Can I Study in China Without Knowing Chinese?
So, you’ve heard about China’s top-quality education, rich culture, affordable fees, and vibrant student life. Now you really want to study in China, but there’s a teeny tiny problem holding you back: you don’t know any Chinese. Can you still study in China?
The answer, quite simply, is yes!
You can enroll in some of the world’s best universities and immerse yourself in a diverse culture with endless natural beauty, all while you pursue English study in China.
Which Programs Are Offered in English?
Studying abroad in China is becoming increasingly attractive for many international students. But one thing that many potential students are unsure of is the language. Mandarin is one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world, and it requires a lot of time and energy to master even the basics. Fortunately, universities in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and many more often offer English-taught programs for international students.
Many popular fields such as Engineering, Business, International Relations, Computer Science, and Environmental Science all have full-degree programs taught in English. The range of programs differs between universities, so you should check the full list directly on your favorite university’s website.
What About Chinese Language Requirements?
The Chinese language requirements vary depending on the program and university:
- Fully English-taught programs: All of the lectures and instruction for fully English-taught programs are delivered in English. Every aspect of the courses is designed to be accessible to international students who speak only English. This means that they do not require Chinese proficiency for admission.
- Chinese-taught programs: Some universities offer 1+4 programs (1 year of Chinese language learning + 4 years of a bachelor’s degree), which means that you can enroll in a Chinese-taught program even without knowing Chinese. The 1-year Chinese language program will teach you all the basics you need to continue into your bachelor’s degree studies. However, you will usually be required to pass HSK 4 or 5 before starting your bachelor’s degree.
Life Outside the Classroom: Living in China with Limited Chinese
Beyond the classrooms, studying in China gives you tons of opportunities to explore its modern cities and rich culture. However, doing this with limited Chinese proficiency can be quite challenging.
How Many People in China Speak English?
Truth be told, not that many. Estimates vary, but around 10–25 million Chinese people speak English proficiently. An additional 49.8 million people in China can speak English with reasonable fluency. This means less than 10 percent of people in China can communicate with you in English.
Take Advantage of Translation Apps
If you don’t speak any Chinese, even simple tasks like grocery shopping, asking for directions, or managing bank transactions become very daunting. However, with the rise of technology, you can use apps like Baidu Translate, Google Translate, Pleco, or even ChatGPT to help you translate English to Chinese and vice versa. You can utilize the text-to-speech and speech-to-text features on these apps to assist you in communication.
That said, learning some basic Chinese phrases can help you tremendously. Learning simple phrases like ‘ni hao,’ ‘xiexie,’ and ‘bu hao yi si’ can help you begin interactions and make local friends.
Here are some common phrases you need to know:
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
| 你好 | nĭ hăo | Hello |
| 不好意思 | bù hǎo yì sī | Excuse me (+ a question) |
| 对不起 | duìbùqǐ | Excuse me |
| 谢谢 | xièxie | Thank you |
| 没关系 | méi guān xi | It’s okay |
| 不用谢 | bú yòng xiè | You’re welcome |
| 不客气 | bú kè qi | It’s my pleasure |
| 好/好的 | hǎo/hǎo de | OK |
| 再见/拜拜 | zàijiàn/ bàibài | Bye bye |
| 多少钱？ | duōshǎo qián | How much? (price) |
Learning Chinese Along the Way
Even if your program is fully in English, learning Chinese can enhance your experience in China. Many universities offer free Chinese language classes for international students. These courses usually cover the basics of Chinese before gradually progressing to more advanced levels. Being able to speak some Chinese will not only make daily life more manageable but also open doors for you to make local friends and better understand the culture.
Mentally Preparing Yourself Before You Go
Other than the problem of the language barrier, if you’re coming from a Western country, you might experience a huge culture shock. Even in English-taught classrooms, teachers are known to command utmost respect, and there is a level of expected social obedience.
Chinese people also tend to be more introverted than the average Westerner and typically won’t start a conversation with intimidating foreigners who don’t speak a word of Chinese. But don’t worry! As long as you’re proactive and show them a genuine intent to build a friendship, they will welcome you with open arms, even if you communicate in broken Chinese! You just need to get out of your comfort zone and try a little harder to socialize. If you can overcome the language barrier, you will have a meaningful and deeply rewarding experience while studying in China.
Start Your Journey to Study in China Today
Choosing to study in China is a life-changing decision that opens the door to world-class education, cultural diversity, and exciting global opportunities. Whether you’re researching top China universities or preparing your China university application, having a trusted partner can make all the difference.
At ApplyForChina, we make the process simple and stress-free. From finding the right university to submitting your application, we’re here to support you every step of the way.