China : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

The academic year in China runs from the beginning of September to mid-July and is spread over two semesters. You will need to apply for a study visa and meet the requirements of the university you are applying to in order to study in China.

What courses are available?

Masters degree study usually lasts between two to three years. Doctoral degree study usually lasts three years.

Courses are usually taught in Mandarin, although a limited number of postgraduate courses are taught in English. The Chinese language proficiency test, or Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK), is a standard test designed to check the Chinese language proficiency of non-native Chinese speakers. The HSK is divided into primary, medium and advanced levels.

The Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China  lists English taught programmes in Chinese universities as well as the different scholarship and study programmes that are available.

Where can I study?

There are 465 institutions of higher education in China qualified to accept international students. In addition, there are over 30 institutions where you can study a wide variety of degrees in English. The China Scholarship Council  has details of which institutions accept international students.

You can see university rankings at:

• Top Universities  - includes the QS top 200 Asian universities.
• Times Higher Education University Rankings  

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?

Applicants must be non-Chinese nationals in good health. To study a Masters degree, applicants must hold a Bachelors degree and be under the age of 35, while those wishing to complete a Doctorate should already hold a Masters degree and be under the age of 40.

Details of eligibility, including qualifications required, are on the website for the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China .

When do I apply?

The academic years runs from late August to late May. International applicants are advised to apply to Chinese universities between January and April.

How do I apply?

Applications can be made directly to the institution or via the China Scholarship Council . Forms can be downloaded from their website.

How much will it cost?

Tuition fees for a liberal arts Masters degree range from 18,000-30,000 RMB. A liberal arts Doctorate ranges from 22,000-34,000 RMB. Sciences, engineering and medicine can be up to 50% higher than liberal arts fees. There is also an application fee of 400-800 RMB.

Further information on fees is on the website for the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China .

Are any scholarships available?

The China Scholarship Council  issues full scholarships, which cover the cost of tuition fees, registration fees, basic learning materials, accommodation on campus, medical insurance and benefit plan for international students in China, a one-off intercity travel subsidy and a living allowance. Masters degree students receive 1,700 RMB in monthly allowance while Doctoral degree students receive 2,000 RMB.

Partial scholarships are also available. The Chinese Scholarship Council gives details on what is needed to apply for funds, including notarised copies of any diplomas, a study or research plan (no less than 500 words for postgraduate study), letters of recommendation from professors and the letter of invitation or acceptance from the Chinese institution where you wish to study.

Are there any exchange programmes?

Universitas 21  is an international network of 21 higher education institutions. Students of the University of Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Nottingham can study at either Fudan University or Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)  has information on the comparison of China and UK qualifications and higher education structures. Your university careers service may have access to the login service on their website to access information on your behalf.