Programmes

7 points · checked 11 October 2026

What the official texts say

Each point names the article or section it is taken from.

1. Master's and doctoral students are two of four degree categories

   Universities enrol international students for degree education as junior-college, undergraduate, master's and doctoral students, and for non-degree education as preparatory students, advanced students and research scholars.

   Source: MOE Order No. 42, Article 9

2. Each university sets its own programmes and publishes a brochure

   A university decides its own enrolment plan and majors for international students, publishes an admissions brochure, and admits students by the conditions and procedure in that brochure. It must make the brochure and its rules for international students public.

   Source: MOE Order No. 42, Articles 10, 11 and 23

3. Admission is the university's decision

   The university examines an applicant's entry qualifications and proof of financial support and holds an examination or assessment. Admission is decided by the university.

   Source: MOE Order No. 42, Article 12

4. Chinese is the basic teaching language; other languages are allowed

   The national common language is the basic language of instruction. Universities with the capacity may offer international students degree courses taught in a foreign language.

   Source: MOE Order No. 42, Articles 18 and 19

5. Chinese and an introduction to China are compulsory in degree study

   Chinese language and a course on China are compulsory for international students in degree education, whatever the teaching language.

   Source: MOE Order No. 42, Article 16

6. Scholarship applicants to Chinese-taught graduate programmes need HSK Level 4

   A Chinese Government Scholarship applicant must have passed HSK Level 4 for a Chinese-taught master's or doctoral programme. For a programme taught in another language, the applicant meets the language and academic requirements of the university chosen.

   Source: CSC application guide, section IV, items 10 and 11

7. Changing major after enrolment

   After enrolment a student may change major on application and with the university's consent, under conditions the university sets.

   Source: MOE Order No. 42, Article 17