New China began accepting overseas students in 1950. In the
past few years, the number of foreign students in China as increased
greatly. In the 1995-1996 academic year, more than 41,000 foreign
students of all types from 125 countries and regions came to
China, including language students, undergraduates, postgraduates,
doctoral students, research scholars, and those taking all kinds
of short-term training courses.
Foreign students have different educational needs. China's
universities offer many different types of courses and teaching
methods to cater to these needs as well as to the different
educational levels of the students that come form abroad.
Language trainees:
Universities accept students who have achieved the minimum of
a high school education for courses in the Chinese language.
These courses usually last 1 or 2 years. Students are given
certificates after they complete their course. Students who
do not speak Chinese and want to study further in China are
usually required to complete a language training course.
Undergraduates:
Undergraduate degrees usually require 4-5 years of study. International
students have classes together with native Chinese students.
In accordance with each student's past education, some classes
of a degree course can be cancelled and some have to be added.
Students receive a Bachelor's degree after passing the necessary
exams and completing a thesis.
Postgraduates:
Master's degrees are granted after 2-3 years of study. As well
as written exams and a postgraduate thesis, oral examinations
are also taken.
Doctorate students:
Three years of study are needed to obtain a PhD.
Research scholars:
Research is usually conducted independently by the student under
the supervision of an assigned tutor. Any surveys, experiments,
interviews, or visits that a research scholar has to make need
to be arranged before hand and authorised.
Short-term training courses:
Short-term courses are now offered in many areas such as Chinese
literature, calligraphy, economics, architecture, Chinese law,
tradtitional Chinese medicine, art, and sports. Courses are
offered in the holidays as well as during term time.
Foreign students are encouraged to continue their studies and
obtain Master's or doctoral degrees in China's universities,
and those who have graduated in China are welcome to return
for further education. Some universities offer courses taught
in foreign languages.
