China, a world superpower, is one of the most highly regarded study abroad destinations in the world. In fact, China is the 3rd country, next to the United States and the United Kingdom, with the largest international student population. This is anticipated given the fact that China’s national economic development is one for the books. Today, with its billion people, China is making dominant strides to become a regional power. It is projected to become a world superpower in the coming years for its aggressive economic drive, which landed it as the world’s 2nd largest economy in 2018. This popularity, coupled with a promising student experience, makes international students select China as their study abroad choice.
Universities in China earn high respect in the international learning arena. The country has been making efforts to continuously introduce innovation into its education system; thus, it has emerged as a top choice for students who wish to pursue professional degrees in science, technology, and mathematics. Unsurprisingly, Chinese schools are regarded as the best science and math schools in the world. International competitions usually see China as the top-performing country concerning intellectual assessments.
China is a blend of ancient and contemporary. Wherever one goes, they will find a taste of the Chinese culture, which has contributed significantly to world history. This preservation of culture meets the country’s enthusiasm to incorporate the standards of modern living into its societies. International students can witness this fascinating mix in Shanghai’s skyscrapers and Beijing’s Olympic Bird’s Nest, side by side with the historic Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. Such amalgamation draws tourists to China. Every year, it welcomes the world’s 4th highest number of tourists, all eager to explore China’s millennia-old culture.
International students in China are in for a wide array of possibilities within their reach. Increasingly becoming a top study abroad destination choice for students from Europe, Asia, and the United States, the People’s Republic of China will leave one in awe of its many enticing features. Offering a promising student experience, China provides the following opportunities for students hoping to pursue a degree program in one of its universities:
1. Opportunity to Learn Mandarin
Mandarin (or Mandarin Chinese) is the world’s most spoken language, with 1.45 native speakers. It is used not only in China, but in other countries with a substantial Chinese presence. Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and several parts of the globe have Chinese people using the language. Studying in China means getting to know Mandarin and all its 3,000 characters. It will be inevitable to learn to speak the language when trying to interact with the community. While some would say that the task on hand is difficult, it will get easier and more familiar by the day. Knowing the Mandarin tongue will open new doors of opportunities for international students, especially now that Chinese investors are spreading their businesses around the world. Some multinational firms give preference to candidates who speak a foreign tongue, i.e. Mandarin, for an international clientele.
2. Opportunity to Engage in an Ancient Culture
One of the world’s oldest civilizations, China’s history dates back to as far as 5000 B.C.E. It is a significant shaper of world history, with its many contributions such as paper, compass, gunpowder, and the printing press. Moreover, China is the place where modern day philosophies originated. It is home to some of the world’s most established religions. The country takes pride in all of these, and preserves its noteworthy memorabilia to its past. International students can always explore the Chinese temples, partake in prestigious festivals, and treat their palates to the authentic Chinese cuisine.
3. Opportunity for World-Class Education
In recent years, China has been focusing its efforts toward educational innovation as a response to 21st century challenges. As a result, many of its universities are renowned around the world as institutions of excellence. International students who have obtained an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degree in China are sure to have a competitive advantage, because Chinese study programs hold global recognition. The programs considered the expertise of universities in China are engineering, science, medicine, finance, business administration, and economics. Additionally, international students from such fields have limitless opportunities to have practical training with Chinese firms.
4. Opportunity for Affordable Education
The chance to achieve a world-class education at an affordable rate may be realized in China. Education and living costs in this East Asian country is meager compared to other top study abroad destinations, i.e. UK, US, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Generally, international students will spend at most $2,000 for tuition fees at a university in China. However, tuition fees in the UK can reach up to $10,000 per academic year. Also, living costs in China are estimated to be at $10,000 to $12,000 annually; whereas, living costs in the UK can reach up to $18,000 to $20,000 annually.
5. Opportunity for Personal Growth
Living in a foreign country opens up possibilities for knowing oneself better and gaining valuable experiences. In China, which is home to a large number of international students and a popular tourist destination, anyone has a daily opportunity to interact and learn from people with a different background. Moreover, China’s smooth combination of the old and the new will teach international students lessons on modesty, ingenuity, and acceptance.
Education in China is highly regarded around the world. Similar to other countries, the Chinese education system has undergone overhauls and improvements. Currently, the People’s Republic of China follows a modern system which consists of 3 parts: pre-primary education (3 years of kindergarten), basic education (6 years of primary school plus another 3 years of secondary school), and higher education (1 to 4 or 5 years of university education). Basic education is provided free, meaning the 6 years of primary school and 3 years of secondary school are compulsory for all Chinese children. The Ministry of Education overlooks and manages the overall education standards in China.
Pre-primary Education
Acquiring pre-primary education is not mandatory in China, although most parents take steps to send their children to preschool or kindergarten before enrolling them for primary school. Pre-primary education usually admits children who are aged 3 to 6 years old. Normally, children receive nursery classes or seasonal kindergarten sessions. Kindergarten has 3 levels: lower kindergarten or “xiaoban” for 3 to 4-year-old kids, middle kindergarten or “zhongban” for 4 to 5-year-old kids, and upper kindergarten or “daban” for 5 to 6-year-old kids. Pre-primary education lasts for about 1 to 3 years. Children in pre-primary education take the first steps towards social interaction, as they usually spend their time in kindergarten playing with their peers. They are also taught singing and dancing.
Primary Education
Primary or elementary education in China is the first part of its 9-year compulsory basic education curriculum. Children usually begin attending primary school at age 6 (for Shanghai and Beijing) or 7 (in all other cities) until age 12 or 13. Generally, the instructions received by the children in primary schools are focused on “The Big Two” subjects, which are Chinese and mathematics. Sixty percent of their daily time is allotted to learning the 2 subjects, and the remaining 40% is dedicated to other subjects, such as music, art, nature, physical education, science, morality and ethics, and other practical classes or labor studies. Primary schools use Mandarin as the medium of instruction for their classes. In grades 5 or 6, some primary schools teach a foreign language, i.e. English, to their pupils. Moreover, primary schools follow 2 semesters. The school year begins in September and ends in July of the following year.
Secondary Education
After completing 6 years of primary education, Chinese students move on to secondary education, which consists of 2 parts: junior high school and senior high school. They attend high school at age 12 to age 17. Each part of secondary education lasts for 3 years. However, when a student finishes junior high school, he can opt to enroll in a vocational school, a secondary professional school, or a regular senior high school. In essence, the primary objective of secondary schools is to prepare their students to enter the next level of Chinese education. To do this, they must sufficiently equip their students with the knowledge to pass the “Gaokao高考”.
Vocational Education
Students who have completed junior high school may choose to enroll in vocational schools. These schools are focused on preparing students for easy employment. Graduates of vocational courses can directly seek employment, although they are also allowed to take the NCEE and get into universities.
Higher Education
Passers of the “Gaokao高考” are eligible to attend higher education in colleges of universities in China. Students usually enter the universities at age 18 or above. They can attend a tertiary vocational school (2 to 3 years), a technological academy (3 years), or a regular undergraduate school. Undergraduate study programs typically last for 4 years. In case a student wants to pursue further education, graduate programs or postgraduate degrees, they can enroll in universities which offer such programs for 3 years.
Applying for admission at a university in China is easy because the country uses a centralized system called the CUCAS (China’s University and College Admission System). International students have the option to course their applications through either the CUCAS or their selected university’s website. Below are the requirements for international student admission to universities in China:
Some universities may ask for further requirements, although the above checklist will generally be on their document list. For the language proficiency requirement in English, universities commonly accept scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Meanwhile, for Chinese-taught programs, universities accept the “Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi” (HSK) elementary for science, engineering, and medicine programs and HSK intermediate for the liberal arts, economics, management, and all other programs.
Once the requirements are thoroughly secured, international students can take the following steps to proceed with the admission process:
After accomplishing the above-mentioned steps, international students can prepare for their study adventure in China. They can look for accommodation within the campus vicinity for more convenient travel to and from the university. They can also join international student groups to at least build acquaintances in their new community. Moreover, they can explore the locality before classes start.
China might be the country you are looking for. Explore the top universities in China, and get ready for an exciting study abroad journey!
Below is a comprehensive list of all universities in China (Anhui, Anqing, Bengbu, Bozhou, Chaohu, Chizhou, Chuzhou, Fuyang, Hefei, Huaibei, Huainan, Huangshan, Jieshou, Lu'an, Ma'anshan, Mingguang, Ningguo, Qianshan, Suzhou, Tianchang, Tongcheng, Tongling, Wuhu, Xuancheng, Fujian, Fu'an, Fuding, Fuqing, Fuzho, Jian'ou, Jinjiang, Longhai, Longyan, Nan'an, Nanping, Ningde, Putian, Quanzhou, Sanming, Shaowu, Shishi, Wuyishan, Xiamen, Yong'an, Zhangping, Zhangzhou, Gansu, Baiyin, Dingxi, Dunhuang, Hezuo, Huating, Jiayuguan, Jinchang, Jiuquan, Lanzhou, Linxia, Longnan, Pingliang, Qingyang, Tianshui, Wuwei, Yumen, Zhangye, Guangdong, Chaozhou, Dongguan, Enping, Foshan, Gaozhou, Guangzhou, Heshan, Heyuan, Huazhou, Huizhou, Jiangmen, Jieyang, Kaiping, Lechang, Leizhou, Lianjiang, Lianzhou, Lufeng, Luoding, Maoming, Meizhou, Nanxiong, Puning, Qingyuan, Shantou, Shanwei, Shaoguan, Shenzhen, Sihui, Taishan, Wuchuan, Xingning, Xinyi, Yangchun, Yangjiang, Yingde, Yunfu, Zhanjiang, Zhaoqing, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Guangxi, Baise, Beihai, Beiliu, Cenxi, Chongzu, Dongxing, Fangchenggang, Guigang, Guilin, Guiping, Hechi, Heshan, Hezhou, Jingxi, Laibin, Lipu, Liuzhou, Nanning, Pingxiang, Qinzhou, Wuzhou, Yulin, Guizhou, Anshun, Bijie, Chishui, Duyun, Fuquan, Guiyang, Kaili, Liupanshui, Panzhou, Qingzhen, Renhuai, Tongren, Xingren, Xingyi, Zunyi, Hainan, Danzhou, Dongfang, Haikou, Qionghai, Sansha, Sanya, Wanning, Wenchang, Wuzhishan, Hebei, Anguo, Baoding, Bazhou, Botou, Cangzhou, Chengde, Dingzhou, Gaobeidian, Handan, Hengshui, Hejian, Huanghua, Jinzhou, Langfang, Luanzhou, Nangong, Pingquan, Qian'an, Qinhuangdao, Renqiu, Sanhe, Shahe, Shenzhou, Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, Xinji, Wu'an, Xingtai, Xinle, Zhangjiakou, Zhuozhou, Zunhua, Heilongjiang, Anda, Bei'an, Daqing, Dongning, Fujin, Fuyuan, Hailin, Hailun, Harbin, Hegang, Heihe, Hulin, Jiamusi, Jixi, Mishan, Mohe, Mudanjiang, Muling, Nehe, Ning'an, Qiqihar, Qitaihe, Shangzhi, Shuangyashan, Suifenhe, Suihua, Tieli, Tongjiang, Wuchang, Wudalianchi, Yichun, Zhaodong, Henan, Anyang, Changge, Dengfeng, Dengzhou, Gongyi, Hebi, Huixian, Jiaozuo, Jiyuan, Kaifeng, Lingbao, Linzhou, Luohe, Luoyang, Mengzhou, Nanyang, Puyang, Qinyang, Ruzhou, Sanmenxia, Shangqiu, Weihui, Wugang, Xiangcheng, Xingyang, Xinmi, Xinxiang, Xinyang, Xinzheng, Xuchang, Yanshi, Yima, Yongcheng, Yuzhou, Zhengzhou, Zhoukou, Zhumadian, Hubei, Anlu, Chibi, Dangyang, Danjiangkou, Daye, Enshi, Ezhou, Guangshui, Hanchuan, Honghu, Huanggang, Huangshi, Jingmen, Jingshan, Jingzhou, Laohekou, Lichuan, Macheng, Qianjiang, Shishou, Shiya, Suizhou, Songzi, Tianmen, Wuhan, Wuxue, Xiangyang, Xianning, Xiantao, Xiaogan, Yichang, Yicheng, Yidu, Yingcheng, Zaoyang, Zhijiang, Zhongxiang, Hunan, Changde, Changning, Changsha, Chenzhou, Hengyang, Hongjiang, Huaihua, Jinshi, Jishou, Leiyang, Lengshuijiang, Lianyuan, Liling, Linxiang, Liuyan, Loudi, Miluo, Ningxiang, Shaoshan, Shaoyang, Wugang, Xiangtan, Xiangxiang, Yiyang, Yongzhou, Yuanjiang, Yueyang, Zhangjiajie, Zhuzhou, Zixing, Inner Mongolia, Arxan, Baotou, Bayannur, Chifeng, Erenhot, Ergun, Fengzhen, Genhe, Hohhot, Holingol, Hulunbuir, Manzhouli, Ordos, Tongliao, Ulanhot, Ulanqab, Wuhai, Xilinhot, Yakeshi, Zhalantun, Jiangsu, Changshu, Changzhou, Danyang, Dongtai, Gaoyou, Hai'an, Haimen, Huai'an, Jiangyin, Jingjiang, Jurong, Liyang, Lianyungang, Kunshan, Nanjing, Nantong, Pizhou, Qidong, Rugao, Suqian, Suzhou, Taican, Taixing, Taizhou, Wuxi, Xinghua, Xinyi, Xuzhou, Yancheng, Yangzhong, Yangzhou, Yixing, Yizheng, Zhangjiagang, Zhenjiang, Jiangxi, Dexing, Fengcheng, Fuzhou, Ganzhou, Gao'an, Gongqingcheng, Guixi, Ji'an, Jingdezhen, Jinggangshan, Jiujiang, Leping, Lushan, Nanchang, Pingxiang, Ruichang, Ruijin, Shangrao, Xinyu, Yichun, Yingtan, Zhangshu, Jilin, Baicheng, Baishan, Changchun, Da'an, Dehui, Dunhua, Fuyu, Gongzhuling, Helong, Huadian, Hunchun, Ji'an, Jiaohe, Jilin, Liaoyuan, Linjiang, Longjing, Meihekou, Panshi, Shuangliao, Shulan, Siping, Songyuan, Taonan, Tonghua, Tumen, Yanji, Yushu, Liaoning, Anshan, Benxi, Beipiao, Beizhen, Chaoyang, Dalian, Dandong, Dashiqiao, Dengta, Diaobingshan, Donggang, Fengcheng, Fushun, Fuxin, Gaizhou, Haicheng, Huludao, Jinzhou, Kaiyuan, Liaoyang, Linghai, Lingyuan, Panjin, Shenyang, Tieling, Wafangdian, Xingcheng, Xinmin, Yingkou, Zhuanghe, Ningxia, Guyuan, Lingwu, Qingtongxia, Shizuishan, Wuzhong, Yinchuan, Zhongwei, Qinghai, Delingha, Golmud, Haidong, Mangnai, Xining, Yushu, Shaanxi, Ankang, Baoji, Binzhou, Hancheng, Hanzhong, Huayin, Shangluo, Shenmu, Tongchuan, Weinan, Xi'an, Xianyang, Xingping, Yan'an, Yulin, Shandong, Anqiu, Binzhou, Changyi, Dezhou, Dongying, Feicheng, Gaomi, Haiyang, Heze, Jiaozhou, Jinan, Jining, Laixi, Laiyang, Laizhou, Leling, Liaocheng, Linqing, Linyi, Longkou, Penglai, Pingdu, Qingdao, Qingzhou, Qixia, Qufu, Rizhao, Rongcheng, Rushan, Shouguang, Tai'an, Tengzhou, Weifang, Weihai, Xintai, Yantai, Yucheng, Zaozhuang, Zhaoyuan, Zhucheng, Zibo, Zoucheng, Zouping, Shanxi, Changzhi, Datong, Fenyang, Gaoping, Gujiao, Hejin, Houma, Huairen, Huozhou, Jiexiu, Jincheng, Jinzhong, Linfen, Lüliang, Shuozhou, Taiyuan, Xiaoyi, Xinzhou, Yangquan, Yongji, Yuncheng, Yuanping, Sichuan, Barkam, Bazhong, Chengdu, Chongzhou, Dazhou, Deyang, Dujiangyan, Emeishan, Guang'an, Guanghan, Guangyuan, Huaying, Jiangyou, Jianyang, Kangding, Langzhong, Leshan, Longchang, Luzhou, Mianzhu, Meishan, Mianyang, Nanchong, Neijiang, Panzhihua, Pengzhou, Qionglai, Shifang, Suining, Wanyuan, Xichang, Ya'an, Yibin, Zigong, Ziyang, Tibet, Lhasa, Nagqu, Nyingchi, Qamdo, Shannan, Xigazê, Xinjiang, Aksu, Alashankou, Altay, Artux, Bole, Changji, Fukang, Hami, Hotan, Karamay, Kashgar, Khorgas, Korla, Kuytun, Tacheng, Turpan, Ürümqi, Wusu, Yining, Aral, Beitun, Kokdala, Kunyu, Shihezi, Shuanghe, Tiemenguan, Tumxuk, Wujiaqu, Yunnan, Anning, Baoshan, Chuxiong, Dali, Gejiu, Jinghong, Kaiyuan, Kunming, Lincang, Lijiang, Lushui, Mangshi, Mengzi, Mile, Pu'er, Qujing, Ruili, Shangri-La, Shuifu, Tengchong, Wenshan, Xuanwei, Yuxi, Zhaotong, Zhejiang, Cixi, Dongyang, Haining, Hangzhou, Huzhou, Jiande, Jiangshan, Jiaxing, Jinhua, Lanxi, Linhai, Lishui, Longquan, Ningbo, Pinghu, Quzhou, Ruian, Shaoxing, Shengzhou, Taizhou, Tongxiang, Wenling, Wenzhou, Yiwu, Yongkang, Yueqing, Yuhuan, Yuyao, Zhoushan, Zhuji, Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong, Macau). Edarabia strives to offer the latest updates, helping you find the best university in China with information on tuition fees, accreditation details, videos, photos, location map, community reviews and ratings.
Edarabia showcases all universities and colleges in China which can be filtered by courses and tuition fees. International students looking to get a degree in China can choose from a diverse range of programs and diplomas and obtain their Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhDs (or MBAs) from some of the top-rated institutions. Some universities also offer online courses through which students can apply for distance learning and get an online degree in certain fields.
Students who require financial aid can apply for scholarships in order to study higher education at a lower cost. Student visas and accommodation are also provided to students at many universities. There are study abroad and exchange programs offered in order to promote language development skills while giving students the opportunity to interact with other cultures around the world. Additionally, each university/college has ratings based on student reviews and are ranked below accordingly.
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