China’s semesters start in Autumn of each year. The academic year usually consists of two semesters, Spring semester and Autumn semester, so following the Autumn semester is the Spring semester. This excludes some universities which implement a 3-semester system. Please make sure that all your material and documents are submitted between late February and late July of the year of application. Each university also has an application deadline, so you must take that into consideration as well.

Application Deadline

All material and required documents must be sent to the university of your choice before the deadline. Applications received in time are guaranteed to be considered by universities. Any application sent in after the deadline will be forfeited, or may be considered by universities if a vacancy for the desired course is still available.

Course Dates

Please take note of your course starting dates. Some courses start in Spring as apposed to Autumn. Make sure you application is submitted at least two months before the course starting date since vacancies may be limited if you application is sent closer to the starting date.

Visa Issuing

You should submit yourvisa applications to the consular office of the nearest Chinese Embassy (you may use a travel agency or visa agency) a month before your planned trip to China. A JW202 form should be given to you from your Chinese university upon admission acceptance. This form is essential and is needed for you to get your visa. It is strongly suggested that you apply at least two months before the starting date to you university as the JW202 form will have to be sent. You should submit your visa application with the required application fees for the desired visa. The regular processing time is 4 working days. If you want to collect your visa earlier, there are express services which are available.

It is better that your application be sent to your university early so that you can ensure you place at the school. There are limited vacancies in every university, so the earlier you apply, the bigger chance you will have of gaining acceptance.

Suggested Application Times

Autumn Intake

During late February/early March, you can start applying for your program of choice. During late May, you will receive your admission results and prepare for departure. In June, you will receive your admission documents. During early August, you should apply for your visa with received JW202 form. In September, most universities start their courses. You must arrive in China before the starting date.

Spring Intake

During late October, you can start applying for your program of choice. In December, you will receive your admission results and prepare for departure. During early January, you will receive your admission documents. During early February, you should apply for your visa with received JW202 form. During late March, most universities start their courses. You must arrive in China before the starting date.