Subject guide
Chinese Language Programs in China and Abroad
Chinese language study can be a short course, a preparatory year, or a full degree. Learn how to match the format to your goals and verify requirements before applying.
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Last verified 10/01/2026. Admission, tuition, scholarship, and visa information can change. Use this guide to compare options, then confirm current details with the university and official sources such as China Scholarship Council (CSC), Chinese Testing International (HSK), Chinese embassies and consulates, The international office of the university you apply to before applying.
Course, preparatory year or degree
Chinese language study comes in several formats. Short non-degree courses focus on building skills, preparatory years prepare you for a degree taught in Chinese, and language-related degrees treat Chinese as a subject of study. Decide whether you need the language as a tool, a pathway into another degree, or a field in itself. That choice shapes length, cost, and visa category.
HSK and proficiency levels
The HSK is the standard test used for Chinese proficiency, and many degree programs taught in Chinese ask for a specific level. Check which level your target program expects and how long a test result stays valid. If you are starting from zero, ask the program how their courses map to the test levels and how progress is assessed.
Choosing a city and university
Living costs, climate, and the local accent differ between cities. Consider how much exposure to everyday Chinese you want, and look at class sizes, teaching hours, and support for international students. Compare these points across two or three shortlisted universities, and ask the international office about anything that is unclear before you commit to a city or a start date.
- Number of weekly class hours and the level system
- Accommodation options for language students
- Support for visas and registration
- Pathways from the course into a degree
Scholarships and costs
Some scholarships cover language study and others only fund degree programs, so read the provider's current terms. The China Scholarship Council and individual universities publish their own conditions. Budget for the whole period, including living costs, and verify any scholarship in writing before committing.
Visa category and length of stay
The type of visa you need can depend on the length and kind of course. Review the official guidance from the Chinese embassy or consulate and confirm with the university what documents it will issue to support your application. Rules and documents change, so read the current official guidance close to your application date, and keep the supporting letters and admission documents that the university issues.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know Chinese before I start?
Not for beginner language courses, which are designed for students from zero. Degree programs taught in Chinese usually require a set proficiency level, often shown through HSK. Check the entry rule for the specific program and ask whether a preparatory year is available.
Can a language course lead into a degree?
Many universities offer a pathway from a language year into degree study, but the terms differ. Ask whether progression is automatic or depends on test results, and whether any scholarship you hold continues from the language year into the degree.
Are Chinese language courses covered by scholarships?
Some are, and some are not. Coverage depends on the specific scholarship and program type, so check the provider's current terms before you assume funding. Universities and the China Scholarship Council both publish their own conditions. Verify the specifics with the institution directly before you plan around them.