Guide on How to study in China without IELTS

The number of international students trooping to study in China has increased massively during the last couple of years. Going from around 40,000 international students in the 1990s to more than 450,000 some time in 2017, China has moved swiftly to become one the top 5 study abroad destinations in the world. This explains why several universities are adding more and more English-taught programs in order to attract international students from across the world. For you to enroll in one of those universities, IELTS is super important and a major requirement. That said, we’ll discuss these universities which provide alternatives to IELTS so you can save cash when applying.

China’s rapid-growing economy, world class universities, and cheap tuition fees are some of the reasons why international students are picking China over other international destinations. As you may have known, language is one of the things that makes international students hesitate on choosing China. But the good news is that all universities offer Chinese language courses for a year or two before allowing you to take on the chosen course,as such language will not be an obstacle while studying.

In order to offer an alternative to those who are unwilling to take the challenge, many universities have included English-taught programs. To apply for one of these, proving that you have top-notch English language skills is mandatory. Most universities do it through IELTS, which can be very expensive, adding an additional cost of $225 to your budget.

Fortunately, many universities accept other ways to prove your English skills. They aren’t as varied as in other countries, but there are a few that will save you cash.

How can I enroll in a Chinese university without taking IELTS?

While we know IELTS is a requirement for tons of universities, others with English-taught programs accept the following alternatives:

Any other English Proficiency Test certificate. Most universities typically accept TOEFL, which many a times is cheaper, but there are other equivalent certificates of English proficiency you can submit as well.
If you hail from from an English speaking country. There are other universities with specific list of countries they accept for you to be exempted from IELTS, but the majority of them do not have a specific list of citizenships.
If you submit a degree from an English-taught program. They typically accept degrees from other Chinese universities, so it’s totally fine if your degree is not from a country that uses english.
A few universities have their own tests and English language courses you can take in case you don’t have a certification or the necessary language skills. However, this is not very common, so be prepared.

When you are putting together your application, do well to read the websites and guide carefully. Do not forget that there are degrees awarded to international students in either English and/or Chinese. A couple of them are mixed, so even if it reads “English”, it could be partially taught in Chinese. Make sure you read the lists and specifications so you can choose an English-taught course.

Do not forget to review the language requirements page. Most times, Chinese universities require international students to provide a Chinese proficiency certification if they select a Chinese-taught program. If you only see this kind of certification in the list, and not English ones, there is a possibility that you’ll end up choosing a course that’s offered only in Chinese language.

Specific Chinese universities which do not Require IELTS

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Let’s start the list with a reputable university where all their programs are completely taught in English. With around 30 undergraduate courses, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University primarily awards two degrees to those who complete their studies: one from the University of Liverpool, and one from the Chinese Ministry of Education. On top of that,this university offers tons of scholarships to international students and gives the opportunity to study a part of your course at the University of Liverpool.

English language requirements will depend on your degree level. You are exempted from English test certifications if you are from an English speaking country (they have a list of accepted countries) or if you’ve previously studied in English. In the case of Masters Degrees and Ph.D., the degrees you already have in English-taught programs have antiquity limitations. If they were conferred before 2016, you don’t qualify for the exemption.

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University also accepts TOEFL. They have a list of other English tests accepted, but they depend on the program you choose.

Fudan University

This institution is considered the third best university in China, with a wide variety of English-taught courses for graduate students. This includes well more than 19 master’s degrees and eight doctorate courses.These options however are limited for undergraduate students, but there are a few programs available, such as medicine.

English language requirements at Fudan University depend largely on the program you choose, as they have their own rules and tests scores. What you should bear in mind is that all students that come from English speaking countries are exempted from submitting test scores.

Besides IETLS, this institution accepts TOEFL (IBT), and the certification can age up to two years old. To learn more about scores required and specific language requirements needed, check the page of the Fudan’s International Students Office.

If you are interested in studying in China without IELTS, Fudan University is a fantastic choice!

Shandong University

This institution was founded sometime in 1901 and has amassed over century of educational experience and is considered a top rated institution in China. They have more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs, and the vast majority of them are taught in English. For example, economics, medical sciences, nursing, and electrical engineering are all taught in English.

Per English language requirements, students who are native English speakers are not expected to submit an English certification. You are equally exempted if you secured your highest degree in a university or institution where English was the main lingua franca.

If you don’t meet the criteria stated above, they equally accept TOEFL and other equivalent English proficiency certificates. To discover which programs are available in English and understand more about their language requirements, please visit their Admissions page.

University of Nottingham Ningbo China

The prestigious University of Nottingham Ningbo China is run by the University of Nottingham, in the UK.It might interest you to know that all of their programs are delivered in English. Besides the undergraduate and graduate programs, the university runs a variety of research and training programs. Engineering, computer science, international business & communications are just some of the programs available.

Please note that students who are deemed native English speakers or who obtained their certificates from an English speaking institution are exempted from submitting an English proficiency certificate. On the other hand those who do not meet these criteria,would have to do IELTS and PTE Academic certifications. Please connect with the university directly before applying as they may accept other certificates.

The moment you enrol in this institution, you can start in the preliminary year (year one) or in the qualifying year (year two). The first case applies to students who come from high school, and are required to take a Foundation course. The second case if for those who have already studied a year in a recognized institution and took relevant courses for the degree they are pursuing. Also note that scores required in English proficiency tests depend on which year you’ll start.