Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Can I study as an international student in China in 2023?
For the first time in almost three years, China opened its borders to international students after the Covid-19 pandemic. Since January 8, 2023, China opens its borders and welcomes international students again. Moreover, education specialists have been forecasting a gradual return of the 450,000 international students who were waiting to enter the country for months. Here is what you need to know if you want to study as an international student in China in 2023.
Read about Mariana’s study experience as an international student in China
how to Study as an international student in China in 2023
Study the Chinese language, culture, and economics in the middle of China’s renowned business center at Shanghai University. If you want to learn more about the world’s fastest-growing economy while being among 1,4 billion people, Shanghai is a great choice for your studies abroad in 2023. Join the China Studies Program at Shanghai University (2,490 EUR tuition fee per semester + 75 EUR application fee) for one or two semesters or a Gap Year on the bachelor level. You can simply apply online by following a few steps and get your study placement confirmed within 24 hours. You can choose courses from study fields such as Chinese language (Mandarin), culture, economics, international trade and business, globalization, social sciences, finance, e-commerce, and marketing. This internationally accredited study program is for everyone who is 18 years old and has a high school degree. International students can earn up to 30 ECTS or 18 US credits per semester.
- Semester dates: September 4th – December 4th, 2023
- Orientation: September 1st – 2nd, 2023
- Application deadline: May 31st, 2023
Student Visa for China in 2023
To study in China, you need either an X2 visa or an X1 visa, depending on whether you’ve applied for one or two semesters. The X2 visa is issued for a shorter stay of up to 180 days, while the X1 visa is converted into a residence permit upon arrival. As soon as you receive the university’s formal acceptance letter, you can begin the visa application procedure. You will get the letter no later than one month prior to the start of the semester. To study in China, every foreign student must submit an application for a student visa (X visa). Since visa regulations differ from country to country, you need to contact the Chinese embassy in your home country to inquire about the most recent visa requirements and costs. Before requesting a visa, you can obtain an application form from the embassy’s website.
Read more:
STUDY ABROAD IN CHINA, KOREA, OR JAPAN: FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ENROLLING IN A UNIVERSITY

Before Departure
When you have applied for 1-2 semesters abroad as an international student in China, you receive a confirmation of your study placement within 24 hours. After receiving your confirmation email and initial acceptance letter, you can begin your travel preparations. You might check out those links for any pre-departure preparations:
- Student’s checklist
- How to find accommodation when studying abroad
- Booking flights
- Getting travel insurance
- Getting vaccinations
- Scholarship resources.
Please be aware that applying for a visa might take some time. Therefore, we strongly advise you to travel to China only a few days before the semester begins and return just a few days after it concludes. Before you travel to China, you need to have a negative PCR test within 48 hours of departure is all that is required.
Arrival in China
You don’t need to quarantine when you arrive as an international student in China. The only entry requirement is the negative PCR that you did before the departure. Furthermore, you don’t need any application to obtain a health code.
Read more:
BEST COUNTRIES TO STUDY ABROAD IN ASIA: TOP 10 DREAM DESTINATIONS OFFERING WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION

Do you want to study abroad in Shanghai, China? Find out more informationhere!
Asia Exchange is a Finnish company providing study abroad opportunities inAsia Pacific for students from all around the world. Want to get travel tipsand new blog posts straight to your inbox? Subscribe to ourmonthly newsletter!If you have any questions about studyingabroad, feel free tocontact us! We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.