Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language

Every foreigner that has studied Chinese has heard the name “Beijing Language and Culture University.” This school’s fame comes from the fact that it is China’s only university specifically designed to teach foreigners Chinese language and culture. This school has more international students than any other institution in China.

Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) was founded in 1962, and was originally named the higher preparatory School for Foreign Students. In 1964, it was renamed as Beijing Language Institute by the State Council. And then in 1996, with the approval of the Ministry of Education, the school was designated as Beijing Language and Culture University. It is the only international university in China with its main task set at teaching the Chinese language and culture to foreign students. Meanwhile it also undertakes the tasks of teaching foreign languages as well as Chinese, computer science and technology, finance and accountancy to Chinese students, providing training courses for teachers specialized in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, and offering predeparture language training to candidates intending to go abroad.

BLCU has the longest history, the largest scope, and the most qualified teaching faculties of its kind in the area of teaching the Chinese language and culture to foreigners. Over the past 40 years since its establishment, the university has trained hundreds of thousands of foreign students who are proficient in Chinese and familiar with the Chinese culture, from over 160 countries and regions in the world. And it has a full-time teaching staff of more than 800.

The University comprises of 11 teaching units and 13 research institutions, with the number of teaching and administrative staff totaled 1425, including 829 in teaching and researching, 303 of which have advanced titles. At present, BLCU has 9 doctoral programs, 24 postgraduate programs, and 16 undergraduate programs, including 1 national key discipline, 2 municipal key disciplines, and 1 humanities and social sciences key research base of regular universities designated by the Ministry of Education. The education scope covers a wide range of fields, including literature, economics, history, law, engineering, education, and management. Now there are over 13,000 students in the university, including 9,000 foreigners and 4,000 Chinese.

Accommodation fee:

 Single room: 150RMB/day

 Double room: 80RMB/day 

 Double room:

3 Steps to Apply to a Chinese University

1.  Certificate of HSK
For applicants of Chinese Language major and Chinese Language and Culture major:Level 3 or above. For those applying to take classes with Chinese students: HSK Level 6 or above

2.  Photocopy of valid passport
With name, passport number & expiration date, and photo included

3.  Passport photo
A recent passport-sized photo of the applicant

4.  Certificate/diploma of highest education
Graduation certificate in languages other than Chinese or English should be translated into Chinese or English and be certified by notarization.

5.  Academic transcript of highest education
Original transcript of academic record.

6.  Valid identity document of the applicant's emergency contact person
A photocopy of the ID of the emergency contact (can be a license, official ID of Chinese citizen or foreigner).

7.  Letter of recommendation
Reference letter from applicants' former teacher.