Janice Lozano
China is considered one of the most appealing study destinations for international students due to its rich and globally renowned culture, its growing influence on the world stage, and the high quality of its educational institutions. The country offers a wide range of educational opportunities, from short courses to master's and doctoral programs, all of which regularly welcome international students eager to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and enhance their academic and professional paths. China has been actively expanding its visa-free entry to 75 countries as part of a broader campaign to boost inbound tourism. Additionally, the number of international schools in China has grown significantly, and many universities offer English-taught programs specifically designed for international students. However, as of March 2022, China was the only country actively banning international students from entry due to its strict zero-COVID policy, causing frustration and uncertainty among students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of opening borders to international students | 8 January 2023 |
| Number of years borders were closed | 3 |
| Border closure impact on students | Inability to complete degrees, internships, or work experience |
| Number of international students waiting to enter | 450,000 |
| Visa requirements | X2 or X1 visa, depending on duration of stay |
| Number of international schools in China | 338 as of 2013 |
| International school enrollment | 184,073 students as of 2013 |
| Number of international programs | Over 10,000 |
| English-taught programs | Available at Bachelor, Master, PhD, and non-degree levels |
| English proficiency requirement | IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test |
| Exemption from English proficiency test | Native English speakers or students with a previous degree in English |
| Courses offered | Chinese language, culture, economics, international trade, business, globalization, social sciences, finance, e-commerce, and marketing |
| Countries with visa-free entry to China | 75 |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in China: China remains the only country with a strict zero-COVID policy
- English-taught programs: Most Chinese universities offer courses in English for international students
- Student visas: Obtaining a student visa is one of the final steps before moving to China
- International schools in China: The number of international schools in China grew from 22 in 2001 to 338 in 2013
- Online education: The Ministry of Education has approved 68 schools to pilot modern distance education
International students in China: China remains the only country with a strict zero-COVID policy
China has been enforcing a lockdown and border closure to minimize the spread of COVID-19 since the first known case of the virus was discovered in Wuhan in December 2019. The country's zero-COVID policy has restricted foreigners from entering the country, impacting nearly 500,000 international students in 2018, with more than half coming from Asia. The situation has left international students facing obstacles in pursuing their degrees or starting their studies in China.
The China International Student Union (CISU) has been campaigning for China's borders to reopen to international students, who are willing to follow the COVID-19 protocols, including vaccination and quarantine guidelines. While there have been some positive signs, such as New York University Shanghai and Duke Kunshan University signalling an impending return of students, there is still no clear indication of when China's borders will fully reopen.
In April 2022, China reaffirmed its commitment to the zero-COVID policy, with Mi Feng, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission, stating that the country will "stick to its dynamic zero COVID-19 policy as cases continue to spread." As of February 2023, there has been no official change in this policy, and cities with outbreaks continue to enter serious lockdowns. However, some COVID-19 restrictions have been eased, such as the reduction of quarantine time for people entering the country and the banning of arbitrary lockdowns and school closures.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, Chinese universities are still recruiting international students for program admissions. There are thousands of high-quality English-taught programs available in a variety of subjects, and Chinese universities are rising rapidly in international rankings. China's economic and political growth also makes it an attractive destination for international students looking to gain cultural experience and transferable skills.
In summary, China remains the only country with a strict zero-COVID policy, which has impacted international students. While there are signs of relaxation in some COVID-19 restrictions, the country's borders remain closed to foreign students as of February 2023. Chinese universities are still actively recruiting international students, and the demand for understanding China's cultural environment and lifestyle continues to grow.
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English-taught programs: Most Chinese universities offer courses in English for international students
China is open for international students and its universities offer a wide range of English-taught programs at Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and non-degree levels. These programs are taught in English and are specifically designed for international students. There are thousands of high-quality English-taught programs offered by Chinese universities in a variety of subjects, including medicine, literature, and engineering.
English-taught programs in China have successfully attracted international students from around the world. These programs offer a unique opportunity for students who are not fluent in Chinese to pursue their desired degrees without facing language barriers. The University of Nottingham Ningbo China, for example, offers accredited English-taught programs that are identical to those offered at its UK and Malaysia campuses.
Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), a joint venture between Xian Jiaotong University and the University of Liverpool, provides another example of an English-taught program in China. Undergraduate students at XJTLU can earn two degrees: an XJTLU degree and a UK degree from the University of Liverpool. Additionally, the International Business School at XJTLU has achieved the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation.
It is important to note that international students applying for English-taught programs in China may need to prove their English proficiency. This can be done through exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or the Duolingo English Test. However, native English speakers or those who have previously studied in English may be exempt from these requirements.
China's efforts to attract international students and encourage university cooperation contribute to its modernization and provide valuable transferable skills and cultural experiences for students. The country is also expanding its visa-free entry to 75 countries, making it more accessible to international students and tourists.
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Student visas: Obtaining a student visa is one of the final steps before moving to China
China is open for international students, with thousands of high-quality English-taught programs in a variety of subjects, from medicine to literature to engineering.
Student Visas
Obtaining a student visa is one of the final steps before moving to China. Here is a detailed guide on how to obtain a student visa for China:
Step 1: Decide on the Type of Visa
The first step is to determine the type of visa you need. China offers two types of student visas:
- X1 Visa: For long-term study lasting more than 180 days. X1 visas are typically for undergraduate and postgraduate students with programs lasting between six months and five years.
- X2 Visa: For short-term studies lasting less than 180 days.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
The required documents for a Chinese student visa include:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and at least one blank page.
- A completed China visa application form.
- A formal acceptance letter from your university on headed paper with a university seal.
- A JW201 or JW202 form, also known as the Foreign Student Visa Application Form, which will be provided by your university.
- Additional documents may be required, such as proof of financial support or medical records.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You can submit your application to the Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your home country. European nationals and students from the UK, Canada, and Australia can apply through CVASC, while others may need to apply through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Mailed applications are usually refused, so it is best to submit your application in person.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
The processing time for Chinese student visa applications is generally quick and can take as little as four working days. However, it is recommended to allow at least a week for your visa to be processed. It is advised to apply at least one month before your arrival in China but not more than three months in advance.
Step 5: Register Your Residence
Upon arriving in China, remember to register your residence address within 24 hours. Additionally, if you are an X1 visa holder, you must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit from the local Exit and Entry Administration within 30 days of entering the country.
The cost of a Chinese student visa varies depending on your nationality, ranging from approximately 30 to 150 USD. Obtaining a student visa is a crucial step in your journey to studying in China, and with careful planning and attention to detail, you can successfully navigate the visa application process.
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International schools in China: The number of international schools in China grew from 22 in 2001 to 338 in 2013
China has been a top destination for international students for some time. As of 2013, China was the most popular country in Asia for international students and ranked third overall among countries. By 2024, there were 18 Chinese universities on lists of the global top 200. China is now the leading destination globally for Anglophone African students and is host to the second-largest international student population worldwide.
The number of international schools in China has grown significantly since the early 2000s. In 2001, there were 22 international schools in China, and by 2013, this number had grown to 338. This represents a growth of almost 3800% in just over a decade. Over the same period, enrollment in international schools rose 25 times to 184,073 students. By 2021, the number of international schools in China had increased to over 850.
The growth in the number of international schools in China can be attributed to several factors. One factor is the increasing number of foreign children in China due to increased international business operations. Another factor is the demand for high-quality international education from China's growing middle class. By 2022, China's middle class was predicted to reach 550 million, further increasing the demand for international schools.
Additionally, many Mainland Chinese parents began sending their children to international schools to increase their chances of going overseas. The curriculum offered by international schools, which often combines elements of Chinese and international education, has also contributed to their popularity. These schools provide students with a globally recognized education while still being locally relevant.
China has taken several steps to open up its education system to international students. Many Chinese universities offer programs taught in English, making it more accessible for international students who may not be proficient in Chinese. English-taught programs are available in a variety of subjects, including medicine, literature, and engineering. Chinese universities also offer a range of program lengths, from one semester to full degree programs, providing flexibility for international students.
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Online education: The Ministry of Education has approved 68 schools to pilot modern distance education
China is currently open for international students, with Chinese universities still recruiting for programme admissions. There are thousands of English-taught programmes available in China, ranging from medicine to literature to engineering. There are also online programmes available.
In terms of online education, the Ministry of Education has approved 68 schools to pilot modern distance education. This move towards online learning is a global trend, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. For example, during the pandemic, the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education implemented the use of ICT knowledge and critical practice in schools. Similarly, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Nepal encouraged the use of mobile devices, social media, and cloud computing as tools for designing and delivering educational materials.
The opening up of China to international students is a crucial step in the country's modernisation and a way to establish ties and build bridges with other nations. This is in contrast to the US, which has seen a decrease in the number of Chinese students due to the Trump administration's crackdown on visas for international students. The US has traditionally welcomed Chinese students as a form of soft power diplomacy, with many Chinese students making significant contributions to American academia, business, science, and technology.
Despite the current political tensions between the two countries, China remains open to international students, offering a range of programmes and courses to suit different needs and interests.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of January 8, 2023, China has opened its borders to international students after almost three years.
You will need to submit an application for a student visa (X visa). The type of visa depends on the length of your stay. The X2 visa is for a shorter stay of up to 180 days, while the X1 visa is converted into a residence permit upon arrival.
Yes, there are programs taught in English at Bachelor, Master, PhD, and non-degree levels. Most Chinese universities offer courses taught in English specifically for international students.
Popular subjects include Chinese language programs, medicine, literature, engineering, economics, culture, international trade, and business.
