STUDY IN CHINA
Bachelor's and Master's in China Guide
English- and Chinese-taught programs, the CSCA exam required from 2026, the Chinese Government Scholarship, the X1 student visa, the residence permit, work rules and life after graduation — all on one page.
- For the student visa you need the originals of the university's acceptance letter and the JW201/JW202 form; these documents usually arrive by courier, so plan your timeline accordingly.
- The X1 visa is for entry only: after entering China you must apply for a residence permit at your city's Exit-Entry (immigration) office within 30 days.
- On a student residence permit, working or doing an internship off campus is only possible with the school's approval and an endorsement added to your residence permit; full-time work is prohibited.
- From the 2026/27 academic year, a CSCA exam result started to be required for bachelor's applications; check your university's requirement early.
The Chinese Higher-Education System
| Program | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor | Usually 4 years | Longer for some subjects such as medicine. There are Chinese- and English-taught programs. |
| Master | Usually 2–3 years | Thesis programs are common; there are more English-taught options than at bachelor's level. |
| PhD | Usually 3–4 years | Acceptance by a supervisor is important. |
| Chinese preparation | 1 semester – 1 year | Language training to prepare for Chinese-taught programs. |
The academic year starts in September; some programs also have a March intake. "Double First Class" and the C9 League are official groupings that identify China's leading universities; Peking, Zhejiang and Shanghai Jiao Tong are among them.
ContentsBachelor's in China: Admission Requirements
- High school diploma: Being a high school graduate (or in your final year and submitting the diploma at enrolment) and a transcript.
- Age: Many universities and the Chinese Government Scholarship require applicants to be under 25 for a bachelor's.
- CSCA exam: Started to be required for bachelor's applications from 2026/27; according to the official announcement it will be mandatory for all bachelor's applications from 2028. Details below.
- Language certificate: HSK for Chinese-taught programs; for English-taught programs (if English is not your native language) a certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Other documents: Passport, a statement of purpose, usually two reference letters, a health declaration; an interview for some subjects.
- Under 18: A guardian living in China must be provided, and additional documents are required.
| What is the CSCA? | China Scholastic Competency Assessment — an academic competency exam for international students who want to study a bachelor's in China |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Mathematics is compulsory for everyone; physics and chemistry depending on the subject; Chinese for Chinese-taught programs (humanities or science track) |
| Exam language | Mathematics, physics and chemistry in English or Chinese; the Chinese sections in Chinese only |
| Dates | 5 times a year: January, March, April, June, December |
| How is it taken? | Initially mostly online from home; registration and topics at csca.cn |
Bachelor's applications ran from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026 (31 May 2026 for some subjects); an 800 RMB application fee, the under-25 requirement, a CSCA result, a statement of purpose and two reference letters were required.
Master's in China: Admission Requirements
Diploma
A bachelor's degree and transcript (final-year students can apply with a provisional graduation document and submit the diploma at enrolment).
Age
The Chinese Government Scholarship and many universities require applicants to be under 35 for a master's and under 40 for a PhD.
References and plan
Usually two reference letters from professors or associate professors and a detailed study plan / statement of purpose.
Supervisor acceptance
For some programs, a pre-acceptance letter from a faculty member strengthens the application or is required.
Applications are made directly through the university's international student system. Deadlines at leading universities are early (mostly December – March); if you are applying with the Chinese Government Scholarship, these dates are even earlier.
ContentsLanguage Requirements: English or Chinese?
English-taught programs
A certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL is required; the minimum score varies by program. You can start without knowing Chinese, but Chinese courses are part of the curriculum.
Chinese-taught programs
A valid HSK result is required; the level and score vary by subject. Those who graduated from a Chinese-medium high school may be exempt.
Preparation
For those whose HSK level is insufficient, universities have 1-semester to 1-year Chinese preparation programs.
For exam preparation for English-taught programs, you can look at our IELTS and TOEFL lessons.
ContentsTuition Fees and Scholarships
| Tuition | Varies greatly by university, subject and language of instruction; fees are published in RMB in the university's program catalogue |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Depends on the university (example: Zhejiang University 800 RMB, non-refundable) |
| Health insurance | Mandatory; a student without insurance will not be enrolled (example: Zhejiang University 800 RMB / year) |
| Accommodation | A campus dormitory or off-campus rental; dormitory fees vary by university |
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The full scholarship usually covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend and health insurance. Applications are made through campuschina.org.
Type A — Embassy channel
A quota granted through a country-to-country agreement; applicants apply through the competent authority in their country or the Chinese embassy. For Turkey, follow the current announcement from China's Embassy in Ankara.
Type B — University channel
Made directly to the university; deadlines are mostly between December and February.
Other scholarships
University scholarships, provincial/city government scholarships and first-year merit scholarships.
The X1 Student Visa and Residence Permit
- Step 1Acceptance package: The university sends the acceptance letter and the JW201 form (for scholarship holders, such as the Chinese Government Scholarship) or the JW202 form (for self-funded students).
- Step 2Online application: Complete the visa form in the China Online Visa Application System and upload the documents.
- Step 3Submitting documents: Once the online application is confirmed, submit your passport and original documents — to the Embassy in Ankara or the Chinese Visa Application Centre in Istanbul, depending on your region; fingerprints are taken for visas exceeding 180 days.
- Step 4Decision: Normally 4 working days at the embassy; the fee is notified by email after approval.
- Within 30 days of entering ChinaResidence permit: With the university's guidance, an application to the city's Exit-Entry office; a health check if required. The permit is issued to match the length of study.
| Documents specific to X1 | Acceptance letter (original) · JW201 or JW202 form (original) · proof of financial means of at least USD 2,500 per year or a scholarship letter |
|---|---|
| Common documents (Turkish citizens) | A passport valid for at least 6 months · a QR-coded criminal-record certificate and a detailed civil-registry record from e-Devlet · other countries' visas from the last 12 months |
| Under 18 | Parental/guardian consent, a document showing custody and the parents' IDs |
| X1 / X2 difference | X1: study longer than 180 days · X2: study not exceeding 180 days (no residence permit needed) |
| Residence-permit processing | The decision is issued within the validity of the application-receipt document (up to 15 working days) |
Official sources: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ankara — Visa · China's National Immigration Administration (NIA)
ContentsWorking and After Graduation
While studying
Part-time work or an internship off campus requires the university's approval and an endorsement on the residence permit stating the place and duration. Working without the endorsement and doing full-time work are prohibited.
After graduation
Those who earn a master's or higher degree from a university in China can apply for a work permit within 1 year of graduation, if their average is at least 80/100 (or B+/B) and they have a job offer related to their field.
Work permit
The first work permit is issued for 1 year and can then be extended. For bachelor's graduates, the general work-permit requirements (e.g. work experience) apply.
The recognition (denklik) of foreign diplomas is decided by YÖK in Turkey; the university's recognition and the match of your courses with the same department in Turkey are assessed. If you plan to work in Turkey, check the YÖK recognition requirements before choosing a school and department.
Living in China
- Choice of city: The cost of living is high in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen; cities such as Chongqing, Chengdu, Wuhan and Xi'an are usually more affordable.
- Accommodation registration: If you stay off campus (other than a hotel), you must register your accommodation at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival; for those in dormitories, the university usually does this.
- Daily life: Most payments are made with mobile apps (Alipay, WeChat Pay); foreign cards can be added to these apps.
- Language: Even if you study on an English-taught program, basic Chinese makes daily life much easier.
- Residence permit: Renew it before it expires; report any change of address or school to the relevant office.
Sample Timeline: September Entry
- September – November of the previous yearProgram and university selection; IELTS/TOEFL or HSK; registering for the CSCA for a bachelor's; document translations.
- December – FebruaryChinese Government Scholarship and leading-university applications (deadlines are mostly in this period).
- March – MayOther universities' applications, interviews and results.
- June – JulyArrival of the acceptance letter and the JW201/JW202; X1 visa application.
- August – SeptemberArrival in China, enrolment, health check and the residence permit within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do an English-taught bachelor's or master's in China?
Yes. Many universities have English-taught programs; there are especially more options at master's level. A certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL is required, and Chinese courses are part of the curriculum.
What is the CSCA exam, and does everyone have to take it?
The CSCA is an academic competency exam for international students who want to study a bachelor's in China. It started to be required for bachelor's applications from the 2026/27 academic year and will be mandatory for all bachelor's applications from 2028. Mathematics is compulsory for everyone; physics and chemistry are required depending on the subject. It is not required for master's applications.
How much money do I need to show for a Chinese student visa?
For the X1 visa, China's Embassy in Ankara requires proof of financial means of at least USD 2,500 per year depending on the length of study, or a scholarship letter.
What is the difference between the JW201 and JW202 forms?
Both are study-approval forms the university issues with the acceptance. The JW201 is usually given to scholarship students, such as Chinese Government Scholarship holders, and the JW202 to self-funded students. The original form is required for the visa application.
Can I work while studying in China?
Part-time work or an internship off campus is only possible with the university's approval and an endorsement added to the residence permit. Working without the endorsement and full-time work are prohibited.
Who can apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship?
Applicants under 25 for a bachelor's, under 35 for a master's and under 40 for a PhD can apply. Applications are made through campuschina.org; the embassy channel (Type A) or the direct university channel (Type B) can be used.
We're With You for Your Education in China
From choosing a university and program to the application file and IELTS and TOEFL preparation, we have supported students since 2009.
Information was verified on 17 September 2026 from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ankara, China's National Immigration Administration (NIA), the official CSCA announcement, Campus China and universities' official application guides. Requirements and dates vary by university and are updated each year; confirm the current information from official sources and your university before applying.