What is the entry requirement of Chinese universities?
What is the entry requirement of Chinese universities?
Mar 12,2014

International students who want to study at Chinese universities must meet the requirements set out by both the Chinese government and the university they apply to.

Requirements of the Chinese Government

For more information regarding the requirements of the Chinese Government, please visit the Ministry of Education or China Scholarship Council.

Requirements of China's Universities

In accordance with different levels of degree, Chinese universities have different requirements for all enrollees. Before applying, you must carefully review these requirements.

Usually, non-degree language and culture programs have minimum requirements; as long as you have obtained a high school diploma, you can apply for admission.

Chinese-medium degree courses (i.e. degree courses taught in Mandarin Chinese) require the applicant to provide HSK examination results to prove their Chinese language proficiency. Applicants for master's degrees also need to provide a copy of transcripts and recommendation letters.

English-medium courses do not require HSK exam results. Instead, applicants for English-medium courses should provide recognized English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. (English native speakers or those who hold an academic degree taught in English need not provide test scores).

More and more universities are starting to offer international programs taught in English. These programs will no longer require HSK examination results and are suitable for international applicants.

This is a list of requirements for different programs:

Type of Student Application and admission requirements Required Chinese language level  Study time
Short-term student High school graduate or the equivalent (e.g. A-level). In some of China's universities, any education background is accepted. No requirement 1 - 20 weeks
Language student High school graduate or the equivalent (e.g. A-level). No requirement 1 - 2 years
Undergraduate or associate student High school graduate or the equivalent (e.g. A-level). A passing grade on China's college entrance examination may be required. 
Please note that GCSE holders are not admitted onto degree programs by China's universities; those students should apply for a one year program of Pre-College training (or International Foudation Year program) at the chosen university.
HSK level 4-6 (for Chinese-medium courses) Undergraduate student: 4 - 5 years; Associatestudents: 2 - 3 years
Master's degree student Possession of a Bachelor's degree, at least two letters of recommendation from professors. A passing grade on China's college entrance examination may be required. HSK level 5-8 (for Chinese-medium courses) 2 - 3 years
Doctoral student Possession of a Master's degree, at least two recommendations from professors. A passing grade on China's college entrance examination may be required. HSK level 5-8 (for Chinese-medium courses) 3 years
Transfer student Student who is studying at another Chinese university should provide a sealed transfer letterfrom the Foreign Students' Office of current university; and meet other requirements according to degree level. Depending Depending

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