Introduction
China is among the most favourite destinations for Pakistani students pursuing higher education. Quality education, cost-effectiveness, easier visa access and large number of Chinese government scholarships are some of the leading incentives for Pakistani students to join Chinese institutions for higher learning. As of 2024, there are around 27000 Pakistani students in China. Among the Pakistani students, around 7000 are availing scholarships which makes Pakistan the largest recipient of China’s overseas scholarship program. The preference accorded by the Chinese Government to Pakistani students has been one of the outcomes of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) launched in 2013.
Pakistani students are enrolled in a wide range of fields, including Engineering (various disciplines), Computer Sciences, IT, Business Management, Finance, Economics and Trade, International Relations and Chinese Language Courses. Majority of the students are pursuing undergraduate medical degree programs.
China as education destination
Chinese universities have made significant strides in recent years with several of them now ranked among the top universities globally. 13 Chinese universities featured in the list of top 200 universities around the world (Source: British Council). Some of the top Chinese universities include:
Ø Tsinghua University, Beijing
Ø Peking University, Beijing
Ø Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai
Ø Fudan University, Shanghai
Ø University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui
Improvement in the rankings of Chinese universities can be attributed to the government’s generous funding and education sector reforms, including emphasis on high quality development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data and quantum computing. Chinese universities are now credited for producing some of the best research papers, especially in STEM, validating the quality of education and higher learning. Moreover, with the policy of internationalization in recent decades, China is attracting students from across the world, offering not only a competitive but also a rich academic environment. In terms of employability, opportunities in China are gradually growing for high quality international talent. Meanwhile, with its dynamic economy and increasing global influence, China also provides opportunities to students to engage with multinational corporations and industry leaders.
Insights into the student life in China
For any international student, Chinese universities provide a highly conducive environment for personal growth. Pakistani students are particularly welcomed in Chinese universities, thanks to the close and time-tested relationship between our two countries. Chinese universities are also actively involved in engaging students in different cultural exchanges. They organize theme trips, support cultural festivals and patronize student clubs, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, collaboration and mutual respect.
The International Students Office of universities organizes various cultural and sporting activities for international students under the direction of School of International Education. Among these activities, some are held regularly e.g., International Cultural Festival, Sports activities, Celebration of Spring Season/ Chinese New Year, International Student’s Cultural trips and tours, welcome and graduation party for International students.
The school of international education at universities also encourages international students to take part in all kinds of activities held by the Chinese Ministry of Education, the local Municipal Government and other colleges and universities in China (e.g. Experience China, the Photography Competition for Foreigners, the story writing competition etc). International students’ host colleges also organize extracurricular activities. International Students may learn about on-going and upcoming activities by observing the notices displayed on the notice boards or sent to their email boxes.
Application Process
1. Basic materials
The process to apply at universities in China is more or less the same as applying for universities in other countries. An international student needs to visit the website of the university/department which they want to apply for, and understand the requirements and qualifications, and then begin to prepare the required materials.
The basic materials for application are:
· Application form, last highest degree certification and transcript
· Reference letter(s)
· Study plan
· If any specific material is needed, please prepare and submit such document according to school’s requirements.
More details can be found on the following web address of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China
http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/
China Consular Service: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh
2. Steps to follow after admission
When the admission notice is received, following procedure to come to China and join the university may be followed:
i. Visit the website of China Visa Application Service Centre
Information on Chinese visa application procedure can be found at the following web address:
https://www.visaforchina.cn/KHI2_EN/aboutus/263896.shtml
Once on the website, bring the cursor to the icon ‘How to get a visa’ and then select from the drop down menu the link ‘Step by Step Guidance’. As a general rule, for study visa, specified as X visa. The X visa has two sub categories:
1. X1 category is a long-term visa convertible into a residence permit within 30 days after entering China.
2. X2 is a short-term non-convertible visa, which allows the holder to visit China once and stay for no more than 180 days.
Therefore, X1 visa category is for those students whose duration of degree in China is more than 6 months and X2 is for those whose duration of degree is less than 6 months. Please note that an international student must hold a Study visa (X visa). If a Tourist visa (L Visa) holder wants to convert it to study visa after he/she enters the country, he/she may be required to re-enter after leaving China. Therefore, this practice of entering on a non-study visa into China and then trying to convert it into study visa is not recommended. Please note that Chinese visa applications can be submitted with any of the Gerry Visa Centres located in Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore. The addresses of these centres can also be found on the website of China Visa Application Service Center. (https://www.visaforchina.cn/KHI2_EN/aboutus/263895.shtml).
Materials required to be submitted with ‘visa application’ usually include:
· One original and one photocopy of passport (Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has blank visa pages.)
· One original and one photocopy of (duly filled in) Application Form for Foreign Students Studying in China (JW 201 or JW 202)
· One original and one photocopy of Admission Notice issued by the Chinese college/university
ii. Read Admission Notice carefully and contact your school timely
Admission Notice usually contains admission information such as major (academic field you would study), duration of studies and language used in teaching, and registration information such as time, place and materials needed for freshman registration.
Freshmen are encouraged to confirm their accommodation arrangement with the school in advance, so as to avoid the situation of being unable to stay in the dorm due to room shortage. The usual ways to contact school are email and telephone.
Items you may need during your stay in China
- Electronic devices: laptop and accessories, power adaptor, AC adaptor, portable charger, etc. (The standard voltage in China is 220V )
- Bedding: bed sheet, duvet, duvet cover, pillowcase, mattress, etc.
- Toiletries: slippers, bath towel, towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
- Clothing: China has a vast territory; thus there are great climate differences in different areas, therefore, clothing requirements vary from one geographic region to another. Please prepare your clothes according to the geographic location of your school.
- Common use medicines: It may be useful to bring small quantities of medicines for flu, cough, fever, digestive diseases, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, mosquito repellent, moisturizer and so on.
- It is advisable to bring some local currency (Chinese RMB) to pay for the basic expenses such as transport from airport to school and miscellaneous expenses for the first few days. Items such as electronic devices and daily necessities be purchased on campus or nearby shopping malls.
Items prohibited bringing into China
- According to regulations of the Chinese government, opium, morphine, heroin, marijuana and other addictive narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs, as well as all kinds of weapons, simulated weapons, controlled knives, ammunition and explosives are prohibited from being brought into China. For more information, please refer to the following websites:
Decree of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (No.43) - Tables of Items Prohibited and Restricted from Entry/Exit: http://www.customs.gov.cn/publish/portal0/tab517/info10510.htm
Announcement of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (No. 46, 2013) - Interpretations on Issues Concerning Table of Items Prohibited from Entry/Exit and Table of Items Restricted from Entry/Exit: http://www.customs.gov.cn/publish/portal0/tab399/info623247.htm
Currency
a) Chinese currency
The legal currency of China is RMB (¥). Its basic unit is Yuan, which can be subdivided into jiao and fen: 1 yuan = 10 jiao, 1 jiao = 10 fen.
b) Convertible currencies & place for conversion
US Dollar, Great Britain Pound, Japanese Yen and EU’s Euro among several other currencies are convertible to Chinese Yuan. For Pak Rupee, you must convert it first into US Dollar and then to Chinese Yuan (RMB).
For more information, visit the official website of Bank of China: http://www.boc.cn/en/index.html
Common language
China uses Chinese (mandarin) as its common language, with very limited understanding of English among the ordinary people on streets. To avoid communication difficulties during your initial days, it is recommended that you have the following contact information written in Chinese beforehand: your contact person in China, school administrator, destination. Please also download Google translate on your smart phone for quick translation from English into Chinese and vice versa.
Chinese Government Scholarship
Latest scholarship information can be taken by visiting www.campuschina.org or www.csc.edu.cn/laihua.
The application opens between mid-December and mid-April. You should apply and send the required documents to the application receiving agencies before the deadline.
i) Application steps of Chinese Government Scholarship
The link below may help understand the general application steps. There might be minor differences between programs. Please read the introductions to each program for detailed guidance.
http://fm.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/xwdt/202411/P020241111303384879988.pdf
ii) Pre-admission Letter
The Pre-admission Letter from a Chinese university is not a necessary application material. Applications enclosed with the Pre-admission Letter will be sent directly to the host universities for placement confirmation. Applications without the Pre-admission Letter will be sent to universities to go through admission procedure. For applicants without the Pre-admission Letter, China Scholarship Council (CSC) cannot assure the host university will be one of the preferences of institution, since capacity of the universities and the eligibility of the applicants will also be considered.
iii) Letter of Acceptance or email from the supervisor
Only the Pre-admission Letters (or Admission Letters) issued by the Admissions Office of designated Chinese universities are considered valid. Other files like acceptance letters from potential supervisors or emails from supervisors or professors are not regarded as the equivalent or substitute.
iv) Agency Number
Agency Number is the first required item that must be filled when applying online at Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) Online Application System for International Students. Each Agency Number stands for a specific application receiving agency and will be given to the recommended candidates only. A correct Agency Number will lead to the presence of the corresponding application receiving agency while a wrong one will lead to the application rejection. Get your Agency Number from application receiving agency (e.g. Chinese Embassy, etc.) when you are recommended as a candidate.
v) Login the CSC Online Application System for International Students
i. Go to www.csc.edu.cn/laihua or www.campuschina.org, and click the icon
“Application Online for International Students” to enter the system.
ii. First-time users should register before entering the online application page.
iii. Please use Internet Explorer (6.0 or 7.0). Menu selection functions may not work in other browsers.
vi) Important points to consider when applying online at CSC
i. Please select the program CHINESE GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP.
ii. The item ‘Apply for’ refers to the program one wants to study rather than the degree one already holds.
iii. Majors should be one of the existing majors offered by Chinese universities and be based on actual educational background. A non-existent or improper ‘major’ input will affect application result.
iv. Preference of Institutions must be chosen from 279 Chinese universities designated by Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE). Any institution beyond the list will not be considered for awarding scholarship.
v. Duration of the Major Study should match the program applying for. Please check introductions to each program for the specific schooling period.
vi. Submitted applications can be retrieved for revision. Once retrieved, the previously submitted application becomes invalid. Therefore, revised application should be submitted again.
vii) Writing a Study Plan or Research Proposal
A Study Plan or Research Proposal states in detail what you are going to do with the scholarship in China. It must include such information as the major you want to study in or the field of your research interest. It is of vital importance for those applicants for the graduate studies or senior scholar programs, so please make sure your study plan or research proposal states this information as specifically as possible.
viii) Supporting documents
Generally, applicants must fill in and provide the following supporting documents.
· Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship (in Chinese or English)
· Notarized highest diploma
· Academic transcripts
· A study plan or research proposal
· Recommendation letters
· Applicants under the age of 18 should submit the valid documents of their legal guardians in China.
· Applicants planning to stay in China for more than 6 months must submit a photocopy of Foreigner Physical Examination Form (valid for 6 months).
· Applicants with the Pre-admission Letter/Admission Letter from designated universities should enclose the letter in the application package.
· Applicants with valid HSK Certificate should enclose the photocopy of it in the application package.
8) Chinese universities under the Chinese Government Scholarship scheme
A total of 279 Chinese universities are designated by MOE to accept Chinese Government Scholarship students from which you can choose your target university. Please visit http://www.csc.edu.cn/laihua or http://www.campuschina.org for programs and universities available.
9) Direct application to Chinese universities for Chinese Government Scholarship
Only the 279 designated Chinese universities under the CGS-Chinese University Program can directly accept individual scholarship applications. Search the university of interest at http://www.csc.edu.cn/laihua orhttp://www.campuschina.org.
10) Application for more than one scholarship program
Each scholarship recipient can be granted with no more than one scholarship.
11) Admission result
The admission result will be announced by the application receiving agencies in late July. Please consult the application receiving agencies for admission result then.
Arrival in China
Normally, international students come to China by air. It is also possible that they come by rail, boat, bus and other means of transportation. The first task after his/her arrival is to pass China’s border control.
i. China’s border control
China’s border control is divided into a variety of channels, including Chinese citizen channel and foreign citizen channel. International students should enter through the latter. Before entering the country, you must fill out the Application Form for Entry of Foreigners and hand it to the inspector of Customs Office. Inspectors may ask about your travel purpose, contact and address in China. Please prepare responses in advance and bring relevant documents.
After entering the country, it is forbidden to stay at the border control office. Baggage should be claimed as soon as possible. Please do cooperate with personnel at security check.
ii. How do you get to school?
After entering China, one can take taxi, subway, bus and other means of transportation to school, and one may also need to take an inter-city train or a follow-up flight to the destination city. Please consult the school for details.
iii. Where can I stay after arriving at school?
An international student usually stays in dormitory on campus, or rents an apartment outside school.
Please note that students who fail to register for dormitory within the deadline set by the school may need to arrange for their accommodation by themselves.
iv) Freshman registration
After a freshman arrives in China, he/she should promptly go to the relevant department to complete the registration procedure. For details with regard to the time, place and materials needed for such registration, please refer to the school’s Admission Notice.
a) Documents required in general for freshman registration
- Original and photocopy of valid passport and visa (X1 or X2);
- Original and photocopy of Admission Notice;
- Original of Visa Application for Study in China (JW201 or JW202);
- Passport size photo
- Fees, including registration fee, tuition, medical insurance premium, accommodation fees; and
- Original of Physical Examination Record for Foreigners and Blood Test Report (for students who will study in China for more than 6 months).
Please prepare and submit these and any other materials according to the requirements of the school.
b) Procedure of registration
It usually include:
a) Accommodation: Register for accommodation and move into dormitory;
b) Payment: Pay tuition, registration and other related fees;
c) Medical insurance purchase: Present a valid passport and the admission notice, and pay medical insurance premium;
d) Student registration: Fill in relevant forms for student registration;
e) Physical examination: Attend physical examination arranged by the school;
f) Visa interview: Attend the visa interview arranged by the school for the first-time residence permit applicants; and
g)Residence permit: Apply for a residence permit after obtaining your medical examination result and passing the visa interview.
Registration procedures may vary from school to school. Please consult your own school for more details.
If a student cannot arrive at the school before the registration deadline prescribed by the school, he/she should contact the relevant school administrator in advance to consult the alternative time for registration.
c) Physical examination
According to the provisions of relevant laws and regulations of the Chinese government, international students entering China with X1 visa must take a health check. Alternatively, international students may choose to take physical examinations in their own country before coming to China, but they need to submit the original Physical Examination Record of Foreigners in Chinese or English at the time of student registration, and then go to the local Health Centre of the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau to have the aforesaid form reviewed. If the submitted document does not conform to the specifications or requirements or no medical examination has been conducted before entering China, they are required to re-take a health check at the Health Centre of the local Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau. Then the centre will issue the Certificate on Verification of Physical Examination Record for Foreigners, which is one of the preconditions for obtaining a residence permit in China. For physical examination, the following materials may be required:
· Passport
· Certificate of physical examination taken before entering China
· 2-inch bareheaded ID photo, which may also be taken at the site of physical examination
· Admission notice (photocopy) or a certificate verifying admission issued by the school
Under normal circumstances, the school will arrange medical check-ups for students. If you miss the check-up, you need to go to the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau to complete this procedure. A holder of X1 visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days upon the date of entry; therefore it is necessary to complete the medical examination as soon as possible after entry. International students with X2 visa do not need medical examination.
Medical insurance
According to the relevant regulations of China, international students whose duration of studies in China exceeds six months should purchase medical insurance in China. The school will provide students with advice and services for medical insurance purchase. For information on insurance liability please refer to: http://lxbx.net/tbzn/coverage2-e.html. For claims guide Scheme, please refer to: http://lxbx.net/lpsm/claims2-e.html.
Residence permit for foreigners
The Chinese Government issues Residence Permit to Foreigners whose visa authorizes them to stay in People’s Republic of China for more than one year. International students with X1 visa must change it to residence permit within 30 days of entry into China. The permit shall be applied for at the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau of the student’s place of residence. For details, please refer to Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of Entry and Exit of Foreigners and the relevant provisions promulgated by the local Exit-and-Entry Administration.
The police station needs to check original passport when handling your application for residence permit. At the same time, some other procedures may also require original passport, such as applying for bank cards and mobile phone/Internet access. Therefore, please make sure to take relevant documents.
Rules and regulations to abide by when studying in China
International students’ behaviours in China are governed by China’s national and local laws and regulations on foreigners as well as the university’s rules and regulations on international students. The local exit/entry administration, police station and college/university share the responsibilities of student management.
Before the formal beginning of studies, students will be instructed on the guidelines on their code of conduct and the school’s rules & regulations for freshmen. In addition, the exit/entry administration and police station will also give lectures on public safety.
Off-campus internship program
If an international student holding X visa needs to participate in an off-campus internship program or get a part-time job during his/her stay in China, he/she shall first obtain the consent of the school, and then submit the consents of both the school and the employer on off-campus internship program or part-time job to the exit-entry administration to apply for adding a note on such information to his/her residence permit. Only after this, he/she can engage in off-campus internship activities. Otherwise, activities, such as working outside school in a work-study program or an internship program, are not allowed. Please note that your internship date cannot exceed the validity of your residence permit.
If you wish to find an internship, please refer to professional and formal platforms, such as the student service centre or the information platform of your school.
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Introduction
China is among the most favourite destinations for Pakistani students pursuing higher education. Quality education, cost-effectiveness, easier visa access and large number of Chinese government scholarships are some of the leading incentives for Pakistani students to join Chinese institutions for higher learning. As of 2024, there are around 27000 Pakistani students in China. Among the Pakistani students, around 7000 are availing scholarships which makes Pakistan the largest recipient of China’s overseas scholarship program. The preference accorded by the Chinese Government to Pakistani students has been one of the outcomes of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) launched in 2013.
Pakistani students are enrolled in a wide range of fields, including Engineering (various disciplines), Computer Sciences, IT, Business Management, Finance, Economics and Trade, International Relations and Chinese Language Courses. Majority of the students are pursuing undergraduate medical degree programs.
China as education destination
Chinese universities have made significant strides in recent years with several of them now ranked among the top universities globally. 13 Chinese universities featured in the list of top 200 universities around the world (Source: British Council). Some of the top Chinese universities include:
Ø Tsinghua University, Beijing
Ø Peking University, Beijing
Ø Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai
Ø Fudan University, Shanghai
Ø University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui
Improvement in the rankings of Chinese universities can be attributed to the government’s generous funding and education sector reforms, including emphasis on high quality development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data and quantum computing. Chinese universities are now credited for producing some of the best research papers, especially in STEM, validating the quality of education and higher learning. Moreover, with the policy of internationalization in recent decades, China is attracting students from across the world, offering not only a competitive but also a rich academic environment. In terms of employability, opportunities in China are gradually growing for high quality international talent. Meanwhile, with its dynamic economy and increasing global influence, China also provides opportunities to students to engage with multinational corporations and industry leaders.
Insights into the student life in China
For any international student, Chinese universities provide a highly conducive environment for personal growth. Pakistani students are particularly welcomed in Chinese universities, thanks to the close and time-tested relationship between our two countries. Chinese universities are also actively involved in engaging students in different cultural exchanges. They organize theme trips, support cultural festivals and patronize student clubs, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, collaboration and mutual respect.
The International Students Office of universities organizes various cultural and sporting activities for international students under the direction of School of International Education. Among these activities, some are held regularly e.g., International Cultural Festival, Sports activities, Celebration of Spring Season/ Chinese New Year, International Student’s Cultural trips and tours, welcome and graduation party for International students.
The school of international education at universities also encourages international students to take part in all kinds of activities held by the Chinese Ministry of Education, the local Municipal Government and other colleges and universities in China (e.g. Experience China, the Photography Competition for Foreigners, the story writing competition etc). International students’ host colleges also organize extracurricular activities. International Students may learn about on-going and upcoming activities by observing the notices displayed on the notice boards or sent to their email boxes.
Application Process
1. Basic materials
The process to apply at universities in China is more or less the same as applying for universities in other countries. An international student needs to visit the website of the university/department which they want to apply for, and understand the requirements and qualifications, and then begin to prepare the required materials.
The basic materials for application are:
· Application form, last highest degree certification and transcript
· Reference letter(s)
· Study plan
· If any specific material is needed, please prepare and submit such document according to school’s requirements.
More details can be found on the following web address of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China
http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/
China Consular Service: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh
2. Steps to follow after admission
When the admission notice is received, following procedure to come to China and join the university may be followed:
i. Visit the website of China Visa Application Service Centre
Information on Chinese visa application procedure can be found at the following web address:
https://www.visaforchina.cn/KHI2_EN/aboutus/263896.shtml
Once on the website, bring the cursor to the icon ‘How to get a visa’ and then select from the drop down menu the link ‘Step by Step Guidance’. As a general rule, for study visa, specified as X visa. The X visa has two sub categories:
1. X1 category is a long-term visa convertible into a residence permit within 30 days after entering China.
2. X2 is a short-term non-convertible visa, which allows the holder to visit China once and stay for no more than 180 days.
Therefore, X1 visa category is for those students whose duration of degree in China is more than 6 months and X2 is for those whose duration of degree is less than 6 months. Please note that an international student must hold a Study visa (X visa). If a Tourist visa (L Visa) holder wants to convert it to study visa after he/she enters the country, he/she may be required to re-enter after leaving China. Therefore, this practice of entering on a non-study visa into China and then trying to convert it into study visa is not recommended. Please note that Chinese visa applications can be submitted with any of the Gerry Visa Centres located in Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore. The addresses of these centres can also be found on the website of China Visa Application Service Center. (https://www.visaforchina.cn/KHI2_EN/aboutus/263895.shtml).
Materials required to be submitted with ‘visa application’ usually include:
· One original and one photocopy of passport (Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has blank visa pages.)
· One original and one photocopy of (duly filled in) Application Form for Foreign Students Studying in China (JW 201 or JW 202)
· One original and one photocopy of Admission Notice issued by the Chinese college/university
ii. Read Admission Notice carefully and contact your school timely
Admission Notice usually contains admission information such as major (academic field you would study), duration of studies and language used in teaching, and registration information such as time, place and materials needed for freshman registration.
Freshmen are encouraged to confirm their accommodation arrangement with the school in advance, so as to avoid the situation of being unable to stay in the dorm due to room shortage. The usual ways to contact school are email and telephone.
Items you may need during your stay in China
- Electronic devices: laptop and accessories, power adaptor, AC adaptor, portable charger, etc. (The standard voltage in China is 220V )
- Bedding: bed sheet, duvet, duvet cover, pillowcase, mattress, etc.
- Toiletries: slippers, bath towel, towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
- Clothing: China has a vast territory; thus there are great climate differences in different areas, therefore, clothing requirements vary from one geographic region to another. Please prepare your clothes according to the geographic location of your school.
- Common use medicines: It may be useful to bring small quantities of medicines for flu, cough, fever, digestive diseases, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, mosquito repellent, moisturizer and so on.
- It is advisable to bring some local currency (Chinese RMB) to pay for the basic expenses such as transport from airport to school and miscellaneous expenses for the first few days. Items such as electronic devices and daily necessities be purchased on campus or nearby shopping malls.
Items prohibited bringing into China
- According to regulations of the Chinese government, opium, morphine, heroin, marijuana and other addictive narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs, as well as all kinds of weapons, simulated weapons, controlled knives, ammunition and explosives are prohibited from being brought into China. For more information, please refer to the following websites:
Decree of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (No.43) - Tables of Items Prohibited and Restricted from Entry/Exit: http://www.customs.gov.cn/publish/portal0/tab517/info10510.htm
Announcement of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (No. 46, 2013) - Interpretations on Issues Concerning Table of Items Prohibited from Entry/Exit and Table of Items Restricted from Entry/Exit: http://www.customs.gov.cn/publish/portal0/tab399/info623247.htm
Currency
a) Chinese currency
The legal currency of China is RMB (¥). Its basic unit is Yuan, which can be subdivided into jiao and fen: 1 yuan = 10 jiao, 1 jiao = 10 fen.
b) Convertible currencies & place for conversion
US Dollar, Great Britain Pound, Japanese Yen and EU’s Euro among several other currencies are convertible to Chinese Yuan. For Pak Rupee, you must convert it first into US Dollar and then to Chinese Yuan (RMB).
For more information, visit the official website of Bank of China: http://www.boc.cn/en/index.html
Common language
China uses Chinese (mandarin) as its common language, with very limited understanding of English among the ordinary people on streets. To avoid communication difficulties during your initial days, it is recommended that you have the following contact information written in Chinese beforehand: your contact person in China, school administrator, destination. Please also download Google translate on your smart phone for quick translation from English into Chinese and vice versa.
Chinese Government Scholarship
Latest scholarship information can be taken by visiting www.campuschina.org or www.csc.edu.cn/laihua.
The application opens between mid-December and mid-April. You should apply and send the required documents to the application receiving agencies before the deadline.
i) Application steps of Chinese Government Scholarship
The link below may help understand the general application steps. There might be minor differences between programs. Please read the introductions to each program for detailed guidance.
http://fm.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/xwdt/202411/P020241111303384879988.pdf
ii) Pre-admission Letter
The Pre-admission Letter from a Chinese university is not a necessary application material. Applications enclosed with the Pre-admission Letter will be sent directly to the host universities for placement confirmation. Applications without the Pre-admission Letter will be sent to universities to go through admission procedure. For applicants without the Pre-admission Letter, China Scholarship Council (CSC) cannot assure the host university will be one of the preferences of institution, since capacity of the universities and the eligibility of the applicants will also be considered.
iii) Letter of Acceptance or email from the supervisor
Only the Pre-admission Letters (or Admission Letters) issued by the Admissions Office of designated Chinese universities are considered valid. Other files like acceptance letters from potential supervisors or emails from supervisors or professors are not regarded as the equivalent or substitute.
iv) Agency Number
Agency Number is the first required item that must be filled when applying online at Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) Online Application System for International Students. Each Agency Number stands for a specific application receiving agency and will be given to the recommended candidates only. A correct Agency Number will lead to the presence of the corresponding application receiving agency while a wrong one will lead to the application rejection. Get your Agency Number from application receiving agency (e.g. Chinese Embassy, etc.) when you are recommended as a candidate.
v) Login the CSC Online Application System for International Students
i. Go to www.csc.edu.cn/laihua or www.campuschina.org, and click the icon
“Application Online for International Students” to enter the system.
ii. First-time users should register before entering the online application page.
iii. Please use Internet Explorer (6.0 or 7.0). Menu selection functions may not work in other browsers.
vi) Important points to consider when applying online at CSC
i. Please select the program CHINESE GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP.
ii. The item ‘Apply for’ refers to the program one wants to study rather than the degree one already holds.
iii. Majors should be one of the existing majors offered by Chinese universities and be based on actual educational background. A non-existent or improper ‘major’ input will affect application result.
iv. Preference of Institutions must be chosen from 279 Chinese universities designated by Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE). Any institution beyond the list will not be considered for awarding scholarship.
v. Duration of the Major Study should match the program applying for. Please check introductions to each program for the specific schooling period.
vi. Submitted applications can be retrieved for revision. Once retrieved, the previously submitted application becomes invalid. Therefore, revised application should be submitted again.
vii) Writing a Study Plan or Research Proposal
A Study Plan or Research Proposal states in detail what you are going to do with the scholarship in China. It must include such information as the major you want to study in or the field of your research interest. It is of vital importance for those applicants for the graduate studies or senior scholar programs, so please make sure your study plan or research proposal states this information as specifically as possible.
viii) Supporting documents
Generally, applicants must fill in and provide the following supporting documents.
· Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship (in Chinese or English)
· Notarized highest diploma
· Academic transcripts
· A study plan or research proposal
· Recommendation letters
· Applicants under the age of 18 should submit the valid documents of their legal guardians in China.
· Applicants planning to stay in China for more than 6 months must submit a photocopy of Foreigner Physical Examination Form (valid for 6 months).
· Applicants with the Pre-admission Letter/Admission Letter from designated universities should enclose the letter in the application package.
· Applicants with valid HSK Certificate should enclose the photocopy of it in the application package.
8) Chinese universities under the Chinese Government Scholarship scheme
A total of 279 Chinese universities are designated by MOE to accept Chinese Government Scholarship students from which you can choose your target university. Please visit http://www.csc.edu.cn/laihua or http://www.campuschina.org for programs and universities available.
9) Direct application to Chinese universities for Chinese Government Scholarship
Only the 279 designated Chinese universities under the CGS-Chinese University Program can directly accept individual scholarship applications. Search the university of interest at http://www.csc.edu.cn/laihua orhttp://www.campuschina.org.
10) Application for more than one scholarship program
Each scholarship recipient can be granted with no more than one scholarship.
11) Admission result
The admission result will be announced by the application receiving agencies in late July. Please consult the application receiving agencies for admission result then.
Arrival in China
Normally, international students come to China by air. It is also possible that they come by rail, boat, bus and other means of transportation. The first task after his/her arrival is to pass China’s border control.
i. China’s border control
China’s border control is divided into a variety of channels, including Chinese citizen channel and foreign citizen channel. International students should enter through the latter. Before entering the country, you must fill out the Application Form for Entry of Foreigners and hand it to the inspector of Customs Office. Inspectors may ask about your travel purpose, contact and address in China. Please prepare responses in advance and bring relevant documents.
After entering the country, it is forbidden to stay at the border control office. Baggage should be claimed as soon as possible. Please do cooperate with personnel at security check.
ii. How do you get to school?
After entering China, one can take taxi, subway, bus and other means of transportation to school, and one may also need to take an inter-city train or a follow-up flight to the destination city. Please consult the school for details.
iii. Where can I stay after arriving at school?
An international student usually stays in dormitory on campus, or rents an apartment outside school.
Please note that students who fail to register for dormitory within the deadline set by the school may need to arrange for their accommodation by themselves.
iv) Freshman registration
After a freshman arrives in China, he/she should promptly go to the relevant department to complete the registration procedure. For details with regard to the time, place and materials needed for such registration, please refer to the school’s Admission Notice.
a) Documents required in general for freshman registration
- Original and photocopy of valid passport and visa (X1 or X2);
- Original and photocopy of Admission Notice;
- Original of Visa Application for Study in China (JW201 or JW202);
- Passport size photo
- Fees, including registration fee, tuition, medical insurance premium, accommodation fees; and
- Original of Physical Examination Record for Foreigners and Blood Test Report (for students who will study in China for more than 6 months).
Please prepare and submit these and any other materials according to the requirements of the school.
b) Procedure of registration
It usually include:
a) Accommodation: Register for accommodation and move into dormitory;
b) Payment: Pay tuition, registration and other related fees;
c) Medical insurance purchase: Present a valid passport and the admission notice, and pay medical insurance premium;
d) Student registration: Fill in relevant forms for student registration;
e) Physical examination: Attend physical examination arranged by the school;
f) Visa interview: Attend the visa interview arranged by the school for the first-time residence permit applicants; and
g)Residence permit: Apply for a residence permit after obtaining your medical examination result and passing the visa interview.
Registration procedures may vary from school to school. Please consult your own school for more details.
If a student cannot arrive at the school before the registration deadline prescribed by the school, he/she should contact the relevant school administrator in advance to consult the alternative time for registration.
c) Physical examination
According to the provisions of relevant laws and regulations of the Chinese government, international students entering China with X1 visa must take a health check. Alternatively, international students may choose to take physical examinations in their own country before coming to China, but they need to submit the original Physical Examination Record of Foreigners in Chinese or English at the time of student registration, and then go to the local Health Centre of the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau to have the aforesaid form reviewed. If the submitted document does not conform to the specifications or requirements or no medical examination has been conducted before entering China, they are required to re-take a health check at the Health Centre of the local Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau. Then the centre will issue the Certificate on Verification of Physical Examination Record for Foreigners, which is one of the preconditions for obtaining a residence permit in China. For physical examination, the following materials may be required:
· Passport
· Certificate of physical examination taken before entering China
· 2-inch bareheaded ID photo, which may also be taken at the site of physical examination
· Admission notice (photocopy) or a certificate verifying admission issued by the school
Under normal circumstances, the school will arrange medical check-ups for students. If you miss the check-up, you need to go to the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau to complete this procedure. A holder of X1 visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days upon the date of entry; therefore it is necessary to complete the medical examination as soon as possible after entry. International students with X2 visa do not need medical examination.
Medical insurance
According to the relevant regulations of China, international students whose duration of studies in China exceeds six months should purchase medical insurance in China. The school will provide students with advice and services for medical insurance purchase. For information on insurance liability please refer to: http://lxbx.net/tbzn/coverage2-e.html. For claims guide Scheme, please refer to: http://lxbx.net/lpsm/claims2-e.html.
Residence permit for foreigners
The Chinese Government issues Residence Permit to Foreigners whose visa authorizes them to stay in People’s Republic of China for more than one year. International students with X1 visa must change it to residence permit within 30 days of entry into China. The permit shall be applied for at the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau of the student’s place of residence. For details, please refer to Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of Entry and Exit of Foreigners and the relevant provisions promulgated by the local Exit-and-Entry Administration.
The police station needs to check original passport when handling your application for residence permit. At the same time, some other procedures may also require original passport, such as applying for bank cards and mobile phone/Internet access. Therefore, please make sure to take relevant documents.
Rules and regulations to abide by when studying in China
International students’ behaviours in China are governed by China’s national and local laws and regulations on foreigners as well as the university’s rules and regulations on international students. The local exit/entry administration, police station and college/university share the responsibilities of student management.
Before the formal beginning of studies, students will be instructed on the guidelines on their code of conduct and the school’s rules & regulations for freshmen. In addition, the exit/entry administration and police station will also give lectures on public safety.
Off-campus internship program
If an international student holding X visa needs to participate in an off-campus internship program or get a part-time job during his/her stay in China, he/she shall first obtain the consent of the school, and then submit the consents of both the school and the employer on off-campus internship program or part-time job to the exit-entry administration to apply for adding a note on such information to his/her residence permit. Only after this, he/she can engage in off-campus internship activities. Otherwise, activities, such as working outside school in a work-study program or an internship program, are not allowed. Please note that your internship date cannot exceed the validity of your residence permit.
If you wish to find an internship, please refer to professional and formal platforms, such as the student service centre or the information platform of your school.
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Introduction
China is among the most favourite destinations for Pakistani students pursuing higher education. Quality education, cost-effectiveness, easier visa access and large number of Chinese government scholarships are some of the leading incentives for Pakistani students to join Chinese institutions for higher learning. As of 2024, there are around 27000 Pakistani students in China. Among the Pakistani students, around 7000 are availing scholarships which makes Pakistan the largest recipient of China’s overseas scholarship program. The preference accorded by the Chinese Government to Pakistani students has been one of the outcomes of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) launched in 2013.
Pakistani students are enrolled in a wide range of fields, including Engineering (various disciplines), Computer Sciences, IT, Business Management, Finance, Economics and Trade, International Relations and Chinese Language Courses. Majority of the students are pursuing undergraduate medical degree programs.
China as education destination
Chinese universities have made significant strides in recent years with several of them now ranked among the top universities globally. 13 Chinese universities featured in the list of top 200 universities around the world (Source: British Council). Some of the top Chinese universities include:
Ø Tsinghua University, Beijing
Ø Peking University, Beijing
Ø Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai
Ø Fudan University, Shanghai
Ø University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui
Improvement in the rankings of Chinese universities can be attributed to the government’s generous funding and education sector reforms, including emphasis on high quality development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data and quantum computing. Chinese universities are now credited for producing some of the best research papers, especially in STEM, validating the quality of education and higher learning. Moreover, with the policy of internationalization in recent decades, China is attracting students from across the world, offering not only a competitive but also a rich academic environment. In terms of employability, opportunities in China are gradually growing for high quality international talent. Meanwhile, with its dynamic economy and increasing global influence, China also provides opportunities to students to engage with multinational corporations and industry leaders.
Insights into the student life in China
For any international student, Chinese universities provide a highly conducive environment for personal growth. Pakistani students are particularly welcomed in Chinese universities, thanks to the close and time-tested relationship between our two countries. Chinese universities are also actively involved in engaging students in different cultural exchanges. They organize theme trips, support cultural festivals and patronize student clubs, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, collaboration and mutual respect.
The International Students Office of universities organizes various cultural and sporting activities for international students under the direction of School of International Education. Among these activities, some are held regularly e.g., International Cultural Festival, Sports activities, Celebration of Spring Season/ Chinese New Year, International Student’s Cultural trips and tours, welcome and graduation party for International students.
The school of international education at universities also encourages international students to take part in all kinds of activities held by the Chinese Ministry of Education, the local Municipal Government and other colleges and universities in China (e.g. Experience China, the Photography Competition for Foreigners, the story writing competition etc). International students’ host colleges also organize extracurricular activities. International Students may learn about on-going and upcoming activities by observing the notices displayed on the notice boards or sent to their email boxes.
Application Process
1. Basic materials
The process to apply at universities in China is more or less the same as applying for universities in other countries. An international student needs to visit the website of the university/department which they want to apply for, and understand the requirements and qualifications, and then begin to prepare the required materials.
The basic materials for application are:
· Application form, last highest degree certification and transcript
· Reference letter(s)
· Study plan
· If any specific material is needed, please prepare and submit such document according to school’s requirements.
More details can be found on the following web address of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China
http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/
China Consular Service: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh
2. Steps to follow after admission
When the admission notice is received, following procedure to come to China and join the university may be followed:
i. Visit the website of China Visa Application Service Centre
Information on Chinese visa application procedure can be found at the following web address:
https://www.visaforchina.cn/KHI2_EN/aboutus/263896.shtml
Once on the website, bring the cursor to the icon ‘How to get a visa’ and then select from the drop down menu the link ‘Step by Step Guidance’. As a general rule, for study visa, specified as X visa. The X visa has two sub categories:
1. X1 category is a long-term visa convertible into a residence permit within 30 days after entering China.
2. X2 is a short-term non-convertible visa, which allows the holder to visit China once and stay for no more than 180 days.
Therefore, X1 visa category is for those students whose duration of degree in China is more than 6 months and X2 is for those whose duration of degree is less than 6 months. Please note that an international student must hold a Study visa (X visa). If a Tourist visa (L Visa) holder wants to convert it to study visa after he/she enters the country, he/she may be required to re-enter after leaving China. Therefore, this practice of entering on a non-study visa into China and then trying to convert it into study visa is not recommended. Please note that Chinese visa applications can be submitted with any of the Gerry Visa Centres located in Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore. The addresses of these centres can also be found on the website of China Visa Application Service Center. (https://www.visaforchina.cn/KHI2_EN/aboutus/263895.shtml).
Materials required to be submitted with ‘visa application’ usually include:
· One original and one photocopy of passport (Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has blank visa pages.)
· One original and one photocopy of (duly filled in) Application Form for Foreign Students Studying in China (JW 201 or JW 202)
· One original and one photocopy of Admission Notice issued by the Chinese college/university
ii. Read Admission Notice carefully and contact your school timely
Admission Notice usually contains admission information such as major (academic field you would study), duration of studies and language used in teaching, and registration information such as time, place and materials needed for freshman registration.
Freshmen are encouraged to confirm their accommodation arrangement with the school in advance, so as to avoid the situation of being unable to stay in the dorm due to room shortage. The usual ways to contact school are email and telephone.
Items you may need during your stay in China
- Electronic devices: laptop and accessories, power adaptor, AC adaptor, portable charger, etc. (The standard voltage in China is 220V )
- Bedding: bed sheet, duvet, duvet cover, pillowcase, mattress, etc.
- Toiletries: slippers, bath towel, towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
- Clothing: China has a vast territory; thus there are great climate differences in different areas, therefore, clothing requirements vary from one geographic region to another. Please prepare your clothes according to the geographic location of your school.
- Common use medicines: It may be useful to bring small quantities of medicines for flu, cough, fever, digestive diseases, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, mosquito repellent, moisturizer and so on.
- It is advisable to bring some local currency (Chinese RMB) to pay for the basic expenses such as transport from airport to school and miscellaneous expenses for the first few days. Items such as electronic devices and daily necessities be purchased on campus or nearby shopping malls.
Items prohibited bringing into China
- According to regulations of the Chinese government, opium, morphine, heroin, marijuana and other addictive narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs, as well as all kinds of weapons, simulated weapons, controlled knives, ammunition and explosives are prohibited from being brought into China. For more information, please refer to the following websites:
Decree of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (No.43) - Tables of Items Prohibited and Restricted from Entry/Exit: http://www.customs.gov.cn/publish/portal0/tab517/info10510.htm
Announcement of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (No. 46, 2013) - Interpretations on Issues Concerning Table of Items Prohibited from Entry/Exit and Table of Items Restricted from Entry/Exit: http://www.customs.gov.cn/publish/portal0/tab399/info623247.htm
Currency
a) Chinese currency
The legal currency of China is RMB (¥). Its basic unit is Yuan, which can be subdivided into jiao and fen: 1 yuan = 10 jiao, 1 jiao = 10 fen.
b) Convertible currencies & place for conversion
US Dollar, Great Britain Pound, Japanese Yen and EU’s Euro among several other currencies are convertible to Chinese Yuan. For Pak Rupee, you must convert it first into US Dollar and then to Chinese Yuan (RMB).
For more information, visit the official website of Bank of China: http://www.boc.cn/en/index.html
Common language
China uses Chinese (mandarin) as its common language, with very limited understanding of English among the ordinary people on streets. To avoid communication difficulties during your initial days, it is recommended that you have the following contact information written in Chinese beforehand: your contact person in China, school administrator, destination. Please also download Google translate on your smart phone for quick translation from English into Chinese and vice versa.
Chinese Government Scholarship
Latest scholarship information can be taken by visiting www.campuschina.org or www.csc.edu.cn/laihua.
The application opens between mid-December and mid-April. You should apply and send the required documents to the application receiving agencies before the deadline.
i) Application steps of Chinese Government Scholarship
The link below may help understand the general application steps. There might be minor differences between programs. Please read the introductions to each program for detailed guidance.
http://fm.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/xwdt/202411/P020241111303384879988.pdf
ii) Pre-admission Letter
The Pre-admission Letter from a Chinese university is not a necessary application material. Applications enclosed with the Pre-admission Letter will be sent directly to the host universities for placement confirmation. Applications without the Pre-admission Letter will be sent to universities to go through admission procedure. For applicants without the Pre-admission Letter, China Scholarship Council (CSC) cannot assure the host university will be one of the preferences of institution, since capacity of the universities and the eligibility of the applicants will also be considered.
iii) Letter of Acceptance or email from the supervisor
Only the Pre-admission Letters (or Admission Letters) issued by the Admissions Office of designated Chinese universities are considered valid. Other files like acceptance letters from potential supervisors or emails from supervisors or professors are not regarded as the equivalent or substitute.
iv) Agency Number
Agency Number is the first required item that must be filled when applying online at Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) Online Application System for International Students. Each Agency Number stands for a specific application receiving agency and will be given to the recommended candidates only. A correct Agency Number will lead to the presence of the corresponding application receiving agency while a wrong one will lead to the application rejection. Get your Agency Number from application receiving agency (e.g. Chinese Embassy, etc.) when you are recommended as a candidate.
v) Login the CSC Online Application System for International Students
i. Go to www.csc.edu.cn/laihua or www.campuschina.org, and click the icon
“Application Online for International Students” to enter the system.
ii. First-time users should register before entering the online application page.
iii. Please use Internet Explorer (6.0 or 7.0). Menu selection functions may not work in other browsers.
vi) Important points to consider when applying online at CSC
i. Please select the program CHINESE GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP.
ii. The item ‘Apply for’ refers to the program one wants to study rather than the degree one already holds.
iii. Majors should be one of the existing majors offered by Chinese universities and be based on actual educational background. A non-existent or improper ‘major’ input will affect application result.
iv. Preference of Institutions must be chosen from 279 Chinese universities designated by Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE). Any institution beyond the list will not be considered for awarding scholarship.
v. Duration of the Major Study should match the program applying for. Please check introductions to each program for the specific schooling period.
vi. Submitted applications can be retrieved for revision. Once retrieved, the previously submitted application becomes invalid. Therefore, revised application should be submitted again.
vii) Writing a Study Plan or Research Proposal
A Study Plan or Research Proposal states in detail what you are going to do with the scholarship in China. It must include such information as the major you want to study in or the field of your research interest. It is of vital importance for those applicants for the graduate studies or senior scholar programs, so please make sure your study plan or research proposal states this information as specifically as possible.
viii) Supporting documents
Generally, applicants must fill in and provide the following supporting documents.
· Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship (in Chinese or English)
· Notarized highest diploma
· Academic transcripts
· A study plan or research proposal
· Recommendation letters
· Applicants under the age of 18 should submit the valid documents of their legal guardians in China.
· Applicants planning to stay in China for more than 6 months must submit a photocopy of Foreigner Physical Examination Form (valid for 6 months).
· Applicants with the Pre-admission Letter/Admission Letter from designated universities should enclose the letter in the application package.
· Applicants with valid HSK Certificate should enclose the photocopy of it in the application package.
8) Chinese universities under the Chinese Government Scholarship scheme
A total of 279 Chinese universities are designated by MOE to accept Chinese Government Scholarship students from which you can choose your target university. Please visit http://www.csc.edu.cn/laihua or http://www.campuschina.org for programs and universities available.
9) Direct application to Chinese universities for Chinese Government Scholarship
Only the 279 designated Chinese universities under the CGS-Chinese University Program can directly accept individual scholarship applications. Search the university of interest at http://www.csc.edu.cn/laihua orhttp://www.campuschina.org.
10) Application for more than one scholarship program
Each scholarship recipient can be granted with no more than one scholarship.
11) Admission result
The admission result will be announced by the application receiving agencies in late July. Please consult the application receiving agencies for admission result then.
Arrival in China
Normally, international students come to China by air. It is also possible that they come by rail, boat, bus and other means of transportation. The first task after his/her arrival is to pass China’s border control.
i. China’s border control
China’s border control is divided into a variety of channels, including Chinese citizen channel and foreign citizen channel. International students should enter through the latter. Before entering the country, you must fill out the Application Form for Entry of Foreigners and hand it to the inspector of Customs Office. Inspectors may ask about your travel purpose, contact and address in China. Please prepare responses in advance and bring relevant documents.
After entering the country, it is forbidden to stay at the border control office. Baggage should be claimed as soon as possible. Please do cooperate with personnel at security check.
ii. How do you get to school?
After entering China, one can take taxi, subway, bus and other means of transportation to school, and one may also need to take an inter-city train or a follow-up flight to the destination city. Please consult the school for details.
iii. Where can I stay after arriving at school?
An international student usually stays in dormitory on campus, or rents an apartment outside school.
Please note that students who fail to register for dormitory within the deadline set by the school may need to arrange for their accommodation by themselves.
iv) Freshman registration
After a freshman arrives in China, he/she should promptly go to the relevant department to complete the registration procedure. For details with regard to the time, place and materials needed for such registration, please refer to the school’s Admission Notice.
a) Documents required in general for freshman registration
- Original and photocopy of valid passport and visa (X1 or X2);
- Original and photocopy of Admission Notice;
- Original of Visa Application for Study in China (JW201 or JW202);
- Passport size photo
- Fees, including registration fee, tuition, medical insurance premium, accommodation fees; and
- Original of Physical Examination Record for Foreigners and Blood Test Report (for students who will study in China for more than 6 months).
Please prepare and submit these and any other materials according to the requirements of the school.
b) Procedure of registration
It usually include:
a) Accommodation: Register for accommodation and move into dormitory;
b) Payment: Pay tuition, registration and other related fees;
c) Medical insurance purchase: Present a valid passport and the admission notice, and pay medical insurance premium;
d) Student registration: Fill in relevant forms for student registration;
e) Physical examination: Attend physical examination arranged by the school;
f) Visa interview: Attend the visa interview arranged by the school for the first-time residence permit applicants; and
g)Residence permit: Apply for a residence permit after obtaining your medical examination result and passing the visa interview.
Registration procedures may vary from school to school. Please consult your own school for more details.
If a student cannot arrive at the school before the registration deadline prescribed by the school, he/she should contact the relevant school administrator in advance to consult the alternative time for registration.
c) Physical examination
According to the provisions of relevant laws and regulations of the Chinese government, international students entering China with X1 visa must take a health check. Alternatively, international students may choose to take physical examinations in their own country before coming to China, but they need to submit the original Physical Examination Record of Foreigners in Chinese or English at the time of student registration, and then go to the local Health Centre of the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau to have the aforesaid form reviewed. If the submitted document does not conform to the specifications or requirements or no medical examination has been conducted before entering China, they are required to re-take a health check at the Health Centre of the local Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau. Then the centre will issue the Certificate on Verification of Physical Examination Record for Foreigners, which is one of the preconditions for obtaining a residence permit in China. For physical examination, the following materials may be required:
· Passport
· Certificate of physical examination taken before entering China
· 2-inch bareheaded ID photo, which may also be taken at the site of physical examination
· Admission notice (photocopy) or a certificate verifying admission issued by the school
Under normal circumstances, the school will arrange medical check-ups for students. If you miss the check-up, you need to go to the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau to complete this procedure. A holder of X1 visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days upon the date of entry; therefore it is necessary to complete the medical examination as soon as possible after entry. International students with X2 visa do not need medical examination.
Medical insurance
According to the relevant regulations of China, international students whose duration of studies in China exceeds six months should purchase medical insurance in China. The school will provide students with advice and services for medical insurance purchase. For information on insurance liability please refer to: http://lxbx.net/tbzn/coverage2-e.html. For claims guide Scheme, please refer to: http://lxbx.net/lpsm/claims2-e.html.
Residence permit for foreigners
The Chinese Government issues Residence Permit to Foreigners whose visa authorizes them to stay in People’s Republic of China for more than one year. International students with X1 visa must change it to residence permit within 30 days of entry into China. The permit shall be applied for at the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau of the student’s place of residence. For details, please refer to Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of Entry and Exit of Foreigners and the relevant provisions promulgated by the local Exit-and-Entry Administration.
The police station needs to check original passport when handling your application for residence permit. At the same time, some other procedures may also require original passport, such as applying for bank cards and mobile phone/Internet access. Therefore, please make sure to take relevant documents.
Rules and regulations to abide by when studying in China
International students’ behaviours in China are governed by China’s national and local laws and regulations on foreigners as well as the university’s rules and regulations on international students. The local exit/entry administration, police station and college/university share the responsibilities of student management.
Before the formal beginning of studies, students will be instructed on the guidelines on their code of conduct and the school’s rules & regulations for freshmen. In addition, the exit/entry administration and police station will also give lectures on public safety.
Off-campus internship program
If an international student holding X visa needs to participate in an off-campus internship program or get a part-time job during his/her stay in China, he/she shall first obtain the consent of the school, and then submit the consents of both the school and the employer on off-campus internship program or part-time job to the exit-entry administration to apply for adding a note on such information to his/her residence permit. Only after this, he/she can engage in off-campus internship activities. Otherwise, activities, such as working outside school in a work-study program or an internship program, are not allowed. Please note that your internship date cannot exceed the validity of your residence permit.
If you wish to find an internship, please refer to professional and formal platforms, such as the student service centre or the information platform of your school.
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