​Communication University of China (CUC) International Student Admissions Q&A

Before Application

Q1: What types of international students does Communication University of China admit?
A: The University admits various categories of international students, including undergraduate students, master’s students, doctoral students, general visiting students, senior visiting students, and preparatory students (Chinese language students).

Q2: What are the basic requirements for applying to an international student program?
A: Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding a valid foreign passport, be in good physical and mental health, demonstrate good moral character, and meet the academic background and language proficiency requirements of the intended program.

Q3: What are the requirements for ethnic Chinese applicants with foreign nationality applying for undergraduate programs?
A: Ethnic Chinese applicants holding foreign nationality must have obtained foreign citizenship and renounced Chinese citizenship by April 30 four years prior to the year of enrollment, and must have resided abroad for at least two years between April 30 four years prior to enrollment and April 30 of the enrollment year (residing abroad for at least nine months in a calendar year may be counted as one year, subject to entry and exit stamps).
For example: Applicants for the 2026 undergraduate intake must have obtained foreign citizenship and renounced Chinese citizenship by April 30, 2022, and must have resided abroad for at least two years between April 30, 2022 and April 30, 2026.

If one or both parents of the applicant are Chinese citizens, the applicant must provide one of the following supporting documents (either one is acceptable):

1. Proof that the applicant acquired foreign nationality at birth; or

2. If the applicant was formerly a Chinese citizen and later acquired foreign nationality, proof of cancellation of the original Chinese household registration and proof of renunciation of Chinese nationality.

Q4: When does the application period begin and what is the deadline?
A: Applications for degree programs usually open before the Spring Festival each year, with deadlines typically between April and May. Preparatory programs (Chinese language students) are open for application year-round. Specific deadlines are subject to the official admissions brochure of each academic year.

Q5: Can international students apply for spring enrollment for undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs?
A: No. Degree programs offer only one intake per year, in the autumn semester.

Q6: If an international student is currently studying at another university in China, can they transfer to Communication University of China?
A: The University does not accept transfer applications from self-funded international students. Chinese Government Scholarship students currently studying at other institutions who wish to transfer to Communication University of China must first obtain approval from their current institution. The responsible officer at that institution should then contact Teacher Guo at Communication University of China.

Q7: How can applicants apply to improve their Chinese language proficiency?
A: The preparatory program (Chinese language students) is open for application year-round. Applicants should log in to the Communication University of China International Student Online Service System (https://cuc.17gz.org/) and select the program according to the intended study duration. After enrollment, students will be placed into appropriate classes based on their actual Chinese proficiency. The University also provides online platforms for Chinese language learning and oral practice, offering abundant learning resources.

Q8: What is the application process for studying at Communication University of China?
A: The application process is as follows:

1. Online application (via the International Student Online Service System)

2. Submission of application materials

3. Payment of the application fee

4. Preliminary review

5. Faculty/department review

6. Admission result inquiry

7. Receipt of the Admission Notice and JW202/JW201/DQ forms.

Q9: Which featured programs at Communication University of China are open to international students?
A: Programs with strong media characteristics under the University’s two national “Double First-Class” disciplines—Journalism and Communication Studies, and Drama and Film Studies—are open to international students. Popular programs include Journalism, Communication Studies, Radio and Television Editing and Directing, Cinematography & Production, Animation, Digital Media Art, Theatre Film and TV Directing, Advertising and Branding Management, among others. For details, please refer to the admissions brochure on the University’s official website: https://icuc.cuc.edu.cn/7289/list.htm

Q10: What application materials are required?
A: Basic required materials include:

Undergraduate Programs:

1. Transcript of the China Scholastic Competency Assessment to Undergraduate Programs (CSCA).

2. Copy of passport.

3. High school diploma and above (if applicable) or pre-graduation certificate, and academic transcripts.

4. Proof of Chinese language proficiency.

5. Personal statement.

6. Foreigner Physical Examination Form.

7. Recommendation letter(s).

8. Birth certificate and documents proving the nationality of both parents at the time of the applicant’s birth, including proof of obtained permanent residence abroad (if applicable).

9. Certificate of no criminal record.

10. Other materials (e.g., portfolio, certificates of awards).

Graduate Programs (Master’s and Doctoral):

1. Copy of passport.

2. Bachelor’s degree or above (if applicable) or pre-graduation certificate, and academic transcripts.

3. Proof of language proficiency (Chinese or English).

4. Personal statement.

5. Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors.

6. Foreigner Physical Examination Form.

7. Certificate of no criminal record.

8. Other materials (e.g., portfolio, certificates of awards).

9. Copies of published academic papers, awards received, or other research achievements (if available).

Chinese Language Programs (Preparatory Program):

1. Copy of passport.

2. Highest academic qualification or pre-graduation certificate, and transcripts.

3. Proof of Chinese language proficiency.

4. Information page of parents’ passports or identification documents.

5. Applicants who have previously received degree education at higher education institutions in China must submit proof of the language of instruction and a statement explaining the reasons for continuing Chinese language study.

Q11: What are the approximate tuition and living expenses?
A:

Tuition Fees:

Living Expenses: Including accommodation, meals, transportation, etc., estimated at approximately RMB 4,000–6,000 per month, depending on individual circumstances.

Q12: Does the University provide accommodation?
A: Yes. The University provides on-campus dormitory accommodation for international students. As on-campus housing is limited, early application is required. Fees vary by room type, generally ranging from RMB 1,400 to RMB 1,500 per person per month. Specific information is subject to the official notice of the relevant academic year.

Q13: What is the language of instruction for international students?
A: All undergraduate programs are taught in Chinese. At the graduate level, some programs are taught in English, while others are taught in Chinese.

Q14: If an applicant has already obtained a degree from another university in China, can they apply to pursue the same degree at Communication University of China?
A: Yes.

During Application

Q15: What are the language proficiency requirements for applicants?
A:

• Undergraduate programs: Applicants are generally required to hold HSK Level 5 or above (inclusive) and HSKK Intermediate or above, with a minimum score of 60 in each section. Language requirements may vary by program; please refer to the admissions brochure of the relevant academic year for details.

• Graduate programs taught in Chinese: Applicants must obtain at least 180 points in HSK Level 6 (with a minimum score of 60 in each section) and 60 or above in HSKK Advanced. Applicants whose highest academic degree was taught in Chinese may be exempt from submitting HSK and HSKK certificates, provided that an official certificate of the language of instruction issued by the awarding institution is submitted.

• Graduate programs taught in English:

  1. Applicants whose native language is English are exempt from providing proof of English proficiency.

  2. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a valid English proficiency certificate, such as IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5, TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 85, TOEIC with a minimum score of 750, or other equivalent proof of English proficiency.

  3. Applicants whose native language is not English but whose highest academic degree was taught in English are not required to submit IELTS, TOEFL, or other English test scores; however, they must provide an official certificate of the language of instruction issued by the awarding institution.

Q16: Is an entrance examination required?
A: All applicants to undergraduate programs are required to take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA). During the academic review stage, some undergraduate and graduate programs may require an interview, while others will conduct an evaluation based on the submitted application materials. Specific requirements are subject to the policies of the respective faculties or schools.

Q17: What scholarships are available for international students?
A: International students may apply for the Chinese Scholarship Council, the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship, the Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students, and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Scholarship. Application procedures and eligibility criteria for each scholarship category are subject to the admissions brochure of the relevant academic year.

Scholarships

Q18: If a student applies for a scholarship, is it still necessary to complete an application through CUC’s application system?
A: Applicants for the Chinese Government Scholarship High-Level Postgraduate Program (Type B) and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Scholarship are required to submit materials and complete the application through the Communication University of China  International Student Online Service System (https://cuc.17gz.org/) . Applications for other scholarship programs should be submitted through the respective platforms in accordance with the requirements specified in the relevant admissions brochures.

Q19: Is it necessary to submit hard copies of application materials by mail?
A: No. Communication University of China accepts online applications only. Hard-copy materials will not be accepted.

Q20: Which countries are required to provide a Certificate of No Criminal Record, and what are the requirements?
A: Applicants from all countries are required to submit a Certificate of No Criminal Record. The certificate must be issued by the relevant government authority in the applicant’s place of residence and must have been issued within the past six months. Applicants currently residing in China may obtain the certificate from the local exit-entry administration authority. If the original document is not in Chinese or English, a notarized Chinese or English translation must be provided.

Q21: Can applicants who are currently enrolled and expected to graduate around July 2025 apply using a pre-graduation certificate?
A: Yes. Applicants who are currently enrolled students must submit a pre-graduation certificate issued by their current institution. The document must clearly indicate the expected graduation date.

Q22: If an applicant’s previous courses were taught in English and the institution can issue a certificate of the language of instruction, can this replace IELTS, TOEFL, or other English proficiency test scores?
A: For applicants to English-taught programs:

1. Applicants whose native language is English are exempt from providing proof of English proficiency

2. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a valid English proficiency certificate, such as IELTS (minimum 6.5), TOEFL iBT (minimum 85), TOEIC (minimum 750), or other equivalent proof of English proficiency

3. Applicants whose native language is not English but whose highest academic degree was taught in English are not required to submit IELTS, TOEFL, or other English test scores, if they submit an official certificate of the language of instruction issued by the awarding institution.

Q23: Can undergraduate applicants apply for the Chinese Scholarship Council（CSC）?
A: Yes. Undergraduate students may apply only for the Chinese Scholarship Council （CSC） under the Bilateral Program. Applicants must submit their applications through the relevant dispatching authorities in their home countries. For details, please refer to:
https://www.campuschina.org/zh/content/details1003_122933.html
Information on obtaining a pre-admission notice is available at:
https://icuc.cuc.edu.cn/7291/list.htm

Q24: Are scholarships available for the preparatory Chinese language program?
A: Yes. The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship is available for preparatory programs (Chinese language students). Applicants should apply through the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship section on the Center for Language Education and Cooperation website (http://www.chinese.cn).

Q25: If the application deadline is approaching and I am unable to submit all required materials, may I submit them later?
A: No. All required application materials must be submitted before the application deadline. Applications with incomplete materials will not be accepted. Applicants are strongly advised to prepare all required documents well in advance.

Q26: Is the application (registration) fee mandatory?
A: Yes. The application fee is RMB 800 for self-funded undergraduate and graduate programs, and RMB 600 for Chinese language (preparatory) programs. If payment cannot be completed through the International Student Online Service System, applicants should make a bank transfer in accordance with the instructions on the application page. Applicants to the MOFCOM Scholarship and the High-Level Postgraduate Program are exempt from the application fee. Current graduating students at Communication University of China are also exempt from the application fee.

Q27: If the application fee is paid by bank transfer, how can I confirm that the payment voucher has been successfully submitted?
A: Once the application fee voucher has been successfully submitted, the application status in the International Student Online Service System will be updated to “Pending Preliminary Review.”

Q28: Can Communication University of China issue a recommendation letter for applicants to the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship?
A: Yes. As an authorized HSK test center, Communication University of China is qualified to issue recommendation letters from the responsible recommending authority for applicants to the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship programs for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in International Chinese Language Education. For details, please contact Teacher Liu (Lmh1113@163.com ). Professional recommendation letters required by the program must be issued by qualified recommenders from the applicant’s home institution.

After Application

Q29: How will interviews be notified and conducted?
A: All interviews at Communication University of China are conducted online. Applicants should closely monitor their email notifications during the application process. The relevant faculty members from the applicant’s intended school or department will contact applicants by email to inform them of the interview schedule and format. Please note that not all programs require an interview.

Q30: How can applicants submit additional or supplementary materials?
A: During the review of application materials, if the responsible faculty member finds that any documents are missing or do not meet the requirements, the application will be returned to the applicant through the system. Applicants will be required to submit the supplementary materials within the specified time frame. Applicants should regularly check system notifications and email messages in the International Student Online Service System.

Q31: How can applicants check their application status and admission results?
A: Applicants may log in to the International Student Online Service System to check the status of their application. Final admission results will be released in the system after the review process is completed and will also be communicated to applicants via email.

After Admission

Q32: How will the admission documents be issued?
A: Electronic copies of the Admission Notice and the Visa Application Form for Study in China (JW201/JW202/DQ Form) will be sent to the admitted student’s registered email address. Students should download and retain these documents for their records.

Q33: How can I apply for a visa to study in China?
A: After admission, the University will email the Admission Notice and the Visa Application Form for Study in China (JW201/JW202/DQ Form). International students should use these electronic documents to apply for an X visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate. The University does not accept international students entering China on visas other than the X visa. Holders of an X1 visa must convert the visa into a study-type residence permit within 30 days of entry into China. Holders of an X2 visa are not required to apply for a residence permit.

Q34: Will international students attend classes together with Chinese students?
A: International students enrolled in Chinese-taught programs attend classes together with Chinese students. Students in English-taught programs are taught in separate classes. Preparatory students (Chinese language students) are placed into different classes according to their Chinese proficiency levels.

Q35: Are international students allowed to work or undertake internships during their studies?
A: International students holding a study visa are not permitted to engage in off-campus employment. Participation in internships included in the teaching plan requires approval from both the relevant school/department and the internship host organization, and the internship must be officially endorsed on the residence permit. All arrangements must comply with Chinese laws, regulations, and University policies. On campus, the University may provide limited work-study opportunities, such as teaching or administrative assistant positions.

Q36: Can international students work or pursue further studies in China after graduation?
A: Yes. Graduates who wish to work in China may seek employment and apply for a work-type residence permit in accordance with relevant regulations. Outstanding graduates may also apply to pursue higher-level degree programs at Communication University of China or other Chinese higher education institutions.

Q37: Is it possible to change majors after enrollment?
A: In principle, international students are expected to complete their studies in the major to which they were admitted.

Q38: What support services does the University provide for international students?
A: The International Student Affairs Center provides comprehensive support services for international students, including orientation, visa-related consultation, assistance with daily life adaptation, and organization of cultural activities, helping students better integrate into campus life.

Q39: Is it mandatory to purchase medical insurance?
A: Yes. In accordance with regulations of the Ministry of Education of China, all international students studying in China are required to purchase medical insurance valid within mainland China. Students may purchase insurance through the Study Abroad Insurance website (www.lxbx.net). The minimum premium for degree students is RMB 800 per person per year; non-degree students shall follow the “short-term international student insurance plan.” International students who fail to purchase medical insurance valid in mainland China will not be allowed to complete registration. The University usually arranges insurance purchase during on-site registration. For scholarship recipients, medical insurance is arranged by the University, and no separate purchase is required.

Q40: Are medical examination reports completed overseas acceptable?
A: All newly enrolled international students are required to undergo a secondary medical examination at the Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center of the General Administration of Customs after arrival. Previously completed medical examination reports cannot be used for verification.

Q41: What should I do if I need to postpone my registration for admission?
A: Admitted international students are required to register on time in accordance with the New Student Enrollment Guide and related notices. Early registration is not accepted. Students who are unable to enroll on time due to special circumstances must submit a written request for leave to the International Student Affairs Center. The period of leave should not exceed 14 days in principle. Students who fail to request leave or whose leave period expires without approval will be deemed to have forfeited their admission, except in cases of force majeure or other justified reasons.

Q42: After admission, can students apply for a leave of absence due to personal unavoidable reasons?
A: Degree students may apply for a leave of absence in accordance with the University’s student status management regulations. Non-degree students are not eligible to apply for a leave of absence.

Q43: If I have questions about the application process at Communication University of China, how can I seek assistance?
A: You may consult the official website of the International Student Affairs Center at
https://icuc.cuc.edu.cn/7289/list.htm
or contact the University by email:

• yinmeng@cuc.edu.cn (undergraduate programs and preparatory programs)

• guoyuexin@cuc.edu.cn (graduate programs and scholarship programs)

For more detailed information on scholarship programs, please visit:
https://icuc.cuc.edu.cn/7291/list.htm

Email Contacts:
yinmeng@cuc.edu.cn  (Undergraduate Programs, Preparatory Programs)
guoyuexin@cuc.edu.cn  (Graduate Programs, Scholarship Programs)

Telephone: +86-10-6577-9359