How to choose your university in China: seven questions to ask before you apply
A practical guide to choosing a Chinese university: your major, the language of study, the full cost, scholarships, admission requirements, the city, and whether your degree will be recognised at home.
Many Chinese universities take international students, and if you start from their names you will get lost. Start from yourself instead: what do you want to study, in which language, and how much can you spend? These seven questions will narrow the field to a short list that fits you.
1. Which major do you want?
Major first, university second. A well-known university may not teach your major in English, while a less famous one may have a program that suits you better. Search for your major, then compare the universities that offer it.
2. Which language will you study in?
Chinese universities teach some programs in English and others in Chinese. English-taught programs usually ask for proof of your level, such as IELTS, TOEFL or the university's own test. Chinese-taught programs ask for a set HSK level, and some start with a preparatory year to learn the language. Each university sets the level for its own program.
3. What is the full cost?
Tuition is only part of the cost. Add housing, health insurance and living costs, which vary a lot from city to city. If your program has a preparatory year, count that too; it usually has its own fee. Watch the unit when you compare: universities publish their fees in Chinese yuan, some per year and some per semester.
4. Could a scholarship fit you?
There are several kinds: the Chinese Government Scholarship, provincial scholarships and the universities' own. Some cover all or part of the tuition; some also cover housing, insurance or a monthly allowance. They are competitive, and each has its own conditions and deadlines. Read exactly what a scholarship covers, and don't build your plan on one before its decision is out.
5. Do you meet the admission requirements?
Universities usually ask for your previous certificate with a minimum grade and proof of your language level, and some programs have an age limit. For bachelor's admission, many universities use the CSCA test, and each one decides which subjects it asks for in each major. Read the requirements on the program's own page, not the university's general page.
6. Which city will you live in?
The city is part of the experience: its climate, its living costs, how far it is from an airport, and whether it has an Arab community or students from your country. Big cities usually cost more; smaller ones are quieter and cheaper.
7. Will your degree be recognised at home?
Before you apply, ask the competent authority in your country, such as the ministry of higher education or the professional syndicate, what it takes to have a degree in your major recognised. For medical majors this is essential, because some countries only accept certain universities or programs.
About the 985, 211 and Double First-Class tags
You will see these tags on some university pages. They are the names of Chinese government programs that support universities, and they are not a ranking. A tag on the university does not replace reading the requirements and details of the program you want, so treat it as one more fact, not your only reason to choose.
Start with your major, language and budget, then compare the programs that remain, and read each one's requirements and full cost before you decide. If you like, we can go through your list with you in the free consultation.