, Peking University

Many universities waive the certificate if English is your native language or your previous studies were in English. Ocean University of China and Harbin Institute of Technology state this explicitly — you will need a confirmation from your previous institution.

Do you need Chinese on an English-taught programme?

You don't need HSK to apply for an English-taught programme. But you will still need Chinese:

1. in daily life — shops, banks, hospitals, paperwork;
2. for internships and job hunting in China;
3. sometimes as a subject in the curriculum for international students.

That's why many students on English-taught programmes study Chinese alongside their degree.

Pros and cons of English-taught programmes

Pros:

1. you can start studying immediately, without a language year;
2. more international students and an international environment;
3. a degree from a Chinese university.

Cons:

1. higher tuition at most universities;
2. a narrower choice of majors;
3. a programme may not open if not enough students enrol;
4. without Chinese, daily life, internships and jobs in China are harder.

How to apply for an English-taught programme

1. Choose a programme and 3–5 universities; check the language of compulsory courses.

2. Take IELTS or TOEFL with a margin above the university's requirement.

3. For a bachelor's, prepare for CSCA — it is required for English-taught programmes too. See The CSCA Exam in 2027.

4. Prepare your documents with notarised English translations.

5. Apply for programmes and scholarships.

For the general process, see How to Apply to Study in China in 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in China in English?

Yes. English-taught programmes exist at bachelor's, master's and PhD level and in medicine (MBBS). Most are at master's level.

Which Chinese universities teach in English?

For example, Harbin Institute of Technology, Ocean University of China, Zhejiang Normal University and Peking University — see their programmes and fees in the table above. Other leading universities also offer English-taught programmes.

How much does it cost to study in China in English?

At the universities reviewed, RMB 18,000–26,000 a year for a bachelor's and RMB 20,500–50,000 for a master's.

What IELTS score do I need to study in China?

Usually 5.5 to 6.5, depending on the university. Top universities may require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 100.

Do I need CSCA for an English-taught bachelor's?

Yes, at universities that have introduced CSCA it is required for English-taught programmes too.

Quick action plan

1. Choose your field and check whether English-taught programmes exist for it.

2. Compare universities by fees, requirements and whether the programme is guaranteed to open.

3. Take IELTS or TOEFL and, for a bachelor's, CSCA.

4. Apply to several universities and for scholarships.

Information checked on 4 October 2026. Programme lists, fees and requirements change every year — always check the admission guide of your chosen university.

Useful articles about studying in China

Bachelor’s Degree in China After High School: Requirements, CSCA, Costs and 2027 Admission

Master’s Degree in China for International Students: Programmes, Requirements, Costs and Admission

Scholarships to Study in China: Chinese Government Scholarship, University and Provincial Grants

Top Universities in China for International Students: Rankings and How to Choose