A Guide to Education & International Schools in China

Jump right in:

• The Chinese education system
• Daycare and Kindergarten
• Primary and Secondary Schools
• Junior high schools and Secondary schools
• International Schools
• Higher Education
• Language Schools

Facts about education in China

• All citizens in China must attend nine years of compulsory education, six for primary school and three for junior high school.

• Chinese public school is taught in Mandarin

• After school classes are a norm in China with almost every student enrolled in them. Extra classes on weekends and public holidays were also common before they were banned.

• Students in China spend about 8 hours in school, which is more than in Japan, South Korea or the US.

• There are also bilingual private schools, offering a blend of early Chinese curriculum and focus IB (International Baccalaureate) syllabus in senior schooling years.

• While urban schools are state funded, there is a strong education disparity in rural areas. With understaffed schools, the students’ opportunities and the educational environment are radically different from that in the big cities.

Chinese school system ages

School Hours

• The school year in China typically starts in September and ends in late June or July.

• Summer vacation is in July and August while the winter holiday is around January or February.

• School hours typically vary from province to province, with rural provinces often starting later and having shorter school days.

• The school days usually last a whole day (from around 8:00 until 17:00). In China’s metropolises, where lunch breaks are shorter, kids might finish school around 15:00 as well.

Below are the typical school hours you may find.

Primary school: 7 hours (8:00 am – 3:00 pm)

Middle school: 9 hours (7:30 am – 4:30 pm)

High school: 10–12 hours (7:00 am – 9:00 pm)

Grading System in China

High schools, colleges, and universities in China usually have their own grading system but this is often the most common grades a student would see.

Punishments, mental health struggles and the daily life of a Chinese student.

To fully understand the Chinese education, it is worthwhile to look beyond education and consider daily experiences of a student. Long school days, heavy workloads, a competitive environment and strong societal expectations can make the already tough life of a student tougher. In China, the amount of teen suicide cases is on the rise with an even higher number of students struggling with anxiety, burnouts and other mental health challenges.

Discipline is often prioritized in schools with students receiving punishments for simply talking to classmates or for being unfocused or distracted during classes. Punishments can range from public humiliation, physical exercise, and exclusion from the classrooms.

It is important for expat families to consider more than academics and to look into teaching styles, school workload, hours or culture and support systems available in schools.

To fully paint the picture, here is what an average day in the life of a Chinese student looks like:

• School days often start as early as 7:00 with morning revision and reading sessions followed by physical exercise accompanied by patriotic tunes.

• Classes start at 8:00 and are only split by an hour-long lunch break.

• After classes, there are evening study sessions where students can stay behind to self-study or at times are to attend mandatory classes.

• At 20:00, it is finally time for students to head home for dinner.

• After dinner, students get started on homework which may take another 2 or 3 hours to complete.

For international families, the Chinese school routine can be something completely unheard of as it differs widely from the Western teaching approach.

Pre-primary education (nurseries, kindergartens, and pre-schools) offer various educational and training classes which are designed to give the little ones a head start and prepare them for a successful academic future.

What is preschool, kindergarten or daycare like in China?

Enrolling your child in a local kindergarten is not often recommended as due to the full Mandarin curriculum. Most expats decide on bilingual and international kindergartens which are easy to find in all of China's first-tier cities.

In local traditional kindergartens, teachers are a lot stricter, and discipline is highly valued (more so than creative expression). If you are worried that your child might not adjust well to the new situation, finding a kindergarten that does not follow a typical Chinese teaching style might be the best option.

Overview of early childhood education

Children enter elementary school at the age of 6. There are three types of early childhood programs for children under 6:

Nurseries serve children under the age of 3. It serves two functions: early education and childcare. The various institutions offering pre-primary education aim to foster children’s intellectual, physical, artistic, and moral development.

Kindergarten in China it is often an umbrella term referring to refers to full-day programs serving children from age 3 to age 6. With classrooms of up to 40 students, each age group typically has two teachers and a nurse.

Pre-primary classrooms are a part of elementary school. It is typically a half-day program serving children the year prior to 1st grade. Comparable to U.S. public kindergartens, these classes usually place greater emphasis upon academics and use teaching methods like those of the Chinese elementary classrooms.

Types of Kindergartens

International Kindergartens:

• Associated with International Schools

• Selective admissions

• Often on the pricey side

Bilingual Kindergartens:

• Blends Chinese an international curriculum

• Highly competitive

Local private kindergartens:

• Most common choice

• Chinese curriculum with English as a subject

• Rigid with large class sizes

Community kindergartens:

• Run by employers or companies, residential areas or universities

• May not have many facilities

• Affordable but with fewer trained staff

International Kindergartens

In the big expat hubs around China, you will have no problem finding an international or bilingual kindergarten for your child. Some of them will gladly admit children who are under two years old. They may generally also be more relaxed and liberal than other kindergartens. However, in China, it is common for two-year-old children to already be potty-trained. If your toddler is still wearing diapers, you should talk to their pre-school teacher about it, to make sure they are aware of it.

Cost of early education

As pre-primary education is not mandatory, every nursery, kindergarten, and pre-school will require you to pay tuition fees. In some cases, if the school has a very good reputation, the cost for the school can be rather high. In other cases, if the center is run by your own employer, for instance, it can be on the lower end. The difference can be quite significant, and you should keep an eye on your overall cost of living in China before sending your toddler to the best pre-school in town. Moreover, some childcare facilities might charge an additional fee for foreigners.

Nannies (Ayis)

Many families choose to hire an 'ayi' (literally “auntie”) to take care of their children. An ayi can also help with the household chores on a part-time basis or as live-in help.

If you’re thinking about hiring an 'ayi', make sure to talk to their last employer and ask detailed questions. It is also common to find an 'ayi' from agencies such as AyiMatchMaker, where you can arrange interviews and trial days with candidates to find the perfect fit for your family

When it comes to best primary schools in China, the global community tends to attribute those titles to the international schools of the country. That is mostly because the curriculum in Chinese schools differs from the typical Western standards. Here is what you can typically expect from the Chinese educational approach:

• Strict rules

• Emphasis on discipline and punishments

• Constant pressure from peers and teachers

Things to know about primary schools in China

• Children begin primary school at the age of six or seven.

• All in all, 60% of the allocated time of instruction is dedicated to Chinese and math, also called “The Big Two”.

• Additionally, children are taught music, art, morals and society, and nature, and take practical work classes.

• Some schools also start to teach foreign languages, usually English but some schools do offer languages like Japanese or Russian towards the end of primary school and add extra-curricular activities to the mix.

• The competitiveness of the educational system in China starts very early on so parents often sign their kids up to a variety of extra-curricular activities for them to stand out and have better prospects.

• Primary education lasts five years in most of the country, except for major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, where a six-year-long primary school system is more common.

• After completing primary education, the students must take a significant exam which will help them secure places in good secondary schools.

Between the ages of 12 and 18, children attend junior high school and secondary school in China. Public schools often divided into:

• junior high schools (secondary school equivalent)

• senior secondary schools (high school equivalent)

After completing junior high school, students can choose whether they want to attend:

• a regular senior secondary school

• a vocational school

• or a professional school

While the school costs for junior middle school are usually minimal, the fees for later education increase significantly.

For many students, being able to affordability is not the only challenge they’re facing. Wherever they choose to continue their education, students have to take Zhongkao – senior high school entrance examinations. Then, according to their score, they are able to choose the next educational institution they wish to apply to. The pressure is still on for students who decide to apply for more prestigious schools known to some as Gaokao factories which help ensure the best education and preparations for the National Exam. Their choice of education institutions can largely impact their future and university admissions.

Public and private secondary schools in China

Public schools are almost always government run and are standardized throughout the country, only being split by ages. Public secondary schools in China include,

• Complete secondary schools (完全中学): combined junior + senior levels.

• Regular high schools（普通高中) : senior secondary only

• 12‑Year schools (十二年一贯制): primary through senior secondary.

• Vocational secondary schools: public vocational tracks

Private schools however are a different ballgame and can be split into a couple different types such as,

“Elite” private schools: Where tuition fees are the most expensive. These schools are also filled with foreigners and the children of famous entrepreneurs or government officials.

”Urban Ordinary” private secondary schools: Often located in the suburban areas of different towns or cities. These schools admit students who failed their senior high school entrance exam and offer a retake of the exam or coaching on vocational skills. Arts and foreign languages are often emphasized on top of regular syllabus

”Vocational Technical” schools: Emphasizes the learning and training of various vocational fields. The best choice for students intending to join the workforce after graduation.

Rural private schools: Situated in more rural and remote villages or towns. The most affordable choice as it makes private education more accessible for those in rural areas.

Government set up private schools: Charges a tuition fee in line with the government's standards, ranging between RMB 4,000 to RMB 15,000 (USD 600 - USD 2200) per year.

Differences between public and private secondary schools

Public and private schools differ in many ways in China from the general curriculum to facilities in the school. Here are some of the key differences to note:

• Public schools are taught in Mandarin with a full Chinese curriculum and prioritizes preparations for the National Exam. Private schools however are bilingual with innovative teaching styles, smaller classrooms and may offer international curriculum (A-Levels, American syllabus or IB).

• Public schools in bigger cities like Beijing or Shanghai may have better facilities than a rural public school, but private schools all over have modern technological, sporting and extracurricular facilities.

• Public secondary schools are generally affordable whereas public schools can often be pricey depending on the city and school type.

For families who feel public or private schools are not the best fit, there are of course international schools. China has a wide range of best international schools with an excellent reputation, mostly in urban centers such as Shanghai, Beijing, and other popular expat destinations in China.

Expats can choose from different curricula such as British or American schooling system, or, in rare cases, German, French, or other national school programs.

On top of that, many international schools in China offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), a popular choice amongst expats who tend move their children around often

Whether you decide to send your child to a public, private or an international school, you should be prepared for a very competitive admission process, an ambitious education system, and tuition fees that might seriously impact your cost of living. After all, international schools in China are rather expensive, with annual tuition at some established schools exceeding RMB 300,000 (USD 4470).

Waiting lists, documents, and application tips

Even though the number of international schools in mainland China is on the rise, the demand is so high that spots fill up quickly. Many schools have their own set of requirements as well as long waiting lists. Do note that early application does not guarantee admission, as schools may have a large number of students already on the waiting list.

Schools usually require a couple of key documents which vary from school to school. The most common documents required are:

• Filled out application form (available on the school's website and can be done online)

• Copy of birth certificate and passport

• Recent school transcripts

• Passport-sized pictures for student cards

• Proof of visa in China

• Letters of recommendation or school leaving certificates

Most international schools in China require an admissions test or interview. Your child may be given exams to test their English, Mathematics and cognitive abilities. They may be asked to partake in a one-on-one interview or a group interview to see if they are the right fit for the school.

The best admission tips as an expat are to:

Apply early: Applying as early as possible gives the highest chances as the best schools fill up quickly

Don't put all your eggs in a basket: Apply to multiple schools as the admissions are insanely competitive.

Consider what's best for your child: With schools offering various curriculums and teaching styles, keep in mind what would be the best for your child.

Visit the school: If an in-person visit is not possible, most schools offer a virtual tour on their website and virtual open days.

Understand the fee structure: Schools may require additional fees for uniform or transport costs, additional extracurricular fees, and admission fees.

Top International Schools in China’s Biggest Cities

Beijing

• Dulwich College Beijing

• AISB Hope International School

• Swiss School Beijing

• The British School of Beijing, Shunyi

• The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun

• Beijing BISS International School

• International School of Beijing

• Keystone Academy Beijing

• AISL Harrow International School

• Canadian International School of Beijing

Guangzhou

• American International School of Guangzhou

• The British School of Guangzhou

• Fettes College Guangzhou

• ISA Science City International School Guangzhou

• ISA Tianhe International School Guangzhou

• The French International School of Guangzhou

• The Garden International School Guangzhou

• Canadian International School Guangzhou

• Clifford International School

• Harrow International School Guangzhou

Shanghai

• Western International School of Shanghai

• Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong

• Wellington College International Shanghai

• Dulwich College Shanghai, Pudong

• Dulwich College Shanghai, Puxi

• Shanghai American School

• The British International School Shanghai, Puxi

• Suzhou Singapore International School

• Shanghai Singapore International School

• Harrow International School Shanghai

Shenzhen

• QSI International School Shenzhen

• International School of Nanshan Shenzhen

• Shekou International School

• Recognise International Academy

• Merchiston International School Shenzhen

• Harrow International School Shenzhen

• Shen Wai International School Shenzhen

• Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy

• Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai

• Huitong School

Chengdu

• QSI International School Chengdu

• Chengdu Meishi International School

• Léman International School Chengdu

• SPGS International School Chengdu

• Beanstalk International Bilingual School

Higher education in China is no longer funded by the state, which is why the competition for scholarships is high. International students must prove themselves in this competitive environment, especially because more foreigners are enrolling at Chinese universities.

Students spend two or three years on an undergraduate level program if they attend a junior college (also known as short-cycle college). Other regular universities, however, usually offer three-year and four-year programs on the undergraduate level. Many also offer graduate programs leading to master's or doctoral degrees.

Aside from the usual undergraduate and graduate programs, scientific research is also an essential part of Chinese higher education. Various key laboratories, open research labs, and engineer research centers have been established by Chinese universities, and function as a driving force behind innovative new science and technology.

How to get into a Chinese university

Applying to a university in China might seem intimidating and confusing at first, but the process simply follows a couple key steps. It is important to keep in mind that every university has its own admission process and requirements, and it is advised to inquire with the university of your choice regarding the exact admission requirements, application deadlines, and visa requirements.

• Language requirements: For Chinese taught courses, universities may require a standardized Chinese language proficiency exam HSK (Hanyu shuiping kaoshi). For English taught courses, IELTS and TOEFL exams are required as proof of proficiency.

• Prepare necessary documents: Some of the documents you might need to submit include a completed application form, certified copies of your diploma in English or Chinese, certified copies of your official transcripts, and a photocopy of your valid passport.

• Submitting applications: Applications can be submitted online through the university websites. In recent times however it is more common to use the Study in China portal, which helps you track applications and guides you on required documents.

• Additional assessments: Depending on the university and course, you may be required to partake in an entrance examination or an interview.

How much does it cost to study in China for an international student?

• Tuition and living expenses: Total estimated costs for self-funded international students typically range from RMB50,000 to RMB100,000 (USD 7.445 to USD 14.890) per year, including tuition and living expenses.

• Admission fees: Most traditional public universities will charge you an admission fee that might cost you from RMB600 to RMB1,400 (USD 90 to USD 210) depending on the university of your choosing. Do note that more prestigious schools may charge more.

Top universities in China

University rankings might also help you decide which higher education institution is right for you. The most prestigious universities belong to C9 League that is basically the Ivy League of China. Best universities from this prestigious league that offer many programs for international students are:

• Peking University – offers undergrad programs in science, languages and linguistics, business and management, art and design, and many more.

• Fudan University a very international school with many programs taught in English. Excels in both humanities (philosophy, history, and literature) and science (engineering, science, and medical science).

• Zhejiang University another C9 member with faculties in arts and humanities, social sciences, engineering, medicine, IT, science, and agriculture and environment.

• Tsinghua University – offers various programs in science, engineering, business, humanities, law, and medicine.

• University of Science and Technology China – best known for its programs in sciences (physical, computer, life, and engineering science, mathematics, and chemistry)

Most universities will charge you an admission fee that might cost you from 600 to 1,400 CNY, depending on the university of your choosing. Submitting your application to more prestigious higher education schools usually means you will have to spend more. University rankings might also help you decide which higher education institution is right for you. The most prestigious universities belong to C9 League that is an equivalent to Ivy League in the US. Best universities from this prestigious league that offer many programs for international students are:

• Peking University– offers undergrad programs in science, languages and linguistics, business and management, art and design, and many more.
• Fudan University– a very international school with many programs taught in English. Excels in both humanities (philosophy, history, and literature) and science (engineering, science, and medical science).
• Zhejiang University– another C9 member with faculties in arts and humanities, social sciences, engineering, medicine, IT, science, and agriculture and environment.
• Tsinghua University– offers various programs in science, engineering, business, humanities, law, and medicine.
• University of Science and Technology of China– best known for its programs in sciences (physical, computer, life, and engineering science, mathematics, and chemistry)

Note that while these universities are considered prestigious in general, other, less popular graduate schools might have excellent programs for the field of your choice. If you know what exactly you want to study, make sure to research your specific options.

If you are interested to find out more about other universities’ tuition and application fees, requirements and admission procedures, as well as course comparisons, the Chinese government provides a coherent list of country’s universities with all the necessary information.

Modern Standard Mandarin is considered the official language of mainland China. In addition to Mandarin, China is home to multiple languages like

• Cantonese

• Hakka

• Min

• Xiang

• Gan.

Much of the pronunciation, grammar, and sentence structure is different for each language, and it is common that locals from different parts of the country might have a hard time understanding each other.

Here are a couple of language schools that might be useful:

• LTL Language School : Offering group or one-on-one classes all over China from around USD 226 to USD 457 a week

• That’s Mandarin : Offers a variety of online and in person classes in multiple cities with intensive courses for USD 16 per class

• GoEast Mandarin School : Located in Shanghai with group, private and online classes with materials and exercises for around USD 1248 for a sixteen-week course.

Learning Mandarin as a foreigner

As most of the Chinese population speaks Modern Standard Mandarin (Putonghua), it makes sense to focus on this dialect. If you wish to study one of the Chinese languages, you can do so by picking one of the following options,

• Chinese language courses at a local university: The language school fees for a year-long course are around RMB10,000 (USD 1490) depending on the university you choose. Some of them offer shorter, more intensive courses as well.

• Specialized Chinese language school: There you will be able to choose the intensity of your course and the number of weeks you’d like to attend the classes. The prices depend on the mentioned criteria and can range from around RMB 500 to RMB 2,500 (USD 75 to USD 375) or more per week.

• A private language teacher: Do make sure beforehand that they actually speak Putonghua and don’t have a strong accent. Private teachers can cost you from RMB 150 to RMB 450 (USD 25 to USD 70) per lesson.

Try to decide early on if you want to learn spoken Chinese only, or if you also want to understand the written form. It should not take too long to pick up enough Chinese for basic communication. Learning the written language, however, is a lot more challenging.