Study in China

The People Republic of China or we commonly address as China is one of the most emerging economies in the world with strict work policies and an array of opportunities in the field of technology, business, science, etc. Being a vast country with an even larger population, China is home to some of the top universities and colleges in the world. Because of its broad outlook and thought process, you will find some of the best teachers from across the world here. Considering the economics of the country, one would also notice that China has maintained a steady pace of growth at 8% per year. The GDP of China also recently surpassed Japan's to become the world's second largest economy after the United States. It is the home to the top 500 companies of the globe, which means that you cannot even imagine the many opportunities on the employment front here. Many chose the top cities here like Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing as  their Asia-Pacific headquarters.

China is also aiming to build more of world-class universities, and investing heavily in higher education. There are a lot of unique programs to this country, which includes learning the Chinese language, calligraphy, martial arts and other cultural subjects,. There are of course the regular programs available too at both master and graduate levels like engineering, science, medicine, economics and trade, MBA as well as finance are highly revered.

One aspect that many consider to be a hurdle is learning Mandarin or Chinese. However, many universities offer degree programs taught in English and so there is not really much of a hurdle on the education front. But if you are aware of speaking Mandarin, the added advantage here would be getting jobs at a much faster pace. Many universities also provide short-term courses here so you can learn Chinese along with studying your regular subjects. There is no doubt that any one who can speak Chinese and has firsthand experience of living in China would get benefits in term of employment. The huge market for multinational corporations makes it one of the most sought countries for studying in the world.

Tuition fees in China

It offers you as a gateway to the upcoming economy of tomorrow and studying here is much cheaper than most countries in the Europe, U.S. and even Asian counterparts like Japan. On an average, a student can save almost 40% on tuition fees by studying in China, which excludes the savings you make on the living cost. Compared to the Asian countries like Japan, cost of living here is much lesser too. For instance, the average cost of living in Japan goes up to $1,800 per month. On the other hand, the cost of living in China is even lower than South Korea. In China, you will notice that tuition fees average around $1,000 only per semester. The available of healthy and nutrition food at affordable rates is another advantage.

Scholarships in China

It is true that you already have the advantage of studying in China at lower costs as compared to other countries. But additionally, you also benefit with a range of scholarships that are given by the Chinese government, private companies and universities and even by your own country. The number of scholarships available here is roughly divided into-

University Scholarships

When making an application to any of the top universities in China, it makes sense to check with them regarding their scholarship options. There are many universities that offer special grants and scholarships to international students to encourage foreign participation. Financial aid is available in form of different scholarships that may cover your educational costs partially or even completely. There are some aid programs available in forms of individuals sponsors or even getting sponsorship from MNCs. There are also many exchange programs available here, where your normal tuition/housing costs will carry over (and all you'll have to cover is the flight and your everyday incidental costs). It is best to start applying for universities on an earlier notice so that you have a better chance. In many cases you will also notice that the smaller universities tend to offer more discounts being located in the mainland.

Program Provider Scholarships

Another option that comes into play is the full service program, which you can talk to about with your program advisor. They may update you on any kind of financial aid packages they can offer program participants. There are some provides here like the IES Abroad, Panrimo and China Study Abroad with special options. Some of the other programs that you can consider include-
  • Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
  • Critical Language Scholarship Program
  • China Scholarship Council
  • Henry Luce Scholarship from the Asia Foundation
  • Freeman Asia Program

Student Visa for China

Student Visa for China is divided into X1 and X2. X1 is visa issued to foreign nationals who come to China for study, advanced studies, or fieldwork for more than 6 months. X2 is given to foreign nationals who come to China with same purpose but for a period of less than 6 months. For getting the visa, one of the basic qualification is that the organization or university that you are taking part in must be accredited for offering courses or internships to foreigners. The university will send you a JW201 or JW202 form and an admission letter. These need to be submitted along with your photocopies and application form.

X1 holders are eligible to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit from the local Public Security Bureau (PSB). This has to be applied for within 30 days upon entry into China. The temporary residence permit is issued with the validity of 180 days to 5 years, depending on your course.  X2 holders are not permitted to stay in China beyond the duration period as indicated on the visa. They can apply for a temporary residence permit but are usually denied the same, based on the extent to study here.

You will need to submit your actual passport and Visa will be issued in the passport. Remember that your passport should have at least 12 months validity left. Otherwise, you must renew your passport first. The passport should have at least 2 blank visa pages. The last 3 pages in US passports are not visa pages. These are amendment pages, reserved by the US Department of State for amendment to the passport. They won't be acceptable for visas. If your passport has no blank visa pages left, you may add additional visa pages. If you need passport services, please visit our expedited passport services section.

Requirements and documents needed for visa

  • Applicant's original passport valid up to at least six months with at least one blank page.
  • One truly completed Application Form.  
  • Please affix one recent passport style color photo with full face, front view, no hat, and against a plain light background on the application form.
  • Original and a copy of approved Foreign Student Visa Application Form JW201 or JW202 (for X1 application only).
  • Original and a copy of Admission Notice from the university or Chinese school. Note: for foreigners who want to apply for Chinese Medical Internship, the original and a copy of Application Form for Medical Internship and Admission Notice for training in practice issued by the university are required.

Medicine in China

For studying medicine in China, one of the first few things to consider is whether you are eligible for medical licensing examination. There are about 49 approved medical schools along with public universities under the supervision of the Chinese Government. They have been listed in World Health Organization (WHO)'s "Directory of World Medical Schools". So graduating from here entitles you to the national medical screening tests such as MCI, PMDC, USMLE, PLAB, HPCSA, SCHS, etc. China has a separate system of tests and medical entrance exams, which may differ in public and private universities.

If you are able to compete the program, international medical undergraduates will be granted a graduation certificate and conferred a medical degree by the university. The English copy of the degree will state MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). The system of education in China is excellent and their medical universities are ranked among the top 500 universities in the world. Not only are these highly reputed for being at the forefront of the field of modern medicine, they are also adept with keeping pace with technology. As compared to other countries, especially U.S., UK, etc. costs of studying here along with getting admission is much easier. European or American MBBS costs about USD 160,000-200,000. While in China it is about USD 30,000 – 50,000. Additionally there are plenty of hospitals here to complete your internship too. You can do you internship at Grade III, Level A, institutes. Also, another benefit here is that you have the option of pursuing higher degrees with ease too.

Along with standard MBBS and medical degrees, students also have the opportunity to pursue other course in this line including nursing, clinical medicine, ancient Chinese medicine, etc.

Top universities to study the same include-
  • Huazhong University of Science and Technology
  • Jiangsu University
  • Fudan University
  • Zhejiang University
  • Wuhan University
  • China Medical University

Engineering in China

China is one of the leading world players in the department of technology and engineering. And it is no surprise that today it is the biggest manufacturer for most products related to engineering for the top countries in the world. There are a large number of skilled engineers and technicians here coming from a range of countries and disciplines and they have contributed significantly to the development of the national economy. The aim of the Chinese government is to use this technology in the continuous improvement of quality of life. Currently, this country is the largest producer of engineering graduates in the world. An average of 600,000 engineers graduate from its vast universities and colleges. On the contrary, U.S. just has 70,000 engineering graduates every year while Europe produces just 100,000.

Over the years, China has emerged as a popular zone for studying engineering because it also offers opportunities on the employment front. The international policy of the country has changed with a focus to reform and opening to the outside world in China. Over the next few years, the scale of foreign students coming to China is expanding constantly. According to the Statistics of Ministry of Education there is a 20% rise in the number of people coming from foreign shores to studying engineering here since 2000. Chinese affiliated Universities have exchange programs with over 40 Universities from USA, UK, Australia, Canada and other parts of Europe.

The range of subjects available for engineering in China is extensive and one can specialize in subjects like chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automobile engineering, marine engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecom Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical engineering, Computer Engineering, etc. The reason for a shift in the same has also been the concept of teaching in English as the main medium. This has pulled in a lot of foreign students int eh area too.

Top universities to study engineering include-

  • Tsinghua University
  • Peking University
  • Fudan University
  • Shanghai Jiao Tong University
  • University of Science and Technology of China
  • Beijing Normal University
  • Wuhan University

Acupuncture and Ancient Chinese Medicine

About 30 years ago, the Chinese Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Economics and Trade made acupuncture training course available for foreign students and “International Acupuncture Class” was formally established in April 1975. The courses are attached to Acupuncture Institute of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. The course is focused on spreading the use of acupuncture into everyday practice. With a growing demand for acupuncture across the world and more courses and graduate and master degrees now being available, more and more foreign nationals are opting for this course. In some courses, a little traditional Chinese medicine may also be included.

Top universities for studying acupuncture and ancient medicine include-

  • Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
  • Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Architecture

Being a country with a vast landscape that includes both rural and modern areas, China offers a beautiful blend of contemporary and ancient architecture. It is a visual treat for those students who want to study architecture in the country. They get a glimpse of both the modern world along with a blend of ancient culture seeing the classic building with folk painting and origami art. One has the option of studying different kinds of architecture and get a practical and theoretical insight of the subject. The courses are usually conducted in English, but some universities may have them in Chinese too. Additionally, there are also separate entrance exam requirements for the same. All of these courses are about 4-5 years long and include an internship period too.

The aim is to develop an understanding of the principles and techniques of architectural environment engineering science and the ability to apply these principles. There are master degree programs available in History and the Theory of Architecture, Architectural Design and Its Theory, Urban Planning and Design and Architectural Technology, etc. You can also opt for specialist courses during the last year of your graduation. The idea is to help the architects get a solid understanding of the transport, housing and economic activities, within and beyond city boundaries. Hence more is created within smaller and constrained spaces, keeping in mind urban requirements.

Top universities for studying architecture include-
  • Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
  • Tsinghua University
  • Southeast University
  • Tongji Univerity
  • Tianjin University
  • South China University of Technology
  • Chongqing University
  • Harbin Institute of Technology
  • Nanjing University
For latest admission guidelines see www.chinaeducation.info

Connect me with the Top Colleges