🇨🇳 China · Study Abroad
How to study in China as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
International students apply to Chinese universities directly through each school's international-student office, or via the China Scholarship Council's "Study in China" portal. Programmes are taught in Chinese — usually requiring an HSK level — or in English at many major universities. After admission you receive the Admission Notice and a JW201/JW202 form, then apply for an X1 (study over 180 days) or X2 (180 days or fewer) student visa. campuschina.org and the Ministry of Education are the official portals.
- Apply directly to the university's international-student office or through the CSC Study in China portal; each university sets its own intake and deadlines.
- Chinese-taught programmes usually require an HSK level; many major universities offer English-taught degrees.
- After admission you receive the Admission Notice and JW201/JW202 form, then apply for an X1 (over 180 days) or X2 (180 days or fewer) visa.
- Chinese Government, provincial, Confucius Institute and university scholarships can fund study.
Official authorities
- China Scholarship Council — Study in China
Official portal: programmes, universities and how to apply.
- Ministry of Education of China
National authority for higher education and international students.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- China Government Portal — State Council official portal — policy releases, public services, and government documents
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — China's foreign policy and consular services — passport, visa, and consular protection info
- National Immigration Administration — Visas, permanent residency, and border control for foreigners entering China
- State Taxation Administration — Personal income tax filing, business tax registration, and VAT invoice verification