Language study in China as a non-degree student: how to apply
Order No. 42 has no category called "language student." Article 9 lists three non-degree categories: preparatory students, advanced students and research scholars. Which category a language programme uses is stated in the admissions brochure of the university that runs it, and you apply under the conditions and procedure in that brochure (Article 11).
The Measures for the Administration of Schools Recruiting and Educating International Students (Order No. 42) and the Quality Standards for the Higher Education of International Students in China (Trial) are published in Chinese. The English wording on this page is this site's translation of the Chinese text.
Which categories Article 9 lists
Article 9 divides international students into two groups.
| Group under Article 9 | Categories listed |
|---|---|
| Degree education (接受学历教育) | junior-college (associate-level) student; undergraduate student; master's postgraduate student; doctoral postgraduate student |
| Non-degree education (接受非学历教育) | preparatory student; advanced student; research scholar |
Article 9 names no category called "language student."
Where the language category is stated
Article 11 says that a university formulates and publishes its international student admissions brochure. It admits international students under the conditions and procedure set out in that brochure.
Article 9 does not assign language study to any category. So the category label for a language programme is found in that university's brochure.
As a suggestion, copy the category wording from the brochure exactly as it is printed when you fill in a form.
The application route
Article 11 and Article 12 set out the route in this order:
- The university publishes its admissions brochure (Article 11).
- You read the conditions and procedure in that brochure (Article 11).
- You submit your application for registration (Article 12).
- The university examines your entry qualifications and your financial guarantee certificate. Article 12 applies this to foreign citizens.
- The university conducts an examination or an assessment of you (Article 12).
- The university decides on admission (Article 12).
Article 12 says that a university must not admit an applicant who does not meet the admission conditions. Article 12 names no examination subjects, no form of assessment and no date for any of these steps.
Certificates under Article 21
Article 21, first paragraph, says that a university issues qualification certificates or other academic certificates to international students, according to state rules.
For international students in degree education, the university must register their student status and graduation certificates electronically in good time. Article 21 gives no number of days for this registration.
Article 21, second paragraph, says that a university issues degree certificates to international students who meet the conditions for conferring a degree.
Article 21 does not tie the "other academic certificate" to a named category in Article 9.
Short-term and long-term study under Article 45
Article 45 defines two terms by length of study at schools in China:
- Short-term study is study at a school in China for no more than 180 days (inclusive).
- Long-term study is study at a school in China for more than 180 days.
Article 45 defines these two terms only. It does not link either term to a category in Article 9.
Course-taking non-degree students under Quality Standards 10.6
Section 10.6 of the Quality Standards is titled "teaching management for course-taking non-degree education." It applies where a university takes international students onto professional courses through inter-university cooperation, student exchange or visiting study.
In that case, the university must carry out attendance, examination and assessment under these Standards. It must also truthfully provide course transcripts, study certificates and records of credit hours.
Section 10.6 does not name language programmes. The Quality Standards are trial standards addressed to universities.
Questions people ask
Does Order No. 42 have a language student category?
No. Article 9 names no category called "language student." The non-degree categories it lists are preparatory students, advanced students and research scholars. A language programme's category is stated in the university's admissions brochure (Article 11).
Which provision decides whether my study is short-term or long-term?
Article 45 of Order No. 42 decides this by length of study at a school in China. Short-term study is no more than 180 days (inclusive). Long-term study is more than 180 days.
Who decides whether I am admitted?
Article 12 of Order No. 42 says that the university decides admission for international students.
Sources
- Measures for the Administration of Schools Recruiting and Educating International Students (Order No. 42), Ministry of Education of the PRC
- Quality Standards for the Higher Education of International Students in China (Trial), Ministry of Education of the PRC
Checked 11 October 2026
This page is an unofficial summary. It is not published by or affiliated with the Ministry of Education, the China Scholarship Council or any university, and it is not legal advice. The official text and the current notice of the university or authority handling your case prevail if they differ.