Plan Your Study

1. Can I study in China?

International students from all over the world are warmly welcomed to study in China. China’s universities offer thousands of programs for foreign students. Non-degree programs teaching Chinese language and culture are particularly popular, but it is also possible to earn your degree in China. Most degree programs are taught in Chinese and therefore require a certain level of language proficiency. However, an increasing number of English-taught degree programs are available. So you can make a choice according to your own situation.

2. Can I apply for MA courses if I don’t speak Chinese?

Chinese higher education institutions (HEIs) generally conduct courses in Chinese language. Applicants with no command of Chinese are generally required to take Chinese language courses for 1-2 years before their major studies. Applicants who apply to study science, engineering, agriculture, medicine (western medicine), economics, management and law are required to take Chinese language courses for 1 year. Applicants who apply to study literature, history, philosophy, and medicine (traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese herb medicine) are required to take Chinese language courses for 2 years. Some of the Chinese HEIs offer postgraduate programs and non-degree courses for general and senior scholars in English. Students who apply for these programs are not required to take Chinese language courses.

3. How many kinds of universities are there in China?

There are two types of universities in China: comprehensive university and professional university. Comprehensive universities have a wide range of disciplines, with tremendous strength in scientific research; Professional universities are generally proficient in certain disciplines and activities carried out by students are full of academic atmosphere.

4. What kind of program can I choose?

China’s universities offer thousands of programs for foreign students. Non-degree programs teaching Chinese language and culture are particularly popular, but it is also possible to earn your degree in China. Most degree programs are taught in Chinese and therefore require a certain level of language proficiency. However, an increasing number of English-taught degree programs are available.

5. When will the university start classes generally?

Degree programs: degree programs begin in September at most Chinese universities. A small number of programs can admit students in February or March.
Language programs: the one-semester (4-6 months) language course usually opens in both semesters (starting in both September and February/March); the One-year language program usually opens in September; the short-term courses may have fixed times or may arrange a time at the request of a group of students. Short-term summer programs usually start in June, July or August, and last 1-8 weeks.

6. Is the cost of living in China too high?

Although prices in China are rising, the cost of living here is still favorable compared with most developed countries. You will be amazed by how comfortably you can live and how strong your purchasing power is. Compared to developed countries, the cost of living and studying in China is relatively low. Accommodation in Beijing is roughly RMB 2000-3000 yuan per month. An average meal costs around 30-50 yuan. The subway has a flat rate of 2 yuan and buses within the city are even cheaper. Smaller cities and those in China’s central and western regions are particularly inexpensive.

7. How can I deal with the accommodation after arriving in China if I don’t speak Chinese?

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 from each other due to the furniture and facilities. International students should apply before arriving in China. If you want to come with your families, you should consult the university in advance. Otherwise, you should take care of the accommodation by yourself.
Students can live off-campus with the permission of the university, but should register at the local public security office within 24 hours upon arrival.

8. Can I take a part-time job while studying at college?

Tuition fee is generally paid on year basis. According to relevant Chinese laws, international students studying in China are forbidden to be employed, and work-study opportunity is relatively small. So self-financed international students should make the financial preparation before arriving in China.

9. Is it easy for a foreign graduate to find a job in China?

Thanks to the economic growth, the opportunities for foreigners who want to work in China have increased considerably in the last few years. In 1996, there were 180,000 foreign workers registered in China and the number is rapidly growing.
Teaching English is one of the main job areas for foreigners in China, while there is also a growing demand for foreign experts in sales, engineering and management, etc. The current rise of China has made it very clear that people who can speak Chinese and have first-hand experience of living in China are going to have a great advantage in terms of employment.