Quick tips You Should Know before Applying to study in China.

Do you want to study abroad in China? Reflect over issues like the admission requirements and whether the education requirements match your current education level. For the progress of your study, it is also essential that you get approval from your educational institution to take your credits abroad if you are just taking a semester or year abroad program. This article will guide you through vital tips on application requirements to study in China.

Almost a quarter of university students in Europe go abroad for their studies, the Central Bureau of Statistics announced earlier this year. They either join an internship, an exchange, or take an extra semester at a foreign university. Students remain enrolled in their current study country and do not have to pay additional tuition fees. The majority of these students end up in China. Taking full education in China requires more than just studying at home. Because you may not affiliate with a European university, you have to arrange everything yourself and pay the local tuition fees.

1. Choose to study in a language you understand.

Not all courses at Chinese universities are English taught, but also Chinese taught. Especially in China, although many of their universities became more international in the past decade, there are still be some studies that are only taught in Chinese. Therefore, it is imperative to choose a study that is taught in a language you can understand. It is much easier if you already speak Chinese before applying, it is alright to opt for Chinese taught programs.

International students who wish to take their Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in the Chinese Language have a year-long intensive HSK preparation course. HSK is the Chinese Language proficiency. It is always ideal to factor in Chinese Language learning period into the years you will spend abroad

2. Consider an increase in your tuition and living expenses.

Studying in China could vary in price. Many studies are around €2500 to €8000 per academic year, depending on the program, course, and school. It could be cheaper than the amount listed above. Also, when planning to study in China, You should know there are other expenses as well. Although China is a relatively cheap country to live, it could still be a valuable experience if you want to live a luxurious life. The apartment costs heavily depend on which city you want to live in. For example, Beijing and Shanghai could cost around €500 per month, while Hangzhou and Tianjin would only cost about €300 per month. Students living in university campus dormitories will spend far less compared to the private apartments.

Other expenses in China are usually cheap unless you want to eat western food often. A typical Chinese meal would cost around €1 – €2, and in a restaurant, you would typically pay approximately €10 altogether.

If you are studying on scholarship in China, your burden will also reduce. Some international students get Full Chinese Government scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and monthly allowances as well as insurance.

3. Prepare for language tests and assessments.

For Non-native English speakers, take note. Chinese universities usually require proof of your English language level in the form of a test result, in case you want to do an English taught study. The British IELTS and the American TOEFL are accepted almost everywhere. They test the parts writing, speaking, listening, and reading skills, and last about three hours. The minimum required score varies from the University: for example, top schools in China are stricter than the lesser high ranked schools.

The costs for such a test – 150 euros, excluding practice material – are at your own expense. The results must not be more than two years.

Also, if you want to do a Chinese taught study, you will need to have proof of your Chinese language exam results. Chinese language skills are measured in HSK levels from 1 to 6, with 1 being the lowest level and six being the highest. Usually, Chinese universities require an HSK level of 5 or 6, depending on the quality of the study.

4. Make sure you have all the documents on time.

Count on a copy of your grade list, a cover letter, a copy of your passport, and often one or two letters of recommendation from professors or employers. Some studies require a portfolio or examples of created work – if this is written text, you will need to translate it.

Again, the higher the Chinese University is ranked, the stricter they could be. China is currently known for its rapid advance in the world’s university rankings, due to the increasing quality of its Universities. Therefore, it would probably become harder and harder to get into high ranked Chinese schools in the upcoming years. Having the correct documents is of utmost importance because China is usually stringent when it comes to sharing information.

5. Decide whether you want university accommodation or go looking for housing yourself.

This is important to know on time because it will influence your entire experience when studying in China. Living on campus is cheap, and you will share a room with other international students. On the other side, living in a private apartment can be fun and will give you complete privacy, which could also be one of your preferences.

Whichever decision you make, make sure you know it in time, because postponing this decision will bring a lot of stress. It is best to have all the requirements long before you travel to give you a good feeling about your study in China.

6. Start your visa application in time.

You will almost always need a student visa if you want to study in China. Therefore, make sure to do this in time. First, check if your country has the Chinese Embassy and where it is located. If so, contact your Chinese University, where you want to study to send you the required documents to apply for your study visa. You will need a Chinese X1 or X2 visa, depending on the length of your study.

7. Think of your Health Insurance.

In principle, you are still entitled to student loans and your health insurance, if your stay is temporary and you only study. However, it is sometimes wise to insure yourself if medical care in the country you are going to is much more expensive than in your own country so that the reimbursement for medical costs increases.

If you are studying for an Undergraduate or Graduate programs in China, insurance is mandatory. The Chinese Government insures scholarship recipients on the CSC scholarships. Self-funded students should consider their insurance options. China scholar will support you procure an insurance package that fits and covers you adequately.

8. Working While Studying in China

When studying in China, you will need an X1 or X2 visa, depending on how long you will study. With both of these visas, it is forbidden to do any kind of full-time paid work in China. But you are allowed to intern while studying in China. So note the difference between an internship and a full-time job and avoid the latter. Often, it seems very appealing to do work in another country, but China will not allow you to do this. If anyone offers you a job in China during your studies, make sure to take it only after consulting with your University.

China Scholar provides legal internship placements for our clients in addition to career development support services.

How much does it cost to study in China?

This may vary considerably, but you spend around 5,000 euros a year if you are self-funding your study in China. This does not include the cost to your room (dormitory). If your University or college has a special relationship with a university in China, there are often deals possible that make you pay less. And what’s also lovely is that for studying in China, you can usually get a scholarship quite quickly. The easiest way is to apply to the Confucius Institute- Check out available scholarships in China. Often the only requirement is that you have taken a Chinese course and have a certificate in your possession.

About the cost of everyday life: in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, you spend more than in smaller cities. But on the University’s campus, there are always canteens and smaller restaurants with low prices. A meal costs between 2 and 5 euros. If you are mainly staying on campus, 8 euros will surely be enough to get you through the day. The bus and subway are cheap; it costs a quarter to a euro for a one-way ticket. Taxis are also not expensive in China. Many scholarship programs include ‘living money’. For example, you get 250 euros to get your groceries and pay for your transport for an entire month.

What to Study in China?

China Scholar has reinvented admission services in China to deliver value to international students who decide to study in China. We have combined Admission, career development, and Jobs or entrepreneurial programs under a single program. Never before, students can now study, intern, find jobs, and also set up their own companies in China. We support applicants through our streamlined admission platform and professional admission consultants, coaches, and mentors. We invest in your success.

If you want to speak with an admission consultant, fill this form, and we will be in touch to book an appointment with you.

Overview of the cost of living in Beijing

China has undergone a massive change over the recent decade with the government’s commitment to increasing the welfare of its people. Though China is modernized with quality infrastructure, most of the country is still cheaper than the majority of European countries. But studying in large metropolitan cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong are very pricey. In general, the prosperous coastal provinces are more expensive than the inland. Rural China is still very cheap. Accommodation will make up the bulk of your budget. The food is pretty cheap, especially if you eat in small restaurants. Before deciding to study in China, it will be ideal to understand the cost of studying in China. The critical question is: How much does it cost to study and live in Beijing?

The cost of living in Beijing

We all have our lifestyle and buying preferences, dependent on our daily habits. That’s why estimating the cost of living in China will be difficult, but to plan your study in China, I will try to figure out some of these critical issues. This article is primarily intended to give you an idea of what the cost of living in Beijing can be. Beijing is one of the most popular cities in China because it is the capital of the country. Every year, thousands of people troop in Beijing to experience the culture, visit touristic places and also explore life in China

What does a rental property in Beijing cost?

Finding a suitable rental property can be a challenge, especially in Beijing, where supply is quite limited, and demand is high. As a result, the prices of the rent are quite high when you want to live within the second or third ring. Depending on the neighborhood where you are looking, leases can vary from $300 to $15,000. Since you are coming to study, we will estimate that your accommodation budget should average $400

Sometimes you can be lucky with an exceptional rental price; then, it could be around 5000-6000 RMB per month. If you want to live in a community or a new and modern house, you should estimate double the price listed above.

When signing your lease, keep in mind that you often sign for just one year. Also, you are generally considered to pay a 1-month initial deposit (sometimes 2), three months rent, and a month rent as agency fees.

Daily Cost of Studying in Beijing

The cost of living is usually meager in China. So you can live fine in ten euros a day. Of course, it always depends entirely on the spending pattern during your stay. If you eat a lot in (western) restaurants, drink cocktails, beer or wine regularly in the evening, often use the taxi and stay in luxury hotels, then, of course, the costs increase considerably.

Local food and drinks are very cheap in China. However, if you buy Western products, this is much more expensive. Prices in the supermarkets are usually very low. For example, a loaf of bread costs about €1.50, a kilo of apple costs €1.20, and a can of Coke costs €0.45. A cup of coffee in a coffee shop costs about €2.50 (Cappuccino, usually about €3.50). Imported beer costs €2 per bottle, and a bottle of wine is generally starting at €10.

The cost of products and food is usually (considerably) higher in the big cities, compared to the villages in the countryside. Many more popular products are also available in big cities. Giving a tip is not culturally allowed in China, but in luxury restaurants in western parts of China, you are sometimes expected to tip a bit. We have a full article on the cost of studying in China

Local Transport Cost

Transport costs are low in China. For example, a taxi ride usually costs no more than a few euros. Public transport is dirt cheap; for a few euros, you buy a special metro card that allows you to travel cheaply (an average metro trip usually costs no more than a euro). The train is the cheapest way to travel long distances. For example, a ticket for the night train from Shanghai to Guilin costs only €30.

Between Beijing and Shanghai, you travel (by fast train during the day) for about €60. Flying is the most expensive way to travel through China. You often travel by plane, the fastest between two destinations. A plane ticket is usually close to the date of departure the cheapest. However, you run the most significant risk that tickets will no longer be available. A one-way ticket to Shanghai – Xi’an costs about €65, for example. A ticket from Beijing to Chengdu is around €80.

What is the best way to Make payment in China?

China is light years ahead of the world when it comes to payment solutions. You can go about your daily tasks in China without touching cash. Payment applications connected to your bank account is enough. Hands-free payments using Alipay or Wechat Pay are the main form of payment in China. However, cash is also still an excellent way to pay. Credit cards are not very popular in China, and except large hotels and restaurants and department stores, credit cards are hardly accepted. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are the most common.

ATMs are numerous in large cities, and every city and larger villages have an ATM. There is a daily limit on how much money you can withdraw. Taking money also costs money. If you think you can stay in China for a more extended period, it can help to open a Chinese bank account.

Internet and Mobile costs

The mobile costs can vary depending on which type of subscription you are interested in. If your call minutes tend to be high but don’t need that much data, you can tailor your plans to get a good deal compared to European prices. On average, you pay around 80 RMB per month. It is also important how long you want the subscription. Usually, the contracts will be from at least 1 or 2 years: the longer your contract, the more favorable the price. On top of that, you pay around 40 RMB per month for a VPN. The VPN is to enable you to browse the internet decently (because of the Chinese Firewall). The VPN can usually be installed on several devices.

How to Study in China

So you are aware that despite China’s glamour, rich culture, beautiful cities, and scenery, the cost of living and studying in China is meager. Opportunities available for International students who study in China is mind-blowing.

To study in China, you can apply through China Scholar or directly to the universities. If you apply through us, we assist your entire application process of securing admission to top Chinese Universities. Our service packages include Admission Support, Internships, and Career Consulting, Assimilation into China, Airport pickup, visa support services, and so much more. China Scholar is the largest service provider in China with decades of experience. If you want to study in China with professional support, Send us an inquiry to speak with one of our Admission Consultants.

Student Accommodation in China.

There are a little bit of all parts of the world in China! Finding out about Student Accommodation in China shouldn’t be too difficult. There are several options to consider from university accommodation to private apartments and hostels; there is something for every budget.

China is a country of beautiful cities, cultural sights, and history. There is so much to see and experience that its overwhelming to identify the starting point! That’s why China Scholar is here to support you through the entire process. When you have decided to do your study in China, there will still be a lot of matters to take care of before you go. One of the most important ones is to find a place to live during your study. Moreover, how is it like to live in China?

Student Accommodation Abroad

Where are you going to live when you’re abroad? This question sounds simple but frustrates several international students who are planning their study abroad. It also gets overwhelming when its about finding accommodation in China. But the truth is that getting student accommodation in China is as Easy as ABC. Suitable accommodation abroad is one of the essential factors for a pleasant stay. Your international experience is primarily determined by the place you live in. That’s why China Scholar assists our clients with a professional Accommodation placement service.  Below are some of the student accommodation options to consider

Homestay Abroad

Immerse yourself in the daily life of your new host country by living with other people in the house. You stay with a host family. Usually, you spend a lot of time with your host family during the evenings at home, holidays, and family dinners. Also, you are seen as a full family member, which means that you also help in the household. The schedules to prepare meals and cleaning vary by family arrangements. In most cases, you have your room. It is the most suitable opportunity to learn a language quickly and also get immersed in the culture as soon as possible. For underage High School students, the stay in a host family is usually mandatory.

if you are applying for a degree in China, we will recommend dormitory accommodation options

On-campus Apartments

Are you going to study at a university abroad in China for six months or more? Then it is often possible to live on-campus. Campus accommodation is usually fully equipped with sports facilities, swimming pools, supermarkets and more. You don’t have to worry about the meals. The meals are served very cheaply at the university canteens, but in some cases, you may pay for a meal delivery service. Besides, you are always close to your fellow International students, and it is easy to make new friends. The campus dormitory accommodations come with the necessary facilities enough for everyday life. You get a bedding package and a single size bed, desk and closet, a shared living room, shared kitchen, and a private bathroom. Living on campus is the best way to experience the real international student life!

Student Rooms

Do you just like to share your living space? Then a shared room is an option. You’ll sleep with several people in one place. Build a close bond with your international roommates and learn about their culture and language. Of course, it is also possible to rent a private room in a student house. Sharing a property has the advantage of sharing the costs. It is one of the most efficient accommodation options and also very cozy!

Private Apartment

Are you fond of your privacy? Then renting a private apartment is for you. You don’t have to share anything, and you have your own living space. In some cases, the apartment is partly furnished. If not, you will have to invest some in furniture yourself. This accommodation offers you the most freedom. Private apartments are located in the center of the city

Hostels / Guesthouses / Hotels

Are you planning to go abroad for a short period (1 to 2 weeks) for a language course? Or do you want a temporary place to lay your head while continue searching for suitable accommodation? Then staying in a hostel, guesthouse or hotel can often be more comfortable. The costs are lower, and you don’t have to sign a rental contract or pay a deposit. In a hostel, you share a room with others. In a guesthouse or hotel, you often have your room.

After securing your admission with a Chinese University, you are allowed to travel to China, after acquiring a student visa. It is then possible to find a short term arrangement, so you have enough time at hand to explore accommodation options before deciding.

Chinese University Dormitories

China has a real campus culture. As an international student, you can often use individual sleeping and dining rooms on campus. This option is the cheapest and most affordable of all possibilities.

Student rooms for International students are shared with one to three students. Chinese students usually share a room with four or six others. Universities often offer different types of rooms in different price ranges: single or shared, with or without their bathroom, with or without air conditioning, etc. The cost of a dormitory is, on average, between € 3 and € 20 per day.

Finding Student Apartment in China – Off-Campus

It is also possible that your favorite university does not offer campus accommodation—That’s not a reason to reject their offer. There are ways to get a suitable room and enjoy student life without issues. You’ll be paying more rent, but off-campus accommodation comes with some perks. A three-room apartment costs between € 200 and € 600 per month depending on location, the city as well as facilities. That does not include gas, water, and light. In big cities, rents are much higher than in smaller cities.

On the following sites, you can search for living space:

• The Beijinger
• GoChengdoo
• GabinoHome

If you haven’t been able to arrange a room before you leave, there’s nothing to worry. Book a room in a cheap hotel or a youth hostel and go from there in search of a suitable living space.

How do I get to Meet Chinese students?

On-campus in China, Chinese and international students live separately. They sleep in different dormitories and also separate study arrangements (except for Chinese taught masters degree students, where international and Chinese students sometimes have joint lessons). So the question that lingers is – How can I meet other Chinese Students? There are student organizations that allow international student membership. If you can speak some Chinese, it will be easier to connect and make good friends.

There are also student clubs around for hobbies: think of photography clubs, cooking clubs, voluntary clubs, and literature clubs. These are very good opportunities to make Chinese friends. Often the clubs like it when an international student joins them. At the beginning of September, there is an exhibition at every Chinese university where all clubs present what they do and accept membership applications.  That’s a perfect time to join them and build your social life in China. What also helps is the buddy system of Chinese universities: as an international student, universities link you to a Chinese student who can help you with the Chinese language. Don’t you have a connection with your language buddy, and would you like to? Just ask for a new language, buddy.

Featured City – Study in Shanghai

Study in Shanghai, China’s economic center

Shanghai is China’s largest city in terms of population and is also considered the financial center of China, while Beijing is the capital city. This city is a large metropolis and does not go unnoticed; everywhere, there are giant skyscrapers that illuminate the entire city in the evening. It also has the largest and busiest port in the world. Do you want to study in the heart of China’s Financial Center? Then studying in Shanghai must be a good option for you.

Why study in Shanghai?

A study in Shanghai will, in addition to being an unforgettable experience, stand firm on your CV. Shanghai is China’s largest city, has more than 23 million inhabitants, and seen as the financial heart of China. Surrounded by skyscrapers in this magical city,  studying in Shanghai is a unique experience that you can enjoy. Besides your study in Shanghai, you will, of course, have enough free time to discover the city and perhaps has many other beautiful places. There is so much fun and opportunity to meet international and Chinese Business people

Whether you want to do your study in China or any other city, you should always spend enough time to research and select the right accommodation options. A good experience starts with yourself. Therefore, try looking for people that have experience with studying in China or living in China to get a more personal feeling. It will help with creating unforgettable memories.

China Scholar provides comprehensive admission, career development as well as a 360-degree package for international students who want to study in China. We are the largest brand currently with over a decade of experience. We support you with accommodation selection and budgeting. You are in safe hands. Book an appointment to speak with our admission Consultants now!

China Student Visa Tips

Yes, you’re going to China! But now you need a China student visa. Unfortunately, as far as visas are concerned, China has a procedure that makes the entire process bureaucratic. For an application, you must meet various conditions and submit different forms and documents. You need to reduce stress and save time during the China student visa application. This article will come in handy during your visa application process.

Let’s start with the classification of China student Visa. If your study in China lasts for more than six months, you need a type of China student visa marked as X1 visa. An X2 visa is issued to international students for a stay period of fewer than six months.

What do you need to apply for a student visa for China?

The specific requirements for a visa application can change quite a bit depending on the country of origin, so check the Chinese EMbassy Website frequently or speak to your visa agency.

At China Scholar, we assist our applicants through the visa application process. From gathering the relevant documents to filling forms and preparing you for interviews.

In any case, you will need these documents:

• Proof of admission to a Chinese educational institution (Admission Notice);
• The Visa Application Form for Foreigners Wishing to Study in China (JW201 or JW202);
• The Physical Examination Record for Foreigners. This certificate is a mandatory medical examination for international students who will stay in China for more than half a year.
• Your passport valid for six months ( We recommend one year) and free two more pages for visas. Besides, you also need a copy of your passport’s information page.
• A completed privacy form.
• Add a passport photo that meets the requirements of the embassy.
• Booking confirmation of your flight to China, this must be a return flight. This confirmation is a requirement for short term applicants and students from the Netherlands and other countries.
• For X2 applicants, you need a Hotel confirmation for at least one night, and it is best to have the documents for the whole period. For example, an overview of Booking.com is enough for this, and you may even consider canceling this hotel again once you have saved or printed the outline.
• An overview of your itinerary with the places you’re going to visit. You need to include all the dates, accommodations, signature, and date. If you don’t like plans, this may sound scary, but no one will stop you from moving away from this proposed plan.

Depending on your situation, you also need the following documents:

• Are you married? Then you also need a copy of your partner’s passport.
• Do you have a job? Then submit a signed employer statement on stationery (or with stamp) of the company.
• Are you a student? Then you have to be able to prove this with proof of registration.
• Are you unemployed, retired, do you have your own company, or don’t have a job? Then you have to prove that you have sufficient financial resources.

How long in advance do you apply for your visa for China?

Your visa usually expires within three months. That means you have to travel to China before then. From then on, it will be valid for 30, 60, or 90 days (depending on your request). It is, therefore, not useful to apply for your visa more than three months in advance. The most ideal is somewhere between 3 months and one month before your trip. You may not need expedited service, as processing time is less than a week but, some visa services also offer emergency service.

When don’t you need a visa?

All international students arranging to study in China will need a visa. In certain cities, you may stay for a short period without a visa. You can apply for a transit visa exemption. In many cities, including Shanghai and Beijing, you can stay in China for 144 hours and in other cities for 72 hours. In all cases, you have to be able to show a ticket to a third country, and that may also be Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan. If you fly back from your own country, you are not transiting, and therefore you will not be eligible for such a transit visa.

What visa do you apply for when you visit friends or family?

With this intention, you are not a student, so you don’t need a student visa, rather a tourist or other classification of visas. If you visit friends or family in China, in some cases, you can also apply different types of visas. You may have to provide additional documents, such as an official invitation. For this reason, it is often easier to apply for a standard tourist visa. As you could read above, you should be able to show a hotel booking for this. In that case, you can book a hotel through sites such as Booking.com and cancel your visa after requesting your visa. That’s also true if you plan to stay in an Airbnb.

The information you pass on when applying for your visa shows that you plan to spend time in China as a student, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change your plans. Sleeping somewhere other than you indicated on your visa application is not a problem either!

When do you need to register at a police station in China?

NO matter the visa you hold, all visitors to China must register with a police station in the city where you stay within 24 hours. In most cases, you don’t have to do anything about this, because hotels and hostels do this for you. However, if you don’t stay in a hotel, for example, because you visit friends or family or sleep in an Airbnb, you’ll have to arrange that registration yourself. Sometimes you can do this at apartment complexes, but sometimes you have to visit a police station to fill out some forms. If you don’t, you’ll theoretically risk a fine, although in practice this hardly ever seems to occur.

Medical examination

International students who want to study in China for more than six months must present a copy of the Physical Examination Record for Foreigners, plus a blood test report. The complete file is only valid for six months from the date of testing. So first, consider your departure date before completing your physical examination form.

Chinese Weather and climate

China has different climate zones. We divide China to:

• Northern China (region: Shandong, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Beijing, Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang).

Northern China has both a country and desert climate with winter temperatures of an average of -15 to 5 degrees and an average of 20 to 30 degrees in summer.

• Southern China (region: Sichuan, Hubei, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shanghai Shi, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Hainan)

Southern China has both a sea and a tropical climate, with winter temperatures averaging 5 to 20 degrees and an average of 30 to 40 degrees in summer.

• Western China (region: Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, and Tibet).

West China has a desert and a high-level climate with winter temperatures averaging 0 to -15 degrees and an average of 25 to 40 degrees in summer.

Best travel time

April, May, September, and October are the best months to travel to northern and central China. April and May are the best months to travel to eastern China. May, June and September are the best months to travel to southern China. This way, you will avoid the cold winter period and the months with the most rainfall.

Language

In China, several languages are spoken. The most spoken language is Mandarin Chinese, in addition to Cantonese; Wu and Hakka are spoken on a local scale. In China, there are several dialects.

Emergency

If you need the help of the police, fire brigade and ambulance in the event of an emergency, you can use the following emergency numbers:

• Police: 110
• Fire Brigade: 119
• Ambulance: 120
• Road accidents: 122

Dial these numbers only in case of an emergency. As a tourist or student in China, you should follow the Chinese laws and rules, and therefore should not make use of these emergency numbers in any inappropriate way.

If you have decided to study in China, I am sure you will not regret it. It will be an adventure of a lifetime. You may need assistance completing the admission process or someone watching over your shoulder to make sure you are doing the right thing. That’s China Scholar‘s specialty. We combine Study plans with career programs in China such that you get admission to a prestigious university in China, with an internship, campus assimilation, orientation, study support, and 100% access to our community. We wish you all the best!

The Chinese School Models

China has an entirely different school system compared to Western schools. However, Chinese education is becoming more internationalized and also adjusts to their school curriculums to fit. Many international students are interested in studying in China because of Chinese economic progress, technological breakthrough, and the opportunities it presents to young people. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the Chinese system a bit more before you come to China for your study. This article will tell you more about school systems in China in a very informative way.

History of Chinese Education

Since the 1950s, China has been providing mandatory education for nine years, accounting for a fifth of the world’s population. In 1999, primary education was widely available to 90% of China, and today the mandatory nine-year compulsory learning year covers 85% of the population. Although central and provincial governments provide some funding for education, funding varies between provinces, with rural areas significantly lower than in major cities. Families have to supplement government-provided funds to schools with government-provided education, meaning some children have far less money. However, parents attach great importance to education and make great personal sacrifices to enable their children to go to school. Illiteracy among young people and middle-aged people has dropped from 80 percent to 5 percent. The system has trained about 60 million senior professionals and nearly 400 million employees to reach the junior or senior secondary level. Today, 250 million Chinese have access to higher education (lower, secondary, and high), while growth rates in the rest of the world have doubled over the same period. The net enrolment rate in primary schools was 98.9%, and the gross enrolment rate in secondary schools was 94.1%.

China’s educational horizons are growing. In the 1980s, MBA (Master of Business Degrees) degrees were almost unknown, but in 2004 62 MBA schools had 47,000 MBAs. Many also apply for international professional qualifications, such as EMBA and MPA, and nearly 10,000 MPA students were enrolled in 47 institutions, including Beijing University and Tsinghua University. The education market is booming, with the training and testing of professional computers and foreign languages evolving. Continuing education is a trend.

International cooperation and educational exchanges are years after year. More students study abroad in China than in any other country. Since 1979, there have been 697,000 Chinese students in 103 countries and regions, 185,000 of them have returned to China after studying. The number of international students who are studying in China has also increased. In 2004, there were 110,000 students from 178 different countries in Chinese universities.

Investment in education has been increased in recent years. Since 1998, the total budget for education is increased by 1% every year. Under a plan of the Ministry of Education, the government will strengthen an education funding system that is consistent.

Chinese education is an indoctrination education. Students are informed of their predecessors’ experience, and they are taught to operate in accordance with their successful experiences. They can learn and practice under the guidance of experts. Similarly, they can also draw their conclusions. It is challenging to jump out of the existing fixed mode.

The Educational Characteristics of the Chinese School Model

First, there is a flood of exam-oriented education. Education from elementary school to university is based on the memory of relevant knowledge and the simple use of examinations as the core. It does not take into account the learning ability of students or the moral cultivation of students, let alone consider the students’ multi-faceted development and innovative capacity. Take exams before university, and cope after university. The higher you learn, the easier it is to progress, the higher the title, the easier it is to cope.

The second is the extensive decay of educational ideas. Education is based on students, but the reality is captive. The key to good or bad teaching is the teacher, but you can be a teacher, whether you understand education or not. Schooling was originally set to educate students on how to learn, but in reality, it turned into tactics and knowledge. Out of one hundred people, ninety-nine people think that education is class, the study is class, the class is about repeating the knowledge of books, and study is to do a bunch of questions. Teachers should explain what students do not understand immediately.

Third, education is entirely controlled by administrative power. All Chinese schools have a Supreme Leader on it, and its name is the Ministry of Education. China’s university presidents are appointed by the executive branch, so they know politics but not education. Look at a bunch of administrators and university presidents talking nonsense there about using the Chinese model to create a world-class university, and you know what level these people have in terms of education ignorance. The administrative power of the school is entirely above the educational and academic potential.

Fourth, education reform is promoted by the government. Educators do not solve problems with education but on the desks of government officials. The future of education is not conceived by those who understand education, but a group of politicians who have no idea what education science is.

Fifth, derailment of school education and family society. At present, school education in China is still a huge problem, because of the derailment of school education and family society. The purpose of school education is to cultivate students’ moral sentiment and increase their knowledge so that students in the future will have the ability to provide for themselves. But it is a pity that the education of many schools is wholly derailed from the family society. Students have only learned knowledge in schools, and they have not applied and practiced the study. The derailment of education and family society is mainly secondary schools. At present, most colleges and universities have begun to attach importance to the integration of school education and family society. For example, many universities have regularly carried out some social activities, so that the skills and knowledge learned by students can be applied in practice. At present, many middle schools do not do this but completely closed education mode. Such an education mode makes the knowledge learned by students lose the ability to practice in the family society.

Sixth, school education ignores the personality of students. One problem with school education in China at present is that it ignores the nature of students. Every child is the smartest. There is no stupid child in the world. In school, each child has its strengths and personality, and it is essential to value the character of each child to cultivate the child properly. Many bad children who are troubled by older students are not naughty but are wronged by way of teaching. Now, most of the schools began to attach importance to the proper education of each child and each student. Many students even started targeted training for the different characteristics of each different student. Such education can truly cultivate talents, and the school is universal. Education will cause the personality of many children and students to be ignored as a whole and no real abilities will be cultivated.

Seventh, school education is too rigid and inflexible. At present, the school education model in China is too rigid. Most schools’ education mode is students attending lectures, most of which are exams and homework. Many companies and units complain about graduates of recruited colleges and universities, saying that these college graduates do not have any ideological and innovative consciousness. Although their academic qualifications are not low. However, it is challenging to become precious talents in enterprises. This shows that most of the skills cultivated in Chinese school education are very rigid and cannot be flexibly adapted to reality.

Compared to Other Educational Systems

Very recently, the BBC released a documentary comparing the productivity of Chinese Education systems to British systems. The results were surprising; the Chinese students fared better than their Brtish counterparts. This drove several parents to seek Chinese education for their kids.

Conclusion

The problem is that the education method is rigid and inflexible, which leads to the inability of many students to apply knowledge in practice, let alone the innovation of ideas. This has changed drastically over the past decades giving way for innovative teaching and learning processes. Higher education institutions have research and development departments that make sure the curriculum is not rigid.

Some scholars still think a Learning from Western countries’ education systems is not rigid will help upgrade the system. It is flexible, and students can even debate with teachers at any time, Teachers also listen to students’ suggestions and ideas seriously. Sometimes, teachers also become students, and students also become teachers. This kind of education can really stimulate students’ innovative consciousness and thinking, while rigid classroom education can only cultivate.

Chinese Universities have also integrated international tutors into their teaching systems to diversify the teaching and learning environment.

If you are not sure what to do yet, check out our article on why you should study in China. We also have resources on the admission process. International students interested in getting degrees in China could search for courses, programs review Chinese Universities and also explore the scholarship opportunities available.

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