Why China为什么
Why students choose China
Universities with global standing. Several Chinese universities rank among the world's best, especially in engineering, science and medicine.
Funding. Government, provincial and university scholarships can cover tuition, housing and living costs.
English-taught options. Many programmes are taught fully in English.
A career edge. Mandarin and experience of China are valuable in trade, technology and business.
Choosing选择
Choosing a programme and university
Teaching language
English-taught programmes need no Chinese to start. Chinese-taught programmes usually ask for an HSK certificate, or a preparatory language year first.
City and cost
Beijing and Shanghai cost the most to live in. Cities such as Xi'an, Wuhan, Chengdu and Nanjing have excellent universities and lower living costs.
Ranking versus scholarship odds
The most famous universities are the most competitive for funding. A strong university with a full scholarship often beats a top university with no funding.
Timeline时间表
A typical timeline for a September start
Most programmes start in September. Deadlines vary by university and scholarship; we confirm yours.
9–12 months before: plan
Shortlist programmes and scholarship routes. Check your passport is valid. Start your study plan.
6–9 months before: apply
Many scholarship rounds open around late in the year and close in the first months of the new year. Submit early.
3–5 months before: results
Admission and scholarship decisions arrive, usually in spring or early summer.
1–2 months before: visa
Your admission letter and JW202 form arrive by post. Apply for your X1 visa.
Arrival
Register at the university, then apply for your residence permit within 30 days.
Documents材料
Documents checklist
Requirements vary by university. This list covers what most applications ask for.
- Passport, valid well beyond your intended arrival date
- Highest academic certificate and transcripts (notarised copies, with English translations if needed)
- Study plan or research proposal
- Two recommendation letters (usually for postgraduate applicants)
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form, completed by a doctor
- Police clearance certificate (non-criminal record)
- Language certificate: IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught, HSK for Chinese-taught, if required
- Acceptance letter from a supervisor, if you have one (postgraduate)
Student visa签证
The X1 visa and residence permit
China has two student visas.
| Visa | For | After arrival |
|---|---|---|
| X1 | Study longer than 180 days (degree programmes) | Valid 30 days from entry. You must apply for a residence permit within that time. |
| X2 | Study of 180 days or less | No residence permit. The visa itself sets your stay. |
What you need for the X1
- Your admission letter
- The JW202 form issued by your university (keep the original safe; you'll need it again in China)
- A physical examination report, if your embassy or consulate asks for it
First month第一个月
Your first month in China
- Register at your university and attend orientation
- Register your address with the local police (universities usually do this for dorm residents)
- Get a Chinese SIM card; you'll need a local number for almost everything
- Open a bank account, then link it to Alipay and WeChat Pay
- Do the health check and apply for your residence permit
- Install the apps every student uses: WeChat, Alipay, a maps app and a translator
Want a plan for your own timeline?
We'll map out your deadlines and documents in the free consultation.