For business students, few destinations offer what China does: direct exposure to the world's second largest economy, its digital ecosystems and its consumer markets. Shanghai in particular functions as Asia's financial centre and the operational base for a large share of the multinational companies active in the region.
Key takeaways
- China combines living costs of $400 to $900 per month in Shanghai, an expanding offer of English-taught programmes and unmatched access to Asian markets.
- For business and luxury sector careers specifically, direct experience of the Chinese market has become a genuine differentiator on a European CV.
👉 In practice, China makes most sense as part of an international path rather than as a standalone choice, which is why many European schools now build a Shanghai semester or a dual-campus programme into their offer.
Why study in China
The argument for China has shifted over the past decade. It is now less about cost and more about market access.
- Access to the world's second largest economy. Direct exposure to Chinese business practices, consumer behaviour and negotiation culture is difficult to acquire remotely, and increasingly valued by European employers operating in Asia.
- Shanghai as Asia's financial centre. The city concentrates multinational headquarters, financial institutions and one of China's largest international student communities, creating dense networking and internship opportunities.
- A digital ecosystem unlike any other. As Alibaba founder Jack Ma put it, in other countries e-commerce is about shopping, whereas in China it is a way of life. WeChat Pay and Alipay handle more than 90% of daily transactions, and understanding this ecosystem is a concrete professional skill.
- The world's largest luxury market. For students targeting fashion, cosmetics, wines and spirits or hospitality, China is where the demand is, which changes what you learn and who you meet.
- Manageable living costs. Monthly expenses in Shanghai run $400 to $900, well below comparable Western cities while offering a genuinely modern urban lifestyle.
- A growing English-taught offer. Leading Chinese institutions now deliver programmes entirely in English, particularly in business and STEM fields, though learning Mandarin substantially widens what you get out of the experience.
- Strong industry and academic links. Shanghai institutions maintain close connections with the companies operating in the city, which translates into internships, corporate visits and field work.
Studying in China at a glance
| Criterion | What to expect |
| Living costs (Shanghai) | $400 to $900 per month |
| On-campus dormitory | $560 to $2,500 per year |
| Shared apartment (Shanghai) | CNY 2,000 to 5,000 for your share |
| University canteen meal | CNY 8 to 20 |
| Payment system | WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate |
| Student visa | X1 (long stay) or X2 (short stay) |
| Key sectors | Finance, digital, luxury, trade |
What you need to know before you go
Budgeting
Shanghai is among China's more expensive cities, but remains considerably cheaper than Western equivalents. Monthly costs typically run $400 to $900, or roughly CNY 3,000 to 5,000.
Accommodation is the main variable. On-campus dormitories are the most practical option, with shared rooms from $560 per year and single rooms up to $2,500, usually including internet and utilities. Off-campus, a share in a Shanghai apartment costs CNY 2,000 to 5,000 per month.
Food is where China genuinely surprises. University canteens serve full meals for CNY 8 to 20, among the cheapest options anywhere, and delivery apps make eating well on a small budget straightforward.
One practical note: English-taught programmes typically cost 20 to 40% more than their Mandarin-taught equivalents.
Practical logistics
China runs on mobile payments. Open a Chinese bank account after arrival and link it to WeChat Pay and Alipay. Cash is rarely used, and international credit cards are accepted only at large hotels and some restaurants.
If you live off campus, note that police registration is required within 24 hours of moving in. Student discounts of up to 50% apply to museums, tourist sites and train tickets, which makes exploring the country affordable.
International bank transfers to China take three to seven business days and incur fees, so arrange payments well ahead of registration deadlines.
Language
English-taught programmes make studying accessible without Mandarin. That said, this is the destination where language investment pays back most visibly: it transforms daily life, opens internship options and signals commitment to employers hiring for Asia-facing roles.
Many programmes include Chinese language courses, and taking them seriously is worth the effort.
Studying in China with ESSCA
Established in 2007, the Shanghai campus plays a central role in ESSCA's development across Asia. ESSCA holds the triple accreditation AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS, shared by only 1% of business schools worldwide, and its Master in Management ranks among the top 100 programmes globally in the Financial Times ranking.
The campus serves two distinct purposes.
- As a mobility destination, it hosts students from across the ESSCA network. Grande École students can spend their third-year international semester in Shanghai, taking courses in Chinese language, business, marketing and East Asian geopolitics. Bachelor in International Management students can do the same in their second year. The campus also welcomes exchange students from partner universities and independent international applicants.
- As a programme base, Shanghai hosts two distinctive dual-campus MSc programmes, both taught entirely in English and both splitting time between Paris and Shanghai:
- The MSc in EU-Asia Luxury Marketing, co-created with EFAP School of Communication, spans 450 hours of teaching split between Paris in semester one and Shanghai in semester two. Students work across fashion and leather goods, wines and spirits, cosmetics and perfumes, and hospitality, with projects for houses including Louis Vuitton and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
- The MSc in EU-Asia Digital Marketing & Business, developed with EFAP and the Hub Institute, runs 400 contact hours in Shanghai followed by a four-and-a-half to six-month international work placement. It focuses specifically on understanding China's digital ecosystem and applying that knowledge to European and Asian market opportunities.
A limited number of partial scholarships is available to international students, awarded by the school's Scholarships Committee on the basis of academic merit and wider achievement. Amounts and availability vary from one intake to the next, so it is worth checking the current terms and applying early. Eligible candidates can also apply separately for the French government's Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
Going further
China rewards students who are clear about why they are going. If your career plans involve Asian markets, the luxury sector or digital business, direct experience of Shanghai is difficult to replicate through coursework alone. Most programmes run information sessions where you can question programme directors and current students, which is the most efficient way to assess the fit.
FAQ
How much does it cost to study in Shanghai?
Living costs run $400 to $900 per month, or roughly CNY 3,000 to 5,000. On-campus dormitories start at $560 per year for a shared room. Note that English-taught programmes typically cost 20 to 40% more than Mandarin-taught equivalents.
Can I study in China without speaking Mandarin?
Yes. English-taught programmes are widely available, particularly in business. However, Mandarin makes a substantial difference to daily life, internship access and how employers read your profile for Asia-facing roles. Most programmes include Chinese language courses.
Why study business in Shanghai specifically?
Because it is Asia's financial centre, home to a large concentration of multinational headquarters and to the world's most advanced digital commerce ecosystem. For students targeting luxury, digital marketing or Asian markets, direct exposure there is difficult to acquire any other way.
What visa do I need to study in China?
An X1 visa for long-term study, typically programmes exceeding 180 days, or an X2 visa for shorter stays. If you live off campus, remember that police registration is required within 24 hours of moving in.
