Language schools in Beijing, China

Beijing is China's capital and one of the main places to learn Mandarin. The city government's study portal counts 58,200 international students and 92 universities and colleges in the city. Students come for a few weeks of Chinese, for a semester or a year, for HSK exam preparation, or to combine Chinese with a gap year or a job search in China.

There are two kinds of provider: universities that run Chinese language programmes for international students, and private language schools with small groups, flexible start dates and accommodation services.

What the language schools in Beijing offer

• Intensive group courses, usually Monday to Friday, and part-time evening or weekend classes
• Private one-to-one lessons
• HSK exam preparation
• University Chinese programmes of one or two semesters
• Visa programmes for longer stays
• Summer and winter camps for children and teenagers

Some examples from our list. Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), at 15 Xueyuan Road in Haidian District, took its present name in 1996; it grew out of the Higher Preparatory School for International Students, renamed Beijing Language Institute in 1964. It offers Chinese training courses from four weeks to one year and winter and summer camps, and reports 3,985 non-degree international students a year (figures up to December 2024). That's Mandarin, founded in Beijing in 2005, states that it is officially licensed by the Chinese Ministry of Education; its intensive group course runs five days a week, and it offers HSK preparation. LTL Language School (Live the Language) teaches small groups that average three students, one-to-one lessons and a semester of 18 or 36 weeks. ChuShan Private Institute, a family-style school, focuses on Classical Chinese and traditional culture.

Costs

Prices depend on the course format and length. Examples from the schools' own sites: LTL's small group classes in Beijing start at US$377 a week and one-to-one lessons at US$762 a week; a full 18-week semester costs US$5,775. That's Mandarin's visa programme starts at RMB 104 per class, with four classes a day from 08:30 to 12:00 in groups of four to six. For housing, LTL offers homestays with meals from US$401 a week and says that about 80% of its students choose a homestay.

For transport, the Beijing Yikatong card requires a 20 yuan deposit and a first top-up of at least 20 yuan; the lowest subway fare is 3 yuan, according to the Beijing municipal government.

Visa

China has two student visa categories: X1 for long-term study of more than 180 days and X2 for short-term study of up to 180 days. The visa application centres recommend applying three months before travel. Language schools can help: That's Mandarin, for example, provides the documents for an X2 student visa for stays of three or six months.

Practical tips

• If you want credits from your home university, ask before you go: the Beijing government's study portal notes that your home university decides whether to recognise them
• Compare class size, hours per day and what is included (materials, airport pickup, transport card)
• Set realistic goals: That's Mandarin expects six months of its visa programme to reach HSK 3
• Choose between a university programme (campus life, semester calendar) and a private school (start any week, smaller groups)

Frequently asked questions

Which visa do I need for a Chinese course in Beijing?

The X2 visa covers study of up to 180 days and the X1 visa study of more than 180 days. Your school or university provides the admission documents for the application.

How much does a Chinese course in Beijing cost?

It depends on the school and format. At LTL, small group classes start at US$377 a week; That's Mandarin's visa programme starts at RMB 104 per class.

Can I prepare for the HSK in Beijing?

Yes. That's Mandarin and LTL Language School both offer HSK preparation, and university programmes such as BLCU's cover all four language skills.

Will my university recognise a Chinese course in Beijing?

Your home university decides. Discuss your plans with it before you leave and ask the Beijing school for the documents it needs.