Chinese language programs are one of the core choices for overseas students studying in China, which can not only systematically improve their Mandarin proficiency, but also immerse them in Chinese local culture. Many top universities in China rely on their educational advantages to offer Chinese language programs that are suitable for different learning needs, becoming an important entry channel for international students studying in China (OlaChina, 2025). https://olachina.org/category/study/chinese/ These programs cover different study durations and training directions. Choosing the right Chinese language program that suits oneself can greatly improve the experience and learning efficiency of studying Chinese abroad. This is also the core consideration for most overseas learners when planning to study in China.
The main categories of Chinese language programs for studying abroad in China
At present, Chinese language programs offered by domestic universities to overseas students are mainly divided into four categories, each adapted to different learning objectives. The overall focus is on non degree training, with a greater emphasis on improving language practical abilities.
- Non degree language programs: The most mainstream category, the core form of Chinese language programs in most universities, covering the entire stage of learning from scratch to advanced level.
- Summer Special Chinese Language Program: Short term immersive program, paired with cultural experience activities, suitable for international students who can quickly experience the Chinese learning atmosphere during the holiday.
- Chinese Basic Project: Designed specifically for international students planning to pursue a professional degree in China, with a focus on strengthening their basic language skills.
- Short/Long term Customized Training Program: Flexibly adjust the learning duration, and some universities may customize course content based on their own disciplinary characteristics.
The core advantage of this category is that it covers all the core learning needs of the international community, from short-term experiences to long-term learning, from pure language learning to professional study abroad, with corresponding Chinese language programs available.
Renowned universities and core projects offering Chinese language programs
Many Double First Class universities in China have opened Chinese language programs for overseas students. Based on their own educational characteristics, each university has its own emphasis on the training direction of Chinese language programs. The following are the universities with outstanding educational strength and a complete project system, as well as corresponding project details (OlaChina, 2025). https://olachina.org/category/study/chinese/
Peking University: Rich and diverse Chinese language program
The Chinese language program at Peking University relies on the 70 year teaching experience of the School of Chinese Language Education as a Foreign Language. It has developed from a specialized Chinese language course for foreign students in 1952 to a complete learning system. The university offers regular long-term Chinese language programs and also launches the 2025 summer Chinese course, which combines language learning with local cultural experiences in Beijing. It is suitable for international students who want to immerse themselves in studying abroad, and some programs can be connected to the language preparatory program for studying abroad at Peking University (OlaChina, 2025).
Renmin University of China: Non degree Chinese Language Program with Humanities and Social Sciences Characteristics
Renmin University of China is located in Haidian District, Beijing. As a top university in the field of humanities and social sciences, its non degree Chinese language program for international students incorporates a small amount of humanities and social science related content into its curriculum, which is in line with the disciplinary advantages of the institution. The project is suitable for overseas students who hope to learn about Chinese society and culture through language learning. During their studies, they can share high-quality humanities and social science learning resources on campus (OlaChina, 2025).
Nanjing University: Comprehensive Overseas Education College Language Training Program
Nanjing University is one of the oldest universities in China, and its Overseas Education College offers Chinese language training programs that are comprehensive non degree programs covering multiple stages of language learning. The balanced development of liberal arts and sciences disciplines in universities, coupled with abundant supporting resources for Chinese language programs, is suitable for international students who wish to study abroad in Nanjing and balance language learning with experiencing Jiangnan culture (OlaChina, 2025).
Dalian University of Technology: Chinese Language Program for Continuing Professional Study Abroad
Dalian University of Technology’s Chinese language programs are divided into two categories: non degree language training and Chinese foundation programs, both designed for overseas students. The core feature is that the Chinese language foundation program can directly connect with subsequent professional study abroad at Dalian University of Technology, suitable for international students who plan to pursue a degree in science and engineering in China and need to solidify their Chinese language foundation. The university is located in the popular city of Dalian in Northeast China, with a unique experience of studying abroad (OlaChina, 2025).
Beijing Language and Culture University: Chinese Language Program Focused on Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language
Founded in 1962, Beijing Language and Culture University is a top tier institution in China that focuses on teaching Chinese as a foreign language, known as the “Mini United Nations”. Its international student population is highly diverse. Its Chinese language program is the core educational sector of the university, with a curriculum system designed specifically for overseas students. The faculty and teaching methods are top-notch in the industry, making it the preferred institution for pure language learning programs (OlaChina, 2025).
University of International Business and Economics: Chinese Language Program with Economic and Trade Characteristics
Foreign Economic and Trade was founded in 1951 and is a cradle for cultivating talents in China’s foreign economic and trade fields. Its Chinese language program integrates distinctive content related to economy, trade, and commerce. The course will combine international trade and business communication scenarios to design Chinese exercises, suitable for international students who wish to study abroad in Beijing and balance Chinese language learning with business knowledge accumulation (OlaChina, 2025).
Harbin Institute of Technology: Chinese Language Training Program Focusing on Standard Mandarin
Harbin Institute of Technology is recognized by the Ministry of Education as a demonstration base for international education in China. Over the past 30 years, it has provided short and long-term Chinese language training for tens of thousands of international students. The core reputation of the institution is “Learn Standard Mandarin, Come to Harbin Institute of Technology”. Its Chinese language program focuses on standardized teaching of Mandarin pronunciation, which is suitable for overseas students who want to master Standard Mandarin. The short-term training program has outstanding cost-effectiveness (OlaChina, 2025).
Accurate recommendation of Chinese language programs for studying abroad based on learning preferences
The willingness of different overseas students to study in China varies. Some only want short-term experiences, while others plan to study abroad in different majors. Based on the characteristics of the university and the type of program, targeted Chinese language program selection can be made. The core principle is to match learning goals with program features. The following are specific recommendations for different intentions:
- Short term Immersive Learning (Holiday Study Abroad): Recommended Peking University 2025 Summer Chinese Course, relying on Peking University’s brand advantages, combines language learning with Beijing cultural experience, and maximizes the experience of short-term study abroad.
- To lay a foundation in Chinese for professional study abroad: We recommend the Dalian University of Technology Chinese Basic Program, which is directly linked to the university’s professional study abroad program and can accurately match the Chinese learning needs of subsequent STEM majors; You can also choose Peking University’s language preparatory Chinese language program, which is suitable for the professional study abroad connection of top universities.
- System for long-term Chinese language learning (pure language study abroad): The preferred option is the Chinese language program offered by Beijing Language and Culture University, which focuses on teaching Chinese as a foreign language. The curriculum system and international student services are among the best in the industry, ensuring a more secure learning outcome for long-term studies.
- Balancing Economics and Business Studies in Chinese: We recommend the Chinese language program at the University of International Business and Economics, which features courses designed with economic and trade characteristics. This program allows international students to accumulate language application skills in business scenarios while learning Chinese, and is suitable for studying abroad and career planning in the field of economics and trade.
- Want to learn standard Mandarin: Recommended is the Chinese language training program at Harbin Institute of Technology. The standardized Mandarin teaching at the university is the core feature, and both short and long-term programs can be chosen, suitable for international students with high requirements for Mandarin pronunciation.
- Hope to integrate into the study of humanities and social sciences: Recommend the non degree Chinese language program of Renmin University of China, which is in line with the disciplinary advantages of humanities and social sciences in the university, and can simultaneously understand China’s social and cultural knowledge in language learning.
- Want to experience Jiangnan culture while studying abroad: Recommended is the language training program offered by the Overseas Education College of Nanjing University, located in Nanjing. The program will be accompanied by Jiangnan culture related experiential activities, and language learning will be closely integrated with regional culture.
Key considerations for applying for a Chinese language program for studying abroad
Overseas students applying for Chinese language programs at domestic universities have a relatively simple overall process, but there are several core considerations that need to be paid attention to in order to avoid affecting the application and admission process:
- Confirm the application requirements of the university in advance. Most Chinese language programs do not have a mandatory requirement for international students’ Chinese foundation, but some programs that connect with professional study abroad programs may have simple admission tests.
- Pay attention to the selection of visa types. If studying Chinese language programs in China for more than 6 months, you need to apply for an X1 visa; For short-term projects of less than 6 months, applying for an X2 visa is sufficient, and visa materials need to be prepared in advance.
- Priority should be given to Chinese language programs with cultural support. Most universities’ programs are accompanied by activities such as Chinese cultural experiences and social practices, which can enrich the study abroad experience and help students adapt to Chinese life more quickly.
- Based on the preferences of study abroad cities, Beijing has the richest resources for Chinese language programs in universities, while universities in Dalian, Harbin, and Nanjing each have their own regional cultural characteristics and can be selected according to their own preferences.
Summary
The Chinese language program is a high-quality entrance for overseas students to embark on their study abroad journey in China. Many top universities in China offer Chinese language programs that cover all needs from short-term experiences to long-term learning, from pure language learning to professional study abroad. Each university combines its own disciplinary characteristics to make the training direction of Chinese language programs more targeted (OlaChina, 2025). https://olachina.org/category/study/chinese/
For overseas students, the core of choosing a Chinese language program is to clarify their own learning intentions and study abroad plans, and then match the program characteristics and urban advantages of the university. Studying Chinese in China not only enhances the practical ability of Mandarin, but also allows for an immersive experience of Chinese culture and society, laying a solid foundation for future professional studies or cross-cultural exchanges. At present, Chinese language programs in domestic universities are open to international students, and the application process is simple, making it an excellent choice for overseas learners to understand China and improve their language skills.
References cited
OlaChina. (2025). Learn Chinese, dive into language resources, links to top institutions. https://olachina.org/category/study/chinese/
