Emily C.
United States · Age 28
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Tsinghua University · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Engineering and technology
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
Beijing Government Scholarship9 months to admission
Wanted to live in a major Chinese city and gain experience international employers value — chose a programme with a strong practical side.
Liam M.
United States · Age 24
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Renmin University of China · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Economics
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
Self-funded7 months to admission
Wanted a career connected to Asia. Studying in China was the logical step, and a way to learn the language at the same time.
Olivia R.
United States · Age 19
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Sun Yat-sen University · Guangzhou
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Business administration
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
University scholarship — 50% of tuition7 months to admission
Wanted a career connected to Asia. Studying in China was the logical step, and a way to learn the language at the same time.
Noah T.
United States · Age 26
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Tongji University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Sustainable urban development
- Started from
- HSK 5
Shanghai Government Scholarship8 months to admission
Wanted the China experience without overpaying. A clear programme and budget made the decision quick.
Sophia W.
United States · Age 22
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Southwestern University of Finance and Economics · Chengdu
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Economics and finance
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
University scholarship — 50% of tuition8 months to admission
Visa, translations and deadlines were the main worry. Broken down step by step, the process stopped looking difficult.
Ethan B.
United States · Age 25
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Xi'an Jiaotong University · Xi'an
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Energy
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
CSC government scholarship — full3 months to admission
Started from zero Chinese. What mattered was getting into the language environment and practising daily.
Ava H.
United States · Age 18
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Engineering
- Started from
- HSK 4
Shanghai Government Scholarship6 months to admission
Visa, translations and deadlines were the main worry. Broken down step by step, the process stopped looking difficult.
Mason K.
United States · Age 20
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Beijing Normal University · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
University scholarship — 50% of tuition5 months to admission
Planned early to make the scholarship deadlines, which left time to prepare the motivation letter and references properly.
Isabella G.
United States · Age 20
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Xiamen University · Xiamen
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Finance
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Provincial or city scholarship — partial7 months to admission
The paperwork looked overwhelming until it was broken into steps. The pre-submission check made the biggest difference.
Lucas P.
United States · Age 25
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Nanjing University · Nanjing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 2
Self-funded7 months to admission
Chose the city by cost of living as well as university ranking — keeping the budget down without giving up quality.
Mia S.
United States · Age 20
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Harbin Institute of Technology · Harbin
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Mechanical engineering
- Started from
- HSK 4
University scholarship — full tuition5 months to admission
Started from zero Chinese. What mattered was getting into the language environment and practising daily.
James D.
United States · Age 25
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Xiamen University · Xiamen
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded8 months to admission
Looked for the country where the industry moves fastest. China gave access to the sector, large companies and international projects.
Charlotte N.
United States · Age 28
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Shanghai University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- International trade
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
University scholarship — full tuition8 months to admission
Chose the city by cost of living as well as university ranking — keeping the budget down without giving up quality.
Benjamin L.
United States · Age 20
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Xiamen University · Xiamen
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Finance
- Started from
- IELTS 6.0
University scholarship — 50% of tuition6 months to admission
Visa, translations and deadlines were the main worry. Broken down step by step, the process stopped looking difficult.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Fudan University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Economics
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Self-funded8 months to admission
Started from zero Chinese. What mattered was getting into the language environment and practising daily.
William C.
Canada · Age 22
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Wuhan University · Wuhan
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Public policy
- Started from
- HSK 5
Self-funded3 months to admission
The scholarship was the deciding factor. The odds looked slim at first, but a strong document package changed that.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Zhejiang University · Hangzhou
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
University scholarship — full tuition4 months to admission
Visa, translations and deadlines were the main worry. Broken down step by step, the process stopped looking difficult.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Beijing Institute of Technology · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Computer science
- Started from
- IELTS 6.0
Self-funded4 months to admission
A high HSK level wasn't an option at the start. The language year gave a safe entry and time to prepare for the next step.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Tongji University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Sustainable urban development
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
Shanghai Government Scholarship9 months to admission
Having every form and translation checked by the curator saved time and cut the risk of a rejection on technicalities.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Tsinghua University · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Engineering and technology
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
Self-funded6 months to admission
Chose the city by cost of living as well as university ranking — keeping the budget down without giving up quality.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Southwestern University of Finance and Economics · Chengdu
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Economics and finance
- Started from
- IELTS 6.0
Provincial or city scholarship — partial9 months to admission
The paperwork looked overwhelming until it was broken into steps. The pre-submission check made the biggest difference.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Xi'an Jiaotong University · Xi'an
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 2
Self-funded4 months to admission
A strong university and an international environment were the goal. After comparing several cities, the choice went to the one that fit the career best.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- University of International Business and Economics · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- International business
- Started from
- IELTS 6.0
Provincial or city scholarship — partial5 months to admission
Started from zero Chinese. What mattered was getting into the language environment and practising daily.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Shanghai International Studies University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded4 months to admission
The engineering and technology environment was the main criterion — China came out ahead on labs and industry links.
Amelia B.
United Kingdom · Age 24
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Nanjing University · Nanjing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 2
Self-funded5 months to admission
Needed an English-taught programme with an international intake, and the option to study Chinese alongside.
Oliver H.
United Kingdom · Age 24
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Nankai University · Tianjin
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded8 months to admission
A high HSK level wasn't an option at the start. The language year gave a safe entry and time to prepare for the next step.
Isla C.
United Kingdom · Age 19
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Donghua University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Design and innovation
- Started from
- HSK 4
Self-funded7 months to admission
A high HSK level wasn't an option at the start. The language year gave a safe entry and time to prepare for the next step.
George W.
United Kingdom · Age 28
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Zhejiang University · Hangzhou
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Self-funded6 months to admission
Visa, translations and deadlines were the main worry. Broken down step by step, the process stopped looking difficult.
Freya M.
United Kingdom · Age 25
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Beijing Normal University · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded3 months to admission
The engineering and technology environment was the main criterion — China came out ahead on labs and industry links.
Harry T.
United Kingdom · Age 22
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Southwestern University of Finance and Economics · Chengdu
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Economics and finance
- Started from
- HSK 4
Self-funded4 months to admission
Wanted a career connected to Asia. Studying in China was the logical step, and a way to learn the language at the same time.
Grace P.
United Kingdom · Age 25
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Wuhan University · Wuhan
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded8 months to admission
Chose the city by cost of living as well as university ranking — keeping the budget down without giving up quality.
Camille D.
France · Age 19
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Beijing Institute of Technology · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Computer science
- Started from
- IELTS 6.0
Beijing Government Scholarship4 months to admission
Having every form and translation checked by the curator saved time and cut the risk of a rejection on technicalities.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Peking University · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- International relations
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
University scholarship — full tuition6 months to admission
Looked for an English-taught programme with Chinese alongside — that format worked best.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Beijing Jiaotong University · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Logistics and transport
- Started from
- HSK 5
Beijing Government Scholarship3 months to admission
A high HSK level wasn't an option at the start. The language year gave a safe entry and time to prepare for the next step.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Renmin University of China · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Economics
- Started from
- HSK 5
Self-funded4 months to admission
The engineering and technology environment was the main criterion — China came out ahead on labs and industry links.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Southwestern University of Finance and Economics · Chengdu
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Finance
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Self-funded3 months to admission
Wanted a career connected to Asia. Studying in China was the logical step, and a way to learn the language at the same time.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Engineering
- Started from
- IELTS 6.0
Self-funded9 months to admission
Only considered Beijing and Shanghai at first — the comparison surfaced strong options in other cities too.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Nankai University · Tianjin
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 2
Provincial or city scholarship — partial6 months to admission
Looked for an English-taught programme with Chinese alongside — that format worked best.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Southwestern University of Finance and Economics · Chengdu
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Finance
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
University scholarship — 50% of tuition7 months to admission
The aim was a degree from a strong Asian university and work connected to China, so a specialised programme was the priority.
Sophie M.
Germany · Age 20
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Harbin Institute of Technology · Harbin
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Mechanical engineering
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
University scholarship — 50% of tuition7 months to admission
Only considered Beijing and Shanghai at first — the comparison surfaced strong options in other cities too.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Nanjing University · Nanjing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- International business
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Provincial or city scholarship — partial8 months to admission
A high HSK level wasn't an option at the start. The language year gave a safe entry and time to prepare for the next step.
Leonie B.
Germany · Age 28
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Beijing Institute of Technology · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Data science
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
Self-funded3 months to admission
Chose the city by cost of living as well as university ranking — keeping the budget down without giving up quality.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Tongji University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Sustainable urban development
- Started from
- HSK 5
Shanghai Government Scholarship5 months to admission
Looked for the country where the industry moves fastest. China gave access to the sector, large companies and international projects.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Zhejiang University · Hangzhou
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 2
Self-funded8 months to admission
Compared China with Europe and the US. On cost, technology and career prospects the Chinese programme came out ahead.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Nanjing University · Nanjing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- No Chinese at the start
University scholarship — 50% of tuition9 months to admission
Visa, translations and deadlines were the main worry. Broken down step by step, the process stopped looking difficult.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Harbin Institute of Technology · Harbin
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Mechanical engineering
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
University scholarship — 50% of tuition9 months to admission
Chose the city by cost of living as well as university ranking — keeping the budget down without giving up quality.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Sichuan University · Chengdu
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded5 months to admission
Looked for the country where the industry moves fastest. China gave access to the sector, large companies and international projects.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Beijing Language and Culture University · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 2
Self-funded5 months to admission
A grant and a dorm place mattered. Several applications went out and the best result was taken.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Shanghai International Studies University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 2
Self-funded6 months to admission
Only considered Beijing and Shanghai at first — the comparison surfaced strong options in other cities too.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Xi'an Jiaotong University · Xi'an
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Energy
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Self-funded7 months to admission
Needed an English-taught programme with an international intake, and the option to study Chinese alongside.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Beijing Language and Culture University · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded5 months to admission
Started from zero Chinese. What mattered was getting into the language environment and practising daily.
SVSanne V.
Netherlands · Age 25
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Renmin University of China · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Economics
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
Self-funded8 months to admission
The scholarship was the deciding factor. The odds looked slim at first, but a strong document package changed that.
DJDaan J.
Netherlands · Age 21
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Beijing Normal University · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- No Chinese at the start
Self-funded8 months to admission
Chose the city by cost of living as well as university ranking — keeping the budget down without giving up quality.
EDEva D.
Netherlands · Age 18
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Zhejiang University · Hangzhou
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded5 months to admission
Wanted a career connected to Asia. Studying in China was the logical step, and a way to learn the language at the same time.
ZKZuzanna K.
Poland · Age 21
- Level
- Language year
- University
- East China Normal University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- No Chinese at the start
University scholarship — full tuition4 months to admission
Looked for the country where the industry moves fastest. China gave access to the sector, large companies and international projects.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Sichuan University · Chengdu
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Biomedical engineering
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
University scholarship — full tuition5 months to admission
The scholarship was the deciding factor. The odds looked slim at first, but a strong document package changed that.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Donghua University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Design and innovation
- Started from
- HSK 4
Self-funded6 months to admission
Compared China with Europe and the US. On cost, technology and career prospects the Chinese programme came out ahead.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Beihang University · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Aerospace engineering
- Started from
- IELTS 6.0
Self-funded5 months to admission
Started from zero Chinese. What mattered was getting into the language environment and practising daily.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Wuhan University · Wuhan
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- No Chinese at the start
Self-funded8 months to admission
A high HSK level wasn't an option at the start. The language year gave a safe entry and time to prepare for the next step.
LMLena M.
Switzerland · Age 22
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Zhejiang University · Hangzhou
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- No Chinese at the start
Self-funded8 months to admission
A strong university and an international environment were the goal. After comparing several cities, the choice went to the one that fit the career best.
NBNoah B.
Switzerland · Age 26
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Zhejiang University · Hangzhou
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship4 months to admission
A grant and a dorm place mattered. Several applications went out and the best result was taken.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Donghua University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Design and innovation
- Started from
- HSK 4
University scholarship — 50% of tuition3 months to admission
Only considered Beijing and Shanghai at first — the comparison surfaced strong options in other cities too.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Tongji University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Architecture and urban development
- Started from
- HSK 5
Self-funded6 months to admission
Wanted the China experience without overpaying. A clear programme and budget made the decision quick.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Wuhan University · Wuhan
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- International relations
- Started from
- HSK 4
University scholarship — 50% of tuition3 months to admission
The paperwork looked overwhelming until it was broken into steps. The pre-submission check made the biggest difference.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Nanjing University · Nanjing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- International business
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
CSC government scholarship — full6 months to admission
Compared China with Europe and the US. On cost, technology and career prospects the Chinese programme came out ahead.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Engineering
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
University scholarship — full tuition8 months to admission
Chose the city by cost of living as well as university ranking — keeping the budget down without giving up quality.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Shenzhen University · Shenzhen
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Artificial intelligence
- Started from
- HSK 5
University scholarship — full tuition4 months to admission
The scholarship was the deciding factor. The odds looked slim at first, but a strong document package changed that.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Beijing Institute of Technology · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Data science
- Started from
- HSK 5
Beijing Government Scholarship5 months to admission
Wanted to live in a major Chinese city and gain experience international employers value — chose a programme with a strong practical side.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Computer science
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Provincial or city scholarship — partial5 months to admission
Having every form and translation checked by the curator saved time and cut the risk of a rejection on technicalities.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Sun Yat-sen University · Guangzhou
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Business administration
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
University scholarship — 50% of tuition5 months to admission
The paperwork looked overwhelming until it was broken into steps. The pre-submission check made the biggest difference.
MJMikkel J.
Denmark · Age 21
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Southwestern University of Finance and Economics · Chengdu
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Economics and finance
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
CSC government scholarship — full9 months to admission
Compared China with Europe and the US. On cost, technology and career prospects the Chinese programme came out ahead.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Wuhan University · Wuhan
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Public policy
- Started from
- HSK 5
Provincial or city scholarship — partial5 months to admission
Wanted a career connected to Asia. Studying in China was the logical step, and a way to learn the language at the same time.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Beijing Language and Culture University · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- No Chinese at the start
Self-funded6 months to admission
A high HSK level wasn't an option at the start. The language year gave a safe entry and time to prepare for the next step.
LDLouise D.
Belgium · Age 21
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Xiamen University · Xiamen
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Finance
- Started from
- HSK 4
University scholarship — 50% of tuition9 months to admission
Started from zero Chinese. What mattered was getting into the language environment and practising daily.
AVArthur V.
Belgium · Age 18
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Nanjing University · Nanjing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- No Chinese at the start
University scholarship — full tuition4 months to admission
Wanted to live in a major Chinese city and gain experience international employers value — chose a programme with a strong practical side.
TNTereza N.
Czechia · Age 21
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Sun Yat-sen University · Guangzhou
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
University scholarship — 50% of tuition7 months to admission
Having every form and translation checked by the curator saved time and cut the risk of a rejection on technicalities.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Wuhan University · Wuhan
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded3 months to admission
Wanted to live in a major Chinese city and gain experience international employers value — chose a programme with a strong practical side.
EKEszter K.
Hungary · Age 24
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Shanghai University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- International trade
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
Self-funded7 months to admission
The paperwork looked overwhelming until it was broken into steps. The pre-submission check made the biggest difference.
APAndrei P.
Romania · Age 20
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Nankai University · Tianjin
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- No Chinese at the start
Self-funded3 months to admission
Planned early to make the scholarship deadlines, which left time to prepare the motivation letter and references properly.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Beijing Institute of Technology · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Data science
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Beijing Government Scholarship8 months to admission
Needed an English-taught programme with an international intake, and the option to study Chinese alongside.
JKJiwoo K.
South Korea · Age 23
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Computer science
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Shanghai Government Scholarship7 months to admission
Started from zero Chinese. What mattered was getting into the language environment and practising daily.
MLMinjun L.
South Korea · Age 24
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Zhejiang University · Hangzhou
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 2
Self-funded3 months to admission
Wanted the China experience without overpaying. A clear programme and budget made the decision quick.
SPSeoyeon P.
South Korea · Age 18
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Sun Yat-sen University · Guangzhou
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Business administration
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Self-funded8 months to admission
Visa, translations and deadlines were the main worry. Broken down step by step, the process stopped looking difficult.
HJHyunwoo J.
South Korea · Age 20
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Donghua University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Design and innovation
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Provincial or city scholarship — partial3 months to admission
Chose the city by cost of living as well as university ranking — keeping the budget down without giving up quality.
YCYuna C.
South Korea · Age 18
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Wuhan University · Wuhan
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded3 months to admission
The scholarship was the deciding factor. The odds looked slim at first, but a strong document package changed that.
PSPimchanok S.
Thailand · Age 21
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Xiamen University · Xiamen
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Finance
- Started from
- HSK 5
Self-funded7 months to admission
Compared China with Europe and the US. On cost, technology and career prospects the Chinese programme came out ahead.
NKNattapong K.
Thailand · Age 22
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Peking University · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- International relations
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
Beijing Government Scholarship3 months to admission
The paperwork looked overwhelming until it was broken into steps. The pre-submission check made the biggest difference.
STSiriporn T.
Thailand · Age 22
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Beijing Language and Culture University · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- No Chinese at the start
Self-funded3 months to admission
Wanted to live in a major Chinese city and gain experience international employers value — chose a programme with a strong practical side.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Shenzhen University · Shenzhen
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Artificial intelligence
- Started from
- HSK 5
University scholarship — 50% of tuition6 months to admission
Visa, translations and deadlines were the main worry. Broken down step by step, the process stopped looking difficult.
AKAyesha K.
Pakistan · Age 23
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Sun Yat-sen University · Guangzhou
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded3 months to admission
Wanted to live in a major Chinese city and gain experience international employers value — chose a programme with a strong practical side.
ARAhmed R.
Pakistan · Age 22
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Tsinghua University · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Engineering and technology
- Started from
- HSK 5
Self-funded5 months to admission
Wanted to live in a major Chinese city and gain experience international employers value — chose a programme with a strong practical side.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Shanghai International Studies University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- No Chinese at the start
Provincial or city scholarship — partial7 months to admission
Looked for an English-taught programme with Chinese alongside — that format worked best.
BHBilal H.
Pakistan · Age 25
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Xiamen University · Xiamen
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 2
University scholarship — full tuition7 months to admission
Planned early to make the scholarship deadlines, which left time to prepare the motivation letter and references properly.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Beijing Normal University · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 2
Self-funded6 months to admission
A strong university and an international environment were the goal. After comparing several cities, the choice went to the one that fit the career best.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Beihang University · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Aerospace engineering
- Started from
- IELTS 6.0
Beijing Government Scholarship5 months to admission
A high HSK level wasn't an option at the start. The language year gave a safe entry and time to prepare for the next step.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Fudan University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Economics
- Started from
- HSK 4
Self-funded4 months to admission
Chose the city by cost of living as well as university ranking — keeping the budget down without giving up quality.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Beijing Jiaotong University · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Logistics and transport
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Beijing Government Scholarship3 months to admission
Wanted a career connected to Asia. Studying in China was the logical step, and a way to learn the language at the same time.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Fudan University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Economics
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
CSC government scholarship — full3 months to admission
Chose the city by cost of living as well as university ranking — keeping the budget down without giving up quality.
RSRizky S.
Indonesia · Age 22
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Xiamen University · Xiamen
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Finance
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
University scholarship — 50% of tuition5 months to admission
Looked for an English-taught programme with Chinese alongside — that format worked best.
NRNadia R.
Indonesia · Age 24
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Fudan University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Media and communications
- Started from
- HSK 5
Shanghai Government Scholarship4 months to admission
A strong university and an international environment were the goal. After comparing several cities, the choice went to the one that fit the career best.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Xiamen University · Xiamen
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
University scholarship — 50% of tuition5 months to admission
The paperwork looked overwhelming until it was broken into steps. The pre-submission check made the biggest difference.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Sun Yat-sen University · Guangzhou
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Provincial or city scholarship — partial9 months to admission
Planned early to make the scholarship deadlines, which left time to prepare the motivation letter and references properly.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Shenzhen University · Shenzhen
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Artificial intelligence
- Started from
- IELTS 6.0
CSC government scholarship — full9 months to admission
Wanted to live in a major Chinese city and gain experience international employers value — chose a programme with a strong practical side.
AKAruzhan K.
Kazakhstan · Age 18
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Nanjing University · Nanjing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- No Chinese at the start
Self-funded4 months to admission
Wanted to live in a major Chinese city and gain experience international employers value — chose a programme with a strong practical side.
DSDias S.
Kazakhstan · Age 20
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Donghua University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Design and innovation
- Started from
- HSK 4
Self-funded7 months to admission
The engineering and technology environment was the main criterion — China came out ahead on labs and industry links.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Sun Yat-sen University · Guangzhou
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded6 months to admission
Visa, translations and deadlines were the main worry. Broken down step by step, the process stopped looking difficult.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- University of International Business and Economics · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- International business
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Beijing Government Scholarship6 months to admission
Only considered Beijing and Shanghai at first — the comparison surfaced strong options in other cities too.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Shanghai University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- International trade
- Started from
- HSK 5
Shanghai Government Scholarship5 months to admission
Wanted a career connected to Asia. Studying in China was the logical step, and a way to learn the language at the same time.
DTDaniel T.
Malaysia · Age 19
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Donghua University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Design and innovation
- Started from
- HSK 5
University scholarship — 50% of tuition8 months to admission
The paperwork looked overwhelming until it was broken into steps. The pre-submission check made the biggest difference.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Donghua University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Design and innovation
- Started from
- IELTS 6.0
Shanghai Government Scholarship9 months to admission
Needed an English-taught programme with an international intake, and the option to study Chinese alongside.
TETemuulen E.
Mongolia · Age 20
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Xiamen University · Xiamen
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 2
Self-funded5 months to admission
The scholarship was the deciding factor. The odds looked slim at first, but a strong document package changed that.
AOAdaeze O.
Nigeria · Age 20
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Beijing Normal University · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 2
Provincial or city scholarship — partial5 months to admission
Chose the city by cost of living as well as university ranking — keeping the budget down without giving up quality.
CNChinedu N.
Nigeria · Age 18
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Fudan University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Economics
- Started from
- IELTS 6.5
Shanghai Government Scholarship8 months to admission
Wanted to live in a major Chinese city and gain experience international employers value — chose a programme with a strong practical side.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Tongji University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Architecture and urban development
- Started from
- IELTS 6.0
Shanghai Government Scholarship9 months to admission
A strong university and an international environment were the goal. After comparing several cities, the choice went to the one that fit the career best.
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- University of International Business and Economics · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- International business
- Started from
- HSK 5
University scholarship — 50% of tuition3 months to admission
Looked for the country where the industry moves fastest. China gave access to the sector, large companies and international projects.
TMThandi M.
South Africa · Age 23
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Wuhan University · Wuhan
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Public policy
- Started from
- HSK 5
University scholarship — 50% of tuition3 months to admission
Looked for an English-taught programme with Chinese alongside — that format worked best.
MAMekdes A.
Ethiopia · Age 19
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Zhejiang University · Hangzhou
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- International economics
- Started from
- HSK 5
Self-funded7 months to admission
The aim was a degree from a strong Asian university and work connected to China, so a specialised programme was the priority.
AJAmani J.
Tanzania · Age 22
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Sichuan University · Chengdu
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Biomedical engineering
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
University scholarship — 50% of tuition5 months to admission
Planned early to make the scholarship deadlines, which left time to prepare the motivation letter and references properly.
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Wuhan University · Wuhan
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Public policy
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
University scholarship — 50% of tuition9 months to admission
Looked for an English-taught programme with Chinese alongside — that format worked best.
OHOlivia H.
Australia · Age 25
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Southwestern University of Finance and Economics · Chengdu
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Finance
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
University scholarship — 50% of tuition7 months to admission
Wanted to live in a major Chinese city and gain experience international employers value — chose a programme with a strong practical side.
JWJack W.
Australia · Age 26
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Xi'an Jiaotong University · Xi'an
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Energy
- Started from
- HSK 5
Provincial or city scholarship — partial3 months to admission
Started from zero Chinese. What mattered was getting into the language environment and practising daily.
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Nanjing University · Nanjing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
University scholarship — 50% of tuition4 months to admission
The engineering and technology environment was the main criterion — China came out ahead on labs and industry links.
STSophie T.
New Zealand · Age 25
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Tsinghua University · Beijing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Engineering and technology
- Started from
- HSK 5
Self-funded9 months to admission
The paperwork looked overwhelming until it was broken into steps. The pre-submission check made the biggest difference.
MSMariana S.
Brazil · Age 19
- Level
- Bachelor's
- University
- Beijing Jiaotong University · Beijing
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- Logistics and transport
- Started from
- IELTS 6.0
Provincial or city scholarship — partial4 months to admission
A grant and a dorm place mattered. Several applications went out and the best result was taken.
GAGabriel A.
Brazil · Age 19
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Nanjing University · Nanjing
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded7 months to admission
Looked for the country where the industry moves fastest. China gave access to the sector, large companies and international projects.
VGValeria G.
Mexico · Age 19
- Level
- Language year
- University
- Nankai University · Tianjin
- Taught in
- Chinese
- Programme
- Chinese language year
- Started from
- HSK 1
Self-funded8 months to admission
Wanted to live in a major Chinese city and gain experience international employers value — chose a programme with a strong practical side.
MFMateo F.
Argentina · Age 26
- Level
- Master's
- University
- Shanghai University · Shanghai
- Taught in
- English
- Programme
- International trade
- Started from
- IELTS 7.0
Provincial or city scholarship — partial6 months to admission
Visa, translations and deadlines were the main worry. Broken down step by step, the process stopped looking difficult.
