Apply to
Chinese Universities
Chinese Universities
Full-time universities’ school year in China normally contains two semesters, Spring semester and Fall semester, except for a few ones implementing 3-semester system. The first semester starts on autumn of each year, requiring fully submission of materials between late February and late July of that year; and the second starts on spring, receiving materials between late October and late January starting from the previous year to the current year. But the dates are generally set, hence, it is important to figure out every university’s specific application deadline for each semester, and when it comes to those universities of 3-semester system, it becomes more significant.
>> See more about University Semesters&Hotlidays
Below are application timetables for both Spring semester and Fall semester for you to have a general idea about when to prepare and submit your application.
Application Timetables
This schedule is suggested for students wanting to study regular degree programs or long-term Chinese language programs starting in September.
| Late February/ Early March | Applicants can start to apply for degree programs starting in autumn next year. |
| April to May | Most programs are open for application during this time, as applicants should submit their applications as early as possible. Please be aware that early applications will be favored when vacancies are limited. |
| Late May | Applicants who submitted applications in March 2010 would receive their admission results and prepare for departure. |
| June | Admission letters for early applicants are delivered. |
| Late July | Official application deadline of most universities. All applicants are suggested to submit the applications before that date. |
| Early August | Admission Letter and JW202 form would be delivered 4 weeks before programs start. Applicants should apply for a Chinese visa at their nearest Chinese Embassies and Chinese Consulates with their original Admission Letter, original JW202 form, and valid passport. |
| Early September | Starting date for most universities in China. Accepted applicants should arrive in school before that date. |
| Late September | If there are some vacancies available for a started program, late applicants are still welcome to register if they are capable of adapting to the class. Applicants are suggested to consult at service@cucas.cn before applying, as the admission would depend on university's regulations. |
This schedule is suggested for students wanting to study Chinese language programs or degree programs starting in late February or early March.
| Late October | Applicants can start to apply for programs starting in spring next year. |
| November-January | Most programs are open for application during this time. Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible. Please be aware that early applications will be favored when vacancies are limited. |
| December | Applicants who submitted applications in October or early November will receive their admission results by e-mail. |
| Early January | Admission letters for early applicants will be delivered. Applicants should apply for a Chinese visa at their nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate with their original Admission letter, original JW202 form, and valid passport. |
| Late January | Official application deadline of most universities. All applicants are suggested to submit the applications before that date. |
| February (before program started) | After the deadline, if there are vacancies available, late applicants are still welcome to register if they are capable of adapting to the class. Applicants are suggested to consult at service@cucas.cn before applying, as the admission would depend on university's regulations. |
| Late February or early March | Starting date for most spring programs in China. Accepted applicants should arrive at school before that date issued on admission letter. |
Specific Notice
Regarding some unpredictable factors, we’d like to suggest you to submit your application in a proper time due to the timetable above but generally sooner than later.
According to Chinese Embassy’s website, it is advised that visa application should be submitted a month before your planned trip to China. If you have submitted all documents required, it normally takes 4 business days (it varies case by case). If you have a special or emergency situation, you may request express (2 or 3 business days) or rush service (within 24 hours) for an additional fee. Approval for such services may and may not be provided by the Chinese Embassy or Consulates General.
However, in order to apply your student visa, you need to have the essential JW202 form from your university. There is not a settled date for the university to issue the JW202 form, because different universities located in different provinces have their own pace for releasing this important form. Hence, due to information above all, we strongly suggest international students who would like to study in China to submit university application at least two months earlier than the application deadline.
When the starting date comes, the university usually commences to accept applications. If a student is qualified, an offer will be made afterwards. There are limited places for every batch of every major, therefore, being an early bird to submit the application will help you gain a bigger chance to be matriculated, and for some courses, even a bigger chance for winning a scholarship.
