Study in China: admission requirements, costs and work rules

This overview answers the questions we hear most from students planning to study in China.

Admission requirements by level

• Bachelor: high-school graduation, usually with good grades; a language test for the teaching language.
• Master: a bachelor degree, transcripts, a study plan, often two recommendation letters.
• PhD: a master degree, a research proposal and recommendation letters; some universities ask for publications or a supervisor’s acceptance.
• Chinese language: typically open to anyone with a high-school certificate.

English-taught or Chinese-taught?

English-taught programmes are easier to enter but limited in range. Chinese-taught programmes open far more choices and scholarships, but they require HSK results, often HSK 4 or higher. Many students take a one-year Chinese foundation course first.

Thinking about costs

Budget for four things: tuition, accommodation, living expenses and health insurance, plus the one-off visa and medical costs. Tuition and accommodation differ widely by university and city, so compare the figures on each programme page and ask the university for a written fee notice.

Can international students work?

Study visas do not normally allow employment. Part-time work and internships need written approval from the university and the immigration authority, and the rules are applied differently from city to city. Do not plan your budget around earning in China.

Choosing a university

• Check the programme is taught in your language and open to your nationality.
• Look at the city: cost of living, climate and the number of international students.
• Check scholarship availability and deadlines.

Next: read the CSC scholarship guide and the visa guide, or browse universities.