Studying in China. How to get a higher education

Ways to obtain education in China

The high quality of education in China is confirmed by 11 universities that are included in the list of the top 200 universities in the world. As of 2009, China ranks third, уступая only to the USA and the UK.

Today, the higher education system in China includes universities, colleges, and professional higher schools. Most universities and colleges operate under the control of the country's Ministry of Education http://www.moe.gov.cn, although there remain higher education institutions managed by provincial and municipal authorities.

Higher education institutions in the country provide three levels of higher education. The first level involves 4–5 years of study and ends with the awarding of a bachelor's degree. The second is designed for 2–3 years of study and concludes with the awarding of a master's degree (Magister). The third level involves 3 years of study and concludes with the awarding of a doctorate, similar to a PhD. Its receipt involves passing exams in the main subjects of the curriculum and completing an independent research project.

In recent years, China has become one of the most popular countries for international students. Every year, the number of international students in Chinese universities is growing. Beijing is considered the most popular city with its dynamic development, fascinating history, culture, and architecture, a large number of foreigners, the rhythm of life, and enormous opportunities. Beijing universities, first of all, are famous for their higher level of education, so when it comes to obtaining a diploma from a Chinese university, Beijing ranks highest on students' preference list.

There are more than 2 thousand universities, colleges, and professional higher schools in China, with about 9 million people studying in them. More than 5.5 million students study in bachelor's programs, and about 300 thousand students study in master's and doctoral programs. More than 450 universities in the country have the right to admit international students («laowailiushuo»).

Currently, more than 165 thousand students from 175 countries are studying in 360 universities in 31 provinces of the country. The leaders in the number of international students are the most prestigious universities:

• Beijing University of Language and Culture (about 9 thousand people) http://www.blcu.edu.cn/;
• Beijing University (more than 4 thousand people) http://www.pku.edu.cn/;
• Fudan University in Shanghai (over 3 thousand people) http://www.fudan.edu.cn/index.html.

Features of studying for international students

Foreign students must pass the HSK Chinese language proficiency test before applying to higher or vocational educational institutions. This test assesses the level of Chinese language proficiency for non-native speakers (including foreigners, Chinese emigrants, and ethnic minorities in China) and is a national standardized exam. The HSK exam is held annually in China. All examinees who achieve a certain level upon passing the exam receive an HSK certificate of the corresponding level. An HSK certificate is a prerequisite for admission to a Chinese university. Typically, a level 5-6 HSK certificate is required for technical специальностей, while a level 7-8 certificate is needed for humanities. For applicants who already know Chinese but want to improve their skills before starting their studies, there is an opportunity to attend summer short-term preparation courses. For those who do not know Chinese at all but want to study in China, there are optimal options for taking 1-2 year Chinese language courses. Each student can determine the duration of the course themselves, as exams are taken after the first year of study. If a student needs to improve their language level, they can continue studying for a second year. Once obtained, the certificate does not expire and does not need to be re-confirmed; the exam can be retaken an unlimited number of times to obtain a higher level certificate. Applications for language courses are accepted from September to the end of December (for enrollment in the spring) and from February to the end of June (for enrollment in the fall). (The level of language proficiency does not matter for admission to language courses.) After mastering Chinese sufficiently and passing the mandatory HSK test, one can apply for a bachelor's program. To do this, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma. The standard package of documents includes an application form, transcript, medical certificate, copy of passport, and copy of payment order for the registration fee. For master's programs, соответственно, a copy of the diploma, transcript, two recommendations (from a teacher or employer) will be required. For students with incomplete secondary education (9 classes), there is an opportunity to study their chosen specialty in colleges and vocational schools. The duration of study is 2-3 years. After graduating from both the university and the college, the student receives a diploma of completion from the educational institution. The procedure for admission to Chinese universities

If you plan to apply to a university on your own and pay tuition fees, you must contact the higher education institution, clarify the required list of documents, and send them by express mail (not by email!). You will need to provide a guarantee letter for tuition payment, as well as pay a non-refundable registration fee of $50-100.

If you are counting on a scholarship, then you do not need to submit anything directly to the university; the authorized bodies responsible for granting scholarships will handle this.

Applications for the first semester (September 1) should be submitted from March to June. If the start of studies is planned for the second semester, then documents should be submitted from October to December.

After reviewing the application, the educational institution sends the candidate:

• Admission Notice (notification letter of admission);
• Invitation in the form JW202 for a visa;
• Physical Examination Record for Foreigners.

Then you can proceed to obtaining a student visa.

Cost of study and living

Studying in China at language courses and bachelor's programs for international students costs an average of $2,000–6,500 USD per year, for master's programs – $2,200–7,500 per year, and for doctoral programs – $2,700–8,500 USD per year. A place in a standard double room in a dormitory costs $700–900 per year, and meals cost about $60 per month (in the canteen for international students). Usually, accommodation is arranged in dormitories on the campuses of higher education institutions.

Obtaining a scholarship for foreigners

Foreign citizens can apply for scholarships from the Government of the People's Republic of China to study in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. The scholarship amount is 800, 1100, and 1400 yuan per month, respectively. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, accommodation, meals, health insurance, and even travel. In addition, short-term exchange studies and the study of Chinese language and culture are funded (800 yuan per month). The distribution of scholarships is handled by a special council – China Scholarship Council (CSC). Applications should be submitted to the Chinese embassy from January to March or directly to the China Scholarship Council (CSC). Scholarship recipients are sent to study at 94 selected public universities, where a total of 300 specialties can be studied.

There are several scholarship options, but the most popular and accessible is the Chinese Government Scholarship Scheme. It is intended for international students studying at language courses, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. To receive it, the candidate must meet the following criteria:

• Good health;
• Age up to 35 years and a high school diploma for language courses;
• Age up to 25 years and a high school diploma with good grades for bachelor's degree;
• For master's degree, a bachelor's degree and age up to 35 years are required;
• For doctoral studies, a master's degree is required, respectively, and the age should not be older than 40 years.

Applications for scholarships are submitted in your home country at the Chinese Embassy from January to April, and each country has a quota established by intergovernmental agreements. Then these applications are sent in a batch to the authorized body, the China Scholarship Council, for consideration.

To apply for a scholarship, you will need to collect the following package of documents:

• An application form in English or Chinese (available on the China Scholarship Council website and can be filled out online);
• A document on the last education received (give only a copy with translation to the embassy, as these documents are not subject to return);
• For students or employees — certificates from the place of study or work;
• A notarized and translated transcript of the examination report in Chinese;
• For master's and doctoral studies, two letters of recommendation from professors or associate professors are required;
• Study plan;
• A copy of the medical commission report in the Foreigner Physical Examination Form;
• Copy of passport.

Obtaining a study visa and other permits

To study in China, it is necessary to obtain a so-called study visa (sometimes called a student visa). To obtain a student visa, it is necessary to provide an admission notice from the educational institution, as well as an invitation in the form of JW-202 issued by the Ministry of Education.

According to Chinese law, students under 18 years of age must have an official guardian who will be responsible for them during their stay in the PRC until they reach 18 years of age. The guardian must be a citizen of the PRC and have a document of permanent registration in the city where the educational institution is located. The guardian issues a guarantee letter at a notary office in China or at the student's country embassy.

Also, many educational institutions require a commitment (guarantee) of timely payment when accepting documents.

Work during studies

Foreign students are prohibited from working on a student visa.

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