Key Takeaways
The difference between learning Chinese and studying China as a subject, plus the programs in Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing that teach both.
Language learning or area studies: two different degrees
Two programs lure international students to China: learning the Chinese language, and studying China as a subject (history, politics, philosophy, society). They overlap but are not the same. This guide separates them and points to the universities that do each well.
Chinese Language Programs
These build fluency, speaking, reading, writing, and often teaching Chinese as a foreign language. The undisputed hub is Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), which exists largely to teach Chinese to foreigners and has the deepest international community of any campus on this list. BLCU's English-taught Sinology bachelor's is a notable hybrid: you study China's language and culture in English while immersed in a Mandarin environment.
The most established language route is Beijing Language and Culture University. Its English-taught Sinology bachelor’s sits between language study and area studies, which suits students who want both.
Chinese Language Study for International Students
Students looking for Chinese language education may choose short-term language courses or full degree programs. These options differ in duration, curriculum, admission requirements and qualifications awarded.
Vietnamese applicants often search for ‘học tiếng Trung tại Trung Quốc’ and Malay-speaking applicants for ‘belajar bahasa Mandarin di China’, both of which mean studying Chinese in China.
Joyous Future lists language programs and degree programs as separate records so that the qualification awarded is clear before applying.
China Studies Programs
These treat China as an academic object, its philosophy, politics, economy, and society, usually in English, for students who want to work in diplomacy, business, journalism, or academia. Strong options:
- Nanjing University, China Studies Master's Program (English-taught)
- Shanghai International Studies University, China Studies Program (CSP)
- Renmin University of China, Master of Arts in Chinese Philosophy (English-taught)
- Sun Yat-sen University, Chinese Language and Literature (Bachelor)
- Communication University of China, MA in Cross-cultural Studies: Language and Communication (English-taught)
Which Should You Pick?
- Want to speak Chinese fluently and teach it? → Language track (BLCU).
- Want to analyze China for a global career? → China Studies track (Nanjing, SISU, Renmin).
- Want both? → BLCU's Sinology or a China Studies master's where you learn Mandarin on the side.
For a pure area-studies master’s, compare Nanjing University’s China Studies with the SISU China Studies program. Nanjing is cheaper and more academic; Shanghai places you closer to employers.
Admission Notes
Language programs often have rolling intake and lower academic barriers; China Studies master's usually require a bachelor's and English proof. HSK helps for Chinese-taught tracks but is not required for the English-taught China Studies degrees listed.
Career Opportunities
Graduates become Chinese-language teachers, translators, diplomats, China analysts, and cross-border business specialists. Mandarin fluency plus China literacy is a rare, durable skill.
Universities and programs in this guide
University Pages
- Beijing Language and Culture University
- Nanjing University
- Shanghai International Studies University
- Renmin University of China
- Sun Yat-sen University
- Communication University of China
Program Pages
- Sinology and Chinese Studies at Beijing Language and Culture University (bachelor’s)
- China Studies Program (CSP) at Shanghai International Studies University (master’s)
- MA in Chinese Philosophy and Culture (CPC) at Renmin University of China (master’s)
Related guides
- Humanities and social sciences in China
- Best Chinese universities by student experience
- Ten things to know before you arrive
- Comprehensive or specialized universities
FAQ
Q1: Do I need to know Chinese to join a China Studies program?
Not for the English-taught master's at Nanjing, SISU, Renmin, and Communication University. You will likely learn some Mandarin alongside.
Q2: Is BLCU only for language study?
Mostly, but it also runs English-taught Sinology and business degrees, so you are not limited to pure language tracks.
Q3: Which gives better job prospects?
It depends on your goal. Language fluency suits teaching and translation; China Studies suits analysis, policy, and business roles. Many combine both.
