Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU): Guide for International Students
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Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) is the only university in China named after “language.” It sits in the Haidian District of Beijing and operates directly under China’s Ministry of Education. BLCU opened in 1962. Its original purpose was to teach Chinese to international students. Today, it remains China’s top institution for Beijing Language and Culture Education. Students and staff call it the “Little United Nations.”
Each year, nearly 10,000 international students from over 140 countries study at BLCU. That makes it China’s leading university for international student diversity. Over its history, BLCU has educated more than 220,000 students from 189 countries.
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev studied at BLCU in the 1980s. He speaks fluent Chinese and is one of BLCU’s most distinguished alumni. In 2024, he attended the launch of BLCU’s Kazakhstan branch — the first overseas campus of a Chinese university to offer undergraduate education.
BLCU offers bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs. Its core strengths are Chinese language and literature, linguistics, applied linguistics, international education, and foreign languages. The university also runs the BLCU Press, China’s leading publisher of Chinese-language textbooks used by learners worldwide.
BLCU graduates have strong job prospects in diplomacy, education, media, and culture. According to LinkedIn data, BLCU’s international graduates rank among the top for employment at Fortune 500 companies and international organisations.
Requisitos de admisión
Requisitos de admisión
- Título de bachillerato o equivalente
- Valid passport
- English language certificate for English-taught programs, or HSK certificate for Chinese-taught programs
- Good health
- Academic transcripts and one letter of recommendation
- Application submitted via admission.blcu.edu.cn
Not sure if you qualify? Contact Apply For China for a free assessment.
Requisitos de admisión para estudios de posgrado
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent for master’s programs
- Master’s degree or equivalent for PhD programs
- Language certificate matching the program language
- Two letters of recommendation
Depending on the program, you may contact us to learn more.
Los mejores programas y clasificaciones
BLCU is renowned for its programs in Chinese Language and Literature, Applied Linguistics, Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL), International Chinese Education, and Foreign Languages.
Clasificaciones mundiales
- QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 (Modern Languages): #101–150
- Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) 2026: #5 in China for Chinese Language Universities; #301–400 globally in Education
- EduRank 2025: #287 in China overall; ranked in the top 50% across 17 subject areas
- International student numbers: BLCU holds #1 in China, with close to 10,000 international students on campus each year
Tuition Fees and Financial Aid
Programas universitarios
| Program Type | Tuition Fee (RMB/year) |
| Chinese Language degree | ~20,000 |
| Other undergraduate degree programs | 20,000–28,000 |
| Short-term language course (12 weeks) | ~10,200 |
Master’s and PhD Programs
| Level | Tuition Fee (RMB/year) |
| Master’s programs | 25,000–36,000 |
| PhD programs | ~40,000 |
For exact fees by program, contact us to learn more.
Becas
BLCU offers five main scholarship options for international students.
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) — Bilateral Program
Covers tuition, housing, a living allowance of CNY 2,500–3,500 per month, and insurance. Open to undergraduate, master’s, and PhD applicants.
Confucius Institute Scholarship (International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship)
Covers tuition, housing, living allowance, and insurance. For students in Chinese language or TCSOL programs. Learn more at our Confucius Institute Scholarship guide.
BLCU International Students Scholarship
Partial to full tuition coverage. Open to new degree students at BLCU.
Beijing Government Scholarship
Partial tuition support for outstanding international students in Beijing.
CSC Silk Road / China Link Program
Coverage varies by program. For students from Belt and Road regions.
Do take note of the application deadline when applying for a scholarship. At Apply For China, you can consult us if you require further assistance.
For a full overview of your options, visit our Chinese scholarships guide.
Application Deadlines and Intake
Fall intake (main): Apply between February and June. Classes begin in September.
Spring intake: Apply between October and December. Classes begin in March.
Short-term and summer programs: Rolling applications throughout the year. Start dates include July, September, and December.
Exact deadlines vary by year and program. Check with us to confirm your intake.
Instalaciones del campus
Food and Dining on Campus
- Multiple canteens serving Chinese, Muslim-friendly, and international dishes
- Cafés across campus — a meal typically costs RMB 10–20
- ICBC bank branch on campus for currency exchange
Student Housing
- On-campus dorms for international students in a dedicated housing zone
- Rooms include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, heating, and private or shared bathrooms
- Scholarship students may receive partial or full housing coverage
Library
- Main library with Chinese-language and multilingual collections
- Digital databases and quiet reading rooms
Sports Facilities
- Sports centre (5,040 sqm) with gyms and courts
- Swimming centre (4,000 sqm) with a temperature-controlled pool
- Outdoor tracks and basketball courts
Research Centers
- Institute of Applied Linguistics
- Key state and ministry-level platforms for Chinese language research
- Centers focused on Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) and international education
Información sobre la ciudad y la zona
BLCU sits in the Haidian District of Beijing — the city’s main university zone and one of its most international neighbourhoods. The campus address is 15 Xueyuan Road. The Wudaokou metro station (Line 13) is a short walk from campus and connects students to the whole city.
Beijing is China’s capital. Students can reach the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven — all by metro. The city is safe, modern, and easy to navigate.
Monthly living costs (estimated):
| Expense | RMB/month |
| On-campus housing (self-funded) | 1,200–2,400 |
| Meals on campus | 600–1,000 |
| Transport (metro) | 150–300 |
| Personal expenses | 500–1,000 |
| Total estimate | 2,500–4,700 |
Scholarship students who receive CNY 2,500 per month can cover most basic costs. For more on daily life and costs, visit our guide on living in China.
Ready to Apply?
BLCU is a strong choice for anyone who wants to learn Chinese in Beijing at China’s most internationally diverse university. It offers multiple scholarship options, a vibrant multicultural campus, and graduates who work in diplomacy, education, and global business across the world.
Apply For China can help you apply to BLCU, compare it with other top language universities, and find the right scholarship for your goals. Start your journey to study in China today.
Preguntas frecuentes
BLCU is China’s top university for Chinese language education and cultural studies. It hosts nearly 10,000 international students from over 140 countries each year — the highest number of any Chinese university.
Look at the program structure, class size, campus language environment, and scholarship options. BLCU stands out for its immersive, multicultural campus and wide range of Chinese language programs — from short courses to PhD level.
Yes. BLCU offers the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) and the Confucius Institute Scholarship. Full awards cover tuition, housing, and a monthly living allowance of CNY 2,500.
The Confucius Institute Scholarship China — now called the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship — is a government-funded award for students who want to study Chinese language or TCSOL in China. BLCU is one of the main host universities. It covers tuition, housing, insurance, and a monthly allowance.
BLCU offers short-term courses (4 weeks to 1 year), degree programs in Chinese Language and Literature, Applied Linguistics, and TCSOL, plus master’s and PhD degrees. Over 181 programs are available across five levels.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately 20,000–28,000 RMB per year. Short-term language courses start from about 10,200 RMB for 12 weeks. Scholarship students may have tuition fully or partly covered.
Apply through the official admissions portal at admission.blcu.edu.cn. Apply For China can guide you through the full process — from program selection to visa preparation.