Study Guide to China
Study in China
For undergraduate programs, international applicants should have senior high school diplomas or equivalents. For Master’s programs, a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent is required. For Ph.D. programs, a Master’s degree or an equivalent is required. Since international students do not sit for the National College Entrance Examination, some universities arrange their own entrance examinations for international applicants. The prerequisites for non-degree programs and pre-university programs vary among universities, and applicants are advised to contact the universities directly.
Language Requirements
For degree and non-degree programs delivered in Chinese, the Chinese language proficiency is typically required. The international standardized exam that tests and rates Chinese language proficiency is the HSK test (for Chinese reading, writing and listening tests) and HSKK test (for oral Chinese proficiency).
These exams rate examinees from Level I (low) to Level VI (high). Different programs and universities may have different HSK level requirements. For more information concerning the HSK test and other Chinese language proficiency exams..
For degree and non-degree programs delivered in English, English language proficiency requirements vary with programs and host institutions. Concerning specific language requirements, applicants are strongly advised to visit the university’s website and contact the admissions office one year before the intended application, as language tests must be scheduled in advance.
Application Period
For self-funded or exchange programs, the application times depend on semester of intended entry and on the programs and host institutions. For Autumn/Fall semester admission, applications are generally open from September to June; Spring semester admissions tend to range from September to December. For more information concerning each program’s application deadline, please visit the college/university’s website.
The application period for Chinese Government Scholarships opens normally from January to April. Applicants should inquire through their own country’s organizations responsible for scholarship selection.
Tuition Fees
According to a survey conducted by China Scholarship Council in 2015, the average tuition paid by international students is around RMB 20,000 per year for undergraduate programs, RMB 25,000 per year for Master’s programs, and RMB 32,000 per year for Ph.D. programs[]. Students who intend to study in China should note that the tuition fees for programs from different universities may vary tremendously and that the cost of living in different parts of China also varies. For more information concerning the tuition of degree and non-degree programs, please visit the university/college’s website and contact the university’s admissions office or the international student’s office directly.
Visa
X1/X2 student visas may be applied for at the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in the student’s home country. When applying for a visa, please remember to bring along a valid passport, the original university admission letter and the JW201/JW202 form.
X1 Visa
The X1 visa is one of the two types of student visas issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates. International students who intend to study in China for more than 6 months are required to obtain an X1 Visa.
IMPORTANT: The X1 Visa is a 30-day visa, valid only for 30 days upon arrival in China. Students must apply for a Residence Permit within these 30 days; otherwise, their stay will be considered illegal and a heavy fine will be leveled.
X2 Visa
The X2 visa is the other type of student visa issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates. International students who intend to study in China for less than 6 months should apply for an X2 Visa. The X2 visa is a short-term student visa, and is valid for the period listed on the visa page. Any stay over the visa term will be considered illegal.
IMPORTANT: According to Chinese laws and regulations, international students MUST register at universities with X1/X2 visas or residence permits issued by Chinese police stations. Students with other types of visas are NOT permitted to register. For information regarding the location and contacts of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in your home country.
Insurance
According to the regulations of the Ministry of Education of China, any international student who studies in China needs to be covered by medical insurance and join the group medical insurance plan designated by his/her university/college that meets the fundamental medical insurance standard. It’s highly recommended to purchase insurance before arriving in China. There is a risk that an international student will not be allowed to register if the insurance is not purchased within the specified time.
Residence
Applications for accommodation should be made to the universities before coming to China. There are many kinds of dormitories in universities, and the prices differ according to furniture and facilities. International students should apply before arriving in China. If international students want to come with their families, they should consult the university in advance. Otherwise, they should take care of the accommodation by themselves.
Students can live off-campus with the permission of the university, but they should register at the local public security office within 24 hours upon arrival.
Scholarships
The Chinese government has set up numerous scholarship programs to sponsor international students and researchers to study and conduct research at Chinese universities. Generally, there are 6 types of scholarships available to eligible candidates,as listed in the table below.
1) Chinese Government Scholarships
China Scholarship Council (hereinafter referred to as CSC), entrusted by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as MOE), is responsible for the enrollment and the administration of Chinese Government Scholarship programs.
Now 289 Chinese universities have been designated to enroll international students with Chinese Government Scholarship, and they offer a wide variety of programs. Introduction to the universities and the programs they offer can be found in the following links.
http://www.csc.edu.cn/studyinchina http://www.campuschina.org
2) Confucius Institute Scholarship
This program, in collaboration with Chinese and foreign educational institutions, social organizations and enterprises, sets up special scholarships to support in-service Chinese language teachers or students aspiring to teach Chinese and work in related professions in studying or pursuing degree programs in China.
3) Local Government Scholarship
Provinces and cities also provide local government scholarships for international students. Usually, international students in China can find the specific requirements and relevant information on scholarship application through universities' international students websites.
4) School Scholarship
Most colleges and universities also offer their own scholarships to students. Students can check the international student's office for detailed information and requirements.
5) Enterprise Scholarships
Some colleges and universities cooperate with enterprises to provide scholarships for international students. For specific application information and requirements, please refer to universities' websites or international student's offices.