For those willing to spend the time and resources to truly master Chinese, the world of university Chinese language courses – in China – offers the double dose of immersion and formal setting needed to take things to the next level. Between choosing the right program, finding a university, exploring your choices online and scholarships, here's a rundown of all you'll need to know.

What course is for you?

An obvious starting point is to decide how long and how intensively you want to study. There are a number of options, from short seven-day introductory courses teaching the basics of conversational Chinese, to four-year degree programs which take you from ni hao to near fluency, stopping along the way to divulge cultural commentary or business know-how.

Degree vs. non-degree programs

Early on, you'll also need to decide between degree and non-degree courses. Generally speaking, degree courses are for those who already have a basic fluency in Chinese reading, writing, listening and speaking and who have consequently decided that they want a more formal and structured learning environment to further improve their skills. Although degree courses exist for complete beginners (including universities in Dalian, Shanghai and Kunming), most require at least HSK Level 3 in order to apply and enrol. These programs are suited to students who can commit to three to four years of full-time study and are generally geared towards specific interests in China with business, culture and literature modules forming part of the curriculum.

If you haven't got the time, money or inclination to commit to a three-year degree program, then a non-degree course is probably the better option. With a wide-range of courses available, they offer increased freedom to study around other commitments and learn at your own pace. If you've plenty of time on your hands, you can opt for the numerous 'Regular' or 'Intensive' Chinese programs which require 20 or 30 hours of classes per week respectively and that run for anything from a week to a year. If you find yourself twiddling your thumbs during those bleak winters and sweltering summers consider a winter or summer program, offered by universities while the regular students are enjoying long holidays. Alternatively, if free time is limited by a hectic home or work schedule, look into the numerous part-time programs available on evenings and weekends to accommodate busy businessmen and tired teachers who still hanker to learn the language.

Finding the right fit

Many courses offer something extra, recognising China's unique culture as part of what attracts thousands of foreign students to study here every year. It's a question of seeking out which courses offer the extras you're interested in, and balancing that with the qualifications offered, the level and intensity of study, the location and, of course, the cost.

There are so many courses offered across China that it would be impossible to make a blanket comment on which course is best or where's the top city for international students in China. Beijing's schools offer a vibrant foreign student community, with the added benefit of being surrounded by the city's near-perfect Putonghua pronunciation. Beijing Language & Culture University, in particular, enjoys considerable prestige for being the oldest and one of the most highly regarded language schools for foreigners in China. But just make sure you don't find yourself sucked into life as an expat, easily succumbing to boozy nights in Sanlitun surrounded by hoards of foreigners, sorely missing out on aspects of Chinese culture in the process.

Shanghai's Fudan University also tops university rankings for Chinese study and benefits from the multi-cultural and modern vibe that Shanghai exudes, potentially making it a great fit for students who wish to maintain a comfortable Western lifestyle during their studies. But similar to Beijing, you might find the numerous opportunities to associate with its international crowd somewhat detrimental to your Chinese language acquisition.

Conversely, studying in a smaller university in one of the lesser-known cities of China might be a daunting idea, although it will definitely offer a more immersive Chinese experience. With fewer foreigners, you'll have more incentive to quickly develop your Mandarin, to stave off the initial loneliness of being thrown into an entirely Chinese environment. Better yet, these universities often offer lower tuition fees, lower cost of living and sometimes a more diverse Chinese cultural experience. You might think about studying in areas with strong Tibetan influence, like Xining or Chengdu, or if you're intrigued by the Uighur people and numerous minorities of the Northwest, Xinjiang Normal University could be your ideal location.

Explore online

First stop on your search for the perfect course should be China's UCAS website (www.cucas.edu.cn). As the "official online portal for international students applying to China's universities", this site offers insight into a broad spectrum of courses and universities. Browse the thousands of courses and hundreds of schools or search for a specific program to discover the basics regarding cost, entry requirements and course content. You can also peruse university rankings and school reviews written by users through this site.

However, CUCAS by no means covers all available courses. Another useful site, www.at0086.com, offers a more detailed look at non-degree and Chinese cultural courses available across China, and also contains useful tips on studying, living and working in China. Some of the more culturally-oriented courses include a bachelor's degree program in Tea Culture Science in Hangzhou, a four-month Chinese Cooking course in Beijing and degree or short courses in aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shanxi. Many require a degree of Chinese proficiency before enrolling (usually HSK level 3 or 4), but all are taught in Chinese, meaning your language skills will improve alongside knowledge of more specialist subjects. Once you've found a few programs that tickle your fancy, a quick web search of your desired university should bring up links for English language websites from which to glean contact information and further details of courses offered.

Finally, you'll want to organise your application on the CUCAS website, where you'll fill out and submit your application materials electronically. For those of us who are used to China's meandering organisational norms and incomprehensible form filling, the CUCAS website is refreshingly straightforward. Alternatively, during your research you may find that it's possible to apply directly to your university of choice via their website.

Scholarships

Becoming a university student obviously requires a considerable financial investment. Fortunately, numerous scholarships exist for international students in China, including a considerable number through the Chinese government. Information can be found on both the CUCAS and AT0086 websites. Other scholarships, particularly those offered by your home country, can usually be found with a simple web search, such as the "Great Britain-China Education Trust Language Award", the various scholarships detailed on www.diversityabroad.com, and the numerous "Chinese Government Scholarship Programmes".
 

Related links
The Solo Approach: Chinese Learning Softwares
The Side Road to Higher Education: Applying to a Chinese University
The Big Mandarin Debate: Where to Study?

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