Welcome to China
An orientation to studying in China: the system, the language, the pace of life, and what makes it worth it.
China hosts one of the largest international student communities in the world, spread across more than a thousand universities from the tropics of Hainan to the grasslands of the north. Degrees are taught in Chinese and, increasingly, in English; tuition is modest; and generous scholarships are available to strong applicants. This is a short orientation before you dive in.
The case
Why study in China
Low cost
Public-university tuition is a fraction of comparable programmes in Europe or North America, and living costs outside the biggest cities are low.
Real scholarships
Government, provincial and university awards can cover tuition, accommodation and a monthly stipend.
Wide choice
Engineering, medicine, business, sciences, Chinese language and international relations, many with English-taught tracks.
A regional network
Even a year of Mandarin opens doors across Asia; graduates leave with a genuine network.
Structure
How the system works
A bachelor's degree usually takes four years (five for medicine and architecture); a master's two to three; a PhD three to four. The academic year runs from September to July with a long winter break around Spring Festival. You will hear universities described as "Double First-Class", and the older "985" and "211" labels, which mark the research-intensive institutions.
Language
What language will I study in?
Chinese-taught degrees normally require an HSK certificate (HSK 4 for many programmes, HSK 5 for humanities and medicine). English-taught degrees require IELTS or TOEFL, or proof your previous education was in English, plus a semester or two of basic Mandarin as a graduation requirement.
Not ready in Chinese?
Daily life
Life in brief
Everything by phone
WeChat and Alipay handle messaging, payments, transport and deliveries.
High-speed rail
A vast network links every major city, fast and affordable.
Campus living
Walled, self-contained campuses with dorms, canteens, clinics and sports on site.
Safe day to day
Low street crime; the international student office helps you settle in.
For the full practical set-up, read Living in China.
Next
Your next steps
- Shortlist programmes: start from Scholarships and Universities.
- Check the language and academic requirements for each.
- Prepare documents early: see How to Apply.
- Apply, accept your offer, and get the JW202/JW201 form for the visa: see the Student Visa Guide.
Create a profile and Nadoumi will match you to programmes, track your deadlines and guide each step to enrolment.