Vietnam is experiencing a “study-abroad fever” toward China. In 2023, nearly 24,000 Vietnamese students were enrolled in Chinese universities — double the number in 2020 — and the figure continues to climb. With China’s rising university rankings, generous scholarship schemes, geographic proximity, and deep cultural ties, more Vietnamese families than ever are choosing China as their top study destination. This guide covers everything Vietnamese students need to know about studying in China in 2026: trends, top majors, scholarships, the application process, and what daily life looks like.
1. Vietnamese Students in China: Numbers and Trends
The growth of Vietnamese students in China has been remarkable. Here are the key figures:
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Vietnamese students in China (2023-2025) | ~23,500–24,000 |
| Growth since 2020 | 2x (doubled) |
| 2024 year-on-year growth | +25% |
| Vietnamese students in Guangxi province | 1,700+ (in Guangxi University alone) |
| HSK exam takers (Vietnam, 2025) | 146,000 (highest globally) |
| Total Vietnamese studying abroad | ~250,000 (global) |
| International students in China (2024-2025) | 380,000 from 191 countries |
Several factors drive this trend:
- Geographic proximity: Vietnam shares a land border with China. Students can travel by train or bus to Guangxi and Yunnan — no flight needed.
- Affordable tuition: Chinese university fees are significantly lower than Western counterparts, averaging ¥15,000–¥40,000 per year depending on the program.
- Scholarship abundance: Over 234 scholarships are available specifically for Vietnamese students.
- Cultural resonance: Shared Confucian heritage, Lunar New Year (Tết), and similar social values ease the transition.
- Rising Chinese influence: As Vietnam’s largest trading partner (13 consecutive years), Chinese language and business skills offer strong career advantages.
- Visa accessibility: Multiple Chinese consulates in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Guangzhou) make visa applications convenient.
The Vietnam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and the “Vietnam-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2025” have further boosted educational exchanges. In March 2025, General Secretary To Lam personally emphasized the importance of youth exchanges, calling on Vietnamese students to “absorb the essence of Chinese civilization and modern achievements in science and technology.”
2. Recommended Majors for Vietnamese Students
Vietnamese students in China pursue a diverse range of fields. Based on enrollment data and scholarship trends, here are the most popular and strategically valuable majors:
| Field | Popularity | Best Universities | Why It Works for Vietnamese Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Language / Teaching Chinese | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Guangxi University, Yunnan University, BLCU, ECNU | Vietnam’s #1 study field; 146,000 HSK takers; natural language advantage (Sino-Vietnamese vocabulary 30-40% shared) |
| Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tsinghua, ZJU, HUST, Guangxi University | Vietnam’s infrastructure boom (highways, power plants, industrial zones) creates high demand for engineers with Chinese ties |
| Business / International Trade | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | PKU, Fudan, Guangxi University, Yunnan University | China is Vietnam’s largest trade partner ($200B+ bilateral trade); bilingual business graduates are in high demand |
| Economics / Finance | ⭐⭐⭐ | Renmin University, Shanghai Jiao Tong, SUFE | Growing Vietnamese banking and finance sector needs professionals with China market knowledge |
| Agriculture / Food Science | ⭐⭐⭐ | China Agricultural University, South China Agricultural | Strong agricultural ties; Vietnam exports $10B+ in agricultural products to China annually |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine | ⭐⭐⭐ | Beijing UCMS, Shanghai UCMS, Guangxi CMU | Growing interest in TCM in Vietnam; cultural familiarity with herbal medicine |
| Computer Science / IT | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tsinghua, PKU, HUST, ZJU | Vietnam’s booming tech sector; Chinese tech companies (Huawei, Xiaomi, Alibaba) actively recruit in Vietnam |
3. Scholarship Opportunities for Vietnamese Students
Vietnam is one of the most scholarship-rich countries for studying in China, with 234+ options covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
CSC Chinese Government Scholarship (Type A)
Administered through the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). Covers full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend (¥2,500–¥3,500 for undergraduates, ¥3,000–¥3,500 for master’s, ¥3,500 for PhD), and comprehensive medical insurance. Approximately 50–100 slots allocated to Vietnam annually.
China-ASEAN Elite Scholarship
A specialized scholarship under the China-ASEAN education cooperation framework. Vietnamese students are among the primary beneficiaries. Covers full tuition and living expenses at participating universities. Apply through the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam.
Belt and Road Scholarship
With 108 full scholarship options for Vietnamese students, the BRI scholarship provides priority admission and full funding. Especially advantageous for students applying to universities in Guangxi and Yunnan provinces, which are on the China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor.
Guangxi Government Scholarship
Guangxi province, bordering Vietnam, offers provincial scholarships specifically targeting ASEAN students. Covers partial to full tuition. Monthly living stipend: ¥1,200–¥1,800. Guangxi University is the primary recipient institution.
Yunnan Provincial Scholarship
Yunnan province, also bordering Vietnam, offers scholarships for ASEAN students. Covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend of ¥1,400–¥2,000.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many Chinese universities offer dedicated scholarships for Vietnamese students:
- Guangxi University: Multiple scholarship tiers for ASEAN students; hosts 1,700+ Vietnamese students
- Yunnan University: ASEAN scholarship programs with Vietnamese language support
- Tsinghua University: Full scholarships for top Vietnamese candidates
- Shanghai University of TCM: “Silk Road” Scholarship for BRI students
Scholarship Comparison Table
| Scholarship | Coverage | Stipend (Monthly) | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSC Type A (Govt.) | Full (tuition + accommodation + stipend + insurance) | ¥2,500–¥3,500 | High |
| China-ASEAN Elite | Full (tuition + living expenses) | ¥2,500–¥3,000 | Medium-High |
| Belt & Road | Full (tuition + accommodation + stipend) | ¥2,000–¥3,000 | Medium |
| Guangxi Provincial | Partial to Full tuition | ¥1,200–¥1,800 | Medium |
| Yunnan Provincial | Partial to Full tuition + stipend | ¥1,400–¥2,000 | Medium |
| University-specific | Varies (partial to full) | Varies | Low-Medium |
4. Application Process and Key Considerations
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose your path (September 2025 – January 2026): Decide on program level (undergraduate, master’s, PhD) and field. Research universities strong in your chosen field. Shortlist 3–5 universities.
- Prepare documents (January – March 2026): Most universities require: high school/bachelor’s transcript (notarized and translated), two recommendation letters, study plan (500–800 words), passport copy, HSK certificate (if applying to Chinese-taught programs), and physical examination form.
- Submit applications (March – May 2026): Apply through university online portals or the CSC application portal (campuschina.org). Many Vietnamese students also apply through the Vietnamese MOET channel for CSC Type A.
- Await results (June – August 2026): Universities typically release admission results 2–3 months after the deadline.
- Apply for X1 visa (July – September 2026): Upon receiving JW201/JW202 form and admission letter, apply at the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Guangzhou.
- Travel and register (August – September 2026): Enter China on X1 visa, convert to residence permit within 30 days, and complete university registration.
Key Requirements for Vietnamese Applicants
- Academic: High school GPA ≥ 6.5/10 (undergraduate); bachelor’s GPA ≥ 7.0/10 (master’s)
- Chinese-taught programs: HSK 4 (minimum 180) for undergraduate; HSK 5 for graduate programs
- English-taught programs: IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+
- Age: Under 25 (undergraduate), under 35 (master’s), under 40 (PhD)
- Financial proof: Bank statement showing sufficient funds (¥50,000–¥100,000 equivalent)
Important Notes
- No visa-free entry: Unlike citizens of some neighboring countries, Vietnamese passport holders need an X1 visa to study in China. Plan ahead — processing takes 4–6 weeks.
- Land border crossing: You can enter China via the Mong Cai-Dongxing border (to Guangxi) or Lao Cai-Hekou border (to Yunnan). This is popular among students in northern Vietnam.
- Double-check documents: All Vietnamese documents must be notarized in Vietnamese and translated into Chinese or English, then certified by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5. Living and Cultural Adaptation for Vietnamese Students
Cost of Living
| City Type | Monthly Living Cost (CNY) | Monthly Living Cost (VND) | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Border cities (Nanning, Kunming) | ¥1,200–¥1,800 | ~4.2M–6.3M VND | Closest to Vietnam; cheapest |
| Mid-size cities (Nanjing, Wuhan, Xi’an) | ¥1,800–¥2,500 | ~6.3M–8.8M VND | Good balance of cost and quality |
| First-tier cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) | ¥2,500–¥4,000 | ~8.8M–14M VND | Most expensive but most opportunities |
Note: 1 CNY ≈ 3,500 VND (2026 rate). This means Chinese education costs roughly one-third to one-half of comparable programs in the US, UK, or Australia.
Cultural Similarities That Help Vietnamese Students
- Tết vs. Spring Festival: Vietnamese Tết and Chinese Spring Festival share traditions — family reunions, red envelopes (lì xì / hóng bāo), ancestor worship. Vietnamese students feel at home during this festive season.
- Food familiarity: Phở is available in most Chinese cities with Vietnamese communities. Southern Chinese cuisine (Guangxi, Yunnan, Guangdong) shares flavors with Vietnamese food — rice noodles, fresh herbs, sour-spicy combinations.
- Shared Confucian values: Respect for teachers, emphasis on education, and family-oriented social structures make classroom and social dynamics familiar.
- Vietnamese community in China: Major Vietnamese student communities exist at Guangxi University (1,700+), Yunnan University, and in Beijing and Shanghai. Student associations organize Tết celebrations and cultural events.
Adaptation Tips
- Language barrier: While Chinese characters (chữ Hán) are historically related to Vietnamese Hán-Nôm, modern spoken Chinese is very different. Spend 3–6 months in intensive Chinese language training before starting your degree program.
- Weather adjustment: Northern China winters (-10°C to 5°C) are much colder than anything in Vietnam. Bring warm clothes if studying in Beijing, Xi’an, or Harbin. Southern China (Guangxi, Yunnan, Guangdong) has a climate closer to northern Vietnam.
- WeChat Pay / Alipay: China is a cashless society. Vietnamese students need to set up Chinese mobile payment systems upon arrival — they won’t work with Vietnamese bank cards.
- Bring your ID: Always carry your passport or residence permit. Police checks are routine in China, especially around university areas.
- Join the Vietnamese Student Association: Most universities with significant Vietnamese enrollment have active VSAs. They help with airport pickup, dorm registration, and the first-week orientation.
6. Success Stories: Vietnamese Alumni in China
Hoàng Thu Trang — From Guangxi University to Tongji University
Hoàng came from Móng Cái, a border town in Quảng Ninh province. She grew up watching Chinese cartoons like Journey to the West and Nezha, which sparked her passion for Chinese culture. After high school, she enrolled in Guangxi University’s Chinese Language program on a Guangxi Government Scholarship. “I never imagined that a girl from a small border town would one day study at Tongji University in Shanghai,” she says. After graduating with top honors, Hoàng was admitted to Tongji University’s Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL) master’s program. Her dream: to become a Chinese language teacher in Vietnam and bridge the two cultures.
Nguyễn Minh Anh — Engineering Success at HUST
Nguyễn Minh Anh from Hanoi chose Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) for its strong engineering reputation. On a CSC scholarship, he completed his bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and was immediately recruited by a Sino-Vietnamese joint venture in Hải Phòng. “My Chinese language skills plus engineering knowledge made me a valuable asset,” he says. “Companies in Vietnam that work with Chinese partners are desperate for engineers who can speak both languages.” He now earns 3x the average engineering salary in Vietnam.
Lê Thị Hương — Business Graduate at Guangxi University
Lê Thị Hương from Ho Chi Minh City chose Guangxi University for its proximity to Vietnam and strong business program. On a Belt and Road Scholarship, she studied International Trade and completed two internships — one in Nanning and one back in Vietnam with a Chinese trading company. “The Cross-Border E-Commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Guangxi is a goldmine for Vietnamese students,” she explains. “I learned how Chinese e-commerce works and now help Vietnamese businesses sell on Taobao and JD.com.” She now runs her own cross-border trading company, connecting Vietnamese agricultural exporters with Chinese buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Vietnamese students enter China by land?
Yes. There are major land border crossings at Mong Cai-Dongxing (to Guangxi) and Lao Cai-Hekou (to Yunnan). Many students from northern Vietnam choose this route — it is cheaper and more convenient than flying.
Q: Is HSK required for Vietnamese students?
For Chinese-taught programs: HSK 4 (undergraduate) or HSK 5 (graduate) is required. For English-taught programs: IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent. Many Vietnamese students already study Chinese in high school — Vietnam has the highest number of HSK test takers globally (146,000 in 2025).
Q: How competitive are scholarships for Vietnamese students?
CSC Type A is highly competitive (approximately 10:1 ratio). However, provincial and university scholarships (Guangxi, Yunnan, ASEAN Elite) are more accessible. With 234+ scholarship options specifically for Vietnam, there are realistic opportunities for well-prepared applicants.
Q: What is the best city for Vietnamese students in China?
Nanning (Guangxi) is the most popular — it’s just 3 hours by bus from the border, has a large Vietnamese community (1,700+ students at Guangxi University), similar climate, and affordable living costs. However, ambitious students aiming for top universities should consider Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
Q: Can Vietnamese students work part-time in China?
Yes. International students in China can work part-time on campus (up to 8 hours per week) with university permission. Off-campus internships related to your field of study are also permitted with school approval. Many Vietnamese students work as Chinese-Vietnamese translators or tutors.
Q: Is the Chinese degree recognized in Vietnam?
Yes. Chinese university degrees from recognized institutions are fully accredited by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training. China has over 300 universities listed in the Vietnamese government’s recognized foreign institution database.
This guide was updated in July 2026. Scholarship quotas, visa policies, and admission requirements may change. Always verify with the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi or the specific university’s international student office before applying.