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Study at Beijing Forestry University: More Than Trees

Universities
Sep 14, 2026
White main building of Beijing Forestry University with red name sign, flower gardens and a red 60 anniversary sculpture under blue sky

To study at Beijing Forestry University is to join a school whose name undersells it. Its roots go back to 1902, to the forestry section of the Imperial University of Peking, and it became an independent institute in 1952 (Wikipedia, 2026a). Today it is a Project 211 university with two Double First-Class disciplines. One is forestry, as you would expect. The other is landscape architecture.

That second discipline is the part most applicants miss. So is a quieter problem: the university’s own pages do not agree on how much Chinese you need. This guide covers both, along with fees, scholarships and life in Haidian.

Quick Links Before You Study at Beijing Forestry University

Why Study at Beijing Forestry University: More Than Trees

211 and Double First-Class status, stated plainly

BFU is a 211 university, not a 985. It entered the national Double First-Class programme in 2017 and was confirmed again in 2022. Its two listed disciplines are forestry and landscape architecture, and nine of its subjects sit in the ESI global top 1% (China National Radio, 2023). The state also named it a national key university as early as 1960.

For context on what those labels mean, see our overviews of the top universities in China and China’s 985 and 211 universities.

Academic strengths: forests, landscapes, ecology

Forestry is the historic core. Still, the School of Landscape Architecture is arguably the reason to look here if you care about design, urban green space or parks planning. Around those two sit soil and water conservation, ecology and nature conservation, grassland science, and environmental science and engineering. Each of those schools publishes its own prospectus for international students (Beijing Forestry University, n.d.).

The motto sums up the culture: “know mountains and water, cultivate trees and people.” In practice, that means fieldwork. Expect forest plots and research stations, not just lecture halls. If agriculture is closer to your interest, compare it with China Agricultural University, a short ride away.

Location: Haidian’s university belt, on Line 15

The campus sits on Tsinghua East Road in Haidian, Beijing’s university district. Metro Line 15 stops at Tsinghua East Road West Gate station, which lies between Tsinghua and BFU and opened in December 2014 (Wikipedia, 2026b). Neighbours on the same strip include the University of Science and Technology Beijing, and Wudaokou’s student streets are close by.

Admissions: How to Apply to Study at Beijing Forestry University

What is open to international students

BFU opens 41 undergraduate and 116 graduate programmes to international students. Bachelor’s degrees last four years and are taught mainly in Chinese. At master’s and doctoral level, 18 programmes run in English. There is also a 32-week Chinese language programme, plus a preparatory route for students below HSK 4 (Beijing Forestry University, n.d.).

The HSK question: 4 or 6?

Here is the catch. The English admissions page sets HSK 4 as the minimum for degree programmes. The online application portal, however, still asks for an HSK 6 certificate, with preparatory students exempt (Beijing Forestry University, 2026). The Beijing government’s scholarship listing for BFU also says HSK 4 (Beijing Municipal People’s Government, 2024).

So which is right? Probably HSK 4 for most programmes, with some majors asking more. Email admissions and get the answer for your specific programme in writing. For English-taught programmes, expect IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 79. Our guide to the HSK level universities require explains the bands.

The CSCA, documents and deadlines

From the 2026/2027 year, bachelor’s applicants to Chinese universities must sit the CSCA before applying (Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Mongolia, 2025). Our explainer on the CSCA exam covers subjects and sittings.

  • Degree window: 1 January to 15 June.
  • Chinese language study: 1 March to 30 June, or 1 September to 31 December.
  • Application letter: at least 500 characters for undergraduates, 800 for postgraduates.
  • Also required: passport copy, diplomas, an interview, two professors’ letters for postgraduates, and a physical examination form for stays over six months.
  • Decision: roughly 8 to 10 weeks after the deadline (Beijing Forestry University, 2026).

A realistic timeline for a September start

Put those dates together and the year looks like this. In autumn, email admissions about the HSK level for your programme and book an HSK test if you need one. Bachelor’s applicants should also pick a CSCA sitting early, because results must be in hand before you apply.

Then, from January, open your application on the portal. If you want the Chinese Government Scholarship, contact your embassy at the same time, since that route usually closes around April. Aiming for the Experience Beilin Scholarship instead? Apply for admission early, because you need a pre-admission before June’s selection round.

After that, expect a decision over the summer. That leaves only a few weeks for the X1 visa and flights, so keep your passport valid and your physical examination form ready well before July.

Scholarships and Tuition at Beijing Forestry University

Tuition and fees

BFU’s own fee page has not been updated since 2021. The figures below come from the at0086 application portal, which lists them without a year (at0086, n.d.). Treat them as a guide, and confirm before you pay:

  • Chinese language study: 8,200 CNY a semester.
  • Bachelor’s: 24,800 CNY a year.
  • Master’s: 29,800 CNY a year.
  • Doctorate: 33,000 CNY a year.
  • Application fee: 800 CNY for degrees, 410 CNY for language study.
  • Campus rooms: from about 60 CNY a day per bed, or roughly 1,800 CNY a month.

The Experience Beilin Scholarship

BFU’s own award is called the Experience Beilin Scholarship. The full version covers tuition and accommodation and pays a monthly allowance: 1,500 CNY for undergraduates, 2,000 CNY for master’s students and 2,500 CNY for doctoral students. You need a pre-admission from BFU first, and you cannot hold another Chinese government award at the same time. Selection happens in June, with final approval in July (Beijing Municipal People’s Government, 2024).

Government and aid scholarships

The Chinese Government Scholarship runs through embassies, roughly January to April. BFU also takes Beijing Municipal Government Scholarship students. In addition, a China Aid master’s in forest economics and policy has run since 2017 for students nominated by partner governments (Beijing Forestry University, n.d.).

Deadlines move every year. Our China scholarships 2027 calendar tracks the windows, and scholarships in China compares the schemes.

Living in Beijing While You Study at Beijing Forestry University

Housing and cost of living

Campus rooms are the cheapest option by far. Renting privately in Haidian costs noticeably more, because the whole district competes for student flats. Beijing is also among the most expensive cities in China for daily life. Canteen meals keep food costs low, but the city’s cafes and bars will not.

Getting around and settling in

Line 15 connects to the rest of the metro, and the Summer Palace is an easy weekend trip. Set up mobile payment in your first week; our guide to how to pay in China walks through it. Then read a student’s first 30 days in China. For the wider city, start with our Beijing guide.

Visiting the Campus Before You Apply

Take Line 15 to Tsinghua East Road West Gate and walk east. The main building faces a large garden that is replanted for anniversaries and festivals. Beijing campuses usually check ID at the gate, though, so carry your passport and email admissions before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What HSK level do I need to study at Beijing Forestry University?

The English admissions page says HSK 4 for degree programmes, but the application portal still lists HSK 6. Confirm with admissions for your programme.

Are there English-taught programmes?

Yes, at graduate level: 18 master’s and doctoral programmes run in English. Bachelor’s degrees are mainly taught in Chinese.

How much is tuition?

About 24,800 CNY a year for a bachelor’s, 29,800 CNY for a master’s and 33,000 CNY for a doctorate, based on the most recent published list.

When is the application window?

For degree programmes, 1 January to 15 June. Scholarship routes usually close earlier, so start in the winter.

What is BFU strongest in?

Forestry and landscape architecture, its two Double First-Class disciplines. Ecology, soil and water conservation and environmental science follow closely.

Conclusion: Is Beijing Forestry University Worth It?

If your future involves forests, ecology or designing green space, it is one of the most focused choices in China, and it comes with a Beijing address. If you want a broad engineering brand instead, a Haidian neighbour such as Beijing University of Technology may fit better. Either way, settle the HSK question early.

Once an offer arrives, move to the visa. Our guide to the China student visa explains the X1 route, and why study in China makes the wider case.

References