China: International Students' Return Latest

when will china allow international students to return latest news

As China continues to ease its COVID-19 restrictions, international students are eager to return to their studies in the country. Previously, stringent measures such as the Zero Covid-19 policy made it extremely difficult for international students to enter China. However, there is now a glimmer of hope as China has started allowing international students from various countries to return. The Chinese border is partially open, and flights are operating, but students must navigate the challenges of limited availability and higher prices. Visa applications are open for full-time international degree students, but eligibility remains restricted. Students are advised to stay informed about the latest developments, follow quarantine protocols, and closely adhere to China's epidemic procedures and entry requirements. While some universities are inviting students back, it is important to note that each university makes its own decisions, and not all universities may be open to international students yet.

Characteristics Values
Current status of international students' return to China The Chinese border is partially open to international students.
Latest policies International students can return to China without undergoing quarantine.
Universities' policies Each Chinese university has its own policy regarding international students' return.
Visa availability Visas are available for Chinese language programs.
Flight availability Flights back to China are limited and expensive.
Requirements for return International students must follow China's epidemic procedures and have a valid COVID-19 document.
Countries impacted Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities are unable to return due to restrictions on international travel.
Impact on students The academic lives of thousands of Indian students have been disrupted.

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International students can now return to China

International students admitted by the double first-class universities, whether freshmen or enrolled students, scholarship students, or self-funded students, will have a high chance to return to China. It is also reported that international students who receive the CSC Scholarship (Chinese government scholarships) will have a high chance to return to China.

Students will need to closely follow China's epidemic procedures to return to the country. They must also have a valid COVID-19 document to be allowed entry. Students entering China will no longer need to undergo quarantine. However, if students transit before landing in China, they should be aware of the transit country's requirements. In some cases, they may need to spend a few days in the transit country and follow quarantine protocols at their own cost.

Flights back to China remain limited and prices are higher than before the pandemic. However, some airlines are offering student discounts, including Emirates, Trip.com, and Pakistan International Airways.

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China's border is partially open

As of 8 January 2023, China's border is partially open to international students. However, eligibility for visas for travel to China remains restricted. Students must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine recognised by China or the World Health Organization and will need to present a negative PCR test within 48 hours of departure. There is no longer any requirement for quarantine in China.

Previously, China was the only country actively banning international students from entry. In March 2022, it was the only country in the world with a zero-COVID policy that wasn't allowing students to return and wasn't offering any kind of return plan. The Chinese government's bar on allowing foreign students to enter the country was still in place despite multiple requests to allow them to resume in-person classes.

In June 2022, a chartered flight delivered the first batch of 105 Pakistani students to Xi'an, where they underwent quarantine before returning to universities in different cities. Students from Sri Lanka and other countries have also started to return to China.

China is calling international students back for the September 2023 intake, with in-person classes resuming. However, flights back to China remain limited and prices are higher than before the pandemic.

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Quarantine requirements have been removed

As of January 8, 2023, China has lifted quarantine requirements for students entering the country. The border is now partially open to international students, with flights back to China remaining limited and prices higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Previously, China imposed a nearly month-long quarantine on incoming foreigners, upending the academic lives of nearly 23,000 Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities. The Chinese government's bar on foreign students entering the country was in place despite multiple requests to resume in-person classes.

In June 2022, a special chartered flight delivered the first batch of 105 Pakistani students to Xi'an, where they underwent quarantine before returning to universities in different cities.

China's decision to lift quarantine requirements for students comes as other Asian countries are also reopening to international travelers. For example, South Korea lifted its 14-day quarantine for international travelers in April 2022, and Japan lifted entry restrictions for international visitors in October 2021.

It is important to note that while quarantine requirements have been removed for students entering China, eligibility for visas for travel to China remains restricted. Students are advised to closely follow China's epidemic procedures and stay in contact with their universities and embassies for the latest information.

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Students must follow China's epidemic procedures

As of 2023, China has begun allowing international students to return to the country. The Chinese border is now partially open, and many students have already returned. However, it is important to note that each Chinese university makes its own decisions regarding the return of international students. Therefore, students must closely follow China's epidemic procedures and stay updated with their respective universities' notices.

Before Travel

  • Students must first be admitted to a Chinese university, accept the admissions offer, and confirm their enrolment.
  • Students may be contacted by their university or the Chinese Embassy with information about when and how they can return.
  • Students may need to submit information to their university, including their vaccine status, passport information, and confirmation of their intention to return.
  • Students must apply for a student X1 visa from the Chinese Embassy in their country.
  • Students should prepare the necessary clothing, medication, toiletries, and cosmetics, as some brands or items may be unavailable or more expensive in China.
  • It is recommended to have enough cash for the first two weeks or a debit card that works in Chinese ATMs.
  • Students should purchase international travel insurance to cover any emergencies.

During Travel

  • Students must follow all guidelines for testing and quarantine as mandated by the Chinese government.
  • Negative COVID-19 nucleic acid tests are required within 48 hours of boarding the flight.
  • Students must wear protective equipment on the plane, including a mask, goggles, gloves, and a hazmat suit.
  • Students should book an airport pickup service or arrange for transportation to their accommodation upon arrival.

After Arrival

  • Students must register their temporary residence at the school or the local police station if living outside the campus.
  • Obtaining a Chinese phone number is essential for staying in contact with relatives and for completing various other procedures.
  • Students should follow any further instructions provided by their university or the Chinese Embassy regarding their return to campus life.

It is important to note that these procedures may change, and students should always refer to the latest official guidelines provided by the Chinese government, their respective universities, and Chinese embassies in their home countries.

International Students: H-1B Visa Guide

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Not all international students can return

As of July 2023, China is calling back international students for the September 2023 intake. The country has cancelled the recognition of online degrees, and Chinese and international students are resuming in-person classes. However, not all international students can return to China at this time.

Firstly, it is important to note that each Chinese university makes its own decisions regarding the return of international students. While many universities have begun to invite students back to China, not all universities will allow students to enter the country. Additionally, non-degree international students may not be able to enter for a short period.

Secondly, the eligibility for visas for travel to China remains restricted. Students will need to closely follow China's epidemic procedures and the latest COVID-19 entry requirements to return to the country. For example, students need to have a valid COVID-19 document to enter China. Furthermore, flights back to China are still limited and more expensive than before the pandemic, which may affect some students' return plans.

Lastly, some countries' students have not been allowed to return to China. For instance, Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities but stranded in India have not been permitted to return due to the strict restrictions imposed on international travel by China. There is no indication that these restrictions will be lifted soon.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, China is calling back international students for the September 2023 intake. The border is partially open, and students can enter without needing to quarantine. However, flights back to China are limited and expensive.

Students need to have a valid COVID-19 document to enter China. They also need to follow China's epidemic procedures, and it is recommended to check the requirements of the airline and any transit country.

No, it depends on the university. Students should follow their university's notices. It is reported that international students who receive the CSC Scholarship will have a high chance of returning to China.

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