Applying to university in China

Applying to University can seem like a daunting process, let alone in China. Where do I start? Who can I talk to? What do I need to do? Here is some advice, tips and insight into the process for those who are considering studying in China or for those who are just genuinely curious.

1. I would love to stay but it's not what I want to do when I'm older

I came to China in September 2017 with an unconditional place to study Fashion at London School of Fashion. Since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to study Fashion at university. It was the career for me. After a few months of being in China, something changed for me. I suddenly found myself not as interested in studying Fashion. I was in true disbelief that something that I’ve been passionate about might not actually be what I want to do right now. It took a lot for me to come to this reality, but I decided enough was enough. I withdrew my place from UCAS. I decided I wanted to continue studying abroad, but what? After long consideration I decided to apply to study for one more year at TFSU, studying Chinese language. I’m interested in it, why not? What’s holding me back? I was in a dilemma about staying in China because I can’t see myself living in China forever. I don’t think I’m prepared to study my whole degree in China, but that’s ok. It’s important for people, who perhaps have a similar way of thinking as myself, to know that’s ok. If you’re considering spending another year or two or longer in China, don’t panic. It will not hold you back from what you actually want to do as a career in later life. It will only benefit you. Do what you’re most interested in at this current moment, this will ensure you don’t have regrets in the future. You can always defer a university place or discover something else you want to do. If you want to stay, stay.

2. How do I apply?

Unfortunately, the process isn’t as simple as a UCAS application. It’s a little more frustrating. There’s no structure to the application process as such. The most common way to apply is directly through the chosen university’s website. They normally have an ‘apply now’ section which attempts to explain how it works. Alternatively, you can use CUCAS, which is effectively China’s version of UCAS. This website is all in English, clear and well structured. There are live chats with support teams who you can ask for advice. Although it’s helpful in terms of finding universities to suit you I didn’t feel it was the best option. CUCAS charges fees: at the time I applied TFSU cost $150 to apply. CUCAS also asked me to pay $500 to use their scholarship software which didn’t even guarantee you a scholarship. I decided to apply directly to the university instead.

3. Outdated websites

During my application process I found that many of the universities had outdated websites, even former websites that are not now in use but exist beside the real website. Be careful that you apply to the current university website to ensure your application is not lost on the internet.

4. Be patient and don't give up!

When I applied I wasn’t told there would be a set date on which I would find out whether I had a place or not. I found this stressful because I had many things to prepare for eg visa, flights etc. I live in the same building as the admissions office, so I made several visits there asking questions, but it was impossible to get an answer. Perhaps this is the conventional way in China. I was told that as I am a foreigner I would get a place and should be fine. This wasn’t reassuring to me. However, the key is patience. Things will work out. You must take the fact that things don’t work the same in China when applying.

5. Deadlines and scholarships

China offers hundreds of scholarships for foreigners to come study here. Often there are requirements for candidates, such as HSK 3 or 4, so look carefully to find the one that suits you. Unfortunately, I was only interested in a one year language study and was unable to receive a scholarship so I'm self-funding instead. Be aware of deadlines, many are in May, June and July. However, Peking University interviews were held early, in November. As soon as you are interested in studying in China, do your research to avoid the disappointment of missing deadlines. Tuition fees are lower in China than Scotland but it’s good to take full advantage of the scholarships they offer. I would recommend looking at the Confucius Institute website or on the university's website as they often provide a list of scholarships you can apply for.

6. UCAS

Even though I applied to university in China, I also applied to UCAS again after withdrawing my place to study Fashion. I applied for Law, a little different! I applied again as a safety net because I obviously wasn’t sure whether I’d get a place or not in China. It’s important to have back up plan in case your application is unsuccessful. It only took me one night to send my application through UCAS. It takes very little effort to have that safety net. I’d recommend that even if you have applied to university in China, also apply back home because you never know what will happen.

These are my main tips for applying to university in China. Others may have had a different experience when applying but these are some of things I found during my own personal process. After the whole process I am so relieved to be accepted and excited to continue my journey living in China. I’m only here for one more year but who knows what the future will bring. I’m now currently researching how I can apply for my BA degree, elsewhere, perhaps the US or South Korea, after another year in China.

I wish the best of luck to those who are interested in applying to study in China. If you want further advice, you are welcome to contact me and I can try my best to offer help.

Until next time,

Ariana