Studying in China is a significant project that requires careful planning. Each year, China welcomes approximately 10,000 new English-speaking students distributed across its largest universities.

Many reasons drive young French and European students to choose China as an important milestone in their university education. China indeed attracts an increasing number of students, and the Chinese government places particular emphasis on higher education. The Middle Kingdom now boasts over 2,000 higher education institutions and Sino-French partnerships are multiplying.

Studying in China, administrative procedures

Going to China to pursue your studies is not a spontaneous decision. Although France maintains numerous partnerships with the Middle Kingdom, a study abroad experience there requires anticipation and careful preparation.

Before even obtaining a visa for China, you must first enroll at the university. Enrollment takes place between December and January, either by sending your application directly to the university by email or through the CUCAS system, which allows you to apply online to six different universities.

Once your university admission is validated, you must begin the process to obtain your student visa for China. It's important to know that there are three types of visas for university students: the X visa for those wishing to stay longer than 6 months, the F visa suited for stays shorter than 6 months, and the L visa, which functions as the last resort visa for students running behind schedule.

To obtain the X visa, you will need:

• A photocopy of your passport with a minimum validity of 6 months,

• Completed visa application documents sent by the university,

• A recent passport-style photograph,

• The original admission letter from the university, which you should keep for future reference.

You should allow approximately 2 to 4 weeks to obtain your China visa.

Student life in China

Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Xiamen and Guangzhou are the primary destinations for English-speaking students.

Student life can be relatively affordable, ranging between €400 and €700 per month depending on your study location. Naturally, Beijing and Shanghai are more expensive destinations than smaller cities.

Housing constitutes the main expense. Some universities offer student residence halls at reduced rates, but for more space, freedom and comfort, many opt for shared accommodation arrangements.

Another significant expense for a university stay in China is tuition fees. Admission fees can range between €1,800 and €5,000 depending on the university and level of study. To this must be added application fees, which typically range between €50 and €100.

China is a relatively affordable country for food and entertainment of all kinds, allowing you to make the most of the Chinese experience.

To help you finance such a study project in China, the Chinese government has developed a scholarship program managed by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). The CSC covers tuition fees, campus housing and health insurance costs. Other scholarships are also available in France depending on your institution or region, so don't hesitate to inquire about all available funding options.