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.