International Economics & Trade in China: Degrees, Tuition & Career Paths

China is the world's largest trading nation, and the Greater Bay Area is its export-import powerhouse. Studying international economics or trade here means learning how global supply chains work while sitting in the same region that manufactures and ships a large share of the world's goods. For international students, this is both an affordable and strategically valuable degree choice.

Below we highlight English-taught and Chinese-taught bachelor's programs in international economics and trade, with verified tuition and clear career outcomes. All figures come directly from our programs database.

Career advantage: Graduates from GBA economics and trade programs often find jobs in trading companies, multinational procurement departments, customs agencies, e-commerce platforms, and government trade offices.

1. Jinan University — Guangzhou

Program: International Economics and Trade (Bachelor, English-taught) — 4 years

Tuition: ¥28,000 / year

Jinan University has one of the largest international student communities in China and a long history of training overseas Chinese professionals. Its English-taught International Economics and Trade program is ideal for students who want a China-focused business degree without learning Chinese first. Visit the Jinan University page.

2. Shenzhen University — Shenzhen

Program: International Economics and Trade (Bachelor, English-taught) — 4 years

Tuition: ¥26,000 / year

Shenzhen University sits in China's Silicon Valley and offers strong connections to tech exporters, cross-border e-commerce firms, and logistics giants. The English-taught program is competitively priced and gives students access to internships in one of China's most dynamic business environments. See the Shenzhen University page.

3. Shenzhen University — International Business Administration

Program: International Business Administration (Bachelor, English-taught) — 4 years

Tuition: ¥30,000 / year

For students who want a broader management foundation, this program covers marketing, operations, and entrepreneurship alongside international business. It is a good fit for future managers in multinational companies or startup founders targeting Asian markets. Details on the Shenzhen University page.

4. Guangdong University of Foreign Studies — Guangzhou

Program: International Trade (Bachelor, Chinese-taught) — 4 years

Tuition: ¥20,000 / year

GDUFS is the GBA's top school for languages and international trade. The Chinese-taught program costs less than English-taught alternatives and is excellent for students who already speak some Chinese or plan to reach HSK 4 before starting. Explore the GDUFS page.

What You Will Study

Typical courses in these programs include:

• International trade theory and policy
• Global supply chain management
• Cross-border e-commerce
• Customs procedures and documentation
• Chinese business law and economics
• Financial management and accounting

Career Paths

Graduates commonly work as trade analysts, export/import coordinators, international marketing managers, customs specialists, procurement officers, and e-commerce operators. The GBA's concentration of manufacturers and trading firms means internship and job opportunities are unusually accessible.

If you are interested in broader business training, see our guides on MBA in China and e-commerce degrees, or compare all business programs on our programs page.