Overview
China is spread around 9.6 million kilometers, making the country the third largest by area. It also has the most international borders, as it is neighboring 14 countries and officially consists of 56 ethnic groups. If you study in China, you will experience a geographical diversity like no other: You can visit numerous mountains, big ports and picturesque cities or even deserts! Another great advantage if you choose to study in China will be the unforgettable experience of visiting The Great Wall of China or the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest with its highest point at 8,849 meters.
China - Quick facts & figures
Capital
Beijing
Language
Standard Chinese
Population
1.5 billion
Area Size
9,596,961 km²
International students
492,185
Academic Year
March - October
Currency
Renminbi (yuan; ¥)
Calling Code
+86
Time zone
China Standard Time (UTC+8)
More about studying abroad in China
Why study in China? First of all, in China you can choose among almost 3,000 higher education institutions and colleges and enjoy affordable tuition fees. In China you can find public universities which are entirely funded by the Chinese State or governmental agencies. Private and non-state universities are funded by non-governmental organizations. Back in the 1950’s, 33 students from East European countries were the first group of international students China has welcomed.
By 2000, this number increased to 407,000 students. Chinese universities are internationally recognized and well respected, since a lot of the country’s universities like the Peking, Chinghua or Fudan university rank among the Top 200 universities in the world. In addition, China ranks high as a one of the top, especially when it comes to access to higher quality teaching.
Studying abroad in China will open new doors and will grant you entrance to an endless list of Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees. But why does studying in China differ? China has the largest higher education system in the world and offers more than 4,000 degrees in English.
You can study either in English or even Chinese, if you are able to prove your language level through a test. Moreover, the country has established strong ties and agreements of academic recognition of their offered degrees with more than 180 countries globally. The most popular majors in China include, among others, medicine, engineering, studies on Chinese culture and language, business administration, computer science & IT and international economics and trade.
Chinese Visa Requirements for Students: How to Proceed
Make sure months before your arrival to gather and prepare all the necessary documents. Ask your university for additional guidance and information and also contact the nearest Chinese Embassy in your home country for any questions. By doing so, you will avoid delays that might occur due to bureaucratic reasons. In relation to the Chinese Visa Requirements, keep in mind that European nationals or students from the UK, Canada, and Australia, can apply for a student visa through CVASC (Chinese Visa Application Service Center). Otherwise, you can apply to your nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate office. Remember that if applying through CVASC, you need to book an appointment online through their official website.
You will need the following documents for your Chinese Visa application:
Visa application for your studies in China (JW201 or JW202 document) by your local Chinese Embassy or the university you are enrolled at. Remember to bring the original document in China.
A valid passport should have at least six months of remaining validity.
Recent passport-sized photos.
Your admissions notice from the university.
The Physical Examination Form.
The application fees for your Chinese Visa vary depending on the country you come from, but the price ranges around 140 USD. Normally the processing time for your visa application is fast and takes about a week.
As for the physical examination form, don’t forget that Chinese visa requirements require that after your arrival in China as an international student, you are required to go to the Health Quarantine Bureau to confirm your physical examination form as soon as possible. If you fail to provide your physical examination form or record, then you must be examined at the local health bureau.
Housing & Living Costs
The most popular student cities in China include Shanghai (the largest city), Beijing (the cultural center of the country), Shenzhen (The Asian Silicon Valley) or Hong Kong (The trade and investment center). Smaller cities such as Chengdu or Hangzhou are famous among international students as well.
As a result, it would be good to plan your monthly budget ahead in order to be prepared. A popular option as an international student is to choose to stay in student dormitories offered by the university, where the cost ranges among 150-400 USD per month. Renting a flat in the city you are studying alone or with a roommate is also an option, but keep in mind that you are expected to pay more, from 300-1000 USD per month.
The location of the apartment and the city plays a big role in your expenses. Another great option to reduce your cost of living in China would be to live with a Chinese family during your studies. The prices range from 300-550 USD per month and it would be a great opportunity to meet new people, indulge into Chinese culture and (why not?) practise your Chinese language skills!
The cost of living in China differs depending on the region you are living in and the cost of food, monthly rent, utilities and transportation is slightly higher in the bigger cities. For example, in metropolitan big cities, your monthly costs could be around 850 USD, while in smaller ones up to 550 USD. Take advantage of your student discount while using the great services of the Chinese public transport system which will only cost you around 20 USD per month.
Save some money in advance per semester for your study materials which will cost around 50 USD depending on your study major and also invest in a medical insurance program that meets your budget criteria and needs.
Average living costs in China:
Meal
20.00 ¥
Coffee
26.00 ¥
Beer
7.00 ¥
Cinema Ticket
45.00 ¥
Monthly Rent
from 1.900 ¥
Monthly Transport
from 121 ¥
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Overall, for undergraduate studies in a public university in China, you are expected to pay from 2,000 to 10,000 USD per year, depending on the university and major. For private universities, the cost fluctuates until 30,000 USD per year, while for MBA degrees even up to 40,000 per academic year. Visit the official websites of the universities you are mostly interested in in order to gain more accurate information per program.
Chinese Scholarship Opportunities
The Chinese government makes a big effort to attract more and more international students to Chinese universities, by generously offering various Chinese scholarship opportunities. In addition, a lot of Chinese universities offer partially or fully funded scholarships which cover the student’s tuition fees and accommodation. For more information about university-offered scholarships, you can visit the websites of the universities you are interested in. The list below includes the most popular Chinese scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD or Chinese Language studies degrees. If you wish to apply for a Chinese scholarship in order to support your studies, then now it’s the time!
The Chinese Government Scholarship
The Confucius Institute Scholarship
The CAS-TWAS Scholarship
The Chinese Provincial Government Scholarship
The Chinese Government Scholarship—Great Wall Program
The Chinese Government Scholarship—Bilateral Program
For more detailed information regarding the Chinese scholarships eligibility, application procedure and documents, you can contact the Chinese Scholarship Council, CUCAS and the China Admissions or Study in China websites.
Application Process
Are you ready to apply for admission at a Chinese university? We hope you are! The application procedure for Chinese universities is not complex at all, as it includes particular steps you need to follow. However, before you start with your application, consider navigating into the websites of your selected universities, as there might be changes and particular rules, depending on the institution. In addition, changes in the documents you will need vary if you apply for a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree.
1.Choose your study major
Start by picking the degrees you are mostly interested in by taking into account the career path you would like to follow. How do you see yourself in the future and what is your dream job? Don’t forget that China offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees in all disciplines that can cover all your study needs.
2. Check Particular Admission Requirements
Depending on the academic level of the degree and the university, there are always particular requirements you should be aware of. Right after choosing what you want to study, select your desired universities, navigate through their websites and pay attention to your chosen study programs curriculums so you have a general idea of what would be expected of you and what requirements you need to meet in order to get admitted.
3. Prepare the Paperwork
Each program depending on the university differs, so make sure you make a list with the programs you wish to apply for and gather the required documentation for each program. Applying online means that you need to upload the front page of your passport (the one that includes the photo of yours) and also have some spare passport photos and copies of your passport available as well. Moreover, prepare your personal statement where you will explain why you want a place in the particular program.
Among others, you might need to submit your previous graduation certificates or transcripts of records from your Bachelor’s (if you apply for a Master’s degree for instance), a non-criminal record certificate and a medical examination certificate. Furthermore, you will probably need recommendation letters, proof of knowledge of the English language, i.e IELTS or TOEFL if you apply for English-taught programs and possibly, a financial guarantor letter, as a proof that you have financial assistance yourself for your studies.
Finally, if the degree you are applying is taught in Mandarin Chinese, then you also need to be able to prove your Chinese language proficiency through the HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) examination.
4.Submit Your Application
Your application procedure for Chinese universities can be completed through various ways. First, you can apply directly to the university page, online. Second, you can apply through official support services who assist you as a mediator between you and the universities like CUCAS, China Admissions and The China University Application Center (CUAC). Avoid unofficial agencies and websites and apply by paying the application fee and uploading all the necessary documents.
5. When accepted, apply for a Visa/Residence Permit
Congratulations! You have successfully completed your application procedure for Chinese universities and you are officially a student. As a next step after you receive your letter of acceptance with all the necessary information is to apply for the student visa and also deposit your first installment of the tuition fees, in case you are not a scholarship recipient. Begin with the student visa procedures as soon as possible by visiting or contacting your nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
6. Make Health Insurance Arrangements
Every international student arriving in China for studies is legally obliged to obtain private medical insurance, since, unfortunately, the Chinese healthcare system can’t provide health coverage to international students. Start the procedures for your medical insurance along with the visa ones in order not to lose valuable time. Choose your medical insurance plan wisely depending on your budget and needs, by paying attention to what is included or not. Some of the main healthcare insurers in China are: China Taiping Insurance, China Life Insurance and China Pacific Insurance.
7. Arrive in China
Since you have your visa and medical insurance ready, you can book your flight to China and search for accommodation options. Pack the necessary clothing, relax and fill yourself with determination and positivity for your new study journey in China!