The Hainan Lingshui Li'an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone, co-established by the Ministry of Education and Hainan Province, is one of the 13 key pillars of the Hainan Free Trade Port. It embodies China's commitment to educational openness through pragmatic, value-driven innovation.
By the end of 2025, the initial launch zone for Phase I will be completed. The essential infrastructure for Phase I, covering 5.81 square kilometers, has been largely established, marking the conclusion of its preliminary development and construction.
The zone has emerged as a trailblazer in China's education openness initiative, offering international students cost-effective tuition, dual-degree pathways, and world-class facilities.
Annual undergraduate tuition ranges from RMB 60,000 to 120,000 (approximately USD 8,300–16,600), with joint programs, such as the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China-Glasgow College, priced at RMB 100,000.
Accommodation costs between RMB 5,000 and 8,000 annually, significantly lower than studying abroad. Students gain access to resources from both Chinese and foreign institutions while earning internationally accredited degrees.
Students can pursue dual degrees, such as those offered by the Communication University of China and Coventry University, foreign-only degrees, or Chinese degrees aligned with national strategies. This flexibility caters to career goals in global markets, academia, or China's tech sectors.
The zone's "Big Sharing + Small Colleges" model integrates public labs, libraries, and sports facilities, while specialized colleges focus on AI, digital media, and cybersecurity. By partnering with industry, it fosters innovation through platforms like the Li'an Digital Lab, enabling students to translate research into real-world solutions.
By blending affordability, academic excellence, and industry connections, the zone is reshaping China's international education landscape.
Reporter | Jiang Chang
Photo | Jiang Chang
Editor | Wei Shen, James, Shen He
