Studying in China: admission and the right visa

The kinds of programmes

Language courses — from one semester to a year, usually with no entrance exams. A good way to start if you have no Chinese yet.

Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Chinese-taught programmes require an HSK certificate at a level the university sets. English-taught programmes exist too and require proof of English.

How to apply

1. 1

   Pick the university and programme

   The international office of the university publishes requirements, deadlines and fees. Compare them on the university’s own site, not at an agent’s.

2. 2

   Check for a scholarship

   The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is handled by the Campus China portal. Applications usually run in winter and spring for the autumn intake — check the current year’s dates.

3. 3

   Get the admission letter and the JW form

   Once admitted, the university sends an admission letter and a JW201 or JW202 form. You need both for the student visa.

4. 4

   Get the visa

   An X2 covers study of up to 180 days and needs no residence permit. An X1 covers study longer than 180 days: within 30 days of entry it is converted into a student residence permit at the local exit-entry office. An X1 usually also needs a medical certificate on the form for foreigners.