China
See what it's like to study in China. With a booming economy, low living costs and 4,000 years of culture, there is much to offer students
Universities in China are divided up into the following categories:
Many Chinese universities concentrate on a specific field of study - though not exclusively (other subjects will be taught) - and use this area of expertise in their title. For example, the Beijing Institute of Technology, China Agricultural University and the Ocean University of China.
China has some 3,000 universities with around 600 of them enrolling international students each year. In 2009 there were 240,000 international students studying in China.
For more information visit China's University and College Admission System (CUCAS) - Higher Education in China .
In Hong Kong, there are eight government-funded universities, which include the University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
The higher education system in Hong Kong is similar to the UK, except that degree programmes last for four years.
UK qualifications are accepted when applying for courses. For more information, visit Gov HK - Studying in Hong Kong .
To study in China you will need to meet the government's entry criteria, which can be found at China's University and College Admission System (CUCAS) - General Entry Requirements .
Institutions will have their own requirements for each degree programme so check with the university before applying.
Programmes taught in Chinese will require candidates to display an appropriate level of Chinese language through the The Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) .
To apply for programmes in Hong Kong, go to individual university websites for more details. As universities are run similarly to those in the UK, qualifications from UK universities are generally accepted and application processes are alike.
These will vary with each programme so check with the admissions department of your chosen university. Expenses for one academic year will typically cost £3,000-£6,000.
When applying to study in China you will have to consider:
Studying in China is relatively inexpensive when compared with the US or Britain. Larger cities on the East coast (Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong) will cost more in accommodation and tuition fees than inland smaller towns and cities.
Tuition fees range from between £6,000-£10,000 per year in Hong Kong and living expenses can also add up.
For more information on living costs in Hong Kong, see Study HK - Cost of Living .
International students with a high enough HSK score are considered favourable for Chinese Government Scholarships.
To find out about the scholarships available for students studying in China, visit Chinese Scholarship Council .
For a list of available scholarships and funding at universities in Hong Kong, go to, Study HK - Scholarships .
If you are enrolled at a UK university you may be able to study at universities in China and Hong Kong through exchange programmes. Many institutions in the UK will have links to China so discuss this with your tutor or visit the international office.
For example, the Business Management in China BA (Hons) at the University of Central Lancashire involves two overseas placements, including a four-week study tour of Beijing and a full-year study and work placement.
IAESTE offers science, engineering and technology students the chance to embark on 12-week paid placements in the summer and for longer periods at other times of the year. Find out more IAESTE UK .
To study in China you will need a study visa (X-visa) or a business visa (F-visa). Both can be applied for at your nearest Chinese Embassy or consulate.
You can enter China on a tourist visa (L-visa) but must convert to one of the aforementioned visas to legitimately study in the country.
You can get more information on the required documentation needed when applying for a visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center .
Students from the UK can visit Hong Kong without a visa for six months, but will need a different visa to stay and study.
For information on Hong Kong study visas, go to Government of Hong Kong - Immigration Department - Public Services .
There are opportunities for working in China if you are ambitious, resourceful and willing to make the move East...
China has the second largest economy in the world behind the US, with a population of more than 1.3 billion.
The capital, Beijing and Shanghai - the largest cities in China - are the business and industrial hubs of the country. Many multi-national companies have their Asian headquarters in one of these East coast locations.
For English speakers, job opportunities will mostly be in these cities (as well as Hong Kong) and others such as Guanzhou, Shenzhen and Tianjin.
International candidates who can speak Mandarin, have good knowledge of the country, and can display an interest in Chinese culture and life, are well placed to find jobs. It helps to already be based in China when applying for jobs.
There are positions for foreign nationals in technical and IT related roles, while jobs in finance and banking are available, but may be more difficult to enter into.
Jobs in Hong Kong are widely accessible to English speakers. The job market is competitive, with locals and international graduates all vying for work.
Hong Kong has opportunities in teaching and the media, as well as accountancy, banking and finance, for English speakers with experience.
A popular way to live and work in China while earning a good salary is by teaching. You may receive help with accommodation and travel costs to and from China if you are working for a reputable school. You will also receive support with visas and health insurance.
You can teach in Hong Kong with the right qualifications, although work may not be as readily available as in the rest of China, as English is already widely spoken there.
For more information on teaching English, go to TEFL.com and i-to-i TEFL .
For jobs in China, view the location-specific jobs boards at AsiaXPAT .
Search for jobs in Hong Kong at Classified Post .
Internships and summer work placements for students can also be arranged by:
Voluntary work can help you build your skill-set and learn a new language. It will help to have some money saved before you set off as the vast majority of voluntary positions are unpaid. Volunteering looks good on your CV and gives you the chance to network and build contacts.
To volunteer in China you should first research what you would like to do and apply to organisations directly.
Some relevant organisations that may offer opportunities in China include:
If you speak Mandarin, you are better positioned to find work. It is worth learning some before you arrive in China. Once you are there, it's beneficial to take lessons.
Teachers of English may be offered Mandarin lessons as part of an employment package, as will employees of multi-national organisations.
English isn't widely used in China. However, it is spoken by younger Chinese people, while school children and students are beginning to gain a good grasp of the language.
As a general rule, it is unlikely people will speak English in rural areas, but in bigger cities like Beijing and Shanghai you should be able to get by if you can only speak English.
English and Chinese are the official languages of Hong Kong. Nationals speak both Cantonese and Mandarin.
British nationals require visas to enter China and will need to acquire one before they arrive.
If you are entering Hong Kong you don't need a visa. However, to work legally, your employer will have to apply for a working visa on your behalf.
If you are planning on study, working or living in China for more than six months, you must obtain a health certificate that has been legalised by the Chinese Embassy.