Studying in China Without IELTS: English Requirements for English-Taught Programs

"Study in China without IELTS" is one of the most searched phrases about Chinese universities. It is often possible, but not the way some adverts suggest: most universities still want proof of your English, just not always a test score.

What universities usually ask for

Chinese universities set their own English requirements for programs taught in English. Here is what the current guides we checked say:

So IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 75–85 is the most common bar, and some programs ask for 6.5. Beijing Institute of Technology also accepts "other language certificate recognized by BIT", so ask if you have a different test.

The three ways around IELTS

1. English is your native or official language. Northeast Normal University, Xinjiang Medical University and Henan University accept this; Beijing Institute of Technology and Anhui Medical University exempt native English speakers, and Nankai University lets applicants from native English-speaking countries ask for an exemption. Ask the university whether your country counts.
2. Your last school or degree was taught in English. Northeast Normal University, Nankai University and Qingdao University accept a degree taught in English, and Beijing Institute of Technology and Xinjiang Medical University an English-medium high school. This is not a free pass: Qingdao University says proof of the language of teaching is required, and Nankai University and Anhui Medical University ask for a certificate from your school. Ask your school early for a letter, often called a "medium of instruction" letter, stating that your program was taught in English.
3. Choose a Chinese-taught program. Chinese-taught programs ask for an HSK score instead of English, usually HSK 4 or 5. If you are starting from zero, a language year before your degree is the usual route. See our HSK requirements guide.

A cheaper English test can also help: Beijing Institute of Technology, Nankai University (master's) and Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications accept the Duolingo English Test.

Scholarships ask for English too

• The Chinese Government Scholarship asks applicants to English-taught programs for proof of English, such as IELTS or TOEFL. The university you apply to sets the level: see Northeast Normal University and Henan University in the table.
• The MOFCOM Scholarship for officials and managers from developing countries asks for English at about IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80.

For all the scholarship options, see scholarships to study in China compared.

You will still learn Chinese

Studying in English does not mean no Chinese:

• Chinese language is a compulsory course for every degree student, together with "China Overview" (Order No. 42, Art. 16).
• China's 2018 quality standards for international students' higher education expect English-taught bachelor's graduates to reach level 4 of China's Chinese proficiency scale and master's and PhD graduates level 3.
• Your thesis can be in English, with an abstract in Chinese. The university decides whether you may defend it in English (Art. 19).
• MBBS students learn medical Chinese, because in hospital they talk with Chinese-speaking patients. See our MBBS guide.

For the full national rules, see China's rules for international students.

Tips

• Read the exact program. Requirements can differ between a university's bachelor's and master's guides, and between self-funded and scholarship programs.
• Check that your score is still valid by the university's deadline, and whether it asks for sub-scores.
• Prepare your medium-of-instruction letter early if you plan to use an English-taught degree instead of a test.
• Watch out for "no IELTS, guaranteed admission" offers. The university decides, not an agent: see how to apply without an agent.

Not sure which programs you qualify for?

Tell us your English level, your last school and what you want to study, and we will help you find English-taught programs that accept you. Ask for free application help: advice and application help are free for students, and you can always apply to universities directly.