Study in China

Education in China

China is sometimes referred to as The Celestial Empire. This is no surprise – China is one of the most prominent economic powers in the world. To support its economy the country needs highly qualified professionals. Therefore, Chinese universities provide the highest level of preparation to their students. Each university in the country is strictly monitored by the government to ensure the best quality of education at a world-class level.

China’s outstanding achievements in the fields of economy, biochemistry, medicine and technology prove the fact that Chinese educational institutions prepare the most competent professionals in these spheres. Universities in China keep up with the world’s most current trends and adapt themselves to the demands of the international job market.

There are around 2000 higher education facilities in China. 450 of them accept international students. Each university has its rich history.

Chinese higher education takes 7^th place in the world ranking of popularity among employers.

Costs of education in China

Living expenses in China

1. Housing – $168 – $340 a month.
2. Food – $146 – $240 a month.
3. Transportation – $18 – $44 a month.
4. Phone and Internet – $31 – $37 a month.
5. Clothing – $24 – $89 a month.

The Benefits of studying in China

The first benefit of studying in China is a good quality of education. A few decades ago, the Ministry of education in China radically reformed the way of how universities should prepare students. After this, China has become a country with one of the best quality of education in the world. Chinese academic qualifications are recognized internationally. The number of international faculty teaching in Chinese universities increases every year.

The second benefit of Chinese education is its affordability. Tuition and housing in China is significantly lower in price than that in the United States or Europe.

The third advantage is financial aid availability. The most successful students, who chose Chinese as their language of instruction, have an opportunity to receive scholarships, grants and stipends from both public and private sponsors.

The fourth advantage is the employment opportunities. Many world-leading companies are located in China, especially in such cities as Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing. Therefore, there is a high demand for qualified professionals, who can speak Chinese.

The fifth benefit of education in China is the possibility to explore the rich culture of this country. An international student in China can learn not only by attending lectures; they also can learn through the experience of living and communicating with people from various backgrounds. There are more than 50 ethnical groups residing in China. Each of them has its own unique culture and traditions.

Exams and preparatory courses in Chinese universities

To get accepted to a Chinese university, it is required to have a certain knowledge of Chinese language and to pass the HSK test. Therefore, before applying to universities potential students choose to take Chinese language preparatory courses for 1 or 2 years. There is also an option to take a summer language course. However, a summer course does not guarantee you admission to a university.

Unlike summer courses, the special language preparatory courses guarantee you admission to a Chinese university. Moreover, applicants, who have completed the courses, are exempt from the entrance exams.

To apply for a language program, you need a copy of your passport and four 3×4 photographs. The application for the Spring Semester is open from September till January, for the Fall Semester – from February till July.

How to get a scholarship in China

International students in China are eligible for scholarships and grants from both public and private sponsors.

The most famous scholarships are:

Chinese Government Scholarship Scheme.

This scholarship is specifically designed for international applicants. Bachelor’s degree applicants are provided a stipend of $200 per month, Master’s Degree applicants – $250, and PhD – $300. The scholarship application is open from January 1 until April 30.

China/UNESCO — The Great Wall Fellowship Program.

This is a stipend designed for university faculty, who has a special recommendation from UNESCO. Senior scholars receive an allowance of 2000 Chinese yuans, general scholars – 1700 yuans. This fellowship program is one of the few that offers a stipend for English-language programs. Fellowship application is open every year from January 1 until April 30.

Chinese Culture Research Fellowship Scheme

. This fellowship is founded by the Ministry of Education in China. It is designed for those, who specialize on Chinese culture or history and have publications in the major scholarly journals of the county. The financial aid consists of a monthly allowance of 3000 yuans.

Higher education structure in China

Bachelor’s degree

is the first step of the Chinese higher education structure. An international applicant can enroll into a Bachelor’s program after completing a high school or a vocational school. Students can choose between Chinese and English language of instruction. To enroll in Chinese program an applicant must have at least level 4 on the HSK test. For English programs, an applicant must score at least 5.5 on the IELTS test or at least 85 on the TOELF test.

Master’s degree

is the second step of the Chinese higher education. To enroll to a Master’s program with Chinese language of instruction, you have to have a level between 4 and 6 on the HSK language test. To enroll into an English program you need at least 6.0 on the IELTS test or 90 on the TOEFL test. However, keep in mind, that English Master’s programs are significantly more expensive than Chinese. Apart from the language certificate, a bachelor’s degree diploma with a transcript, an academic CV, and an application essay are required.

Phd

is the last step in the Chinese higher education system. The requirements to enroll to PhD programs are quite harsh. This is no surprise – a future holder of PhD must be able to write a doctoral dissertation. A PhD applicant must have an HSK language certificate with the level 6 and the IELTS certificate with a score of 6.5 or above or the TOELF certificate with a score of 95 or above. Furthermore, an applicant must provide a Master’s degree diploma with a transcript, an academic CV, recommendation letters, and an application essay.

The Top 10 universities in China

1. Tsinghua University. Beijing.
2. Peking University. Beijing.
3. Chiao Tung University. Shanghai.
4. Fudan University. Shanghai.
5. Zhejiang University. Hangzhou.
6. University of Science and Technology of China. Hefei.
7. Nanjing University. Nanjing.
8. Sun Yat-sen University. Guangzhou.
9. Harbin Institute of Technology. Harbin.
10. Xian Jiaotong University. Xian.

Educational system in China

An academic year in China in divided into two semesters. The First Semester begins in September and ends in January. The Second Semester begins in March and ends in July. For the most part, the education takes form of lectures, seminars, and written assignments. To pass to the next academic year, students have to complete a certain number of credits and to pass oral and written exams.

Discipline is very important in Chinese universities. If a student is late for a lecture, he or she is not allowed in the classroom. If one has too many absences throughout a semester, he or she is not allowed to take final exams.

Grading system:

1. A – «Excellent»
2. B – «Good»
3. C – «Satisfactory»
4. D – «Pass»
5. F – «No Pass»

To receive a degree, students must complete a senior thesis.

How to get a Chinese student visa

If an applicant is accepted to a university in China, an Admission Notice and the Form JW201/JW202, which is required for visa, will be sent to him or her by mail.

To apply for a visa the following documents are required:

• A passport valid for at least 18 months;
• Completed Application Forms from the Consulate of People’s Republic of China;
• Two 3.5×4.5 photographs on a white background;
• A medical form and HIV-negative test results.

The list of documents to apply to a Chinese university

A high school diploma with an academic transcript translated into Mandarin Chinese;

• The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) test certificate with a score of 180 or grater;
• A bank statement;
• Application essays;
• A CV;
• Recommendation letters;

For programs in English – a TOEFL or IELTS Certificate.

A permission to work in China

International students on student visas are strictly prohibited to work in China. If a student is caught working, his or her visa can be cancelled and he or she might be deported.

Job opportunities after graduation from a Chinese university

Students have a good opportunity to find a job starting their senior year. Many companies in China hire international students with a Chinese diploma.

In Europe, Chinese diploma is highly valued by employers. However, an actual working experience and recommendations from previous employers are more important for hiring decisions. Also, keep in mind that in the countries of European Union employers prefer applicants with European diplomas.

In CIS countries, Chinese diploma is highly valued. It would be pretty easy to get a job with a Chinese diploma there.

МВА programs in China

Within the last five years, the number of international students pursuing an MBA degree in China has grown rapidly. Chinese MBA programs attract foreign students not only by the affordable tuition but also by the high quality of education. It has become a common practice that business schools in China invites famous professors and highly successful businessmen and businesswomen to give lectures to their students. It is well known that the best American and European business schools work with Chinese business schools. For example, China Europe International Business School works with Harvard Business School. Kellogg school administration develops educational programs for Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

МВА tuition varies from $3500 to $46000 per year. This is quite an affordable price in comparison with European business schools, where tuition ranges from $8000 to $65000. Moreover, monthly living expenses in Europe equates to at least $1000 a month, while in China $300-$400 would be enough for a month.

The requirements to enroll in МВА program:

• HSK certificate for Chinese programs and IELTS or TOEFL certificate for English programs;
• Bachelor’s degree diploma and transcript;
• The GMAT test certificate with a score of 400-600;
• 2 years of working experience for those, who apply to universities’ management schools;
• Recommendation letters (at least two);
• An application essay (2000-4000 words);
• An academic resume;
• A bank statement;
• Medical forms proving a lack of chronic illnesses;
• A passport copy;
• three or four photographs.

A career in academia

It is not easy to get an educator’s position in China. Education is a very competitive field. Professor is a highly respected profession in China. Professors are venerated for their knowledge, intellect, and wisdom. Moreover, they have pretty good salaries.

The best Chinese universities treat their professors’ salaries as a highly confidential information. However, it is considered they are paid around $2500 a month. Moreover, the government provides a great support and benefits for professors. For example, both local and international educators can get a stipend for housing.

To become a professor, one needs to have a Doctoral Degree, publications in science journals, and an experience working in science projects. A candidate has to be interviewed by multiple faculty members.