Douglas Olsen
International students have been unable to enter China since March 2020 due to COVID-19 border restrictions. While some have graduated or enrolled online, others have struggled to complete their degrees remotely, particularly those conducting lab-based research. Students have expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Chinese universities and authorities regarding their return. In August 2022, some Chinese embassies began allowing international students to apply for X1 visas, indicating a potential reopening of borders to international students. However, there is still uncertainty about when international students will be able to return, and the Chinese government has not provided specific information on their plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current situation | International students are stranded outside China due to border restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Student demands | International students have demanded a clear date for their return to China and have started campaigns on Twitter (#TakeStudentsBacktoChina) and through open letters. |
| Student concerns | Lack of support and information from Chinese universities and authorities, inability to complete degrees on time, financial burden of online degrees, and lack of recognition of online degrees in their home countries. |
| Chinese government response | The Chinese government has not provided a clear timeline for the return of international students, citing the need for epidemic prevention and control measures. The government has stated that it will coordinate and study the return of foreign students. |
| Current options for international students | Some Chinese embassies have stated that international students can apply for X1 visas, but this is limited to students from certain countries. |
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What You'll Learn
International students demand a swift return to China
International students have been demanding a swift return to China, with many starting a #TakeStudentsBacktoChina campaign on Twitter. Students have expressed frustration at the lack of support and information from Chinese universities and authorities regarding their return to the country. The situation is particularly difficult for master's and PhD students who need to be physically present in China to conduct their research. Some students have had to graduate online, while others have had their scholarship support cut, making it difficult to cover basic expenses such as rent and food.
Since late March 2025, international students have not been granted access to China, and they are growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of communication and updates. China's Ministry of Education has begun to assess the number of overseas international students facing difficulties in learning and graduation, indicating that the Chinese government is considering measures to facilitate the entry of foreign students. However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated that the pandemic is still severe and that countries implement epidemic prevention and control measures according to their national conditions.
International students have appealed to Chinese authorities to allow their return, arguing that epidemic control measures are already in place and that they are willing to comply with COVID tests, antibody tests, and vaccination requirements. They have also argued that online degrees may not be recognized in their home countries and that they cannot afford to keep paying school fees for online programs.
As of August 2022, some Chinese embassies have started allowing international students to apply for X1 visas, indicating a potential reopening of China's borders to international students. However, it is unclear whether this will lead to a swift return for all international students, as the Chinese government may adopt a strategy of recalling students in batches based on majors and grades, with priority given to medical students.
Overall, international students demand a swift and well-coordinated return to China, expressing concerns about their education, finances, and future prospects. While there are signs that China is considering their return, the process may be gradual and dependent on the evolving pandemic situation in the country.
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COVID-19 border restrictions
International students have been barred from entering China due to COVID-19 border restrictions. Students have expressed their concerns about the lack of support and information from Chinese universities and authorities regarding their return. They have also highlighted the challenges of completing their degrees, especially for those requiring physical presence in China, such as scientific and sociological research.
In response to these concerns, Chinese embassies in some countries have started allowing international students to apply for X1 visas as of August 2022. However, it is unclear if this applies to all countries or only select nations. China's Ministry of Education has acknowledged the difficulties faced by international students and is taking measures to address their entry.
The Chinese government is likely to adopt a strategy of recalling students in batches, prioritizing medical students and those in other critical fields. While there is no clear timeline for when international students can return, China's successful control of the COVID-19 outbreak has transformed it into a "safety island." The country has also lifted inbound travel restrictions, no longer requiring negative COVID tests as of August 30, indicating a potential easing of border restrictions.
International students are eager for a swift return to China, with some stranded in their home countries and others facing challenges with online learning and financial difficulties. They have demanded a clear date for their return and expressed their willingness to comply with COVID-related travel requirements. However, the Chinese government has not provided a definitive response, citing the ongoing severity of the pandemic and the need for epidemic prevention and control measures.
The situation has caused frustration and despair among international students, who argue that their future is in jeopardy. Some have even graduated online, while others are facing delays in their studies. The Chinese government's response to the crisis has been criticized as lacking urgency, with students calling for their case to be treated as an education emergency.
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Lack of support and information from Chinese universities
International students have expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of support and information from Chinese universities and authorities regarding their return to China. Students have taken to Twitter to express their frustration and demand a clear date for their return, as they have been stuck outside the country for over a year. They argue that they cannot continue paying school fees for online degrees that may not be recognized in their home countries. The situation is particularly challenging for master's and PhD students who need to be physically present in China to conduct their research. The lack of communication and updates from universities has left students feeling stranded and uncertain about their future plans.
In response to the concerns raised by international students, China's Ministry of Education has started to assess the number of overseas students facing difficulties in completing their studies and graduating. However, the Chinese government has not provided specific information about the return of international students, including timelines, methods, and requirements. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated that the pandemic is still severe and that countries implement epidemic prevention and control measures accordingly. While China has made significant progress in tackling the pandemic, the resurgence of the Delta variant and natural disasters have delayed the return of international students.
The lack of support from Chinese universities has also been noted, with some students reporting a suspension of their scholarship support, making it difficult to cover basic living expenses. Additionally, the inability to conduct lab-based work remotely has resulted in delays and disruptions to PhD programs. The absence of clear guidance and timely updates from universities has contributed to the sense of uncertainty among international students.
To address these concerns, students have suggested that they are willing to comply with COVID-19 protocols, including testing, antibody tests, and vaccination requirements, to facilitate their return to China. They have also requested that their case be treated as an education emergency, especially considering the massive efforts China has made in other areas during the pandemic. However, as of the time of writing, there is still no assurance of when international students will be allowed to return to China, leaving them in a state of limbo.
Overall, the lack of support and information from Chinese universities and authorities has created significant challenges for international students. The uncertainty surrounding their return has impacted their academic progress, financial situation, and mental well-being. While there are indications that the Chinese government is assessing the situation, the absence of concrete plans and timelines adds to the frustration and despair expressed by students.
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The high cost of returning to China
International students have been barred from entering China since March 2020, when the country first introduced border restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in a growing movement of students demanding their swift return to China, with some starting a #TakeStudentsBacktoChina campaign on Twitter. These students have expressed frustration over the lack of support and information from Chinese universities and authorities regarding their return. The situation has been particularly difficult for master's and PhD students, who need to be physically present in China to conduct their research and are facing delays in completing their degrees.
In response to the demands of international students, China's Ministry of Education has begun to assess the number of students facing difficulties in their learning and graduation. While there are indications that the Chinese government is considering the return of international students, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not provided any concrete plans or timelines for their return. The pandemic and the need for epidemic prevention and control measures have been cited as reasons for the delay.
Secondly, the academic cost of the delay is significant. Many students, especially those in graduate programmes, are unable to complete their research remotely, as it often requires access to laboratories and other resources in China. This has resulted in suspended and delayed PhDs, reducing the chances of timely completion within the maximum enrolment period.
Lastly, the personal cost of the prolonged separation from their universities and peers cannot be overlooked. Some international students have been stranded in China and are struggling financially due to the loss of scholarship support. Others are facing pressure and a bleak future due to the loss of one precious academic year. The uncertainty and lack of communication from Chinese authorities have caused frustration and despair among students, affecting their mental health and well-being.
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Students stranded in China
International students have been stranded in China and abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic due to border restrictions. While some international students have been stranded in China, unable to leave, others have been stuck outside the country and unable to return to their universities.
In March 2020, China announced a temporary suspension of entry by foreign nationals holding valid Chinese visas or residence permits. Since then, international students have been demanding a clear date for their return to China, with some starting a #TakeStudentsBacktoChina campaign on Twitter. They argue that they cannot keep paying school fees for online degrees that will not be recognized in their countries. Students are also frustrated by the lack of communication and updates from Chinese universities and authorities.
Some students have had their scholarship support cut, causing financial difficulties. Others, particularly master's and PhD students, are struggling to complete their degrees on time as they need to be physically present in China to conduct their research.
There is hope that China is starting to reopen its borders to international students. As of August 30, inbound travelers to the Chinese mainland are no longer required to show a negative COVID test, and some Chinese embassies are now allowing international students to apply for X1 visas. However, it is unclear whether this will be a feasible option for all international students hoping to return to China.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of August 2022, China has started allowing international students to apply for X1 visas to enter the country.
International students were barred from entering China due to COVID-19 border restrictions. This led to campaigns and open letters by students demanding a clear date for their return.
Many students were unable to complete their degrees on time as they needed to be physically present in China to conduct their research. Some students also struggled financially due to a lack of scholarship support.
The Chinese Ministry of Education began to assess the difficulties faced by international students. The government also prioritised the return of medical students and those from certain countries.
As of August 30, inbound travellers to China no longer need to provide a negative COVID test. However, it is unclear if this applies to international students.
