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General Introduction of China
You are Welcome to China 1. China in the 21st Century: An Attractive Choice 2. We Sincerely Welcome You to Study in China We hope also that by studying in China you will gain academic success, grow as an individual and go on to bring great honour to your homeland when you return. General Introduction to China's Education System: China's eduation system can be divided into the following stages: 1) Pre-school education is for 3-5 year olds and takes place in kindergartens. 2) Primary education is from 6-11. Primary schools are usually run by local educational authorities and over free tuition, although there are some private schools owned by enterprises and individuals. 3) Secondary schooling is for children from 12-17 years of age. Education of this kind is run by local governments and various business authorities. State-run secondary schools include junior middle schools and senior middle schools, bothwith three grades or years. The first three years of secondary school are compulsory and tuition is free. Senior middle school is not compulsory and students must pay minimal tuition fees. Private secondary schools often offer specialised education and have a more vocational bent, but the qualifications they offer are considered to be on the same level as those of State-run middle schools. However, graduates from secondary professional schools are seen to have achieved a higher level in some ways akin to a university education. Students graduating from junior middle schools usually go on to senior middle schools, although some move to vocational high schools or secondary professional schools for 3-5 years of study. 4) For higher education there are vocational courses as well as undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees. Higher education is offered in universities, colleges, institutes, and vocational colleges. These institutions conduct academic and scientific research and provide social services as well as offering courses to students. To enter a university or college, students have to take the national entrance examination, which takes place every July and is now open to people of all ages. Selection is based on each students marks in this exam, and due to the number of people sitting the exam, getting into university is highly competitive. Those who fail to get selected have to go to private colleges if they want to continue their education. Tuition at such colleges is more expensive than at the State-run universities. Those who have missed out on higher education can continue their studies as adults in the workplace. General Introduction to Qualifications Available: 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. 1) 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 requiredto complete a language training course. 2) 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. 3) 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. 4) Doctorate students: Three years of study are needed to obtain a PhD. 5) 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. 6) 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. Higher Learning in China: 1. General Introduction Higher learning institutions play a very important role in academic and scientific research in China. By the end of 1997, China had have 1,020 schools of higher education, with 176,400 postgraduates and 3,172,700 undergraduates. Each of these institutions have research departments or laboratories. China has 3,409 research institutes, including 416 that focus on key subjects and 152 key State-level laboratories and research centres. To ensure the quality of students admitted for higher education, China has set up a strict entrance examination system. Students graduating with senior school diplomas can enter universities or institutes of higher education only after they pass the national entrance examinations held once a year in July. The academic year of a full- time university is generally divided into two semesters (A few are trying a three-term system). The first term begins in early September. Students are given a month's holiday for the Spring Festival, returning in the middle of February. The summer vacation starts in mid July. Each semester lasts about 20 weeks. In addition to the long vacations, students have one day off on New Year's Day (January 1) and International Labour Day (May 1), and two days for National Day (October 1). 2. China's Academic Degrees China's academic degrees include Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate. There are 12 fields in which degrees are offered: philosophy, economics, law (including politics, sociology, and the study of ethics), mathematics, pedagogics (including physical training studies), literature (including language studies, art, and library science), history, natural sciences, engineering, administration, medicine and military. University teaching is strictly conducted in accordance with the teaching programme and syllabus. University education includes classroom lectures, classroom discussions, laboratory lessons, exercises and guidance lectures. On the spot instruction, instruction tours, experiments and social studies are often organised to supplement classroom instruction. These activities are intended to consolidate the results of classroom instruction and improve the ability of students to work independent and their capacity to apply their knowledge. Universities are equipped with advanced teaching facilities and teaching methods are up to date to ensure the high quality of education. Scientific research of the China's universities is central to the development of science and technology in the country and hence to the economy. There are 3402 research institutes and tens of thousands of faculties in China's universities to meet the needs of the various degrees on offer. Since 1984, the government has established 104 key national laboratories and 58 faculties in various universities. The government puts a lot of money into the research projects going on in universities. Types and Qualifications of Foreign Students Accepted: Undergraduate,Under 25,4-5 years,Above or equal to the level of Chinese high school graduates. Foreign students also have to pass univeristy or college entrance examinations as well as the HSK examination. Postgraduate,Under 35,Applicants much hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, be recommended by more than two vice-professors, and pass the relevent admission examinations. Entrance examinations are not required if the applicant graduated as an undergraduate in China the same year, performed well in all his/her courses, and has been recommended by his/her professors. 2-3 years. PhD,Under 40,Applicants must already hold a Master's or equivalent, be recommended by more than two vice-professors, and pass the relevant entrance examinations. 3 years Trainee in the Chinese language,Under 55,Above or equal to the level of Chinese high school graduates. 1-2 years Common trainee,Under 35,Above a sophomore's degree 1-2 years Advanced trainee,Under 45,With or above Master's degree or studying for doctoral degree. Under 1 year Research scholar,Under 55,With or above vice-professor degree Under 1 year Short-term trainee,Under 60,Equal to or above the level of Chinese high school graduates. 4-20 weeks Short-Term Training Courses for Foreigners: 1. General Introduction Most Chinese universities offer short-term training courses for foreigners. With the development of China's cultural exchanges ith other countries, more and more people wish to study in China. As such, the types of short-term course available have increased in number from just Chinese language to many subject areas, including literature, calligraphy, economics, architecture, law, Chinese medicine, the science of acupuncture, art and sports. Moreover, courses are now offered both during term time and during the holidays. More than 200 universities and colleges across the nation accept short-term students.Courses can last from four to 20 weeks. Costs vary according to the type of course, its length and the particular institution attended. 2. Types of Short-Term Training Courses Chinese language ￡- It is possible to learn Chinese in any number of institutions in China. Different levels are catered for. Chinese culture ￡- Including Chinese politics, the economy and trade, foreign relations, and traditional culture. Classes are given in both Chinese and English or with interpreters. Students are also given opportunities to visit factories, the countryside, residence spots and famous historical sites that have some connection with their course. Chinese medicine ￡- Conducted in specialised schools for foreign doctors of Chinese traditional internal medicine, acupuncturists, and postgraduates and graduates of medical school. Classes are conducted in Chinese or English and teaching is a mixture of lectures and clinical practice. Law ￡- China's Constitution, civil laws, economic laws, and the laws and regulations concerned with Sino-foreign co-investment. Students are given the opportunity to talk to lawyers and audit trials in connection with their studies. Handwriting, calligraphy and Chinese art ￡- Mainly teaching the theory and skills of Chinese handwriting and calligraphy and Chinese traditional paintings (of such things as mountains and water, flowers and birds, and figures). Ancient architecture ￡- The history of ancient Chinese architecture and the techniques used to build ancient structures in China. Visits are organised to ancient buildings and gardens famous for their distinctive styles in China. Chinese cooking - The different methods and ideas behind the various Chinese cuisines. Sports ￡- Chinese traditional martial arts and Qigong as well as more modern sports. Other subjects are also available. Please consult the literature of each university or college. How to Apply and Get a Visa: Faculties and friendship groups overseas that wish to offer their students or associates short-term training courses in China should contact the foreign students' administration office in each Chinese university or college for admission brochures and to discuss any details. Individuals can also directly contact universities and colleges in China for materials. Anyone aged 16-60 and in good health can apply. Applicants need to complete the Foreigners' Application Form for Short-term Training Courses provided by the institution being applied to. Once accepted by a university or college, students should apply for an F visa at their local Chinese embassy or consulate by submitting the Admission Notice and the Visa Application Form for Foreigners Wishing to Study in China (JW202) sent by the university or college. It is important for this to be done in good time. Costs for Self-Supporting Students: The following table is only a rough guide to expenses for self-supporting foreign students. Costs vary from university to university as well as over time. For more detailed and up-to-date information, please consult the admission brochures of each institution. Tuition fee for arts subjects: Undergraduates, Chinese-language trainees(US $1,700-3,200) Tuition fee for science, technology, agriculture, medicine, sports, art: Undergraduates, common trainees (US $1,800-6,400) Accomodation :US $2-3 per person (in a shared room with a public toilet and bathroom). Accomodation of a higher standard is often available, although at greater expense. Course materials:US $30-50 for arts subjects, a little bit more for sciences, agronomy, medicine, sports and art. Canteen food:US $40-60 per person per month for foreign student dining halls; US $20-30 per person per month for Chinese student dining halls.
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