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With each passing year, the number of international students who aspire to undertake bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD courses in China keeps rising. This is largely due to the availability of scholarship programs that are either fully or partly funded and sponsored by the government or some private institutions.
One thing, however, that poses a huge challenge is the language barrier. Mandarin (Chinese) is the primary mode of communication in China, so most English speakers would either have to learn the language or look for institutions that offer courses taught in English.
Given the number of students from English-speaking countries who gain admission to obtain degrees in China, more universities in the country have started to use English as a medium of instruction. This makes it less challenging for international students to transition, especially those with little or no knowledge of the country’s languages. In this article, we focus on five universities that offer English-taught programs in China.
1. Peking University
Peking University is one of the top Universities that teach the English language. It is among the Chinese educational institutions that welcome thousands of international students to various degree programs. However, it offers only Master’s programs in English.
It boasts the largest facilities, research, and university library in Asia. The university has six faculties and offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programs, mostly in Chinese.
Students at this higher institution are expected to complete their studies within 4 to 6 years. They are not required to take Chinese language exams, but they must meet specific standards if they take Chinese classes. Alternatively, they can take courses in English for just two semesters or study Chinese for a few semesters.
Please note that those doing Master’s programs must complete their studies within three years, and doctorate students may take up to six years. To earn their certificate, graduate students must present and defend a thesis. Twelve Master’s programs are offered in English, including Chinese law, international relations, and public policy.
2. Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University is rated as one of the most prestigious universities in Beijing, China, and a top English-taught university in the country. It was founded in 1911 as Tsinghua Imperial Academy. Over the years, it has offered various bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs, making it an attractive institution for many international students.
At this university, undergraduate and graduate programs are taught in English. For students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, around 80 disciplines are offered by more than 20 faculties and departments. Most of these courses last for four years, except for the architecture and sculpture courses, which are taught in Chinese and English.
Furthermore, graduate students can choose from 30 English-taught graduate degree programs. Out of these 30 courses, 22 are for Master’s students, and eight courses are for doctorate students. A master’s degree is usually completed within three years, while a PhD or doctorate takes four years.
3. Zhejiang University
Zhejiang University is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It was founded in 1897, but it wasn’t until 1979 that it began accepting international students. Zhejiang University is one of the oldest and most prestigious higher institutions. Since its creation, more than 30,000 students worldwide have entered the university’s halls and experienced Chinese culture up close.
Zhejiang University offers a variety of English-taught bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. These include MBBS, dual degree, engineering, global communication, and management programs.
Students enrolling in English programs are not required to prove fluency in Chinese but may be asked to provide proof of English proficiency. Master’s students can choose from a range of English programs in civil engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, physics, and applied statistics. Graduate students can also choose programs in Chinese law, botany, zoology, electrical engineering, food science, and more.
4. Shanghai Jiao Tong University
At Shanghai Jiao Tong University, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs are taught in English. Founded in 1896 in Shanghai, China, this world-class educational institution has produced the country’s best scholars and hosted thousands of international students within its 100-year existence.
China’s Ministry of Education directly manages it, and it has five locations. Aspiring engineering students can find their program among the institution’s engineering cluster programs, where all core courses are offered in English or French.
Other top programs include mechanical engineering, automation, information technology, and computer science. Although courses are taught in English, students must study Chinese and meet the language requirements to graduate.
Graduate students who wish to take courses in English at Shanghai Jiao Tong University must also submit a certificate verifying their English proficiency. Master’s programs are usually completed in three years if studied full-time, while doctorate programs can take up to four years full-time.
5. University of Science and Technology of China
The University of Science and Technology of China was founded in Beijing in 1958 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The campus was then relocated to Hefei, where it is currently located. The institution was established to serve the country’s scientific and technological needs and improve its international competitiveness.
Most of the top English programs at the University of Science and Technology of China are for graduate students (Master’s and PhD). Around nine Master’s programs and almost all PhD programs are offered in English. Students must complete their credits and defend their thesis to obtain their graduate certificate. Usually, Master’s programs are set for two to three years, while doctorate programs may take up to four years.
The University of Science and Technology of China teaches at least 35 courses, primarily in Chinese. Others are taught in English or bilingually. However, these courses may only be part of the academic program, and knowing how to speak Chinese may still be required.
