🆕 When can students enter China?
As of this time, there has been no formal announcement from China’s Ministry of Education or any other government body on when students are able to enter China. China Admissions will post an update when there is confirmed information.
Currently, only a few international students are able to go to China – those studying at Tianjin Juilliard, NYU Shanghai, some Schwarzman Scholarship students, and South Korean students (Last updated Nov 30 2021).
As of November 5, 2021, some visa agencies confirm that family dependents (family members of people in China) have successfully received a PU Letter that allows them to enter the country. This policy is expected to be more widespread in the future to help families reunite.
Though the pace is slow, we have seen China slowly open up to foreign workers and students, by one country and one university at a time. We expect this trend to continue with consular services steadily returning to full function. The emergence of the Omicron variant on Nov 24, 2021, first discovered in southern Africa, is likely to slow opening processes down at least temporarily as countries around the world decide how to handle the new variant (the same process happened with the Delta variant).
Check the status of different countries around the world here. You can see that China is not the only country with restricted entry for students.
In September, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “China’s prevention and control measures are scientific, professional, and appropriate. I want to stress that China applies quarantine measures equally to all inbound travelers, including its own citizens.”
We know there are many rumors circulating about when students can enter China and other issues. In order to give you the clearest information, we won’t discuss the rumors until (or if) they are confirmed by the MOE. But note that every university will handle things differently. If you are enrolled at a Chinese university currently, you should check with them first about any such rumors.
We are unable to provide any more information about Covid travel guidelines for your specific country, program, or university. If there is an update for your program or university, we will contact you directly.
If you have questions about your specific country, university, or program, you can reach out to your program administration or the Chinese embassy in your home country.
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🇨🇳 The Covid Situation in China
China made great progress in limiting the spread of Covid-19 within its borders. As of September 15, 2021, the country has fully vaccinated over 1.15 billion people. Most of the Covid cases in China are imported from abroad, with very little domestic spread.
Visa agency AnyHelper reported on November 5, 2021: “Compared with the policy of last month: If you hold a valid work, reunion or private residence permit, you can directly enter China with certificates of negative nucleic acid and anti-Body blood tests results (vaccination is not a must).” Students are not included in this group, but China is slowly opening pathways for other visa holders.
The Chinese Ministry of Education also holds Chinese schools and domestic students to a high standard for Covid safety. Students, faculty, and staff are required to negative nucleic acid test results after their return from a high-risk area. Students of higher education institutions are required to wear masks on campus.
China has gained international attention for its comprehensive Covid strategy: After an outbreak of the Delta variant in Nanjing, the city tested over 9 million people to stamp out the spread. Intercity and international flights and trains may also be temporarily suspended when a new outbreak appears.
Though the global situation is different in every region, we at China Admissions recommend you closely follow safety procedures to increase your chances of being able to travel safely. Wearing a mask, washing your hands, and taking the vaccine will all help protect you from Covid!
✍️ Applying for Intake 2022
Chinese universities are open to applicants from international students this application season. Learn more about applying to the 2022 intake here!
Undeniably, there is a certain degree of risk planning to attend university internationally during these times. However, it’s better to apply now and withdraw later than to miss the deadline and opportunity completely.
China Admissions can help you prepare an application, communicate with the university, and update you on the latest China news.
If you are interested in beginning a program at a Chinese university in 2022, we recommend that you begin the application process as early as possible.
There are 3 main reasons:
- Chinese universities open their application portals at different times. Know your program’s due dates, don’t get left behind.
- Admissions are first-come, first-serve. Early applicants have an advantage over last-minute submissions, and some universities offer early-bird discounts.
- Time to prepare your documents. Chinese university applications require documents that might be difficult and time-consuming to get in your region.
Learn more about why you should apply early.
👩💻Online courses
By this point, Chinese universities have adapted to the fact that some of their students live outside of China. They are providing more services and opportunities for international students online!
For students who cannot enter China, there is no need to pause your learning. We encourage you to take advantage of opportunities in your home country and online.
We have many exciting online courses available for students all around the world:
- Best Winter/Spring 2022 Courses, including an AI bootcamp and Chinese courses for every level.
- 7 Apps to Learn Chinese for Free!
- Best online Chinese courses
- Best FREE Ways to Self-Study Chinese Online
- Free Online Classes: new opportunities every week!
If you are enrolled in a degree program in a Chinese university, it is up to the university to organize and schedule your online classes. They will vary depending on the university.
🧠 Maintaining Health & Building Mental Strength
Please also make sure to read the tips here on how to deal with challenging situations. Strengthening your mind is something that can benefit everyone, and it is important to make sure to take some time and attention to continually strengthen your mental health during this time.
- Turn off the news and social media
- Get some fresh air and regular movement
- Invest in your local community
- Have a hobby for yourself
- Make alternate plans
- Ask for help
- Stay connected!
😷 Safety Procedures During Covid
To protect yourself and your family from contracting COVID-19, there are simple precautions that you can follow.
- Get vaccinated, if you are able! Showing proof of vaccination may help you travel more easily, in addition to training your immune system to fight the Covid-19 virus. Note: consult a doctor before getting vaccinated if you have concerns or underlying health issues.
- When you leave your home, always wear a mask. Covid is spread via airborne droplets. Make sure to wear your masks properly by tightening up the nose clip and pulling the bottom part of the mask so that your nose and mouth are covered. Replace your mask with a new one every day.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash hands thoroughly. Make sure to wash your hands with gentle soap in running water for at least 15 seconds.
- Boost your immune system by eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough rest. One of the best ways to prevent contracting Covid-19 is to make sure that you are healthy.
- Avoid sharing meals during this time. In China, it is customary to prepare meals and allow everyone on the table to use their personal chopsticks or utensils to get food from the common dish or serving bowl. It’s best to avoid this in the meantime.
- Avoid going to public and crowded spaces. More people in a shared space means lesser airflow and a higher probability of viral transmission.
- Maintain distance from people who have flu-like symptoms.
- Don’t shake hands or hug people.
- Disinfect your home as needed
- Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect having symptoms of COVID. If you’re sick with flu-like symptoms do not panic. Wear a mask at all times, list any symptoms of fever or respiratory infection and visit the nearest hospital to get yourself checked.
🌐 Global Admissions Updates
What are the options to study in other countries? You can check the entry status according to each country here.
China Admissions CEO Rich explains more here:
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