Study Overseas - An Australian Government Initiative

Study Overseas - An Australian Government Initiative

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China

The People’s Republic of China is a fascinating country filled with many contrasts and great diversity. The nation is currently experiencing massive economic growth and social changes. While Mandarin Chinese is spoken across the nation, with slight variations, visitors can expect to see a range of cultures, cuisines, and lifestyles from north to south, east to west.

Planning your studies in China

For up to date information on studying in China, it is recommended that prospective students speak to recently returned students and browse the many online forums and articles relating to studying in China and refer to the online resource Study in China

Links to China Government websites

Tertiary studies in China

Tertiary studies in China

Most Chinese higher education institutions have an academic year that runs from September to July of the following year, with two semesters: first semester (running from September to January or February) and second semester (running from March to July).

Study in China is an online resource addressing many of the practical aspects of studying in China.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees in China tend to be relatively cheap when compared to those charged by European, North American, or Japanese institutions.

There are opportunities for tuition fee exemptions / reductions and for scholarships aimed at international students.

Study in China is an online resource addressing many of the practical aspects of Fees and Funding while studying in China.

Scholarships

Students who are currently studying in Australia should consult their education provider, be it their high school or their university or their college, about scholarship options provided by those institutions.

The Chinese Government offers scholarships with the Chinese Government Scholarship Program (CGSP), and nearly 100 higher educational institutions provide CGSPs.

The Chinese Government Scholarship Program is organised by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). The CSC serves to provide assistance to both Chinese citizens wishing to study abroad and to the foreign citizens wishing to study in China.

For a list of higher education institutes which provide Chinese Government scholarship programs please see this section of Study in China (Chinese language only)

Studying in English

Chinese universities, compared to universities in other non-English speaking countries, offer relatively few English language courses however this practice is continuing to increase. Study in China is an online resource addressing many of the practical aspects of studying in China.

Living in China

Costs and Budgeting

While it is relatively easy to afford a very comfortable standard of living in China, costs and expenses vary from city to city.

In the university district of Beijing, students should expect to get by on around less than AUS$1,000 per month (Not including tuition fees).

City Weekend, a publication that is offered in most major cities, and which is popular with expats and travellers around the world, offers easy-to-access online editions for Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou: www.cityweekend.com.cn/. The magazine lists events, venues, restaurants, and also discusses aspects of living in each city (including costs and how to save money).

Visa and entry

China’s visa regime is strictly enforced. Australian citizens who wish to study in China will need a student visa. China’s visa regulations often change, and so prospective students must consult their nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate for the latest information.

Australian citizens should note that regardless the type of visa used, foreigners must register at the local police station for a residency permit within 24 hours.

If you remain in China after your visa expires, you will be fined substantially for every day that you overstay and may face confiscation of your passport or deportation.

The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China describes China’s visa requirements

Managing Money

Chinese banks are open seven days a week, and many automatic teller machines (ATMs), which can be found in shopping malls and hotels frequented by foreigners, will accept Australian credit and debit cards.

In major cities, Chinese bank cards and credit cards are often accepted at larger restaurants and shopping malls. However, in other restaurants and in second and third tier cities it is best to carry cash.

The Bank of China is able to exchange almost any currency and remit money to Australia.

For more information about exchanging money in China, please visit the Bank of China Global Website

Western Union is one option for students to receive or remit money abroad.

Accommodation

Accommodation for international students includes student dormitories, university affiliated apartments, and private rental accommodation. Check with your education institution for what they can offer.

Home stay options are also available.

Note that in China, taking out a lease on private accommodation may require a down payment of up to three months of rent. Leases of less than 12 months duration may require full upfront payment.

The online editions of City Weekend include listings for private rental accommodation. It also includes articles about renting and living in each city.

Do also visit the website of your intended place of learning. A convenient list of education provider websites can be found on the Study in China website.

Health care and insurance

According to Chinese law, overseas students who plan to study for more than six months in China are required to buy Group Integrated Insurance as one of the registration procedures, no matter whether they have bought personal insurance in their home country or not.

The cost of this may vary among learning institutions, but should cost approximately AUS$150 to AUS$ 200 per annum.

For more information please consult the education provider you intend to study with. For an easy to access list of links to provider’s websites, Study in China.

Conditions regarding Working in country

Students cannot currently work on a student visa. Students are advised to consult their local Chinese Embassy or Consulate for the latest information. It is also advisable to contact your host institution’s international student services department or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website before committing to any kind of employment.

For further queries about Chinese visas, a possible resource to consider is a list of visa agents provided by the website Study in China - Campus Life.

Other contacts and links

English language China-based media websites

The Chinese Government has an Embassy in Canberra and Consulates in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

Australian embassy and consulates in China

The Australian Government has an Embassy in Beijing and Consulates-General in Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Join the Asian Century AddChina

“Whether you’re a mathematician, scientist, engineer or urban planner, adding China is one way to join the Asian Century. Australia-China cooperation in education and research is substantial and increasing. There’s a wide range of options for study and research, English language is widespread among the academic community and funding is expanding.”

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