FAQ
A: Before Arriving in China
1. Admission
Q: What is HSK?
A: China's Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, known as HSK is a standardized Chinese proficiency test . The HSK takes non-native speakers as its object, and is directed at examining students’ capability of applying Chinese language in their studies, personal life and work. The new type of examination consists of two independent parts, a written test and an oral test. The written test is comprised of HSK-Level 1, HSK-Level 2, HSK- Level 3, HSK- Level 4, HSK- Level 5 and HSK- Level 6. During the oral test (so called HSKK), sound-recording devices are used.
For more information about new HSK please visit:http://www.chinesetest.cn/
Q: How to apply to study at SUFE?
A: Please follow the application guide in the Admission-Progams section.
Q: How does the Online Application work?
A: Visit the SUFE ICES website for the list of programs, confirm the specific entry requirements, application process and required documentation for your application before starting the online application.
Step 1: Remit the unrefundable application fee.
Step 2: Register at SUFE Applicant Portal http://ao.sufe.edu.cn/. Log into your account, search for and add an application for the graduate program you wish to apply for.
Step 3: Fill out the application form and upload supporting documents through the Applicant Portal.
* If you are an exchange student, you should follow your international coordinator’s instruction to complete the online ap plication process.
Q: How many students will be in one class for the Chinese Language Program and Business Chinese Program?
A: Generally there will be 10-15 students in one class.
Q: How about the accommodation on campus, fees, equipment, conditions, etc? When should I pay the accommodation fee?
A: Please check detailed information in the Admission-Campus Life section
2. Visa Application
Q: What kind of visa should I apply to enter China? How to apply?
A: Generally there are two kinds of study visa for which you can apply to enter China:
*X1 Visa (recommended for degree students and language students whose expecting study period is more than half a year ):
If you plan to study in China for more than 6 months, you can apply to embassies or consulates of People’s Republic of China for an X1 visa (long-term study visa) with an Admission Notice, form JW202 or form JW201 (offered by SUFE) and report of health examination for foreigners. After your arrival in China, you should apply for a residence permit (multi-entry visa) within 30 days.
*X2 Visa (recommended for language students and exchange students):
If you plan to study in China for less than 6 months, you can apply to embassies or consulates of People’s Republic of China for an X2 visa (short-term study visa) for longest 180-day validity, with an Admission Notice offered by SUFE. Generally there is only one entry allowed on the visa, but one more entry is available for application in China.
Please note:
*After the visa application, please keep the original Admission Notice and form JW202 or form JW201. They are very important documents which you might need to submit to the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau when you deal with your visa issues in China. If you lost your JW202 form, you can apply to us for a new one, but you will be required to pay extra fee for it (including application fee and post fee). Plus, it will take 2-3 weeks to get the form ready.
* As the policy for visa application may vary in different countries, we strongly suggest you consult the local Chinese embassy or consulate for details of visa application issue.
Q: Do I need a health examination when I apply for a visa to China?
A: When you apply to embassies or consulates of the People’s Republic of China for a visa, you might be asked to provide a health examination report. For more details please consult the local Chinese embassies or consulates. If you are in China, you can go to the Shanghai Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, International Travel Healthcare Center for health examination.
Q: Do I need a health examination when I apply for a visa to China?
A: When you apply to embassies or consulates of the People’s Republic of China for a visa, you might will be asked to provide a health examination report. For more details please consult the local Chinese embassies or consulates. If you are in China, you can go to the Shanghai Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, International Travel Healthcare Center for health examination.
B. After Arriving in China
1. Transportation
Q: How can I get to SUFE?
A: If you arrive at Pudong International Airport or Hongqiao International Airport, we suggest you take a taxi to SUFE.
2. Registration
Q: When should I register at SUFE? What kind of documents should I bring with?
A: If you are enrolled by SUFE, you should bring your passport, the Admission Notice (offer letter), tuitions, and JW202 or JW201 form. You will register at SUFE, on the specific date indicated on the Admission Notice.
3. Health Examination and Verification
Q: Do I need to do the health examination or verification after registration at SUFE?
A: Those who need to take the physical examination or verification:
(1) International students holding an X1 visa.
(2) International students holding an X2 visa, AND will be studying for over six months in China.
(3) International students applying for a residence permit for the first time.
(4) International students in China applying for extension of their residence permit and whose last residence permit has expired 3 months ago.
Q: If I need to do the health examination or verification, where should I do it? How?
A: Please go to Shanghai Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, International Travel Healthcare Center for the health examination. you need to make appointmet for the examination.
4. Residence Permit
Q: Do I need to apply for a residence permit in China? How?
A: If you are holding an X1 visa, you will be required to apply for a residence permit within 30 days after your arrival in China. You don’t need to apply for residence permit if you are holding an X2 visa, AND the validity of your visa is longer than your expecting study period. If you are not very clear about this, we suggest you show your passport to our staff in the office of ICES and ask for their advices.
Q: Where can I apply for a residence permit? What kind of materials should I bring?
A: Please go to Exit-Entry Administration of Shanghai Public Security Bureau for visa application on your own.
Address: 1500 Minsheng Road, New Pudong District, Shanghai, China.
Service time: 9:00-11:30, 13:30-16:30, Monday to Saturday
Tel: 0086-21-68547109
Materials required for first application for residence permit:
a. The original valid passport and Chinese visa
b. Original copy of Admission Notice
c. Original copy of form JW202 or form JW201
d. The original Health certificate issued by Shanghai Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, International Travel Healthcare Center
e. The original Letter of Introduction provided by International Cultural Exchange School of SUFE
f. One ID photo as the size of passport photo
g. One photocopy of Registration Form of Temporary Residence
Q: What can I do if I lost Form JW202?
A: Form JW202 and Admission Notice are very important documents which will be required when you deal with your visa issue (like applying for a residence permit or extra entry on your visa). If the form JW202 is lost, you have to pay for 250 RMB extra fee and wait at least two weeks to get a new one. You must seriously keep the form JW202 and Admission Notice well.
5. Insurance
Q: Do I have to buy insurance in China?
A: In order to assure the safety of international students during their study at SUFE, and according to the regulations issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education, all degree-seeking students will be required to attend the Comprehensive medical insurance and benefit plan for international students in China (Accident Injury Medical Treatment and Hospitalization Medical Treatment in China), which costs 800 RMB for one year or 400 RMB for half a year.
6. Life in Shanghai
Q: How much do we spend for living in Shanghai?
A: The price level in Shanghai is a bit higher than other cities in China. It normally costs around 3200-4000 RMB each month, including the accommodation fee.
