Study In China
About China
China: A Land of Rich Culture and Innovation
China, a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern dynamism, beckons students from around the world. With its millennia-old history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities, China offers an unparalleled study experience. Whether you’re drawn to its booming economy, cutting-edge research opportunities, or the chance to immerse yourself in Mandarin and explore diverse cultures, studying in China promises an adventure like no other. In this summarised guide, we’ll delve into why China is an ideal destination, the necessary documents, application process, living costs, and visa application steps. Let’s embark on this educational journey together!
Fast Facts- China
- Territory = 9.6 million km s., 3rd largest in the world.
- Population (2023 estimate) =1.4 billion, largest globally.
- 35 million people live in caves.
- Over 290 Languages, Standard Chinese, Mandarin is official.
- Currency: Yuan (or renminbi).
- The largest education system in the world,
- the world’s fastest-growing economy for over 30 years,
- $35 trillion total GDP (nominal), the highest in the world.
- Said to be the factory of the world.
Why Study In China
Studying in China offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive destination for international students. Here are some compelling reasons to consider:
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Internationally Recognized Degrees:
China is renowned for its large number of international students and prestigious universities offering a wide range of courses and specializations. Students from around the world have expressed interest in studying in China.
In 2019, over half a million students from more than 180 countries traveled to China for degree or non-degree programs.
China is an attractive option for studying abroad, especially given its significant expansion across various disciplines. The country’s top-rated colleges offer diverse degree programs in Asia, leading to increased global recognition and rising international university rankings.
In recent years, China has made substantial investments in its educational system, including providing full scholarships to college students and establishing new academic centers to ensure quality education.
2. Affordable Tuition and Scholarships:
Studying in China is remarkably affordable for international students. Tuition fees are comparatively low, making it an attractive choice for those seeking quality education without a hefty financial burden.
Additionally, China offers various scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, and sometimes living expenses. Daily costs, including housing, food, and transportation, are reasonable, and students can find affordable options both on and off campus.
Furthermore, international students are allowed to work part-time during their studies, providing an opportunity to earn extra income. Overall, China combines affordability with educational excellence, making it a compelling destination for students worldwide.
3. Learn from China’s Development:
Studying in China offers international students the chance to gain a Chinese perspective, merging knowledge from both China and their home countries. This provides students with an advantage in exploring future career opportunities.
They will also gain first-hand experience in a rapidly growing global power. The insights acquired from studying in China can enable students to apply their skills and knowledge to contribute to their own and their country’s economy, addressing complex economic challenges in Africa and globally.
The study abroad experience not only adds an international dimension to a resume but also allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the Chinese market and their ability to adapt to new cultures and environments.
4. Improve Career Prospects:
Having experience in China can be a valuable asset for your future career. Many multinational companies operate in China, and proficiency in Mandarin can open up additional job opportunities.
5. Employment while Pursuing Studies:
Foreign students in China have the opportunity to work, enhancing their income, multicultural exposure, and language skills.
International students are allowed to work 8 hours per week during the semester and 16 hours per week during summer and winter vacations.
Required Documents to Study in China
- Grade 10 and 12 National exams
- High School Transcript (Grade 9-12)
- English proficiency certificate(IELTS or TOEFL)
- Essay/s or study plan(if required)
- Awards & Certificates, if any
- Publications, if any.
- 2-3 Recommendation Letters
- CV
- Sponsorship letter: bank statements
- Medical certificates (if required)
- Police certificate: for some schools
- Passport valid for atleast 1 year. +/- ID
- Recent Photo passport size.
- NB: Make sre that all academic documents are notarized by MOFA of Ethiopia.
- University degree
- Student copy
- English proficiency certificate(IELTS or TOEFL)
- Essay/s or study plan(if required)
- Awards & Certificates, if any
- CV/Resume
- 3 Recommendation Letters
- Publications, if any.
- Sponsorship letter: bank statements
- Medical certificates (if required)
- Police certificate:
- Passport valid for atleast 1 year. +/- ID
- Recent Photo passport size.
- NB: Make sre that all academic documents are notarized by MOFA of Ethiopia.
Application steps, Visa process & more...
Applying to a Chinese university as an international student involves several steps. Here’s are the basic steps:
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Choose a Program & submit application documents.
- Pay processing fee and sign an agreement.
- Pass an online exam/ interview with the university (as required).
- Have your acceptance letter and pre-enrollment certificate.
- Translate your legalized documents in to Chinese.
- Schdeule an appointment to Chinese Embassy in Addis Ababa for your visa process.
- Make an online appointment: Use the website of the Visa Application Center (www.visaforchina.org) for your online appontment to the Embassy.
- Basic application materials needed:
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Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity, 1 blank visa page, and a photocopy of the bio-page.
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COVA Visa Form and photo: Complete COVA Visa Form online at https://cova.mfa.gov.cn and provide 1 recent color photo.
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Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China.
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The original and photocopy of the “Visa Application Form for Foreigners Studying in China” (JW201 or JW202).
- Academic documents (notarized highest diploma & transcripts)
- Visa application fee.
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- Submit your application to Embassy of China:
- usually done in person or by mail.
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Monitor the progress of your visa application through the online portal or by contacting the embassy with the tracking number given.
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Upon approval of your visa, you will be notified to retrieve your passport containing the affixed visa sticker.
- Travel to China:
- Before you leave, you should make sure that you have all the necessary documents and items for your travel and study in China.
After arrival in China:
- at the airport, you will be asked to present your passport, valid visa, your admission notice and JW202/DQ form to the immigration officer.
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It is mandatory to register with the local police station within 24 hours of arriving in China.
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You must apply for a residence permit at the local exit-entry administration bureau within 30 days of arrival.
Foreign students in China have the opportunity to work, enhancing their income, multicultural exposure, and language skills. However, specific regulations must be followed:
– Waiting Period: Working is permitted after completing one year of study.
– Work Hours: 8 hours per week during the semester and 16 hours per week during summer and winter vacations. you can earn upto 20-50 RBM per hour.
– Requirements: Valid residence permit, satisfactory academic progress, clean criminal record, and adherence to college/university regulations and Chinese laws.
Part-time job opportunities for international students in China include teaching English, translation, voice recording, photography, graphic design, legal assistance, hospitality, and freelancing.
Wages for foreign students working part-time in China vary:
– Minimum Wage: Most part-time jobs pay at least the minimum wage.
– Average Earnings: Typically between 2,000 and 5,000 ($280-$700) RMB per month for law-abiding foreign student workers.
– Urban Employees: The average annual wage for urban non-private sector employees in China was 106,837 yuan in 2021.
– Overall Range: The average monthly salary in China ranges from 7,410 to 131,000 Yuan.
The cost of living in China varies by city. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $500 per month, while outside the city center, it’s approximately $300. Inexpensive meals cost $3 to $5, and mid-range dining options go up to $7 to $10. Coastal cities like Shanghai and Beijing have higher living costs, ranging from $1,000 to $1,200 per month, including accommodation. Other cities are more affordable, with costs around $500 to $900 if living on campus .
