China is growing; that much is obvious. However, China is very quickly becoming one of the prime choices for international students looking for reputable universities. By applying internationally, you will be a part of a growing trend seen not only in China but also in many other eastern Asian countries. The number of international students within China has doubled over the past decade, and China is already the fourth most visited country in the world. With China providing more than hundreds of scholarships for international students, it is no wonder why you are interested. This guide will aid you in getting an idea of how you should apply to universities in China.
What to consider when applying to universities in China
There are always many things to consider when applying to a foreign university; however, these next items will guide you into what you exactly need to know about China and its education system.
Check Also: Available Programs for International Students
Universities in China worth noting for English Classes
Language is definitely a consideration since the official language of China is Standard Mandarin. Fortunately for you, there are numerous amounts of universities that provide classes in English. Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong are all cities with excellent amounts of English speakers as well as having some of the best universities in China- that teach in English.
- Peking University (Beijing, the oldest University in the country and provides some of the most progressive courses in the world)
- Tsinghua University (Beijing, a good choice for business students as it has one of the best business schools in the world)
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Shanghai, has a very large international student population and is the most prestigious research university in the country.)
- Fudan University (Shanghai, Fudan is the first university to accept international students and has the most recognizable mandarin courses- for those willing to challenge themselves.)
- The University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, this city is bustling with business, market, and research. Leading closely behind Shanghai Jiao Tong University for a scholarly research school, it is definitely a great option. However, one thing worth noting is that the official language in Hong Kong is Cantonese rather than Official Mandarin.)
Another good place to look for English classes in China is this article.
Costs
As clear as it already is, college can be expensive. A big tip, especially outside of the US, is to budget your money accordingly. Focus on the necessities of what you need to truly survive. There are also many foreign exchange organizations that aid international students in many countries. They can provide a home and family that can provide for you. This is also an awesome experience to learn about the culture of China.
Another way to reduce the cost is to apply for scholarships in China. You can view all the scholarships that are offered in China by going to China Scholarship Category.
Choose Universities in China to Apply
After doing some research, you should compile a shortlist of universities that you are interested in. Your first item should be your dream school, and the next two or three should be schools that you also really like. Your last university should be your “fall back-” A sort of “Plan B.”
Prepare the Documentation Required
Many documents are required for college; however, to apply to universities in China, you will be required a little more as an international student. First. check eligibility with all the schools that you are interested in. Then, devise a list of everything you need specifically for each school. Below is a list of things that are required for most colleges in China:
- Resume (Although it seems out of the ordinary to provide a resume for a college, a resume can provide a lot of detail about who you are at a quick glance. You should include your entire work history as well as your education history. Anything that sets you apart from others should be included; ex: awards, any form of special recognition, Grade Point Average, sports, clubs, etc.)
- Letters of Recommendations (These can be a very powerful motive as a student as you are getting credibility from an educator. Any teacher(s) you have, or had, that like you or got good grades from are worth asking.)
- Entry Essay(s) (Some Colleges require an essay that requires some specifics. This essay is a story about you; any challenges you have faced or any burdens you have overcome. This essay is your chance to prove what you are and how valuable you are.)
- High School Transcript for Undergraduate Programs (This one is obvious, but necessary. This transcript will list every course you have taken, how well you did in them, and your Grade Point Average)
- Bachelor’s Transcripts for Graduate Programs
- TOEFL or IELTS- These are English Proficiency Exams. You may be exempt from these requirements if you studied in an English-speaking country for a certain number of years, or you were born and raised in an English-speaking country.
- Exams such as the ACT, SAT, GMAT, GRE, MCAT, etc depending on the degree that you are pursuing.
The requirements are different for each university. So what should you do? You need to go to each university’s website and look for information that is specific to that university. It may seem a lot, but it is quite easy to look up information on a university’s website.
Apply
The next course of action is to apply to not one, but all the universities in China on your list. How? Like I said before, you need to look up information such as application deadlines, requirements, and application procedures. Also, the universities in China have application forms that you can either submit online or download. So, carefully follow the instructions found on the university’s website and apply to universities in China accordingly.
Hopefully, this article on how to apply to universities in China was of big help. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
