- 09 Dec, 2025
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Studying in China: Myths, Reality & How Indian Students Can Apply Successfully
China is fast emerging as one of the top study destinations for Indian students—yet most people approach it with half-baked assumptions, outdated fears, or unrealistic expectations.
Before you decide whether China is right for you, you need clarity, not clichés.
Let’s bust the biggest myths about life in China and then walk you step-by-step through how Indian students can study in China, choose the right program, and apply smartly.
Common Myths About Studying in China (Busted)
Before arriving in China, most Indians hear one of these two extremes:
“You’ll be cut off from the internet, tracked constantly, and forced to eat strange food.”- “It’s ultra-modern, stress-free, and easy for foreigners.”
Reality lies in between. Let’s break it down.
Myth 1: “You Can’t Access the Internet in China”
Yes, some international platforms like Google, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp are restricted.
But here’s the truth most people don’t tell you:
- China’s local apps are far more advanced for daily life
- WeChat, Alipay, Meituan, Baidu Maps replace 10 different apps you use in India
- Most international students use VPNs (it’s an open secret)
Many foreigners come thinking they’ll “survive without Google”—and end up preferring Chinese apps for payments, food delivery, tickets, taxis, and even college work.
You’re not digitally isolated.
You’re just using different—and often better—tools.
Myth 2: “Chinese People Don’t Like Foreigners”
Indian students are often surprised by how curious and welcoming people actually are.
- In big cities, people may seem reserved—but that’s just city life
- Students, teachers, shopkeepers are usually patient and helpful
- Locals love it when foreigners try even basic Mandarin
Fun fact: Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, learned English by talking to foreign tourists as a teenager. Curiosity toward outsiders has always existed.
You may get attention
Sometimes a lot of it
But most of it comes from genuine interest, not hostility
Myth 3: “Everything in China Is Strictly Controlled”
This myth is hugely exaggerated online.
Yes, the government plays a visible role—but daily life is surprisingly normal.
Young people in China:
- Complain about rent
- Binge Netflix-style dramas
- Go clubbing on weekends
- Share memes
- Listen to global music (yes, including hip-hop)
What About the Social Credit System?
Despite sensational headlines:
- There is no nationwide personal score
- No one checks an app to see their “rating”
- Most systems relate to legal or financial violations, not daily behaviour
China is not a sci-fi dystopia—it’s messy, human, contradictory, and very real.
Myth 4: “It’s Impossible Without Knowing Chinese”
In cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, you can survive with English + translation apps
Universities, metros, airports are largely bilingual
But here’s the honest advice for Indian students:
If you plan to stay, work, or build a career in China — learning Mandarin is non-negotiable.
Even basic Chinese:
- Earns respect
- Improves internships and jobs
- Makes daily life smoother
- Helps you integrate faster
Programs to Study in China: Options for Indian Students
China offers far more study options than most Indians realise.
Choosing the right program matters as much as choosing China itself.
Option 1: Chinese Language Programs (Best for Beginners)
Highly recommended for first-time students
Duration:
- 1 semester / 1 year / more
Why start here?
- No entrance exams
- Easy admission
- Smooth cultural adjustment
- Great pathway to future degree programs
Many Indian students use language programs as a soft landing year before applying for bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
If you’re new to China, this is the smartest first step.
Option 2: Bachelor’s Degrees in China
China now offers many English-taught bachelor’s programs, especially in:
- Business & Management
- Engineering
- International Relations
- MBBS (Medicine)
Duration: 4 years
Language: English or Chinese (program-dependent)
Important for Indian students:
University ranking matters more than your major in China.
Look for:
- Project 985
- Project 211
- Double First-Class Universities
These institutions significantly boost employability.
Option 3: Master’s & PhD Programs
China has become extremely attractive for postgraduate study, especially due to:
- Generous scholarships
- English-taught programs
- Exposure to China’s tech, policy, and global industries
Popular programs include:
- Schwarzman Scholars (Tsinghua)
- Yenching Academy (Peking University)
- MBA at CEIBS, Fudan, Tsinghua
- Tech & Innovation programs across top universities
Location Matters More Than You Think
For Indian students aiming to work or intern after graduation:
Big cities = big opportunities
Best cities to target:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Shenzhen
- Guangzhou
- Hangzhou
- Nanjing
- Chengdu
Smaller cities may offer scholarships—but career exposure is limited.
How to Apply to Chinese Universities
There’s no single Common App.
You usually apply via:
- University websites
- China Scholarship Council (CSC)
- Platforms like CUCAS or China Admissions
Deadlines:
Most scholarships close by March for September intake.
Common Mistakes Indian Students Make
Applying randomly without strategy
Choosing unknown cities for cheap fees
Ignoring Mandarin until arrival
Believing Western rankings over Chinese ones
Starting applications too late
Final Tip for Indian Students
The most successful students in China are not always the smartest.
They are the ones who:
- Choose the right city
- Pick the right university
- Build language skills early
- Network actively
Ready to Study in China? Start With the Language.
Before visas, universities, and scholarships—Mandarin is your biggest advantage.
Learn Mandarin the Right Way with Meiyu Chinese Language Centre
At Meiyu Chinese, we help Indian students:
- Build practical, spoken Mandarin
- Prepare for university life in China
- Understand Chinese academic & cultural systems
- Plan long-term study and career paths
Whether you’re applying for:
- Language programs
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s / PhD programs
- Or planning to work in China
Start your China journey with language confidence.
Contact Meiyu Chinese Language Centre today
Online & India-friendly classes
Student-focused, China-realistic approach
Your China dream doesn’t start at the embassy.
It starts with understanding the language.