Language Immersion Courses in China

Language schools in China teach Mandarin Chinese to foreigners, from complete beginners to students preparing for university. There are two main options. Universities run Chinese language programmes for international students, usually organised by semester. Private language schools offer more flexible courses that start every few weeks, in small groups or one-to-one, often with help finding accommodation and with visa documents.

SpainExchange lists 15 Chinese language schools in China. Most are in Beijing and Shanghai, such as Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), That's Mandarin, LTL (Live the Language) and Mandalingua, but there are also schools in Kunming (Keats School), Guilin (Chinese Language Institute) and Dalian (Smile Chinese).

University programmes and private schools

University programmes follow the academic calendar. At Tsinghua University, the Chinese Language Program is organised by semester, each of about 18 weeks, and students receive a certificate of completion and a transcript. Beijing Language and Culture University, which specialises in teaching Chinese language and culture, offers short- and long-term courses of four weeks to one year as well as winter and summer camps, and says it receives nearly 10,000 international students from over 140 countries and regions each year.

Private schools are more flexible. That's Mandarin, founded in Beijing in 2005 and stating that it is licensed by the Ministry of Education, teaches in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Chengdu. Its intensive group course has 20 classes of 45 minutes a week, Monday to Friday mornings, with a maximum of six students per class, and a new group starts about once a month. LTL in Beijing runs small group classes with a maximum of six students, one-to-one lessons that can start on any Monday, and semester programmes of 18 or 36 weeks.

Typical course types are:

• intensive group courses of around 20 classes a week
• part-time group courses for people who work or study
• one-to-one lessons with a flexible schedule
• HSK exam preparation
• semester and one-year programmes
• summer and winter camps for children and teenagers

The HSK exam

The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, 汉语水平考试) is the standardised Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers. Chinese universities ask for an HSK result for degree programmes taught in Chinese; according to That's Mandarin, many universities and employers in China require at least HSK 4. In the HSK 2.0 system, the levels range from HSK 1 (150 words) to HSK 6 (5,000 words). A school's own certificate shows your level and attendance; the HSK is the internationally recognised certificate. Many schools offer HSK preparation courses and help with exam registration.

Progress depends on intensity. That's Mandarin, for example, says that after six months of its intensive course students reach approximately HSK 3.

Visa

For a language course of up to 180 days, China issues the X2 short-term study visa; for longer study the X1 visa applies. Many schools provide the documents needed for the visa application: That's Mandarin, for instance, offers a visa programme of three or six months. Students who hold an X1 visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival, according to Fudan University's guidance for international students. Apply early: the Chinese Visa Application Service Center recommends applying three months before you travel to China.

Costs and accommodation

Prices vary with city, intensity and class size. In 2026, That's Mandarin charges from 104 yuan per class for intensive group lessons and from 210 yuan per class for private lessons. LTL Beijing advertises group classes from 377 US dollars a week, one-to-one classes from 762 US dollars a week and a full 18-week semester for 5,775 US dollars. Check what is included: LTL states that books and study materials are included in its prices.

Accommodation is usually booked through the school. LTL offers homestays with a single room and meals from 401 US dollars a week, and says that about 80% of its students choose a homestay; it also offers shared and studio apartments. That's Mandarin helps students find an apartment.

How to choose a school

• Goal: a university semester programme suits students planning a degree in China; a private school suits shorter or more flexible stays.
• City: Beijing is the capital; Shanghai is a business hub; cities such as Kunming, Guilin or Dalian offer a different setting.
• Visa: check that the school can issue the documents for an X2 or X1 visa if you need one.
• Class size and intensity: compare the number of classes per week, the class length and the maximum group size.
• Exams: ask whether the school prepares students for the HSK.

Frequently asked questions

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

For a course of up to 180 days, the X2 short-term study visa; for longer courses, the X1 visa, followed by a residence permit within 30 days of arrival. The school provides the admission documents.

Which HSK level do I need for a Chinese university?

It depends on the university and programme. Many universities ask for at least HSK 4 for degree programmes taught in Chinese, so check the requirement of your chosen programme.

How long does it take to reach HSK 3?

It depends on the course and the student. That's Mandarin says that its intensive students reach approximately HSK 3 after six months of daily classes.

How much does a Chinese course in China cost?

In 2026, group classes start from about 104 yuan per class at That's Mandarin and from 377 US dollars a week at LTL Beijing. Accommodation is extra.