Study in china
Study in China to experience a world-class education that bridges ancient heritage and modern innovation, all at exceptional value. Immerse yourself in one of the world's most dynamic economies while mastering Mandarin—a skill highly sought after by top employers worldwide. Live in a country celebrated for its safety, warmth, and vibrant campus life, supported by generous scholarships. Your journey toward a global future starts here in China.
OVERVIEW
Designed for global learners, our non-degree programme offers flexible study options lasting from one semester to a full academic year. Choose from a range of courses tailored to your goals—whether you wish to focus on intensive Chinese language training, explore specialised subjects such as business and marketing, or participate in culture-immersive learning experiences.
Upon completion, you will receive an official certificate to recognise your academic achievements and enhance your professional profile. We also provide scholarship support to make studying in China more accessible. Our team will guide you through the application process, helping to reduce financial barriers.
Whether you aim to master Mandarin, gain industry insights, or deepen your cultural understanding, this programme offers a dynamic platform to learn, grow and connect in an inspiring global environment.
Why china
Choose China for a world-class education enriched by transformative cultural immersion. Experience exceptional value, generous scholarships, and a dynamic society where ancient heritage inspires modern innovation. Gain deep insight into one of the world's most influential economies, master highly valued Mandarin skills, and live safely in a vibrant, welcoming environment—preparing you for a truly global future.
Available cities & top universities（top 20 universities）
University | QS 2025 | City | Available Non-Degree Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
Tsinghua University | 20 | Beijing | Chinese Language, Visiting Scholar, Engineering & Innovation Short Courses |
Peking University | 14 | Beijing | Chinese Language, General Visiting Student, Business & Culture Seminars |
Beijing Language & Culture Univ. (BLCU) | — | Beijing | 4-week Practical Chinese, 1-year Intensive Chinese, HSK Boot-Camp |
Beijing Foreign Studies Univ. (BFSU) | — | Beijing | Diplomatic Chinese, Translation Workshops, International Journalism Short Term |
Fudan University | 39 | Shanghai | Chinese Language (10 levels), Chinese Economy & Business, Chinese Culture & Society |
Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ. (SJTU) | 45 | Shanghai | Engineering & Innovation Boot-Camp, Business Chinese, General Scholar |
Tongji University | 192 | Shanghai | Architecture & Urban Planning Studio, German-Chinese Winter School, EV-tech Short Course |
East China Normal Univ. (ECNU) | 501-510 | Shanghai | TCSOL Methodology, Education Leadership Short Course |
Shanghai University | — | Shanghai | Intensive Chinese, DBIC (Doing Business in China), Contemporary Art Residency |
South China Univ. of Tech. (SCUT) | 385 | Guangzhou | International Foundation (English/Chinese), 1-semester Chinese, Cantonese Culture |
Sun Yat-sen University | 248 | Guangzhou | Lingnan Culture Winter School, Medical Elective, Language & Society |
Zhejiang University | 47 | Hangzhou | Silk-road Business Short Course, AI & Robotics Winter School, Chinese Language |
Sichuan University | 358 | Chengdu | Panda Conservation Field Study, Sichuan Cuisine Workshop, Intensive Chinese |
University of Electronic Sci. & Tech. (UESTC) | 486 | Chengdu | 5G & IoT Boot-Camp, Cyber-Security Short Term |
Xi’an Jiaotong University | 295 | Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors Archaeology Short Course, Silk-Road Economics, Chinese Language |
Northwestern Polytechnical Univ. | 621-630 | Xi’an | Aerospace & Materials Winter Lab |
Nanjing University | 145 | Nanjing | Confucian Classics Winter School, History & Memory Short Course |
Southeast University | 494 | Nanjing | Architecture Heritage Studio, Intelligent Transportation Short Term |
Wuhan University | 194 | Wuhan | Cherry-Blossom Chinese Program, Yangtze River Ecology Field Trip |
Huazhong Univ. of Sci. & Tech. (HUST) | 275 | Wuhan | Optics & Laser Lab Practicum, Medical Elective |
Harbin Institute of Tech. (HIT) | 256 | Harbin | Ice & Snow Engineering Winter School, Russian-Chinese Tech Boot-Camp |
Harbin Engineering Univ. | 741-750 | Harbin | Nuclear Ice-Breaker Design Short Term |
Blank QS cells = ranked outside the current Top 800 but widely recognised for language or specialist short courses.
An Overview of Non-Degree Programs at China's Top Foreign Languages Universities (2026)
University | City | Flagship Non-Degree Programs (2026) | City/ Campus Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
Beijing Foreign Studies University | Beijing | • 1-semester / 1-year Intensive Chinese (all levels)
• Diplomatic Chinese & Protocol Workshop
• Translation & Interpreting Boot-Camp (English, FR, ES, RU, AR, etc.)
• “Chinese+Big-Data” Micro-Program | “Republic’s diplomats’ cradle”; 101 foreign languages taught; shared electives with PKU & Tsinghua. |
Shanghai International Studies University | Shanghai | • Global Governance & Foreign Affairs Winter School
• Business Chinese & Finance Chinese (ACCA-track)
• TCSOL Methodology for Teachers
• Russian-German-French 2-week Immersion | China’s first higher foreign-language institute; Lujiazui skyline view; 29 UN-languages degree-offerings. |
Guangdong University of Foreign Studies | Guangzhou | • Cantonese & Business Chinese
• International Trade & E-Commerce (English-taught)
• Simultaneous Interpreting Lab | Next to Canton-Fair complex; strongest business-English brand in South China. |
Tianjin Foreign Studies University | Tianjin | • 4-week Silk-Road Languages (Russian, Korean, Arabic)
• Chinese Opera & Language Immersion | Five old concessions area; 10 min to Haihe riverfront; easy day-trip to Beijing by 30-min high-speed rail. |
Xi’an International Studies University | Xi’an | • Silk-Road Culture & Language Trek
• Chinese Calligraphy + Language | Ancient capital vibe; cheapest living cost among major foreign-language schools. |
Sichuan International Studies University | Chongqing | • Western China Culture & Language Program
• Yangtze River Economic Belt Field Study | Mountain-city night views; hot-pot culture; zero-fee campus cable-car. |
Beijing Language & Culture University | Beijing | • 4-week Practical Spoken Chinese
• 1-year Intensive Chinese (HSK 3→5)
• Chinese + AI Language Tech | World’s largest Chinese-teaching base; 160+ countries represented on campus. |
Beijing International Studies University | Beijing | • Hospitality & Tourism Chinese
• Event Management Short Course | Steps away from CBD; strong industry links with five-star hotels & MICE venues. |
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) – Songjiang Campus | Shanghai | • Same programs as Hongkou main campus but with boarding-style dorm & lake view | 40 min to downtown by metro; quieter study environment. |
All universities above accept Chinese Government Scholarship (Bilateral or University Track) for their non-degree streams; apply through the embassy (Type A) or directly to the school (Type B) before April 2026.
Program Details
Programe fee
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With a scholarship(5000 RMB+)
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Without a scholarship(3000 RMB+)
Government-Sponsored Scholarship & Stipend
A full or partial scholarship funded by the Ministry of Education of China for international students who want to take non-degree courses (Chinese language, general visiting student, senior visiting scholar, etc.).
Who can reply
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Non-Chinese citizens in good health
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The age cap is 45 for general scholars and 50 for senior scholars.
(for non-degree / exchange / visiting programs)
What is covered – the “Full Ride”
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Tuition: 100 % waiver for the entire length of your program (up to 2 academic years for general/senior scholars).
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Accommodation: free on-campus twin room OR cash subsidy (≈ 700–1 000 RMB/month) if you rent off-campus.
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Monthly stipend paid directly to your Chinese bank card:
– General scholars / visiting students: 3 000 RMB/month (≈ 470 USD)
– Senior scholars: 3 500 RMB/month (≈ 550 USD)
(The stipend is paid for 12 months even if the course runs only 10–11 months, so you can use the extra for winter/summer travel.)
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Comprehensive medical insurance (≈ 800 RMB/year) – covers inpatient, accident and repatriation.
How long does the money last
Non-degree students can be funded for up to 2 academic years (including 1-year Chinese-language pre-study if needed). The grant is reviewed each year; as long as you pass the basic academic & attendance check, it is automatically renewed.
Typical package value (1 academic year)
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Tuition: 25 000 RMB
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Dormitory: 8 400 RMB
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Stipend: 36 000 RMB
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Insurance: 800 RMB
💰Total ≈ 70 200 RMB (~10 000 USD), you do NOT have to pay.
How to reply
Follow this clear, managed process to begin your educational journey in China. Our program managers provide expert guidance at every step.
1. Initial Application & Document Submission
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Complete the online application form and upload all required supporting documents (e.g., academic transcripts, passport copy, personal statement).
2. Personalized School & Program Selection
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Your dedicated Wanderlust program manager reviews your profile and provides expert advice on the most suitable universities and non-degree programs based on your goals.
3. Final Confirmation
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Together with your manager, you review the options and formally confirm your chosen university and program.
4. Formal University Application
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With hands-on assistance from your program manager, you finalize and submit the official application to your chosen university.
5. Receive Admission & Start Visa Process
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Upon receiving your official letter of admission, your manager will guide you through the student visa (X1/X2) application process, including preparing documents for the Chinese embassy/consulate.
6. Obtain Visa & Book Travel & Welcome to China!
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After your visa is issued, you can book your flight to China. Your manager can provide arrival tips and pre-departure information.
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Arrive in China and begin your adventure! Many partner universities offer airport pickup and orientation services to help you settle in.
Living expenses
Living Expenses – What You’ll Actually Spend (per month, RMB)
Living expenses in China offer flexibility to match your lifestyle, with monthly budgets ranging from approximately ¥1,400 (≈$220) for a campus-focused student life to ¥2,600 (≈$400) for an independent, off-campus experience. Plan confidently based on how you choose to live.
Category | Scholarship Dorm | Off-campus Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Housing | 0 RMB (twin room)
| 1,200 – 2,500 RMB | Shanghai/Beijing: 2,000+ RMB; Tier-2 cities: 1,200 – 1,800 RMB |
Food | 900 – 1,300 RMB | 900 – 1,300 RMB | Campus canteens: 8 – 15 RMB/meal; Coffee: ~20 RMB; Milk tea: ~10 RMB
|
Transport | 100 – 150 RMB | 100 – 150 RMB | Metro/Bus monthly pass: ~150 RMB; Shared bike: ~1.5 RMB/ride |
Phone + 100M Wi-Fi | 80 RMB | 80 RMB | Student plan (e.g., China Mobile): 30 GB + 200 mins ≈ 59 RMB/month |
Laundry, Toiletries, Stationery | 100 RMB | 100 RMB | Washing machine: ~4 RMB/load; Detergent: ~15 RMB/month |
Social & Travel Budget | 300 – 500 RMB | 300 – 500 RMB | Movie: ~40 RMB; KTV: ~60 RMB/3 hrs; Weekend high-speed rail: 150 – 300 RMB round trip |
Unexpected / Buffer | 200 RMB | 200 RMB | Pharmacy, visa photo, replacement USB cable, etc. |
Typical totalsCampus life: ≈ 1 400 RMB (220 USD)Off-campus: ≈ 2 600 RMB (400 USD)
City Snapshot: Same Lifestyle, Different Rent
Your core daily expenses—meals, transport, connectivity, and essentials—stay consistently affordable across cities. The real variable is housing.
City | Rent share | Metro fare | Cheap bowl of noodles |
|---|---|---|---|
Beijing | 2 300 RMB | 3–9 RMB | 12 RMB |
Shanghai | 2 500 RMB | 3–10 RMB | 14 RMB |
Hangzhou | 1 700 RMB | 2–8 RMB | 10 RMB |
Xi’an | 1 300 RMB | 2–7 RMB | 8 RMB |
Chengdu | 1 400 RMB | 2–6 RMB | 9 RMB |
Money Hacks
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Campus card = 30 % discount at any university canteen.
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Alipay / WeChat “student certification” cuts Spotify, Apple Music, shared-bike and train tickets by 50 %.
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Group grocery orders on Pinduoduo deliver to dorm gate—fruit 20 % cheaper than supermarkets.
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High-speed rail student ticket is 75 % off second-class (but only on domestic routes during winter & summer holidays).
Cash or Card
China is almost cashless; you’ll scan QR codes for everything. Open a Chinese bank account on registration day (takes 20 min); top up WeChat/Alipay, and you’re set. Foreign cards (Visa/Master) work in hotels and some malls, but not street food stalls or campus buses.
One-off Arrival Costs (first week)
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Bedding pack (quilt, pillow, sheets): 200 RMB
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SIM card: 100 RMB (pre-loaded)
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Transit card deposit: 20 RMB
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Electric kettle / desk lamp: 100 RMB
Total ≈ 420 RMB
Bottom line: live on campus, and you can survive comfortably on < 1 500 RMB a month; double that if you rent downtown and eat out every night. Either way, your scholarship stipend (3 000 RMB) or a part-time online gig back home easily covers it.
FAQ – Non-Degree Study in China
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1. Do I need to speak Chinese?
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English-taught tracks (culture & design seminars, business workshops): no Chinese required.
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Chinese-taught or mixed tracks (one-year language, partial-scholarship streams at 语合中心, etc.): HSK 3 (180+) or HSK 4 (180+), depending on the class; your admission letter will state the exact level.
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Haven’t got HSK yet? Take the university’s free online placement test; if you place below the required band, add one-semester language pre-study first—visa covers it.
1. Do I need to speak Chinese?
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English-taught programs: No Chinese required.
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Chinese-involved programs: Usually HSK 3/4 (180+).
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No HSK yet? Take a free placement test; if below required level, add a language prep semester—covered by your visa.
2. Can I work part-time?
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Paid work is not permitted on a study visa.
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Unpaid internships are possible with university approval.
3. What if I get sick?
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Your compulsory insurance covers 200 000 RMB of in-patient care. Show the hospital your insurance card; cashless treatment inside the network.
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For a common cold, campus clinics charge 10–20 RMB—so cheap that most people just pay out of pocket.
4. Is the water safe to drink?
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Tap water is not potable. Every dorm floor has hot-water dispensers (free).
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Bottled water delivery: 10 RMB for an 18 L jug, WeChat mini-program, arrives in 30 min.
5. How cold does it get?
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Beijing: down to –10 °C, indoor heating keeps dorms 20 °C+.
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Shanghai: 0–5 °C, no central heating—you’ll live in hoodie + blanket; pack fleece.
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Chongqing: 5–10 °C, no central heating—survive with a heavy down jacket.
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Guangzhou: 10 °C minimum, flip-flop weather for Canadians.
6. Can I stay longer after the program?
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Yes. Apply for a 30-day tourist extension once your Residence Permit expires, then travel or enrol in the next semester.
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We issue the paperwork on campus—no border run needed.
7. Are VPNs legal?
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Personal VPN use sits in a grey zone.
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The law targets sellers, not users.
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Most international students subscribe to well-known paid services before arrival; download the app outside China—app stores inside remove them.
8. How much cash should I bring?
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Zero is fine.
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Cards work at the airport ATM; the UnionPay card is issued on registration day.
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Bring 200–300 USD in 100 RMB notes only if you want backup for the first weekend.
9. Will my vegetarian / halal / gluten-free diet work?
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Vegetarian: every canteen has at least 4 veggie dishes (labelled 素食).
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Halal: Muslim restaurants (清真) within 500 m of every campus listed; beef noodles are the default student food.
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Gluten-free: buy imported oats & rice noodles on T-Mall; label “无麸质”.
10. Can my partner or family visit?
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They apply for a Tourist (L) visa; we email an invitation letter within 24 h.
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Campus guest rooms: 180 RMB～240/night twin; book 2 weeks ahead during May & October holidays.
11. Do I need vaccinations?
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No compulsory shots to enter China.
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Hep-A/B, Japanese-encephalitis and typhoid are recommended by WHO if you’ll travel to rural areas; the campus is urban, so most students skip them.
12. How safe is it?
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Violent-crime rate is 1/10 of the U.S. Campuses are gated; guards scan QR codes 24/7.
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Phone left in the library will still be there the next morning—students literally queue to return lost wallets.
13. What happens if I fail the course?
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Non-degree = pass/fail based on attendance (80 % minimum).
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Miss the mark, and you lose scholarship renewal, not your current visa; finish the semester, then decide to repeat or travel.
14. Can I open a Chinese bank account?
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Yes, and you should. Bring passport + admission letter; Bank of China on campus opens the account in 20 min, issues UnionPay debit card, links instantly to WeChat/Alipay.
15. When do I buy my flight?
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Wait until the visa sticker is in your passport (usually 2 weeks before departure).
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Arrival window is printed on your admission letter—the free airport shuttle only runs those dates.
Still Wondering? Begin Your Unforgettable Journey in China.
China is more than a destination — it's a transformative experience where ancient wisdom meets dynamic innovation. Our non-degree programs offer the perfect bridge: gain cutting-edge skills, immerse yourself in a rich cultural tapestry, and build a global network, all within a flexible, focused timeframe.
Don't just read about the future—step into it. Your adventure in learning, connection, and discovery awaits.
Ready to write your own China story?
Explore our programs and start your application today.
