Wanna Study in China? How To Begin Your Student Application Process

Choosing To Study In China Was A Huge Decision For Me

Especially since no one in my family had ever studied abroad before.

My family had all sorts of fears—like the sky-high costs, culture shock, freezing winters, and the possibility of visa rejections—but I was determined to take the leap.

It wasn’t easy, but the thought of getting a world-class education and broadening my horizons was too exciting to pass up.

I considered studying in the USA, Canada, Finland, & Australia, but China stood out.

The application process was straightforward, and the costs were much more manageable.

After some research, I set my sights on Zhejiang University (ZJU), ranked 44th globally.

Affiliated with 7 top hospitals, world-class government-funded resources, and a leading research institute promised an unparalleled medical educational experience.

The prospect of hands-on clinical training, exposure to diverse specialties, and affordable living costs in China further solidified my decision.

Often referred to as the “Cambridge of the East,” ZJU far exceeded my expectations, turning my leap into the unknown into one of the best decisions of my life.

This brief article is for anyone interested in:

• Applying to top-ranking Chinese universities.
• Understanding the visa process.
• Knowing what to expect upon arrival in China.

Application Process

When applying to Chinese universities, be thorough and organized.

Requirements vary, but here’s a guide using ZJU as an example:

1. Personal Statement: Write up to 800 words explaining why you want to study medicine in China.
2. Introductory Video: Create a 1-minute video about yourself and your interest in the university.
3. Academic Records: Send your KCPE and KCSE, as well as your high school and/or university transcript showing your performance over the years.
4. Recommendation Letters: 2 from your high school teachers. If in uni, 1 from your professor.
5. Volunteering Experience and CV: Include a letter from your volunteer supervisor and prepare a CV outlining your achievements.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited for an interview.

It’s conversational but rigorous, with unpredictable questions.

Stay relaxed and genuine—don’t recite memorized answers.

Visa Process

Once you get accepted, getting your visa is one of the first big steps.

Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Online Application: Fill out the visa application on visaforchina.cn with your personal details and study plans
2. Gather Your Documents: You’ll need a few key documents:
   • Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
   • Chinese passport-sized photos
   • University admission letter.
   • JW02 form (official invitation to study)
3. Financial Proof: If you have a sponsor, they must show proof of funds.
4. Fees and Processing: The visa application fee depends on how quickly you need it. The standard processing time is about a week, but you can pay extra to get it done in 2 days.

You don’t need a physical exam before leaving; that’ll be done in China for around 8,000 Ksh.

Learning Chinese

You’re ahead of the game if you’ve already started learning Chinese in Kenya.

All Chinese universities offer the option to take your courses in Chinese if you’re proficient enough.

Even if you study in English, learning some Chinese can help with daily life, connecting with professors, and making friends. Plus, it’s a flex!

Arrival in China

Stepping off the plane in China feels like landing on a different planet. Everything is bigger—seriously, the airports are massive.

If you don’t have someone to pick you up, get ready for a wild ride.

Everything is written in Chinese, and English speakers are rare, so a translator app is a lifesaver.

Just remember, some apps you use in Kenya might not work in China without a VPN, and those can be tricky to download once you’re there.

Navigating the metro, bullet trains, buses, and taxis is like figuring out a giant puzzle.

Didi, the Chinese version of Uber, is only in Chinese, so unless you’re a language pro, it’s going to be interesting.

And don’t even think about using cash—China is all about QR codes. Paying for anything is challenging without Alipay (like Mpesa for foreigners).

Somehow, I managed to survive all alone! You can too!

The Weather In China?

Kenya’s climate is like heaven in comparison.

Summers are so hot and humid that stepping outside feels like entering a sauna. Without an air conditioner set to 16°C, you’ll be sweating buckets even indoors.

And forget about cool mornings—those don’t exist here.

Winter? That’s a whole other beast. Ignore the memes of Nairobians in July.

For Any Youth Thinking About Studying Abroad

Especially in China, go for it! It’s a life-changing experience.

You’ll meet people worldwide, learn from brilliant minds, and experience a system that values merit over connections. The curriculum is tough, but the personal growth is worth it.

Beyond academics, you’ll gain intercultural skills, soft skills, and a better understanding of yourself. You’ll face challenges head-on and discover strengths you never knew you had.

It’s more than education—it’s an adventure shaping your future.