Savanna Hoffman
International students have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many unable to return to their host countries, including China, for their studies. While China has allowed vaccinated individuals to enter the country, there has been no formal announcement regarding the return of international students. This has led to frustration among students, who have started campaigns to be allowed back into the country. Some have even been stranded in China and face financial difficulties due to scholarship support cuts. As China gradually eases its COVID-19 restrictions, international students are eager to return to their studies, but they must navigate strict travel measures and health screenings implemented by the Chinese government to protect citizens and returnees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current status of international students returning to China | No, not every international student can return to China at the moment. |
| Requirements for returning | Negative COVID-19 test result (within 48 hours of arrival) |
| 7-day quarantine in designated hotels or areas | |
| Daily temperature checks | |
| Declare any recent contact with confirmed or suspected carriers of the virus | |
| University approval | |
| Rigorous health screenings | |
| Other precautionary measures deemed necessary by the Chinese authorities | |
| Recommendations for international students | Stay in close contact with relevant universities |
| Keep up-to-date with recent developments | |
| Contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country for the required documents for the visa |
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What You'll Learn
International students are campaigning to be allowed back into China
International students have been campaigning to be allowed back into China, with some taking to Twitter to collect signatures and send videos of appeal to Chinese consulates overseas. However, as COVID-19 cases surge worldwide, China has implemented strict travel measures to protect the health and safety of its citizens, including international students.
Since late March, international students have not been granted access to the country and are growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of communication and updates. Some have been stranded in China, struggling to make ends meet as their scholarship support has been cut. Others are unable to complete their studies remotely, as their work requires access to labs and other in-person resources.
While China has recently allowed vaccinated individuals to enter, no official news or briefing has been issued regarding the return of international students. Universities continue to accept new international students and offer online classes, but many students are eager to return to in-person learning. In 2021, more than 1 million Chinese international students returned to their home country, with most citing 'family' and 'cultural issues' as their reasons for returning.
Students who wish to return to China must adhere to strict health and safety protocols. They must present a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of arrival and may be required to complete a 7-14 day quarantine in designated hotels upon arrival, at their own expense. Returnees should also expect rigorous health screenings, daily temperature checks, and movement restrictions outside of their hotels.
International students campaigning to return to China should stay updated on the latest developments and requirements. They should maintain close communication with their universities and embassies to ensure they have the required documents and approvals before planning their trip back to China.
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Students are frustrated by the lack of communication and updates
International students have expressed frustration over the lack of updates and communication regarding their return to China. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, international students have faced challenges in resuming their studies in China due to travel restrictions and limited access to the country. While China has been actively vaccinating its citizens, with plans to vaccinate around 80% of its population by mid-2022, international students have been left uncertain about their ability to return to their studies.
The lack of clear information has led to campaigns and appeals by frustrated students demanding to be allowed back into China. They have taken to Twitter, collecting signatures and sending videos of appeal to Chinese consulates overseas. However, their efforts seem futile as China continues to implement strict travel measures to curb the spread of the virus. International students are faced with a myriad of requirements, including negative COVID-19 test results, self-funded quarantines, and possible scholarship support cuts, making their return even more challenging.
The situation has disrupted the studies of many international students, particularly those in fields that require hands-on, laboratory work. A British chemist working towards her PhD at a Chinese university shared her concerns about the impact of the travel ban on her research, stating that her "PhD will be suspended and delayed until [she's] able to return." The lack of face-to-face classes and access to laboratories has hindered the learning experience of international students, and the online classes offered as a temporary solution may not adequately address their educational needs.
The Chinese government and universities have provided some reassurance that the health and safety of international students are a priority. They encourage students to maintain close contact with their respective universities and embassies to stay informed about the latest developments and requirements for returning to China. However, the frequent changes in quarantine protocols and travel restrictions have made it challenging for students to make concrete plans.
As the pandemic continues to evolve, international students are left waiting for updates and relying on online learning as a temporary solution. While the exact date of their return to China remains uncertain, students are advised to follow public health guidelines and stay informed about the latest travel requirements. The frustration among international students is understandable, and they eagerly await the opportunity to resume their studies and return to China.
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Quarantine requirements upon arrival in China
As of November 2023, inbound travellers to China must quarantine for five days at a centralised location, followed by three days at home. This is a reduction from the previous requirement of seven days at a centralised location and three days at home. These requirements can vary depending on the region, with some areas mandating 14 days of centralised quarantine.
It is recommended that travellers take a full-body health code before leaving for China and consider purchasing special medical insurance to cover any illness or injury during their stay. Additionally, travellers should be prepared for expanded screening and vetting procedures upon arrival.
China's complex immigration system can be challenging to navigate, and it's important to plan ahead. International students, in particular, have faced difficulties returning to China during the pandemic, with limited flights and ever-changing COVID-19 entry requirements. As of January 2025, international students were still campaigning to be allowed back into the country, indicating ongoing challenges for this group.
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COVID-19 vaccination rates in China
International students are eager to return to China as online classes are not a feasible option for everyone. However, China has barred non-Chinese travellers from several countries, including Britain, France, Belgium, the Philippines, and India. Flights to China are limited and subject to sudden cancellations. Those who are allowed to enter China must present two COVID-19 tests taken within 48 hours before their flight and undergo a 14-day self-funded quarantine.
Amidst the pandemic, China experienced a surge of international students returning to their motherland. In 2021 alone, over one million Chinese international students returned, with many citing 'family' and 'cultural issues' as their primary motivations.
Regarding COVID-19 vaccination rates in China, as of November 2021, more than 62.4% (880 million) of the Chinese population had been officially confirmed as vaccinated. However, vaccine hesitancy remains an issue, with some residents expressing doubts about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. A large-scale national study conducted in 31 provinces across mainland China during the primary and booster vaccination campaigns aimed to understand the psychological factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy.
The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy varies across China's provinces, with rates exceeding 10% in three provinces. Factors such as demographic structure, health literacy, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and vaccination service supply capacity differ among provinces, influencing the uneven distribution of vaccine hesitancy.
Additionally, the United States military launched a clandestine propaganda campaign to discredit Chinese vaccines, particularly Sinovac, in the Philippines and other countries. This campaign sought to counter China's growing influence and profit from the pandemic by spreading doubts about the safety and efficacy of Chinese vaccines.
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Online classes as a temporary solution
International students have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many unable to return to China to continue their studies. While some students have resorted to online classes as a temporary solution, others have not been as fortunate, especially those whose courses require practical, lab-based work.
Online classes have been the only option for many international students wishing to continue their studies at Chinese universities during the pandemic. While this solution has allowed students to access their courses remotely, it has also presented several challenges and limitations. One of the main drawbacks is the inability to conduct experiments, practicals, and dissections, which are integral components of certain degree programmes, such as MBBS in China. This restriction has negatively impacted the quality of learning for these students, who are unable to gain hands-on experience in their fields.
Despite these limitations, professors and universities in China have made efforts to support their international students. They have offered additional resources, such as extra classes and WeChat sharing, to ensure that students can stay connected and receive the necessary academic assistance. These measures aim to facilitate the continuation of their studies, even in challenging circumstances.
While online classes have provided a temporary solution, they cannot replace the benefits of in-person learning, especially for practical-based courses. The inability to access laboratories and other facilities has disrupted the educational experience of international students, potentially delaying their graduation timelines. This situation highlights the urgency felt by students eager to return to China and resume their studies without restrictions.
As the pandemic continues to evolve, the future remains uncertain for international students wishing to return to China. While vaccination efforts and easing of restrictions offer a glimmer of hope, strict travel measures and health screenings remain in place. Students must closely monitor their health, follow safety guidelines, and stay informed about the latest developments and requirements for re-entry into China. In the meantime, online classes serve as a temporary educational lifeline, enabling students to progress in their studies to the best of their abilities under the given circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can return to China if their university approves of it. Students must keep a close eye on their health and any public health warnings issued by the Chinese government. They must also adhere to rigorous health screenings and any other precautionary measures deemed necessary by the Chinese authorities.
International students returning to China must present a negative COVID-19 test result from within 48 hours of arriving in the country. They may also be required to complete a 7-day quarantine in specific hotels or other designated areas upon arrival. Students should expect to be subject to daily temperature checks and must declare any recent contact with confirmed or suspected carriers of the virus.
International students should contact the Chinese Consulate or Embassy in their country for detailed information. They should also be aware of any recent developments regarding entry requirements and keep in close contact with their university.
