Study in Zhaoqing for International Students: Programs, Fees & City Guide

Zhaoqing is a green, mountainous city on the western edge of the Greater Bay Area. Known for the Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain, it offers a peaceful study environment with some of the lowest tuition rates in Guangdong.

International students in Zhaoqing can choose between undergraduate programs at Zhaoqing University and technology-focused vocational diplomas at Guangdong Polytechnic Institute. Both options are ideal for students who want quality education without the high costs of Tier-1 cities.

Why Zhaoqing? Very low tuition, beautiful natural surroundings, and a relaxed pace — perfect for students who want to focus on their studies while keeping living costs minimal.

Universities in Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing University

Zhaoqing University is a public undergraduate university with a wide range of Chinese-taught bachelor programs for international students.

• Chinese Language (Bachelor, Chinese): ¥5,050/year base tuition + ¥33,800/year international training fee — designed for students who want to become Chinese language professionals or teachers.
• Education (Bachelor, Chinese): ¥5,050/year base tuition + ¥33,800/year international training fee — prepares graduates for teaching and education administration roles.
• Fine Arts (Bachelor, Chinese): ¥10,000/year base tuition + international training fee — covers art, design, and visual communication.

Guangdong Polytechnic Institute

This polytechnic focuses on applied technology and job-oriented diplomas. Many programs are bilingual or include English materials, making them accessible to international students.

• Computer Science and Technology (Diploma, 3 years): ¥12,000–15,900/year — software, networking, and IT support tracks.
• Business Administration (Diploma, 3 years): ¥12,000–15,900/year — general business and management training.
• Artificial Intelligence Technology Application (Diploma, 3 years): ¥20,000/year — practical AI and machine learning applications.
• IoT Application Technology (Diploma, 3 years): ¥20,000/year — sensors, smart devices, and industrial IoT.
• Industrial Design (Diploma, 3 years): ¥20,000/year — product design and digital modeling.
• Drone Application Technology (Diploma, 3 years): ¥20,000/year — operation and maintenance of commercial drones.
• E-Commerce (Diploma, 3 years): ¥17,000/year — online business, cross-border trade, and digital marketing.
• Nursing (Diploma, 3 years): ¥20,000/year — healthcare assistant and nursing technician training.

Cost of Living in Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing consistently ranks as one of the most affordable student cities in Guangdong. A typical budget:

• On-campus dormitory: ¥800–1,500/year.
• Food: ¥700–1,000/month — campus canteens and local restaurants are very cheap.
• Transport: ¥50–100/month.
• Books and supplies: ¥200–400/semester.

Students can live well on ¥1,800–2,500 per month, making Zhaoqing one of the best-value destinations in the GBA.

Application Requirements

• Bachelor programs: High school diploma, transcript, passport, and HSK 4 or above for Chinese-taught degrees.
• Diploma programs: High school diploma or equivalent; some bilingual programs accept students with lower Chinese levels.
• Language preparation: Students without HSK can often enroll in a one-year Chinese Language Program first.
• Scholarships: CSC, Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship, and school-level awards are available for qualified students.

Life in Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing is famous for its karst landscapes, lakes, and mountains. Students enjoy hiking, boating, and exploring the old city walls. The lifestyle is quieter than Guangzhou, but high-speed rail reaches Guangzhou in about 1 hour, so big-city amenities are never far away.

The city is also a manufacturing hub for electronics, ceramics, and environmental technology, so students in engineering and technology fields can find local internship opportunities.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Zhaoqing's low tuition is attractive on its own, and scholarships can reduce the cost even more. Main options include:

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): Full or partial funding for eligible bachelor, diploma, and language students.
• Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship: Partial tuition scholarships for international students at public universities and colleges.
• Zhaoqing University Scholarships: Merit-based awards for students with strong academic records or Chinese proficiency.

Scholarship applications usually open in early spring and close before June. We recommend applying at the same time as your program application. See our CSC Scholarship guide for details.

Career and Internship Opportunities

Zhaoqing has a growing industrial base in electronics, ceramics, new energy, and environmental equipment. Students in technology and engineering programs can find internships with local manufacturers and startups. Business and e-commerce students also benefit from Zhaoqing's role as a logistics and cross-border trade node in western Guangdong.

For education and language graduates, the city's many language training centers and public schools offer teaching assistant roles. Some students use their time in Zhaoqing to prepare for HSK exams and then move to larger cities for career opportunities.

Getting to Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing is connected to Guangzhou by high-speed rail in roughly 1 hour. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the closest major airport, about 2 hours away by airport bus or rail transfer. For international students, the most common route is to fly to Guangzhou and then take a train or bus to Zhaoqing.

Both Zhaoqing University and Guangdong Polytechnic Institute operate international offices that help students arrange airport pickup during orientation weeks. Register with the local police station within 24 hours of arrival and complete the residence permit process within 30 days.

For more affordable GBA study options, read our guides to Foshan, Jiangmen, and cheap universities in Guangzhou. Browse all verified programs on our programs page.