When a Saudi student hears the phrase “studying in China,” one question automatically comes to mind: “And what about the language?” This legitimate question has hidden an important truth from many: China today offers hundreds of complete academic programs in English, and its major universities welcome thousands of international students who do not know a single Chinese character.
At the forefront of these universities: Jilin University — one of China’s most established and most internationally open universities. In this guide, the Future Way Academy team reviews everything a Saudi student needs before making their decision: the university, the programs, the real costs, Saudi recognition, and daily life in the heart of China.
Questions Saudi students ask about studying in China — the truth without flattery
| The common belief | The reality |
|---|---|
| Studying in China means learning Chinese | Hundreds of programs are available fully in English — no Chinese needed |
| Chinese degrees are not recognized in Saudi Arabia | Major universities like Jilin are recognized in Saudi Arabia via WHED |
| Life in China is hard for Arabs | Active Arab communities in the major university cities |
| Halal food is not available | Halal restaurants exist at major universities and in university cities |
| China is very far from Saudi Arabia | Direct or one-stop flights from Riyadh and Jeddah — 8–11 hours |
| There is no Saudi scholarship for China | A scholarship is possible in approved specializations — and Chinese government scholarships exist |
| Why China specifically now? Saudi–Chinese relations are at their highest level historically, with the signing of joint educational and research agreements, Chinese government scholarships available to Saudi students, and growing Saudi demand for talent that combines academic expertise with a deep understanding of the Chinese market. |
| 1952 Jilin University founded | 60,000+ Total Jilin students | 3,000+ International students at Jilin | $3,000 – 8,000 Approximate annual tuition | $300 – 500 Monthly living costs |
Why choose China as a study destination in 2026?
China is the world’s second-largest host of international students
China has overtaken many traditional destinations to become the second-largest host country for international students in the world after the United States. This shift did not come by chance but is the product of massive government investment in raising the level of universities, expanding English-taught programs, and offering generous scholarships.
Comparing China with other destinations available to Saudis
| Criterion | China (Jilin) | Georgia | Lithuania | Turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual tuition — medicine or sciences | $3,000 – 8,000 | $7,000 – 12,000 | €8,000 – 14,000 | $6,000 – 14,000 |
| Monthly living costs | $300 – 500 | $400 – 600 | €600 – 900 | $500 – 900 |
| English-taught programs | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Saudi recognition | For major universities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Government scholarships | Generous CSC scholarships | Limited | Partial Erasmus | Partial YTB |
| Distance from Saudi Arabia | 8 – 11 hours | 4 – 5 hours | 7 – 8 hours | 3 – 4 hours |
| Arab community | Medium — growing | Large | Small | Very large |
| Local economy and future opportunities | Huge — the world’s second-largest economy | Small | Medium (EU) | Medium |
Saudi–Chinese relations — a strategic dimension for the degree
Saudi–Chinese relations enjoy exceptional momentum in 2026: huge economic partnerships, mutual investments, and a growing need for Saudi talent capable of understanding the Chinese market and culture. The Saudi graduate who studied in China offers the labor market something rare: academic knowledge + a Chinese cultural dimension.
| The Future Way team’s view China is not for everyone, but it is the smartest choice for anyone thinking strategically. The student who studies at Jilin and learns the basics of Chinese (optionally) removes themselves from traditional competition and enters a market that Saudi and Gulf employers are eagerly seeking. |
Jilin University — the Saudi student’s window into academic China
Jilin University was founded in 1952 and is located in the city of Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province in northeastern China. It is one of China’s most established universities, ranked among the top 100 Chinese universities according to national rankings, and a member of China’s prestigious “Project 211” group of universities.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1952 |
| Location | Changchun, Jilin Province — northeastern China |
| Total students | 60,000+ students |
| International students | 3,000+ students from 100+ countries |
| National ranking | Among the top 100 Chinese universities (Project 211) |
| Faculties | 70+ faculties and academic departments |
| English-taught programs | 50+ fully English programs |
| Saudi recognition | Listed in WHED — Saudi recognition available |
| Primary language of study | English (for international programs) or Chinese |
Why Jilin specifically among China’s many universities?
- A Project 211 member — an official guarantee of academic quality
- Extensive experience in welcoming and serving international students
- Integrated medical, engineering, and science programs in English
- Competitive tuition even by Asian standards
- A dedicated international student affairs office that speaks English
- University housing dedicated to international students with a comfortable standard of living
| What do Arab students at Jilin say? From our follow-up of Arab students’ experiences at Jilin, the description that always leads is: “the environment is academically serious, the cost is affordable, and the Arab community at the university eases the sense of being far from home.” The most-mentioned challenge is the very cold weather in winter — Jilin Province is in northern China and its winter is genuinely harsh. |
Programs available in English at Jilin University
Medical and health programs — the most in demand
| Program | Degree | Duration | Language of study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human medicine — Clinical Medicine | MBBS (equivalent to MD) | 6 years | English |
| Dentistry — Stomatology | BDS | 5 years | English |
| Pharmacy | B.Pharm | 4 years | English |
| Nursing | BSN | 4 years | English / Chinese |
| Public Health | B.Sc | 4 years | English |
Science, engineering, and technology programs
| Program | Degree | Duration | Language of study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Engineering | B.Eng | 4 years | English |
| Computer Science | B.Sc | 4 years | English |
| Mechanical Engineering | B.Eng | 4 years | English |
| Artificial Intelligence | B.Sc | 4 years | English |
| Chemistry and biochemistry | B.Sc | 4 years | English |
Business, economics, and Chinese studies programs
| Program | Duration | Note |
|---|---|---|
| International business administration | 4 years | An English program — suitable for Arab students |
| Economics and international trade | 4 years | Covers Sino-Arab economic relations |
| Chinese studies for Arabic speakers | 4 years | Includes Chinese language + culture + history |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 2 years | Available in English — for bachelor’s holders |
| Pay attention to this important detail The MBBS program (human medicine) at Jilin is taught in English, but the clinical training in Chinese hospitals requires communicating with patients in Chinese. The university provides a mandatory Chinese-language course in the first year for this purpose. It is not a major obstacle, but it is a reality you should know. |
The cost of studying in China — the real numbers
Annual tuition at Jilin University
| Specialization | Annual tuition ($) | Annual tuition (SAR) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human medicine (MBBS) | 5,500 – 8,000 | 20,625 – 30,000 | 6 years |
| Dentistry | 5,000 – 7,000 | 18,750 – 26,250 | 5 years |
| Pharmacy | 3,500 – 5,500 | 13,125 – 20,625 | 4 years |
| Engineering and computer science | 3,000 – 5,000 | 11,250 – 18,750 | 4 years |
| Business administration | 3,000 – 4,500 | 11,250 – 16,875 | 4 years |
| Chinese studies | 2,500 – 4,000 | 9,375 – 15,000 | 4 years |
Monthly living costs in Changchun
| Item | Cost ($) | Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| University housing for international students | 100 – 200 | 375 – 750 |
| Apartment near the university | 150 – 280 | 562 – 1,050 |
| Food (university canteens + outside) | 120 – 220 | 450 – 825 |
| Public transport (metro + bus) | 15 – 30 | 56 – 112 |
| Phone and internet | 10 – 20 | 37 – 75 |
| Books and study supplies | 20 – 50 | 75 – 187 |
| Entertainment and activities | 50 – 100 | 187 – 375 |
| Estimated monthly total | 315 – 620 | 1,181 – 2,325 |
Comparing the total cost of 6 years of medicine — China versus other destinations
| Destination | Total tuition ($) | Total living ($) | Full total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| China — Jilin University | 33,000 – 48,000 | 22,680 – 44,640 | 55,680 – 92,640 |
| Georgia | 42,000 – 72,000 | 28,800 – 43,200 | 70,800 – 115,200 |
| Lithuania — LSMU | €72,000 – 84,000 | €43,200 – 64,800 | €115,200 – 148,800 |
| Czech Republic — Charles University | €78,000 – 96,000 | €50,400 – 72,000 | €128,400 – 168,000 |
| China is genuinely the cheapest — by a clear margin The total for 6 years of medical study in China costs between $55,000 and $92,000 — strikingly lower than Georgia and Eastern Europe. For anyone looking for the best equation between cost, academic quality, and international recognition, China offers a figure that cannot be ignored. |
Scholarships available to Saudi students in China
The Chinese government scholarship — CSC Scholarship
The Chinese government, through the China Scholarship Council (CSC), offers annual scholarships to international students that include:
- Full tuition waiver
- Free or subsidized university housing
- A monthly stipend (approximately 500 – 1,400 Chinese yuan depending on the level)
- Some scholarships include round-trip travel tickets
- Comprehensive medical insurance during the study period
| Type of scholarship | Covers | Basic application conditions |
|---|---|---|
| CSC Chinese government scholarship | Tuition + housing + monthly stipend | Academic excellence — early application via CSC |
| Jilin University internal scholarship | 20% – 100% discount on tuition | High GPA — first or second in the department |
| Jilin Province scholarships | Partial living support | Residence in the province and community commitment |
| Saudi scholarship grants | Depends on the sponsoring body | The university and specialization in the approved list |
To review the details of the Saudi scholarship and the conditions for applying to foreign universities including China, please visit our page on the Saudi external scholarship.
Admission requirements at Jilin University for Saudi students
| Specialization | Minimum GPA | Core subjects | Language requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human medicine (MBBS) | 75% – 85% | Biology, chemistry | IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 60+ |
| Dentistry | 70% – 80% | Biology, chemistry | IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 60+ |
| Pharmacy | 65% – 75% | Chemistry, biology | IELTS 5.0+ |
| Engineering | 65% – 75% | Mathematics, physics | IELTS 5.0+ |
| Business administration | 60% – 70% | No specific requirement | IELTS 5.0+ |
Documents required for the application file
- High school certificate with transcript, translated and certified
- Valid passport with a clear photo
- English certificate (IELTS / TOEFL) or proof of prior study in English
- Motivation letter in English
- Personal photos on a white background
- A health certificate from an accredited medical body (for those residing outside China)
- Application fee: $50 – 100 (non-refundable)
Application deadlines
| Semester | Application window | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn (main) | February – May | Early September |
| Spring (limited) | October – November | Early March |
Saudi recognition of Chinese degrees and the equivalency steps
Jilin University is listed in the international WHED database, which the Saudi Ministry of Education relies on as a reference for recognizing foreign universities. Recognition is granted to the university and the specialization together, so verifying the specific specialization before enrolling is advised.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Jilin listed in WHED | Yes |
| Successful equivalency precedent in Saudi Arabia | For Saudi graduates from China |
| Listed in WDOMS for the medicine program (WHO) | Yes — for the recognized medical programs |
| Most-recognized specializations in Saudi Arabia | Medicine, engineering, computer science, business |
| Estimated equivalency time | 3 – 6 months (with complete documents) |
To review the detailed equivalency steps and what Saudi recognition requires in terms of documents, please see our article: equivalency of European certificates in Saudi Arabia. And for those who prefer to compare China with European destinations in terms of costs, please see: the cost of studying in Europe.
Daily life for the Saudi student in Changchun
Halal food at the university and in the city
Jilin University provides dining halls dedicated to Muslim students with a halal menu, which is standard at major Chinese universities with an Islamic presence. Halal restaurants are also widespread around the campus, given the not-insignificant Muslim community in northeastern China.
The climate — the harsh-winter challenge
Changchun is in northeastern China, and its winter is among the coldest in the world: the cold can reach −20°C or lower at times. In contrast, the summer is mild and warm. This is the most prominent weather challenge facing the student coming from the hot Saudi climate. Preparing in advance with suitable clothing is a necessity, not an option.
The Arab and Saudi community at Jilin
The Arab community at Jilin University is growing thanks to the scholarships and medical programs. There are active Arab student communities that provide support to new students and ease adaptation. English is sufficient for daily university communication, while learning the basics of Chinese remains useful outside the university walls.
Safety and the general environment
China is one of the safest countries for foreign students, with very low crime rates. Changchun is a practical, relatively quiet city — not as bustling as Shanghai or Beijing — which suits the student looking for a focused academic environment away from the noise of the megacities.
| 🗣️ A Saudi student’s testimonial at Jilin University “I came to Jilin looking for medical faculties at a reasonable cost and a recognized degree. What surprised me was the level of support provided to international students — a dedicated office, help with procedures, and social activities. The winter is very hard at first, but you get used to it. I recommend that every student looking for medicine at a sensible cost seriously consider Jilin.” |
Steps to apply to Jilin University from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| Step | Action | Suggested timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the program and confirm the availability of international seats | 7 – 8 months before the start of study |
| 2 | Prepare the application documents, translate and certify them | 5 – 6 months before |
| 3 | Apply via Jilin’s official electronic portal | 4 – 5 months before |
| 4 | Wait for the admission decision (2–6 weeks) | 2 – 6 weeks |
| 5 | Receive the acceptance letter (JW202) — the Chinese visa document | As soon as admitted |
| 6 | Apply for the Chinese student visa (X1 Visa) at the embassy | 6 – 8 weeks before |
| 7 | Arrive, complete university registration, and pay the fees | One week before the semester begins |
| 8 | Register your residence at the police station within 24 hours of arrival | Arrival day or the next day immediately |
| The Chinese visa requires the JW202 The student visa for Jilin (X1 Visa) requires the JW202 document, which the university issues after admission. You cannot apply for the visa before receiving it. The visa itself is obtained from the Chinese embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah and takes 5–15 working days. The Future Way team guides you through this path step by step. |
Frequently asked questions — studying in China for Saudis
Is the Jilin University degree recognized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Jilin University is listed in the international WHED database approved by the Saudi Ministry of Education. Recognition is granted to the university and the specialization together, so verifying the specific specialization via the official Ministry of Education website is advised. The Future Way team carries out this verification free of charge.
How much does studying at Jilin University cost per year?
Tuition ranges between $3,000 and $8,000 per year depending on the specialization. Living costs in Changchun are relatively low ($300 – 500 per month). The estimated annual total for a student with ordinary living ranges between SAR 19,000 and 40,000 — among the lowest figures among international study destinations.
Can I use the Saudi scholarship for China?
Yes. A scholarship for China is possible provided the university and specialization are listed in the sponsoring body’s approved list. Medical and engineering specializations are the most likely to be accepted. The Chinese government also offers independent CSC scholarships that cover tuition and living and do not require a Saudi scholarship.
What is the difference between studying in China and Europe for the Saudi student?
China is clearly cheaper (tuition and living) and offers generous scholarships. Europe grants a degree in an EU country with the possibility of European residency in the future. Both offer Saudi recognition for major universities. The choice depends on priorities: cost? future residence destination? career opportunity?
How do I apply to Jilin University from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?
Applications are submitted electronically via Jilin University’s official website, with the required documents uploaded digitally. The Future Way team handles guiding you through every stage: preparing the file, communicating with the university in English, following up on admission, and guidance on the Chinese visa procedures.
| China is waiting for you — start your academic journey with Future Way We assess your profile, guide you in choosing the right program at Jilin, and accompany you from application through to obtaining your visa and arriving at your first lecture hall in Changchun. |
