Planning to study abroad in China is easier than you may think. The Asian country has become more and more popular over the last years due to its great educational facilities, renowned science and technology degrees, and up to 30 top-ranked higher educational institutions. China is also fascinating for international students in terms of culture and traditions.
If you decided to study here, read below the easy steps for applying to a Chinese university.
1. Chinese universities to consider for your studies
Here are some top Chinese universities you should consider for your study abroad adventure:
- Zhejiang University
- Peking University
- Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
- Tsinghua University
- Xiamen University
- Beijing Institute of Technology
Check out other top-ranked universities in China.
2. Prepare to apply
- Don’t hurry up to decide for which study degree you should apply. You can find many interesting and quite unique degrees, but you should take the time to do enough research and carefully read all the information.
- See if your qualifications meet those required by the university.
- Admission is based on high scores of your previous graduated school.
- China has set a limit regarding students’ age when applying: most universities don’t accept students over 30 for a Bachelor’s degree and over 40 for a Master’s degree and PhD.
- Apply to at least three universities and you will improve your chances of being admitted.
- Check out the scholarship opportunities in China. You can also apply for the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies abroad.
3. Where to apply
Regarding the application process, Chinese universities allow international students to choose one of the following options:
- For many, the easiest and the most convenient way is to apply online, directly on the website of your favourite university.
- Apply through CUCAS – an online self-application platform that allows you to apply for any Chinese university. It acts as an intermediary between you and the university.
- Apply through CUAC – you can apply for a Chinese university, but this website is also an online advisor and professional guide, helping you make the right decision regarding your studies in China.
- You can submit your applications with the help of your friends who are already studying at the same Chinese university where you want to apply. They can easily get all the info about the necessary application documents. Send the documents to your friends and they can submit the application for you.
4. Language requirements for a Chinese university application
If you want to apply for an English-taught degree, the language tests acceted by all universitie are:
But recent changes made by the government introduced two more tests accepted by universities:
- International English Test (IET) - most universities
- Duolingo - only a few universities
For a Chinese-taught programme, HSK tests are accepted as follows:
- HSK Elementary – for Science, Engineering and Medicine degrees
- HSK Intermediate – for the rest of the degrees (such as Liberal Arts, Economics, Management and more)
5. Required university application documents
- Passport photo
- Photocopy of valid passport
- Photocopy of valid visa
- Personal ID card
- Health certificate
- Certification of no criminal record
- Chinese/English language proficiency certificate
- Letter of guarantee (parent or legal guardian of student signs a declaration confirming he/she assumes responsibility for the student to abide rules and regulations of China and of the university)
- Proof that you can support your studies in China
- Certificate/diploma from last graduated school
- Academic transcript from last graduated school
Depending on the specific demands of each university or study programme, more documents may be required.
6. University application deadlines in China
The academic year in China usually has two semesters, the spring semester and autumn semester, except for a few higher educational institutions that implemented a three-semester system.
It is best to figure out every university’s specific application deadline for each semester, but these are the general dates:
- For the spring semester: submit the application until mid-July
- For the autumn semester: submit the application until late April
7. Final steps after receiving your acceptance letter
The following are the steps you need to go through after receiving the acceptance letter:
- Apply for the Chinese student visa as soon as possible. Check with the Chinese embassy/consulate in your area for details.
- Within 30 days of your arrival in China, you will have to obtain a residence permit from a local public security office or police station.
- Arrange a health insurance plan. This has to cover accidental injury and medical treatments and cover at least around 62,000 USD. You can get your insurance from your home country or purchase a health insurance card once you arrive in China.