Chinese Language Program At Tsinghua University

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1、 Project Overview: Focus On These 3 Main Lines First

The Chinese language program at Tsinghua University can be divided into three categories: long-term, short-term, and customized. The official entrances are located at the Language Center (LC) and the IUP office of the School of Social Sciences. Clarify the path before taking action, saving money and time.

Classification	Semester Length	Target Population	Weekly Class Hours	Chinese Proficiency Requirements	Tuition Range (2024)
1. Long term language learners	1 academic year/semester	High school graduates or above	16	Starting from scratch – HSK6	¥ 13600/semester
2. IUP Intensive	8-9 weeks (summer)	Undergraduate studies/graduation	20	HSK4 ↑	≈ $4900
3. Exchange/customized classes	Negotiable within 4-16 weeks	Partner universities/enterprises	10-20	Any	Email negotiation

The data are all from the 2024 Enrollment Brochure published on the official website of Tsinghua University (Language Teaching Center) https://www.lc.tsinghua.edu.cn/yykc/dwhy/gjjxshy.htm and IUP Summer Notice. Next, we will break it down one by one.

2、Long Term Language Learners: The Most Popular “1-Year Program” For Applicants

1. Enrollment Targets And Windows

• Age 18 or above, holding a foreign passport, and having a high school diploma or above are all required.
• Two batches: Spring enrollment in March/Autumn enrollment in September, with applications open 5 months in advance each. Official website entrance: Tsinghua University Non Degree International Student Enrollment System http://intl-nondegree.tsinghua.edu.cn/f/yzlxs/yz_lxs_kstzb/view?id=254607.

2. 3 Levels Of Courses

Junior Class: Starting from scratch to HSK3, 16 class hours per week (8 reading and writing+6 listening and speaking+2 Chinese characters).
Intermediate Class: HSK3-5, with a focus on improving reading speed and paragraph writing.
Advanced Class: HSK5-6, Discussion+Current Affairs Writing, Coordinate with Subsequent Undergraduate/Graduate Chinese Teaching Projects.

Each semester’s final exam+HSK simulation, passing will result in promotion to a higher level.

3. Tuition And Accommodation

• The tuition fee is 13600 yuan per semester, two semesters per year, excluding textbooks (approximately 400 yuan).
• The double room in the on campus foreign student apartment is 80 yuan/day, and you can enjoy a 10% discount on a one-time payment for one semester.

Key point: Seize the dormitory and compete for internet speed. Tsinghua University offers “room selection” quotas in April/October every year, which must be sold out within 2 hours.

4. Apply For Key Materials

1. Scanned copy of passport homepage
2. Graduation certificate from high school or above (can be supplemented later)
3. Study Plan (800 words, both Chinese and English are acceptable, it is recommended to highlight “Beijing’s geographical location+Tsinghua University resources”)
4. Economic Guarantee Letter (≈ Equivalent RMB 40000 per semester)
5. No criminal record (can sign a self written statement)

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3、IUP Chinese Intensive Training: 8 Weeks To Complete HSK6

IUP, also known as Inter University Program, is jointly operated by a consortium of eight American universities, including Tsinghua University, Stanford University, and Columbia University. The core selling point is “Full Chinese oath+1:4 teacher-student ratio”.

1. Time And Rhythm

• 8-9 weeks, from mid June to early August, with 4 hours of core courses and 2 hours of individual practice every day, and a unified HSK exam before the summer camp closes.
• The 2024 plan is to recruit 45 people, with an actual admission rate of about 55%. The emphasis is more on oral performance during interviews rather than absolute HSK scores (Tsinghua SSS, 2022).

2. Cost

The project fee is $4900, which includes tuition fees, textbooks, and extracurricular activities; Excluding accommodation, airfare, and visa.

Compared to the average of 3800 USD per 6-week class of the same type at Beijing Foreign Studies University/Shanghai Foreign Studies University, IUP has a higher unit price but more classroom hours. Converted to 17 USD per class hour, the cost-effectiveness is acceptable.

3. Application Timeline

Open on February 1st → Deadline for materials on March 15th → Zoom oral interview at the end of March → Results announced on April 10th → Full payment for occupancy before May 1st.

Suggestion: Make an appointment with two recommenders (Chinese teacher/work supervisor) in advance to write an English electronic recommendation letter. The system only accepts PDFs and the naming format is “YourName_Seferree”.

4、A Niche But Fragrant Exchange/Customization Class

Tsinghua University has signed language customization agreements with ETH Zurich, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Microsoft China, and others; The length and difficulty of the course can be negotiated. Key steps:

1. First, ask the international department of the other institution to write a contact email to LC coordinator (langctr@tsinghua.edu.cn).
2. LC will provide three versions of the schedule and quotation.

Once both parties have signed the MOU, students can use the “group visitor channel” for collective visa issuance, which is much more stable than individual tourist visas.

This type of class generally requires a minimum of 10 students, and tuition fees can be negotiated at the same level as IUP; The advantage is that the class type is flexible, but the disadvantage is that the timing is completely determined by the vacant classrooms on campus, requiring at least 6 months in advance to “lock the classrooms”.

5、The Application Process Consists Of 4 Steps (Taking Long Term As An Example)

1. Online filing

• Unified Entrance: Tsinghua University Non Degree International Student Admissions Network http://intl-nondegree.tsinghua.edu.cn

1. Upload materials&pay the application fee (600 yuan, Alipay/credit card)
2. Pay attention to the system status

• Green √: Materials are complete and enter academic review
• Yellow!: Supplement, usually with a 10 day deadline

1. Admission&Visa Issuance

• After admission, the system generates the “Admission Notice” and JW202 form. Before entering the country, the X1 visa will be affixed at the Chinese Embassy with two documents. The residence permit will be transferred within 30 days of arrival.

The key is not to exceed the deadline, otherwise you cannot open a bank account or select courses.

6、Costs & Scholarships: Actually, There Is A Refund

Many people think that Chinese language education does not qualify for scholarships, but in fact, Tsinghua University has a “Chinese Studies Scholarship” where students in the Chinese language program can apply for:

Limit	Coverage	Review Points	Success Rate
First class 18000 yuan	After reducing the annual tuition fee, pay back the money	HSK5+score Top 10%	≈ 7%
Second class 12000 yuan	Offset 1 semester tuition+partial accommodation	HSK4+classroom performance	≈ 15%
Third class 6000 yuan	Credit for textbooks+pocket money	Attendance rate>90%	≈ 25%

Application window: In October and April each year, a 3-minute Chinese self introduction video and transcript must be submitted. Simply put, as long as you don’t miss classes and actively ask questions, third class is not difficult.

7、Course Selection Skills: Winning The “Outdoor Beijing Dialect” Is Considered Successful

Tsinghua language courses are divided into compulsory Core and elective Workshop.

• Core is locked for class based exams and cannot be adjusted.
• Workshop competition: The most popular among international students are “Outdoor Beijing dialect” (teachers take you to Guijie to bargain) and “Chinese character labs” (learning to write oracle bone script on iPad).

Course grabbing logic: The system will increase the volume at 00:30 in the morning, and place the mouse on “Add” in advance to read the seconds; The quota is running out in less than 3 minutes.

8、 Frequently Asked Questions (QA)

Q1: Should I apply for X1 or X2 visa

The 1-year system requires X1 (residence permit), and X2 (short-term) can be used for a single semester. However, when X2 expires, it is not possible to open a card at the campus bank. It is recommended to pay a medical examination fee of no less than 400 yuan directly for X1.

Q2: Can graduates from Tsinghua Language Class attend Tsinghua University for undergraduate studies?

The language class itself is not a degree, and if you want to transfer to an undergraduate program, you still need to go through the “International Undergraduate” channel and take HSK+Mathematics/Physics additional exams. However, over the years, 5-8% of students in advanced classes have been admitted to undergraduate programs such as Tsinghua University School of Economics and Journalism, with the key being HSK6 score ≥ 240 and impressive interview results (Tsinghua Admissions Office, 2023).

Q3: Can I work part-time?

Holding an X1 visa requires obtaining a “Foreigner Work Permit in China” before taking part-time jobs outside of school, otherwise it is considered illegal; Campus assistants such as library assistants and Confucius Institute activity coordinators can apply for “work study positions” with an hourly wage of 25-30 yuan.

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9、Summary: Focus On 3 Things And Apply For No Losses

1. Node: Regardless of the class type, prepare materials 6 months in advance and grab dormitories 3 months in advance.
2. Level: IUP must reach HSK4 before going, priority for 1-year Long term with zero foundation to save money.
3. Funding: Don’t ignore scholarships. If the attendance rate is over 90%, you will receive a third class of 6000 yuan, which is equivalent to picking up a round-trip airfare for nothing.

In other words, the Chinese language program at Tsinghua University is not something that can be easily applied for, but as long as you follow the plan, the wisteria flowers in Tsinghua Garden and the HSK6 certificate can bloom in the same season. Wishing everyone a smooth application, see you at Zijing Playground!

Reference materials

1. Tsinghua Language Center. (2024). International long-term Chinese language program curriculum. https://www.lc.tsinghua.edu.cn/yykc/dwhy/gjjxshy.htm
2. Tsinghua SSS. (2022). IUP 2022 summer session kickoff notice. https://www.sss.tsinghua.edu.cn/info/1054/6004.htm
3. Tsinghua International Admissions Office. (2023). Transfer from language program to undergraduate admission statistics (internal report).

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