Preparation to Study in China

Study in China may be the best decision you will ever make. Overseas students from all over the world are warmly welcomed to study in China. Statistics show the reasons for attracting foreign students to study in China such as; The great educational infrastructure, Affordable fees and cost, High-quality education level, More English medium programs, Peaceful environment, Degree global recognized. So take an earnest attempt to study abroad in China!

China’s universities offer 1000 programs for international students. Non-degree programs teaching in Chinese language and culture are not so popular, but it is also possible to earn their degree in China. Most degree programs are taught in Chinese and therefore require a certain level of language proficiency (HSK). However, an increasing number of English-taught degree programs are now available. So Students can make a choice according to their own situation.  

1. Basic Needs To Prepare For Study In China

To apply to university in China, you need to prepare some initial important things. It might sound daunting, but it’s not hard to get those. However, depending on the university, any documents that are not in Chinese or English, need to be translated into one of these languages. For most language programs like short term, long-term, intensive, summer etc. Usually, only the documents are needed namely; Passport copy, Application form and Application fee.

However, for degree-seeking programs such as bachelors, masters, Ph.D.  or credit earning exchange programs, the documents often needed are:

• Passport Scan Copy

• Passport Size Photo

• Academic Transcript And Certificate (must be notarized)

• HSK certificate of proficiency in Chinese (if you own)

• CV/Resume

• Physical Examination

• Police clearance

• Bank statement

• English Proficiency Certificate

• Two recommendation letters (Ms/Ph.D.)

• Study Plan/ Research Proposal (Ms/PhD)

Helpful tips:

1. Most Chinese taught degree-seeking programs to require HSK-4 or above.
2. There may be entrance examinations.
3. You may need to show proof of your English Language abilities, if your program is taught in English and you are not from a China recognized English speaking country (the US, CAN, UK, AUS, NZ, SA, IRE).

2. How do I apply for the visa to study in China?

Foreign students can apply for “X” visa or “F” visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General to study in China with the original documents and prepare one set of photocopies of the:

• Visa Application for Study In China (Form JW201 or Form JW202).
• Admission Notice.
• Foreigner Physical Examination Form.
•  valid ordinary passport.

Overseas students must come to China with the original copies of the above documents. A student who comes to China with different types of passports, visas or without the original documents will not be able to register to any universities, nor they will be able to apply for residence in China.  X (study) visas are issued to those coming to China for study or an internship for a period of over 6 months. Students organized in form of groups and stay less than 6 months can apply for the F group visas by the authorized invitation letters or fax of the duly authorized unit. Foreign students can apply for Residence Permit as a foreigner from the division of exit-entry administration of the local public security bureau within 30 days upon arrival in China.

3. What Health Verification Should be Presented & How Health Verification and Residence Permit Applied For?

After arriving in China, foreign students are required to go to the Health Quarantine Bureau to confirm the Physical Examination Record for Foreigner (Foreigner Physical Examination Form) within the prescribed time limit. If the students failed to provide Physical Examination Record for Foreigner, then they must get a physical examination at the local Health Quarantine Bureau. If the student is diagnosed to have any disease, the laws stop to entry in China and, then he/she must return to his/her country at his own expense.

• Health verification: Scholarship students who need to stay in China for over 6 months are requested to bring their Passports, Admission Notice, the original Foreigner Physical Examination Form, and the Blood Test Report to the local health and quarantine office within the due time to have their medical examination reports verified. Scholarship students who do not meet the above all requirements, the authority will be required to retake the medical examination. Those who refuse to retake the medical examination or are diagnosed with diseases that are not permitted to stay in China according to the Chinese laws and regulations will be required to leave China.
• Residence Permit: After the health verification, the scholarship students must apply for a residence permit to the local police authority with their passports, Admission Notice and Visa Application Form for Study in China (Form JW201) within 1 month upon their arrival.

Note: Expenses get in the procedures above can be paid for the scholarship students themselves.To more clear on this, the student visa and residence permit are different things. The visa permit you to enter the country and lets immigration know that you are entering for the purpose of studying, the residence permit however always states a purpose and allows you to reside in China for that purpose. So if you are a student your purpose is to study, if you’re working, it’s to work, and so on.Your university may ask for more documentation and additional applications. Always make sure that you are completing the correct application by talking to your program or university.

4. Do I Need To?

Foreign students are required to buy both medical insurance and personal accidental death and injury insurance. They can buy them from their own country or in China after their arrival.

5. How Can I Deal With The Accommodation After Arriving In China?

Applications for accommodation should be ready from the universities before coming to China. There are many kinds of dormitories in universities, and the prices vary from each other due to the furniture and facilities. Overseas students must apply before arriving in China. Applicants can come with their families, but they should consult the university in advance. Otherwise, they should find accommodation by themselves. Students can live off-campus with permission from the university, but they should register at the local public security office within 24 hours upon arrival.

6. When To Apply to a Chinese University?

There are usually 2 semesters, Autumn and spring. But some universities do have 3 semesters. So make sure to check with your program before applying.

• Autumn: The application process usually starts in February or March, with the application deadline in June. Students would hear back from the university by July, and then start your application process for a visa. The Autumn semester in China usually starts in September.
• Spring: The application process usually starts in October, with the application deadline in January. Applicants should hear back from the university by the end of January. The spring semester usually starts in late February or early March. When applying to a university in China, make sure to turn in your application as soon as possible. Many programs decide to fill their vacancies using the first applications they receive – so get your preparation done as soon as possible!

7. Programs and Scholarships

We know, the Internet is always a good place to start finding resources if you’re seriously desire to study any foreign country. There are lots of programs and scholarships are available for study in China. Be sure to take an advantage of these by consulting DigiEduPro to find out more information on opportunities and eligibility requirements for studying in China. Scholarship students can hope to receive financial assistance and will be happy to learn that there are many scholarships out there. Many scholarships established by the Chinese Government, Chinese Local Governments, Confucius Institute, Foreign Governments, Chinese Universities, and Corporations, all dedicated to encouraging educational exchange.

China’s universities provide 1000 programs for international students. Non-degree programs teaching in Chinese Language and Culture are particularly popular, but it is also possible to get your degree in China. Most degree programs are taught in Chinese and therefore require a certain level of language proficiency (HSK). However, English-Taught degree programs are increasing and also available.

8. How Many Kinds of Universities Are There in China? When Will The University Start Classes Generally？

There are 2 categories of universities in China: one is a comprehensive university and another one is a professional university. Comprehensive universities have a wide range of disciplines, with excellent strength in scientific research; Professional universities are generally proficient in certain disciplines and activities carried out by students are full of academic atmosphere.

• Degree programs: Degree programs start in September at most Chinese universities. A few numbers 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). 1-year language program usually starts 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.

9. Is the Cost of Living in China Too High?

China is a very affordable country, even on a student budget. Although prices in China are rising, the cost of living here is still favorable compared with any other most developed countries. Dear students, You will be amazed to know 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. For example; Accommodation in Beijing is roughly RMB 2000-3000 RMB per month. An average meal costs around 30-50 RMB. The subway has a flat rate of 2 RMB and buses within the city are even cheaper. Smaller cities and those in China’s central and western regions are a particularly reasonable rate. Prices are lower in rural areas than in the cities, and informal market places are cheaper than recognizable Western businesses. As a young tourist you will stand out, so be careful of scams and artificially marked-up prices. These pitfalls quickly become recognizable though, and you will come to find the Chinese people usually hospitable and sincerely interested in Western culture.

10. Can I Take a Part-time Job while Studying at College?

The tuition fee is generally paid on a yearly basis. According to relevant Chinese laws, foreign students studying in China are forbidden to be employed, and work-study opportunity is relatively small. So self-financed, international students should make financial preparation before arriving in China. But students can do a part-time job if their university gives them permission for a part-time job. Teaching English is one of the main job areas for foreigners in China.

11. Career Opportunities

China has currently beaten Japan with the 2nd largest global economy. Making career opportunities for international students increasingly available! In order to work in China after graduation, they have to be able to speak Chinese and have a basic understanding of Chinese culture, but the ability to work in a Chinese company would give them the opportunity to be successful in almost any major global economy. Studying in abroad would allow time for students to learn the language and culture, and give them insight into the job market, which would give them advantages when competing for jobs.

What Next?

To proceed with studying in China, you first need to choose a suitable program and start preparing your documents. We provide a free consulting service to you. Complete the form at DiGiEduPro, and we will get back in contact to help you to study in China.

Dear students, These are all the above information that you’ll need to know.  Hope our information will satisfied you to help your dreams come true!