Plan your study in China

In planning your study experience in China, we suggest you consider the following questions.

• What kind of program are you interested in?
• How much money are you willing to spend?
• Where do you want to study?
• How long will you spend in China?
• When do you want to start classes?
  

What kind of program are you interested in?

China’s universities offer thousands of programs for foreign students. Non-degree programs teaching Chinese language and culture are particularly popular, but it is also possible to earn your degree in China. Most degree programs are taught in Chinese and therefore require a certain level of language proficiency. However, an increasing number of English-taught degree programs are available.

If you are know what type of program you want to take, please click Find a Program. Most degree programs have certain requirements of the applicant’s academic background and language skills. Click to see the list of Requirements.

How much money are you willing to spend?

Compared to developed countries, the cost of living and studying in China is relatively low. Accommodation in Beijing is roughly 1500RMB-3000RMB per month. An average meal costs around 10-35RMB. The subway has a flat rate of 2RMB and buses within the city are even cheaper. Smaller cities and those in China’s central and western regions are particularly inexpensive. For more information about specific costs, please visit - How much does it cost.

Where do you want to study?

If you’re unfamiliar with China’s cities and universities, there are a number of pages you may want to take a look at. For university rankings, browse our Good Universities Guide or the Top Universities in China. For more information on Chinese cities, peruse our City Guide. Universities are listed here and displayed on a map here. 

If you’re interested in taking a non-degree program to learn Chinese, you may have been told that Beijing is the best location because the local dialect is the closest to standard Mandarin. However, smaller cities with fewer foreigners are also well-worth considering, as you’ll likely find yourself with even more opportunities to practice your Chinese. Consider somewhere in the northeast like Liaoning province, where locals speak standard Mandarin, but the cost of living is cheaper.

How long will you spend in China?

Degree programs are generally fixed: undergraduate degree programs last for four to five-years, master’s degrees for two to three years, and doctorate degrees for three to five years. 

Language programs are mainly one-semester (4-6 months), one-year or short-term (anywhere from 1-8 weeks).

When do you want to start classes?

Degree programs: At most Chinese universities degree programs begin every autumn (September). A small number of programs can admit students during spring.

Language programs: the one-semester (4-6 months) language course usually opens in both semesters (starting in both September and February/March); the One-year language program usually opens during fall (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 have start dates throughout June, July and August, and last between 1-8 weeks. 

Vacations

Chinese universities have a one to two-month long winter breaks (January-February) and a two month long summer break (July-August). Apart from short-term winter and summer language programs, universities usually do not arrange classes during the vacation (if the applicant wishes to study during the school holidays, please contact us service@cucas.cn). Private language schools usually accept applicants anytime.

Note: Schools which state that you can enroll anytime mean that you can enroll anytime except on holidays, winter and summer vacation. Winter and summer vacations are normally during January to March and July to Sept.

Deadline for submission of applications

Note: Each program has a corresponding application deadline, applicants who submit their applications after this date will not be accepted. The schools usually require 4-8 weeks to process your application and to prepare your visa application form (JW202 form). Please do not forget to pay the application fee in order to ensure that you receive the School Admission Notice in time to apply for a Chinese visa so that you may enroll on time.

If you’ve thought about these questions seriously, but still do not know what to do, we suggest you to visit Can I study in China. CUCAS has made different pathways for applicants planning to study in China.