China

• You can search for programmes and apply to many universities through the official Study in China platform.
• Scholarships are offered by the Chinese government, some provinces and individual universities.
• Master's graduates of Chinese universities can be hired in China within a year of graduating without prior work experience, if they meet set conditions.
• Young STEM graduates can use the K visa, introduced on 1 October 2025, for exchanges, business and start-up activities without an employer or inviting organisation.

Teaching language

Chinese (Mandarin); some programmes are taught in English. Chinese-taught programmes ask for HSK results, and English-taught ones usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL.

Intakes

Most degree programmes start in September, and some universities also have a spring intake (around March). Universities usually take 4–8 weeks to decide on degree applications, so apply well before the start.

Bachelor's

4–5 years

Master's

2–3 years

PhD

Usually 3 years

Apply directly to each university, or online through the Study in China platform, which covers degree and non-degree programmes. You usually need an application form, passport copy, diplomas and transcripts, HSK results (Chinese-taught) or IELTS/TOEFL (English-taught), two recommendation letters for a master's or PhD, a study plan for some programmes, the Foreigner Physical Examination Form and, if self-funded, a financial guarantee. Once admitted, the university sends your admission letter and a JW201 or JW202 form for the visa.

The Admission Notice (admission letter) is issued by your Chinese university, and the JW201 or JW202 form (the 'Visa Application for Study in China' or 'Confirmation Form for Study in China') comes with it; you need both for an X1 study visa.

1. 1

   Step 1: Apply to a Chinese university

   Apply to your chosen university for a degree or non-degree programme. If you want a Chinese Government Scholarship, follow the timetable published by the Chinese embassy in your country.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
2. 2

   Step 2: Get your admission documents

   Once admitted, you receive your Admission Notice and a JW201 or JW202 form; Chinese Government Scholarship winners download the admission notice and JW201 form from the scholarship system. Keep the originals safe, because the visa office may ask to see them.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
3. 3

   Step 3: Choose X1 or X2 visa

   If you will study in China for more than 180 days you need an X1 visa, which requires both the admission letter and the JW201 or JW202 form. For study of 180 days or less you apply for an X2 visa with your admission letter.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
4. 4

   Step 4: Apply at the Chinese visa office

   Complete the online visa application form and submit it with your passport, photo, admission documents and any other papers required by the Chinese embassy, consulate or visa centre that serves where you live. Fingerprints may be taken, and consular officers can ask for more documents or an interview.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
5. 5

   Step 5: Register where you stay

   If you stay anywhere other than a hotel, you or your host must complete accommodation registration within 24 hours of arrival. Since 21 September 2026 this can be done online through the NIA website, the NIA 12367 app or mini programs, as well as at local offices.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
6. 6

   Step 6: Apply for a residence permit

   With an X1 visa, apply within 30 days of entering China for a study residence permit at the public security exit-entry office where you live. You apply in person and give fingerprints, with a letter from your university stating how long you will study; a health certificate is needed if the permit will be valid for more than one year.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)

Visa

X1 student visa (X2 for study of 180 days or less)

You need your admission letter and a JW201 or JW202 form from your university, plus the online visa application form, your passport and a photo. Apply at the Chinese embassy, consulate or visa centre that serves where you live. Within 30 days of arriving you must apply for a study residence permit at the local exit-entry office; if you stay somewhere other than a hotel, you or your host must register your address within 24 hours of arrival (online registration has been available nationwide since 21 September 2026).

While you study

Off-campus work-study or internships are allowed only with your university's approval and after the exit-entry office adds the place and period to your residence permit. Without that note on your permit, you must not work or intern off campus.

After you graduate

Master's (or higher) graduates of Chinese universities can be hired within one year of graduating without work experience if they are 18 or over, have no criminal record, have an average grade of at least 80/100 (or B+/B), and have a job related to their field paying at least the local average wage; quotas apply and the first work permit lasts 1 year. Young STEM graduates with a bachelor's or higher from well-known universities may also use the K visa (since 1 October 2025) for exchanges, business and start-up activities.