Quick answer
For an English-taught degree in China they usually ask for age 18 to 25, a high school diploma, an English certificate (for example IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 80), an official medical exam and, depending on the university, recommendation letters and a study plan. Tuition ranges from 25,500 to 40,000 yuan a year and you enter on an X1 visa.
Many Chinese universities offer full degrees in English for international students. You don't need to know Chinese to get in, but you do need to meet fairly strict document requirements. This is what they usually ask for a bachelor degree. Each university has its own rules, so always check that year's admissions guide.
Basic requirements
- Not hold Chinese nationality and have a valid passport.
- Age: usually between 18 and 25 for bachelor degrees. Applicants under 18 need a guardian or a power of attorney.
- High school diploma and transcripts.
- Good health, confirmed by an official medical exam.
English level
Universities usually ask for one of these certificates, still valid. As a reference, a university in Shenzhen asks for the following in 2026: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 80 or Duolingo 100. Others accept a letter from your school stating you studied in English. If English is your native language, you may be exempt.
Documents you will be asked for
- Passport copy and passport photo.
- High school diploma and transcripts, translated into English or Chinese and notarised if they are in Spanish.
- English certificate.
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form, signed by a doctor.
- At some universities: a CV, two recommendation letters, a study plan of about 500 words and a police clearance certificate.
How much it costs
These are actual figures published by Chinese universities in their recent guides:
- Bachelor tuition: between 25,500 and 40,000 yuan a year, depending on the programme. Medicine and arts are usually the most expensive.
- Dorm: from under 200 yuan a month in shared rooms up to about 1,300 for a single room, depending on the campus.
- Health insurance: about 800 yuan a year.
- Application fee: between 400 and 800 yuan, non-refundable.
Dates and visa
Classes start in September and most universities take applications between November and June or July. If you are accepted, they send you the admission letter and the JW202 form. With those documents, your passport and the medical exam you get the X1 student visa at the Chinese consulate. Once in China, you have 30 days to convert it into a residence permit.
My advice
The most common mistake is the paperwork: a poor translation or a missing stamp can sink your application or delay your visa. Start preparing everything at least six months ahead. And even if you study in English, learning some Chinese will make life there much easier.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know Chinese to study in China?
No, if you choose an English-taught programme. Even so, learning the basics makes daily life much easier.
Which visa do I need to study in China?
The X1 visa for studies longer than six months. You apply with the admission letter, the JW202 form and the medical exam, and on arrival you convert it into a residence permit within 30 days.
When should I apply?
Classes start in September and most universities accept applications between November and June or July. It's best to start preparing your documents six months ahead.
Sources
- Shenzhen University – International undergraduate admissions 2026
- Dalian University of Technology – English-taught bachelor programs
Updated on 15 October 2026.
About the author
Giovanni Guadalupe
Consultant in digital marketing, imports from China and studying in Russia and China. I took my degree in Moscow, a master's in Minsk and another in Barcelona, and I speak Spanish, English and Russian.
