Economics and Applied Economics Degree in China for International Students

China is the world's second-largest economy and the engine of global manufacturing, trade, and technology. For students seeking an economics degree, there are few places more instructive than the Greater Bay Area (GBA), where Shenzhen's stock exchange, Guangzhou's trade fairs, and Hong Kong's financial markets create a live classroom of macroeconomic forces in action.

Whether you are interested in pure economic theory, international trade, financial economics, or development policy, GBA universities offer programs at every level — from affordable Chinese-taught Bachelor's degrees to elite English-taught Master's programs. Below we break down the best options, with verified tuition and program details.

The GBA contributes over 10% of China's total GDP and hosts the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, one of the world's largest. For economics students, this means unmatched access to live case studies, internships, and industry connections.

Top Economics Programs in the Greater Bay Area

1. Jinan University — Economics (Bachelor, Chinese)

Tuition: ¥19,000–25,000 / year · Duration: 4 years · Language: Chinese

Jinan University's Economics program is one of its flagship disciplines. The curriculum covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, international trade theory, and Chinese economic policy. JNU's long history of educating overseas Chinese gives it a uniquely international perspective on China's economy. Tuition is among the most affordable for a comprehensive economics degree in the GBA. See the Jinan University page for more details.

2. Jinan University — International Economics and Trade (Bachelor, English)

Tuition: ¥28,000 / year · Duration: 4 years · Language: English

For students targeting careers in cross-border commerce, JNU's English-taught International Economics and Trade program is an excellent choice. The degree combines core economics training with specialized courses in global supply chain management, WTO regulations, and cross-border finance. Graduates frequently move into multinational corporations, trade consultancies, and government economic planning departments. Learn more on the Jinan University page.

3. Shenzhen University — International Economics and Trade (Bachelor, English)

Tuition: ¥26,000 / year · Duration: 4 years · Language: English

Located in the heart of China's Silicon Valley, Shenzhen University offers an English-taught International Economics and Trade bachelor degree that blends traditional economics with exposure to Shenzhen's tech-driven business ecosystem. Students benefit from proximity to Tencent, Huawei, DJI, and thousands of startups, making internships and networking exceptionally accessible. Explore programs on the Shenzhen University page.

4. South China University of Technology — Applied Economics (Master, Chinese)

Tuition: ¥32,000 / year · Duration: 3 years · Language: Chinese

SCUT's Applied Economics Master's program is one of the most comprehensive in southern China. It covers five major specializations: Regional Economics, Finance, Industrial Economics, International Trade, and Digital Economics. As a "Double First-Class" institution, SCUT provides rigorous quantitative training and strong research supervision. The program is Chinese-taught and suited to students with solid Mandarin skills who want to pursue senior analytical roles or academic research. Visit the SCUT page for full details.

5. Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen — Applied Economics (Master, English)

Tuition: ¥35,000 / year · Duration: 2 years · Language: English

HIT-Shenzhen offers a 2-year English-taught Master's in Applied Economics or Business Administration. Leveraging HIT's reputation as a C9 League institution and its Shenzhen campus's tech industry ties, this program is ideal for students who want a fast-track, internationally oriented economics degree with strong quantitative foundations. The shorter duration also makes it cost-competitive despite the higher annual tuition. Check the HIT-Shenzhen page.

Bachelor's vs Master's in Economics

Deciding between a Bachelor's and a Master's depends on your prior education and career targets:

• Bachelor's degrees (4 years) provide a broad foundation in economic theory, mathematics, and statistics. They are the right choice if you are coming directly from high school or need a comprehensive undergraduate education. Chinese-taught options start as low as ¥19,000/yr.
• Master's degrees (2–3 years) allow deeper specialization. SCUT's 3-year Applied Economics Master (¥32,000/yr) and HIT-Shenzhen's 2-year English-taught Master (¥35,000/yr) both offer advanced econometrics, policy analysis, and research methods. A Master's is increasingly expected for senior analyst, consulting, and central bank roles.

Career Opportunities for Economics Graduates

An economics degree from the GBA opens doors across multiple sectors:

• Banking and finance — Hong Kong and Shenzhen are major financial centers. Graduates find roles in commercial banking, investment analysis, and risk management.
• Consulting and strategy — McKinsey, BCG, and local giants like Delotte China actively recruit economics graduates with China expertise.
• Government and policy research — China's economic planning commissions, development banks, and think tanks value trained economists.
• Tech industry strategy — GBA tech firms hire economists for market expansion, pricing strategy, and regulatory analysis.
• Academia and PhD tracks — A Master's from SCUT or HIT-Shenzhen positions you well for PhD programs at top Chinese or international universities.

Scholarships for Economics Students

Economics students in the GBA are eligible for several major scholarship programs:

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) — full tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipend for outstanding students.
• Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship — partial to full tuition for international students enrolled in GBA universities.
• University-specific scholarships — JNU, SCUT, and SZU all offer merit-based awards that can reduce tuition by 20–100%.

For a full overview, see our CSC Scholarship 2026 guide and Guangdong Government Scholarship guide.

How to Apply

Application requirements vary by program, but generally include academic transcripts, a degree certificate, language proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught; HSK for Chinese-taught), a personal statement, and two recommendation letters for Master's applicants. Some competitive programs may also require a GRE score or a quantitative writing sample.

For a complete walkthrough, see our 2026 step-by-step application guide, and browse all available options on our programs page.