Step 1: Plan your study

When you decided to study in China, you need to figure out two questions. One is what program do you want to apply. Two is which university you should go.

Choose a program

What do you want to learn? Chinese, Architecture, or Biological Science? There are thousands of choices for you, you have to decide which one you want to take and what is your level of study. In terms of your interest and capability, choose a program that fits you the most.

Choose a university

Once you have figured out what you want to learn in China, it’s time for you to choose the right place to go. Different universities have quite different teaching levels and courses for your program. What’s more, you have to find the right city, suitable tuition fees, appropriate scholarships when you are choosing from universities.

Step 2: Apply to universities

After making your choices, you should enter the application process and pay attention to following things:

Figure out the eligibility of the program in the university

Different programs in difference universities may have different eligibility for the applicants. In general, universities have admission requirements on the applicants' identity, physical condition, educational background, academic performance, language proficiency and age.

Applicants need to carefully check Chinese universities' admission book. For example, the Chinese program in some universities may have higher requirements on the applicants' level of HSK than other programs. In general, Chinese universities will give preference to applicants whose HSK level is between IV to V. Some may have detailed requirements on the total points or scores of each subject.

Fill in application form

Once you have decided the program and university, it’s time for you to enter the application process. First of all, you need to fill in the application form and submit your detailed information according to the requirements of the university. Generally speaking, you can directly download the application form at the website for international admission of each university or get it by registering an account in the international student service system provided by each university.

Prepare for application materials

After getting the feedback from the university that you applied for, you need to prepare for the application materials in accordance with the requirements of university. Generally, printed application form, transcripts of academic achievements, results of tests or certificates that can prove the educational background, documents that can prove the nationality, identity and age are required by the university.

Keep up with application process

Applicants need to keep up with the application process, pay attention to the notice timely or the email and phone call from the university you applied for. If the application materials are incomplete, the school will notify you to submit supplementary materials. Some universities will also have integrative test for the applicants. Most importantly, be sure to pay attention to when the results are issued, especially the offer or the rejection letter.

Step 3: Apply for visa

Once you have received the acceptance letter, you need to apply for the visa studying in China.

In terms of your level of study and the time you need to stay in China, you should figure out that which visa category is the most appropriate for your application. F, L, X visa is common for international students to study in China.

Step 4: Before departure

After you have finished the application process and successfully applied your university, you can prepare for your journey to China. You will need to do following things:

Prepare your luggage

Be sure to take the electronic devices, bedding, toiletries, clothing, common drugs, cash in RMB, valid passport and visa and your person documents as well as the materials university asked.

Book ticket

According to the admission time, you should book your flight tickets in advance. There are different ways for booking tickets. You can directly go to the airport, call the airlines on the phone, or book tickets online.

Buying insurance

While studying in China, international students need to buy medical insurance and personal accident insurance. You can purchase it either in your own country or in China. To date, most of Chinese universities will provide the guidance of medical insurance purchase, claims and other related services for international students.

Taking physical examination

Before registration, university will ask international students to take physical examination in order to make sure they are in good health condition. In terms of the requirements of the university, you can take the examination in your home country and or at the designated hospital in China.

Book airport pick-up service

Considering that international students are unfamiliar with transportation in China and the location of the school, it is recommended to book an airport pick-up service. You can contact the local agency to book this service or contact your university for assistance.

Book accommodation

Universities will provide students' dormitories for international students. There will be different types of dormitories at different prices. Students need to book in advance. If there is no dormitory within the campus, students should book other accommodation by themselves off campus.

Money transfer

The foreign currencies carried by international students can be changed into Chinese RMB at nearby banks after arriving in school. You can also open an RMB bank account in China. You can bring the following currencies and convert them into RMB: GBP, HKD, USD, EUR, JPY, Canadian dollar, Australia dollar. In China, as only the Bank of China provide such exchange service, check its official website to see the banking outlets.

Step 5: After arrival

After arriving in China, you should reach your university and complete the registration.

Reach your university

When you arrived in China, you should find ways and take transportation tools to reach your university. Taxi, bus, subway are common options. As mentioned, the airport pick-up service is recommended.

Complete the registration

Students should complete the registration according to the arrangements by the universities. The university may ask you to submit some documents or fill in some forms or register your information online on their websites. Please follow the instructions of the university and the teachers in charge.

Source: Study China