Studying in China? Here Are Some New Rules for you！

As of July 2017, International students enrolled in universities in China will have to attend compulsory courses in Chinese language and culture according to new rules announced by China’s Ministry of Education in conjunction with the ministries of foreign affairs and public security.

The new rule charges higher education institutions, including foreign joint-venture universities in China, to ensure that international students are acquainted with Chinese laws, university discipline, as well as traditional Chinese culture and customs so that they can adapt better to the local environment.

Although Chinese language courses will be compulsory, foreign students will be allowed to write masters and Ph.D. thesis in languages other than Chinese.

The regulations also ban religious activities on campuses. According to the document, International students can keep their beliefs and customs, but institutions must not provide them venues for religious expression. It adds that proselytizing, religious gatherings or religious activities are not permitted on campus. However, the Chinese government will keep the church, temple, and mosque in good running for those who need these facilities.

In addition, international students studying philosophy and political science will have to attend compulsory courses on political theory delivered by their university, according to the announcement published on the ministry of education’s website on June 2nd 2017.

The courses specially targeted for foreign students, will take place during the first year of four-year degree programs at the same time as Chinese students are attending compulsory courses in Marxist-Leninist theory, contemporary Chinese history and Socialism ‘with Chinese characteristics’.

While there is need for better preparation of foreign students studying in China has long been acknowledged, it was unusual for such announcements directed at the higher education sector, to be coordinated with public security agencies.

A number of foreign joint-venture universities in China said they would be examining the new regulation closely to ensure “the correct measures” are in place, but a number of them said they already had such courses available for foreign students.

Willy Lam, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong commented that “This new policy is not surprising”. He further went on to state "I don’t think in practice this will impede foreign students going to China.”