Learn Chinese: Non-degree Language Programs at DUT
Dalian University of Technology (DUT), located in the coastal city of Dalian, Liaoning Province, is one of China’s top engineering universities, renowned for its focus on technology, engineering, and applied sciences. Established in 1949, DUT is known for its high academic standards, modern research facilities, and vibrant campus life. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including engineering, computer science, management, architecture, and the arts.
The university is internationally recognized for its strong research output and collaboration with global institutions. DUT attracts students from all over the world, particularly those interested in engineering and technology fields, and is an excellent choice for international students looking to pursue studies in China. The campus is well-equipped with modern amenities and a strong support system for foreign students, including Chinese language programs, cultural exchanges, and various extracurricular activities.
For more information, visit Dalian University of Technology’s official website.
The official website of DUT may be not accessible if you are visiting from overseas. Please read the following article for your reference. If interested, you can submit your application via the official application link at the bottom. That link works fine!
Language Training Program for All
Dalian University of Technology (DUT) offers a Non-Degree Language Training Program designed for international students who wish to enhance their Chinese language skills. This program is ideal for those looking to improve their proficiency in Mandarin for business, travel, or daily life in China.
The program typically includes:
• Intensive Chinese language courses: Focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Cultural immersion: Classes often include cultural activities that introduce students to Chinese traditions, customs, and festivals.
• Flexible duration: The program can range from a few weeks to several months, allowing students to choose a length that fits their schedule.
• Support for beginners: The courses cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, ensuring personalized learning paths.
Students attending this program will benefit from DUT’s excellent facilities, experienced faculty, and a vibrant campus life. The university’s international office provides comprehensive support for foreign students, including accommodation arrangements, language partners, and cultural exchange opportunities.
The dates, levels and fees for that programme are set out in full below, as published by the DUT School of International Education.
The long-term Chinese programme: dates, levels and fees
This is the programme most people mean when they ask about learning Chinese at DUT, and the School of International Education publishes its terms plainly. The course starts in March and September each year, and each semester runs 16 weeks. Teaching is streamed into three levels and seven tiers, from absolute beginner to advanced, and students who already have some Chinese can transfer in at any point rather than waiting for the next intake.
- Core courses: comprehensive Chinese (intensive reading and grammar), listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a culture strand added at advanced level.
- Electives: Business Chinese, HSK preparation, tai chi, brush and pen calligraphy, Chinese painting, paper cutting, Peking opera and Chinese cooking.
- Who can apply: non-Chinese citizens aged 16 to 60, in good physical and mental health, holding a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants under 18 need a guardian certification form.
What it costs
- One month: 3,900 RMB tuition.
- One semester: 8,500 RMB tuition.
- One year: 16,000 RMB tuition.
- Application fee: 400 to 500 RMB depending on the length you choose.
A semester at DUT therefore costs less than the equivalent at the Beijing schools, which is most of the argument for Dalian: a coastal city with clean air and a real winter, and a bill that lands nearer 8,500 RMB than 10,500 RMB. Accommodation is charged separately.
Applying for the 2027 intakes
Applications go through DUT’s own portal at iso.dlut.edu.cn. For a March 2027 start you are applying over the winter; for a September 2027 start, over the early summer. DUT does not publish a fixed cut-off for the language programme the way HIT does, so apply at least two months out: the admission letter and the JW202 visa form have to reach you in time to get an X visa before the semester begins.
You will need a passport valid well beyond your intended stay, proof of your highest qualification and matching transcripts (with a notarised English or Chinese translation if they are in another language), and a certificate of no criminal record valid for six months — or the university’s declaration form as a temporary substitute. The figures and terms here are as published by DUT’s School of International Education; confirm them on the official page before you pay anything.
Comparing campuses first? See our overview of Chinese language programs in China, and the same breakdown for BLCU and Renmin University in Beijing, Nanjing University, and HIT in Harbin, a few hours north and a great deal colder.
Foundation Program for Future Students at DUT
As a non-degree program for undergraduate preparation, this foundation program is intended for the graduates from senior high schools who want to study the undergraduate degree in DUT. The foundation program is divided into three directions, i.e., the science & engineering, the management & economics and Chinese language &arts. Relying on the powerful faculty of DUT, the program aims to comprehensively enhance Chinese proficiency, mathematical fundamentals and economic and trade application ability of preparatory students through intensive teaching of Chinese, math, physics, chemistry, economics & trade and other courses, in order to lay a solid foundation for the undergraduate study.
Program Advantages
- Students passing the academic performance assessment tests can directly get enrolled in the undergraduate program of DUT.
- Students for successive study of foundation and undergraduate programs can be entitled to a discount in the tuition fees of the undergraduate program: students for the undergraduate program of Chinese language will be entitled to a 10% discount off, and students for other undergraduate programs will be entitled to a 5% discount off.
- Students with excellent scores in the test can be entitled to the preferred recommendation to the DUT undergraduate scholarship.
Course Provision
The foundation program is divided into three directions, i.e., the science & engineering, the management &economics and Chinese language & arts. The courses mainly include Chinese language, subject fundamentals, and national conditions and practice. The first semester focuses on the intensified practice of Chinese language and preparatory subjects, and the second semester will strengthen the preliminary courses such as specialized Chinese, maths, physics, English and integrated liberal arts on the basis of the enhancement of Chinese level. In addition to the above main courses, our foundation program also offers auxiliary courses related to national conditions and practice, such as Chinese cultural experience, overview of China, Chinese salon, subject salon, etc.
Application Qualification
- Non-Chinese citizens
- Aged 17-34 with good physical and mental health
- Qualified for university application with a senior high school diploma
Application Procedures
- Submit an online application (http://iso.dlut.edu.cn/) and upload the following application materials:
1) Copy of the first page of passports, the blank visa page, and applicants who have already been to China shall also provide the copy of the entry visa page and entry & exit stamp page
2) Graduation certificate and official transcript of the senior high school (Chinese/English)
3) Certificate of No Criminal Record
4) Physical Examination Checklist of Foreigners (application for one year)
5) Certificate of HSK Level 3 and above (application for spring semester) - Wait for the review result from DUT
- Complete the payment of expenses
Tuition Fees(CNY)
| Semester of Enrollment | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | One year | 28,000.00 | 800.00 |
| March | One semester | 15,000.00 | 800.00 |
* The application fee will not be returned; applicants who continue with the undergraduate program in DUT will be exempted from the application fee for the undergraduate program.
Graduation Requirements
Passing HSK Level 4 and graduation exams of the foundation program.
To learn more about this foundation program, please click Non-degree Foundation Program at DUT to download the brochure.
To apply for the non-degree programs at DUT, please submit your application at http://iso.dlut.edu.cn