The education system of China is evolving. Thus PRC has become a leader, especially among foreigners. State investments in this field make Chinese universities quite fancy for students from all over the world. And about 800 establishments are glad to have them. 

What occupations are the top study in China? 

PCR’s top education fields are:

• liberal sciences related to the local language: tutoring, literature, translation;

• business occupations: project management, logistics, international commerce, and economics; 

Also, the state’s technological development allows us to get substantial education in the field of robotics, bioengineering, and biotech. Yet one should be careful with medicine: China has quite a peculiar med sphere,  therefore recognition of diplomas in other countries may become a durable and challenging issue. 

What language is used?

Most Chinese establishments use the national language. There are some English-based educational programs. However, they usually don’t have grants and the price of such programs will be 30% higher than average. Thus foreign students should think of getting on with Chinese beforehand. It could be done:

• individually, with a tutor, or via courses at home;

• via language pre-university year of training;

• via PRC government-supported  courses (e.g. at the embassy, Confucius Institute, etc.);

Successful admission and education require passing an examination and getting at least an HSK-3 cert. This level can be achieved within one year. It presumes a basic conversational level of Chinese and knowledge of 600 hieroglyphs at rough.

What’s the price?

Chinese education is one of the most up-to-date. And one of the cheapest especially compared to the European or USA-based. Studying in PRC will cost around 2000-6000$ USD for one year at the state and about 5000-20000$ USD at a private university. Accommodation will add approximately 1000-1500$ USD per year. Also one should take into account other expenses like food, transportation, educational resources, and leisure. 

What about grants? 

Chinese education grants can be either full or partial. A full grant covers the total cost of education, accommodation, and medical insurance. It also presumes scholarship. Partial one covers up to 70% of the annual program, and all other expenses must be covered by the student. There are up to 20 grant programs for foreign students. For example: 

• Governmental. This is a full grant, available at top-80 Chinese universities. 

• Providential. PRC consists of 34 provinces and 4 municipal units. Thus this format is sponsored by local educational establishments. 

• Confucius Institute grants. They will be a top choice for those determined to study the language or culture of China.

• “One sash — one path” program. This grant is opened within the project of economical and cultural inter-development with the countries of CIS, Africa, and Southern Asia;

• Jasmine grant. Established by the Jiangsu provincial government to admit foreign students to Nanjing. 

• Private companies grants (Xiaomi, Lenovo, Huawei, etc.). They are usually offered to the most diligent and successful students.

How to get a grant? 

A competitive examination is held annually. The entrant must provide a pack of documents that consists of:

• Application for obtaining a grant for education (in Chinese);

• Passport copy’;

• Language level proof certificate;

• Certificate of Education. The GPA is one of the most important aspects of the competition;

• Medical certificate;

• Credential letter signed by two professors or associate professors;

• Motivation letter which reads about the aim of education. For post-graduate or doctoral programs one must also outline the plan for education, the goal of the studies, and personal assessments in the chosen field. 

Willingness to learn the language, history, art, or culture of China is an advantage. 

What are the special features? 

The Chinese education system is quite similar to the standard European one (the so-called Bolongan system). It includes 4-5 years of baccalaureate, 2-3 years of post-graduate, and 3-5 years of the doctoral program. Admission to the baccalaureate is possible after graduating high school and is restricted by the age mark of 25. Post-graduate and doctoral programs are available for those under 40 years of age. But grants are usually offered to young specialists, thus the age restriction is marked by 30-35. Chinese diplomas are accepted in 50 countries of the world.