Lana Oconnell
China has been making efforts to attract international students to its higher education system. The country has introduced policies allowing international students to take on part-time jobs or internships during their studies, as well as offering scholarships for specific doctoral studies, research stays, and international conferences. In 2016, over 442,000 foreign students from 205 countries or regions studied in China's schools and other educational institutions. However, the application process for international students can vary depending on the university, and there may be age restrictions for certain degree programs. Additionally, there have been reports of tensions between the US and China regarding international students, with the US revoking visas for some Chinese students and expressing concerns about national security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application procedure | Depends on the university |
| Application time | Any time of the year |
| Language requirement for application | Documents written partially in Chinese |
| Scholarships | Confucius Institute scholarships, Chinese government scholarships, provincial government scholarships, Studyportals Scholarship |
| Age limit | Under 30 for a Bachelor's degree, under 40 for a Master's degree and PhD |
| Part-time jobs | Allowed with approval from academic institutions and entry and exit administrative authorities |
| Visa | Apply as soon as possible, obtain a residence permit within 30 days of arrival, arrange a health insurance plan |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international students
China offers numerous scholarships for international students. In fact, China is one of the most generous countries providing scholarships to foreign students, with over 50,000 international students currently in China on scholarships.
There are three main types of scholarships in China: government, non-government, and university-specific.
Government Scholarships
The Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) is one of the most common scholarships awarded to international students. It is a project of the Chinese Ministry of Education to advance education, cultural exchange, political cooperation, and intercultural understanding between China and other nations. CSC scholarships can be partial or fully funded and are available for undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees. They can include tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, and even international airfare.
Other government scholarships include the Jiangsu Government Scholarship, Beijing Government Scholarship, Zhejiang Government Scholarship, and the China-ASEAN Oceanic Scholarship for Education of International Graduate Students.
Non-Government Scholarships
Non-government scholarships are also available, although specific information on these is less readily available.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities in China offer their own scholarships for international students. These include Xiamen University, Jiangsu University, and United International College. Additionally, some universities offer scholarships for specific programs, such as scholarships for English-taught dual degree programs or engineering programs.
Application Process
The application process for scholarships in China can vary depending on the university and the type of scholarship. Some scholarships may require a formal application, while others may automatically consider all applicants. It is recommended to apply early and have high grades or exceptional extracurriculars to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.
Scholarships in China can be a great opportunity for international students to achieve their educational goals and experience the rich culture the country has to offer.
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Work visas for international students
China does allow international students to study within its borders. Any foreign student intending to study in China will need to obtain a China student visa (X visa). This visa is granted to students who have been accepted for admission by a recognized educational institute in China. The X1 visa is normally issued for multiple entries with a validity of up to 5 years, while the X2 visa is usually issued for a single entry with a validity of up to 6 months. Foreign students are permitted to do part-time work in China, but there are restrictions.
International students in China are allowed to work part-time, but they must obtain a special type of permit and adhere to working hour limitations. Students might be able to find work at their university, especially if they speak Chinese. They can do administrative tasks and get paid for them. However, it is illegal for international students on a student visa to receive money for any work done in China. They can, however, work online for companies in other countries and get paid into a foreign bank account.
To work legally in China, international students must find an employer willing to hire them and obtain a contract. With the contract, they must get approval from their supervisor or counsellor and then go to their international education department, which will provide them with an internship form. Once the form is completed, they must take the documents to the immigration office to obtain an internship visa.
International students in China can also apply for scholarships, which can help cover the costs of tuition, lodging, basic medical insurance, and personal expenses. Scholarships are offered by the Chinese government, provincial governments, and universities.
In terms of the US, there has been a recent push to revoke the visas of some Chinese students, particularly those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. This has caused uncertainty and anxiety for Chinese nationals studying in the US, with some universities creating contingency plans for students facing visa delays or revocation.
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Application procedure
China is open for international students and offers a wide range of scholarships. The application procedure for international students is as follows:
- Choose a course: Research and decide on the course you want to pursue. Check if the course is taught in English or Chinese.
- Check eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including age limits. Most universities don't accept students over 30 for a Bachelor's degree and over 40 for a Master's or PhD.
- Apply online: Many universities allow international students to apply online directly through their website. Alternatively, you can use online platforms like CUCAS or CUAC, which act as intermediaries and guides.
- Submit documents: The required documents vary depending on the university and program. For Chinese language programs, you usually need a passport, academic transcript, and a personal statement. For English-taught programs, you may need to prove your English proficiency with tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Native English speakers may be exempt from this requirement.
- Apply for a visa: After receiving an acceptance letter, apply for a Chinese student visa (X1 or X2) as soon as possible. Contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for details. You may need to attend a visa interview and submit various documents, including your passport, visa application form, and admission letter.
- Arrange health insurance: Ensure you have health insurance that covers accidental injury and medical treatments, and has coverage of at least 62,000 USD.
- Obtain a residence permit: Within 30 days of arriving in China, obtain a residence permit from a local public security office or police station. This may require a medical examination and a health check.
- Register at the university: After arriving in China, promptly complete the registration procedure at the relevant department of your university.
- Accommodation: Arrange on-campus or off-campus accommodation. On-campus dormitory accommodation is a common option for international students.
It is beneficial to apply to multiple universities to increase your chances of admission. Additionally, keep in mind that China's COVID-19 entry requirements may change, so stay updated with the latest information from your university and embassy.
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Age restrictions
China imposes age restrictions on international students, which vary depending on the type of course, degree, institution, and province. These age restrictions aim to maintain a balance between academic development and social maturity, considering the students' future career prospects.
For undergraduate programs, the age limit is generally between 18 and 30 years old, with a preference for younger applicants. Postgraduate programs typically set the limit at 35 years. However, exceptions may exist, especially in specialized fields like medicine or art-related programs. Universities have the authority to set age limits and can make exceptions for exceptionally talented individuals or older students with unique skills or experiences.
International students under the age of 18 must have a guardian in China, who is responsible for their behaviour and financial situation. The guardian, typically a relative or friend, needs to sign a guarantee letter and may be required to provide notarization and certification.
In recent years, China has become a prominent destination for international students, offering a wide range of programs from language courses to PhD studies. The country's advanced educational system and rich cultural experience make it highly attractive. However, age requirements are crucial factors in the admission process, and prospective students are advised to thoroughly research program requirements to navigate age restrictions successfully.
Additionally, new policies introduced in 2022 allow international students enrolled in degree-granting higher education institutions to pursue part-time work, both on and off-campus, for a limited number of hours. This provides an opportunity for international students to engage in work-study activities and earn an income during their studies in China.
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Health insurance requirements
China's healthcare system does not provide free healthcare to international students. Therefore, international students must obtain private health insurance coverage before leaving their home country. This is a legal requirement, and students must show proof of insurance to enter the country on a student visa and to enrol in their educational institution.
There are several options for international health insurance plans that cover students in China. These include:
- AXA Tianping Medical Insurance, which provides international-level medical insurance for foreign students in China. This insurance offers an English service phone number, English-speaking departments in hospitals, direct billing to the insurance company, and repatriation to your home country.
- Ping An Life Insurance Company, which offers one of the most comprehensive insurance and protection schemes for foreigners staying in China.
- William Russell, which has specialized in international health benefits insurance for over 30 years and covers members in 160 countries.
- GeoBlue, which offers flexible and adaptable plans for those travelling to or from China for extended periods.
- Now Health International Student Plans, which offer routine maternity coverage after a 12-month waiting period.
- HCCMIS, which offers complete student insurance plans for those studying outside their home country.
The cost of health insurance for international students in China varies depending on the plan chosen. The local Chinese student insurance costs 600-800 RMB per year, while other plans can cost significantly more.
It is important to note that hospitals in rural Chinese areas may not have all the expected facilities, so it is recommended to find an insurance plan that covers transportation to another location for treatment in an emergency. Additionally, international students are advised to opt for treatment in foreign-invested hospitals and clinics and to familiarise themselves with their health insurance plan before seeking treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
The application procedure varies depending on the university. Some universities allow you to apply online directly on their website, while others require you to apply through an online self-application platform like CUCAS or CUAC. You can also apply through authorized agencies such as the Chinese embassy in your country or international organizations.
Yes, most universities in China don't accept students over 30 for a Bachelor's degree and over 40 for a Master's degree or PhD.
Yes, scholarships are available for international students in China. These include scholarships offered by the Chinese government, provincial governments, and specific universities. Scholarships may be offered for Chinese language and culture courses, doctoral studies, research stays, and participation in international conferences.
Yes, China allows international students to take part-time jobs or internships during their studies as long as they obtain approval from their academic institutions and the entry and exit administrative authorities.
