Going to another country to study can be an exciting and unique experience. However, English-speaking students may find it challenging to adjust to countries where English is not the main language used in daily life or at university. In many Asian countries, including China and Japan, it is possible to communicate in English in some settings, but not everyone uses or is familiar with English. For an international student, it can be tricky if they are not familiar with the primary language used around them.
However, do not let that fact deter you from studying abroad. If you want to study in China in English, you can. While Putonghua, or Mandarin, and standardized Chinese characters are the official standard spoken and written forms in China, several universities still offer courses and programs in English. The only question now is, where do you start looking?
Things to Consider for Studying in China in English
Not many international students know this, but several universities in China offer courses and programs taught in English. All you have to do is narrow your search to universities within your preferred areas. Keep in mind, however, that if you choose this route, you can expect many of your classmates to be other international students. Since English-taught courses often appeal most to international students, this can be a factor in your decision.
Another issue to consider is the availability of your desired course. While finding Chinese universities that offer English-taught classes may be easy, finding one that offers courses in the major you want may complicate things. You may end up having to pick another university or change majors because the school does not offer your preferred course in English.
So, studying in China in English does have its restrictions. However, if you find universities in China that offer your major in English, you can save time while you build your Chinese-language skills. If you have the time and desire to learn Chinese, I highly recommend doing so because it can open more doors academically, socially, and professionally.
Universities in China with English-Taught Programs
1. Peking University
Located in Beijing, Peking University lists English-taught undergraduate and graduate courses across several schools and departments. Its English-taught course catalog includes subjects in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, economics, management, and other fields. For graduate-level study, Peking University also lists English-taught master’s program information through its International Students Division, so applicants should check the current catalog and program pages before applying. Take a look at the English-taught courses available at Peking University.
2. Fudan University
Located in Shanghai, Fudan University offers English-instructed programs for international students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels. Its admissions page states that the university has developed more than 50 English-instructed programs for undergraduate and graduate candidates, and its International Students Office lists current English-taught undergraduate and graduate options. See what English-taught programs are offered at Fudan.
3. Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University has a long history with international students. Its official international-student pages note more than 30,000 international alumni and more than 4,000 enrolled international students in 2019. Tsinghua’s current undergraduate admissions pages list fully English-taught undergraduate options, including Zijing College programs and other English-taught programs for 2026 entry, while the university’s graduate page lists 38 graduate programs in English. The university also states that more than 500 English courses are available across the university. If you want to see the available English-language options, visit Tsinghua University English Programs.
How to Apply for English Programs in Chinese Universities
Believe it or not, finding a school that meets your criteria is only the beginning. The next step is securing admission to the institution. It can take a long time to prepare requirements, submit documents, and hear back about the results.
To start, you should do further research on your chosen school. You can do this by visiting the university’s website for more information. There, you can check the school’s specific requirements, the paperwork you need to submit, and its tuition fees. You should also check whether the university offers scholarships for international students. Scholarship coverage and eligibility differ by school and program, but support may help with tuition, housing, insurance, or living costs. If you want to take a look at these scholarships, visit the Chinese Scholarships Search Page.
You also need to look at the area itself. Housing fees, daily expenses, and your daily commute to and from the university may quickly use up your funds. These expenses, and whether you can afford them, must also be taken into account before you finalize your plans.
Deciding to study in another country can be difficult. Deciding to study in another country that has a different main language can be even more challenging. The road may be long and sometimes frustrating.
It will require you to move your life to another part of the world.
But for those who stick with it, a great and unique experience awaits. And it all begins with one application and the desire to get out and see the world.
We hope that this guide on how to study in China in English has helped you on your journey. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
