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45 answered questions. Type a few words, or pick a topic.
- Can international students work in China?Visa & residenceNot in ordinary employment. Students may do work-study, and off-campus work-study or an internship needs the school's approval and an endorsement on the residence permit first.
- Do I need HSK to study in China?Language & HSKIt depends on the teaching language and who sets the condition. Chinese-taught scholarship programmes ask for HSK 3 or 4; English-taught ones follow the university's own rule. Chinese classes are compulsory either way.
- How do I apply to a Chinese university as an international student?ApplyingYou apply to the university, under its own admission brochure. The university checks your qualifications and financial proof and decides. Scholarship applicants follow seven extra steps.
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Who decides whether a Chinese university admits me?Applying
The university does. Ministry of Education rules say the university examines each applicant's entry qualifications and proof of financial guarantee, may test or assess applicants, and decides admission itself.
Order No. 42, Article 12Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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Where do I find a university's admission requirements?Applying
In that university's own admission brochure for international students. Every university must draw up and publish one, and must admit students under the conditions and procedure written in it.
Order No. 42, Article 11Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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What kinds of study can international students enrol in?Applying
Degree study at four levels: junior college, bachelor's, master's and doctoral. Non-degree study in three categories: preparatory students, advanced (visiting) students and research scholars.
Order No. 42, Article 9Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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Do I need to show proof of funds to apply?Applying
Yes, in some form. National rules require the university to examine each applicant's proof of financial guarantee. The rules do not set an amount or a format, so the university's admission brochure tells you what to send.
Order No. 42, Article 12Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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Can I study in China if I am under 18?Applying
Yes, with a guardian. If your parents do not live in China, the school must require them to formally entrust a foreigner or Chinese citizen living in China as your guardian, and to provide supporting documents.
Order No. 42, Article 38Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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Can I change my major after I enrol?Applying
You can apply to. A change of major needs your application and the university's agreement, and each university sets its own conditions and procedure.
Order No. 42, Article 17Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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Can I transfer to another Chinese university?Applying
The rules allow it: a university may take a student admitted by, or transferring from, another school, once the original school agrees.
Order No. 42, Article 13Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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What are the steps to apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship?Applying
Seven. You choose a programme, university and major; get admission documents from the university; get a recommendation from the receiving agency; and submit the online form. The agency then submits its candidates, the China Scholarship Council reviews them, and the agency tells you the result.
Application guide, section VCampus China (China Scholarship Council) — Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship
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What documents does the Chinese Government Scholarship ask for?Applying
The guide lists 13: the online form, passport page, highest diploma, academic records, language certificate, CSCA report for bachelor's applicants, a pre-admission document, a study or research plan, two recommendation letters for postgraduates, own works for arts applicants, guardian documents if under 18, the physical examination form for stays over six months, and a certificate of non-criminal record.
Application guide, section VICampus China (China Scholarship Council) — Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship
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Do I need a pre-admission letter for the Chinese Government Scholarship?Applying
Yes. The guide says all applicants must provide a pre-admission document from the university: a pre-admission notice from its international admission department, or an invitation letter from the school or a professor.
Application guide, section VI, item 7Campus China (China Scholarship Council) — Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship
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Who runs the Chinese Government Scholarship?Scholarships
The China Scholarship Council (CSC). The guide says the CSC is entrusted by the Ministry of Education with the admission, enrolment and administration of scholarship recipients.
Application guide, introductionCampus China (China Scholarship Council) — Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship
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What does the Chinese Government Scholarship cover?Scholarships
Tuition fees; a free university dormitory or an accommodation subsidy; a monthly stipend; and comprehensive medical insurance.
Application guide, section IIICampus China (China Scholarship Council) — Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship
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How much is the Chinese Government Scholarship stipend?Scholarships
CNY 2,500 a month for undergraduates, CNY 3,000 for master's students and general scholars, and CNY 3,500 for doctoral students and senior scholars.
Application guide, section IIICampus China (China Scholarship Council) — Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship
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Is there an age limit for the Chinese Government Scholarship?Scholarships
Yes. Under 25 for a bachelor's programme, under 35 for a master's, under 40 for a doctorate, under 45 as a general scholar and under 50 as a senior scholar.
Application guide, section IVCampus China (China Scholarship Council) — Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship
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Where do I send a Chinese Government Scholarship application?Scholarships
It depends on the programme. The Bilateral Program goes through the dispatching department of your home country, the University Program through the Chinese university, and the designated programmes through the organisation named for each, such as your country's National Commission for UNESCO for the Great Wall Program.
Application guide, section ICampus China (China Scholarship Council) — Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship
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Does the scholarship pay for a Chinese language year first?Scholarships
The guide says the scholarship covers both major study and Chinese language (preparatory) study, and that the language courses last one year.
Application guide, section IICampus China (China Scholarship Council) — Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship
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Are there scholarships besides the Chinese Government Scholarship?Scholarships
Yes. Campus China, the CSC's site for international students, files notices under Chinese Government Scholarships, Local Government Scholarships, Confucius Institute Scholarships and School Scholarships. Ministry of Education rules also let universities set up their own scholarships.
Campus China scholarships list; Order No. 42, Article 34Campus China — Scholarships listMinistry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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What is the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship?Scholarships
A scholarship from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation for study related to teaching Chinese. The 2025 guidelines cover doctoral, master's and bachelor's degrees in international Chinese language education, plus one-year, one-semester and four-week study programmes, and applicants need a recommendation from a Recommending Institution.
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Do I need an X1 or an X2 visa?Visa & residence
X1 if you will study in China for more than 180 days. X2 if you will study for 180 days or less.
Embassy visa categories; Regulations, Article 6Embassy of the PRC in the UK — Visa for China: categories and residence permitsRegulations on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (English text, National Immigration Administration)
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What documents do I need for an X1 visa?Visa & residence
The Chinese Embassy in the UK lists the admission letter from the institution and the "Visa Application for Study in China" form (JW201 or JW202), original or photocopy. Embassies in other countries can add local requirements.
Embassy document list, X1Embassy of the PRC in the UK — How to apply for a visa: documents by category
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What documents do I need for an X2 visa?Visa & residence
The Chinese Embassy in the UK lists the admission notice from the institution, original or photocopy. Check the visa page of the mission where you will apply for anything it adds.
Embassy document list, X2Embassy of the PRC in the UK — How to apply for a visa: documents by category
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How long do I have to get a residence permit after arriving?Visa & residence
30 days from the date you enter China, if your visa says a residence permit is required, as an X1 does. You apply to the exit/entry administration of the public security organ in the place where you will live.
Law, Article 30Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC (English text, National Immigration Administration)Embassy of the PRC in the UK — How to apply for a visa: documents by category
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What do I take to the residence permit appointment?Visa & residence
Your passport, the application form with one photo, a letter from your school stating the study period, and your admission or enrolment proof. You apply in person and give fingerprints. A permit valid for a year or more also needs a health certificate.
NIA service guide, section 6; Regulations, Article 16National Immigration Administration — service guide for foreigners' residence permits (Chinese)Regulations on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (English text, National Immigration Administration)
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What if I miss the 30-day residence permit deadline?Visa & residence
The Chinese Embassy in the UK states that failing to apply within 30 days of entry counts as illegal overstay.
Embassy FAQEmbassy of the PRC in the UK — Visa FAQs and answers
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When do I renew my residence permit?Visa & residence
Apply within the 30 days before it expires. If a registered detail changes, such as your passport number, apply to update the permit within 10 days of the change.
Law, Articles 32 and 33Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC (English text, National Immigration Administration)
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Can I extend an X2 visa in China?Visa & residence
You can apply to the local exit/entry administration. An extension counts only for the current entry, and the total extension cannot be longer than the duration of stay the visa first gave you.
Regulations, Article 14Regulations on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (English text, National Immigration Administration)
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Where can I find a university's tuition fees?Costs & money
From the university. National rules require each university to publish its fee items and fee standards for international students, and its refund rules for withdrawal and transfer. Fees and refunds are priced in RMB.
Order No. 42, Article 14Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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How much does a residence permit cost?Costs & money
The National Immigration Administration's service guide prints RMB 400 for a permit valid for under one year, RMB 800 for one year to under three years, and RMB 1,000 for three to five years.
NIA service guide, section 9National Immigration Administration — service guide for foreigners' residence permits (Chinese)
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Can I get a refund if I withdraw?Costs & money
That depends on the university's published refund rules. National rules require every university to publish its refund rules for withdrawal and transfer alongside its fees.
Order No. 42, Article 14Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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Do I have to buy insurance?Costs & money
Yes. Schools run an insurance system that covers all international students. A student who does not buy insurance as required is not admitted, or is not registered.
Order No. 42, Article 40Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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Do I have to register my address with the police?Life in China
If you stay anywhere other than a hotel, you or your host must register with the public security organ within 24 hours of arrival. The National Immigration Administration now offers this online, with the same legal effect as registering in person.
Law, Article 39Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC (English text, National Immigration Administration)National Immigration Administration — policy interpretation, online accommodation registration (21 September 2026)
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Can I live off campus?Life in China
The rules provide for it: a student who lives outside the school dormitory must promptly register with the public security office where they live. Whether your university allows off-campus housing is in its own rules.
Order No. 42, Article 24Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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What happens if I do not register where I live?Life in China
The law provides for a warning, and a fine of up to RMB 2,000 may also be imposed.
Law, Article 76Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC (English text, National Immigration Administration)
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Is there a medical check when I arrive?Life in China
Yes. On enrolment, international students confirm their Foreigner Physical Examination Record with the Chinese health quarantine department, or take the examination.
Order No. 42, Article 39Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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Can I practise my religion on campus?Life in China
Universities must respect students' customs and religious beliefs, but they do not provide venues for religious activities, and religious gatherings and preaching are not allowed on campus.
Order No. 42, Article 29Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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Who helps international students at a Chinese university?Life in China
Each university must name an office responsible for international students and must appoint counsellors for them, who handle information, advice and student activities.
Order No. 42, Articles 22 and 25Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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Do I need to speak Chinese to study in China?Language & HSK
Not always. Chinese is the basic teaching language, but universities that are equipped to may teach degree courses in a foreign language. The language condition for each programme is set in the university's admission brochure.
Order No. 42, Articles 18 and 19Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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Will I have to take Chinese classes on an English-taught degree?Language & HSK
Yes. Chinese and an Overview of China course are compulsory for degree students.
Order No. 42, Article 16Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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Can I write my thesis in English?Language & HSK
If your degree is taught in a foreign language, the thesis may be written in that language, with an abstract in Chinese. The university decides whether the defence may be held in a foreign language.
Order No. 42, Article 19Ministry of Education — Administrative Measures for the Enrolment and Education of International Students by Schools (Order No. 42, Chinese)
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What HSK level does the Chinese Government Scholarship need?Language & HSK
For Chinese-taught programmes: HSK Level 4 for a master's or doctorate, and Level 3 for senior scholars and for general scholars outside Chinese language majors. For programmes taught in another language you meet the university's own requirement.
Application guide, section IVCampus China (China Scholarship Council) — Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship
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What is the CSCA?Language & HSK
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment. The scholarship guide requires bachelor's applicants to take it and upload a valid score report, and tells them to ask the university which test subjects their major needs.
Application guide, section IV, item 7Campus China (China Scholarship Council) — Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship
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Does the Chinese Government Scholarship need IELTS or TOEFL?Language & HSK
The guide sets no English score. For programmes taught in a language other than Chinese, it asks for the language certificate the university requires, and gives IELTS and TOEFL reports as examples.
Application guide, section VI, item 5Campus China (China Scholarship Council) — Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship
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