Applying To Chinese Universities: A Guide For Americans

Applying to Chinese universities as an American student is a complex process. While there are many benefits to studying in China, including the chance to gain insight into the country's culture and language, there are also challenges, such as the country's restrictive COVID-19 policies and strained relations between the US and China. In recent years, the number of American students studying in China has decreased, with only about 700 American students enrolled in Chinese universities in 2024. However, there is a growing interest in encouraging student exchanges between the two countries. The application process for American students can be confusing and may involve navigating cultural and language barriers. It is important for prospective students to research the requirements and processes thoroughly and seek guidance where needed.

Understanding the application process

The application process for American students wishing to study in China can be challenging to navigate, and there are currently far fewer American students studying in China than Chinese students studying in the US. However, both countries are trying to address this imbalance.

For American students, the application process for Chinese universities can be more intensive and challenging than the process for American universities. It is important to research the application requirements for each Chinese university, as these can vary.

One key difference in the application process is that American students are evaluated holistically by Chinese universities. This means that admissions committees will want to know about the applicant's extracurricular activities and achievements outside of school, as well as their academic performance.

Another difference is that American students will need to take standardised tests, such as the SAT or the ACT, instead of the Gaokao. It is also likely that they will need to take an English language proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, and they may need to obtain a student visa.

In addition, American students will need to have their school transcript evaluated and translated by a third-party organisation, and they may be required to submit letters of recommendation from teachers or school administrators.

It is important to start the application process early, as some parts of the process, such as obtaining a visa or having transcripts translated, can take several weeks or even months.

American students wishing to study in China should also be aware of the current political tensions between the two countries, which have resulted in increased scrutiny of Chinese student visa applications by the US State Department. There have also been warnings from the Chinese government about the "risks" of studying in the US, which may affect the ability of American students to enrol at Chinese universities.

Language requirements

Language is a very important factor when applying to Chinese universities as an international student. The requirements will depend on whether you are applying for a Chinese-medium degree program (taught in Mandarin Chinese) or an English-medium program.

Chinese-Medium Degree Programs

If you are applying for a degree program taught in Mandarin Chinese, you will need to provide HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) results to prove your proficiency in the language. The required HSK level will depend on the degree you are applying for. For undergraduate programs, you will need HSK level 4-6, while for master's programs, you will need HSK level 5-8.

English-Medium Programs

If you are applying for an English-medium program, you will need to provide proof of English proficiency. This can be done by submitting scores from recognized English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Native English speakers or those who hold an academic degree taught in English are usually exempt from this requirement.

In addition to the TOEFL and IELTS, other English language certificates that are commonly accepted by Chinese universities include:

• Proof of English teaching in the previous stage of education
• Duolingo
• TOEFL ITP
• Cambridge English FCE/CAE/CPE
• Passing a language test at your school
• Online English tests such as EF TEST
• Certificate from a language training institution

Visa applications

Once you have received an offer from a Chinese university, you will need to apply for a student visa. The type of visa you will need depends on the type of institution you will be attending and the length of your course.

Types of Student Visa

There are two types of student visas available for those wanting to study in China:

• An X1 visa is for students who plan to study in China for more than 180 days.
• An X2 visa is for students who plan to study in China for less than 180 days.

Application Process

The process for applying for a student visa for China involves the following steps:

• Complete the online application form and print it out.
• Prepare the required documents, including your passport, the original and a copy of your admission letter, and a recent passport-sized photo.
• Submit the application form and documents to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
• Pay the visa application fee.
• Collect your passport with the student visa from the embassy or consulate.

It is important to note that the processing time for a student visa can vary, so it is recommended to apply as early as possible. Additionally, the requirements and application process may differ depending on your country of origin, so be sure to check the specific instructions provided by the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.

Additional Considerations

When applying for a student visa, there are a few other things to keep in mind:

• You may be required to provide proof of financial support, such as bank statements or a scholarship letter, to demonstrate that you can cover your tuition and living expenses during your stay in China.
• In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of accommodation or a medical certificate, depending on the requirements of the Chinese embassy or consulate.
• It is important to carefully review the visa requirements and ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria before submitting your application.
• Keep in mind that the visa application process may take some time, so it is advisable to start the process early to ensure that you obtain your visa before your planned departure date.

Transcript translation

When applying to a US college as an international student, you will need to get your school transcript evaluated and translated by a third-party organisation. Transcript translation involves translating your academic records from your native language into English. It is important to select service providers that are recognised by the schools to which you are applying. This process can take several weeks, so it is best to begin as early as possible.

• Contact your university to see if they provide academic transcript translation into foreign languages. Get in touch with translation agencies. However, make sure your translated transcript is later notarised for added validity.
• The translator will need to see the original transcript or a certified copy of your degree. You must also give the translator a proper evaluation of your transcript that compares your achievements in the US education system to the target country.
• Avoid using AI tools to translate your transcripts. A translation done by machines or amateur translators can result in spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, wrong course titles, inconsistent use of capitalisation, and an unappealing layout.
• Provide reference materials, such as dictionaries or glossaries, to help the translator understand the meaning of certain words in context.
• Only translate what is necessary. Check the eligibility requirements of your chosen foreign college to determine which documents need to be translated.
• Provide the cleanest copy of your degree that you can find. Even smudges and other marks can make your document hard to read and translate accurately.

Recommendation letters

Number of Letters

Universities in China typically require two letters of recommendation for both undergraduate and graduate applicants. For undergraduate applicants, these letters usually come from teachers at your high school. For graduate applicants, the letters are provided by full-time professors or associate professors who have taught or supervised your academic work directly.

Choosing the Recommenders

For undergraduate applicants, it is advisable to choose teachers who have taught you subjects relevant to the program you are applying for. Select teachers who know you well and can speak in-depth about your abilities and potential. For graduate applicants, ensure that your letters are written by professors or associate professors with direct experience teaching or supervising you. These academic professionals can best evaluate your capability to succeed at the postgraduate level.

Language of the Letters

Content of the Letters

The recommendation letters should cover several key points valued by Chinese universities. These include:

• Academic Performance: Reflect your academic strengths, achievements, and areas of excellence.
• Research Potential: Highlight your ability to conduct independent research, especially for graduate applicants.
• Work Ethic and Motivation: Demonstrate your dedication, discipline, and motivation for advanced studies.
• Character Assessment: Emphasize your integrity, teamwork, and communication skills, which are essential in the academic environment.

Important Details to Include

Regardless of the program level, ensure that the following details are included in your letters of recommendation:

• Contact Information of the Referrer: Provide the name, email address, and phone number of the professor, associate professor, or teacher.
• Signature and Letterhead: The letters should be signed by the referee and, if possible, printed on the institution's official letterhead for added authenticity.

Tips for Requesting Letters

• Ask Early: Approach your recommenders at least 1-2 months in advance to give them ample time to write a thoughtful letter.
• Provide Necessary Information: Share your CV, personal statement, and details of the program you are applying for to help them tailor the letter to your application.
• Follow Up Politely: Remind your recommenders about the submission deadline and ensure they have all the required information.
• Express Gratitude: Writing recommendation letters is a time-consuming task, so remember to thank your recommenders sincerely for their support.

Frequently asked questions