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Study in China
| How do I Become an International Student in China? |
Who is Allowed to Study in China?
A nonimmigrant is someone who is admitted to China temporarily for a specific purpose. Those who are coming to China to pursue full-time academic or vocational studies are usually admitted in one of the two nonimmigrant categories. The X category includes academic students in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, other academic institutions, and in language training.
What Happens When I Arrive in China?
Wherever you enter China, you should be ready for inspection by customs and immigration officials. Customs will often ask many questions, and may examine your luggage.
Remember:
- If you are on medication, be sure to bring a letter from your doctor describing the medication and what it is for.
- As a Visa holder, you do not need a return ticket. Be prepared, however, to prove that you have sufficient funds to finance your studies and that you intent to return to your home country at the end of your studies.
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First of all, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay in China.
Before leaving for China, make a photocopy of the page containing your photograph and passport number. If your passport is lost or stolen, this will make it easier to replace the passport. Keep the photocopy in a safe place, but do not carry it with your passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, notify your embassy and the police immediately.
Visas in General:
Visas get issued by the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. In order to obtain the visa, you must be in good health, have no criminal record, have the ability to be financially independent and carry the intention to leave China after completing your studies. Medical requirements contain vaccinations, an HIV test and an x-ray of the chest.
There are two of student visas:
X - Student Visa: The X visa is for full-time students enrolled in an academic or language program. A full-time course load must be maintained and the studies must be completed by the expiration date listed on the JW202 form. To obtain an X visa you must complete a visa application form and be ready to present your JW202, the admission letter from the school you intend to study at and the same financial documentation you provided to the school to the officer who will be review your application. Be aware that visas get denied if the application was presented in a poor manner. Prepare carefully and know what you want to talk about during the visa interview.
L - Tourist Visa: for short term and adult professional training program, students or participants can apply for traveler's visa instead of applying for a minimum 6 month student visa. |
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| How Do I Apply if I am Outside China? You must first apply to study at a government-approved school in China. When you contact a school that you are interested in attending, you should be told immediately if the school accepts international students. If you are accepted, the school should send you a JW202 Form. You must also prove to the consulate that you have the financial resources required for your education and stay in China. |
| Many institutions in China require one or more admission test from prospective students. The most important one is HSK. The HSK test is required for admission by more that 300 institutions in China. For more information on the HSK, visit the HSK website at http://www.hsk.org.cn/english/Default.aspx |
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How Do Grading and Credits Work in China?
During your studies in China, you will be graded on all your examinations and you will receive a final grade for performance during the entire semester. The most common method of grading is by letter or number in the following way:
A = Superior (90 to 100%)
B = Good (80 to 89%)
C = Average (70 to 79%)
D= Below average (60 to 69%)
F = Failing (40 to 59%)
I = Incomplete
The student will receive a failing grade if the work is not completed within a specified time.
How They Test You
Examinations in China are almost all in writing. You will be tested either with an essay test where you will have to write down your own thoughts on a subject, or you may be tested with a multiple-choice test where you will have to choose the correct answer from a number of choices given. Oral examinations are used only in the defense of a graduate thesis.
About Credits China undergraduate and Masters degree programs are completed by accumulating credits. Bachelor degrees require 120 to 136 credits, and master degrees require 24 to 60 credits, depending upon the major. Each successfully completed course contributes credits to the total. Students usually enroll for between 12 and 16 credits each term as undergraduates, but for fewer credits as graduate students. |
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Four steps before you work in China.
1. Obtaining an employment permit
2. Obtaining an employment visa
3. Obtaining an employment certificate
4. Obtaining a residence permit
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| What Levels of Education are there in China? |
Education in China is divided into the following levels at the indicated ages:
Primary Education
Pre-school, ages, 2 to 6
Elementary school, ages 6 to 12
Secondary Education
Junior high school, average ages 12 to 14
High school, average ages 14 to 18
Higher Education
Undergraduate education: Undergraduate education leads to a Bachelor degree. Graduate school: In graduate school students can acquire graduate degrees, such as an MBA, MA or Ph.D. Many graduate schools consider the Masters Degree as the first step towards participating in a doctorate. |
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How Long Can I Stay in China?
You are allowed to stay in China for one year or for as long as you are enrolled as a full-time student in a vocational program, whichever is shorter. You may also apply to stay in the country after the completion of your studies to pursue practical training.
Will I Be Able to Work?
You and your spouse and children may not accept employment. However, you may apply for practical training after you complete your studies. You may also wish to discuss practical training with the appropriate officials at your school.
Will I have Vacation time?
Students get a week off of school for both Chinese National Day (Oct. First) and May First holiday (May First). Other vacation time include one month Winter Break, and more than one month summer break.
Where will I live when I get to China?
Some students may prefer to live on campus while others prefer to live in their own apartments, or live with a host family. Each college has its own policies regarding housing and many require first year students to live on campus. If you decide to stay on campus you will be asked to send a deposit upon your acceptance. You will be offered assistance in finding suitable accommodations if you prefer to live off campus. Remember that if you find private accommodation, you will be asked to sign a lease contract (usually for a year at least), and you will most often be required to pay:
? 2-3 month rent in advance
? one month rent as a damage deposit
About owning a car
Used or new cars or motorcycles can be purchased easily in China, but you must add their cost to your expenses. As well, you will have to have a local or an international driver license and insurance.
Will I need Health Insurance?
It is a firm legal requirement that students and their dependents carry a specified minimum amount of insurance to cover accidents, illnesses, medical evacuations, or return of remains in case of death. Even if your school does not require insurance, it is risky not to buy it. Your college may have a special insurance plan for you to join. If not, there are several special insurance programs for international students. Your school's international students office will have more information on these. |
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