Beijing Foreign Studies University (hereinafter referred to as “BFSU”) is located on Xisanhuan North Road in Haidian District, Beijing. It is a national key university directly administered by the Ministry of Education, one of the first institutions to be listed under the “Project 211”, a member of the “Project 985” Innovation Platform, and among the first group of universities selected for the “Double First-Class Project”. As the Chinese university with the longest history in foreign language education and the widest range of language programs, BFSU serves as an important training base for internationally-oriented professionals in diplomacy, translation, international business, journalism, law, finance, and other fields. BFSU admits international students to its undergraduate programs through an “application-based evaluation” system. We are committed to nurturing talents with an appreciation of Chinese culture, a global vision and strong professional competence.
I. Programs Offered for Enrollment
Information regarding available majors, language of instruction, and admitting departments is provided in the 2026 Beijing Foreign Studies University Undergraduate Program Catalogue (hereinafter referred to as the “Program Catalogue”).
II. Duration of Study
The standard duration of undergraduate study at BFSU is four years, with a permitted study period of three to six years.
III. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following basic conditions:
1. Be a non-Chinese citizen and hold a valid ordinary private passport issued by a foreign country.
Notes:
Applicants whose parents are both Chinese citizens or one of whose parents is a Chinese citizen and have settled abroad, but who, by birth, obtained foreign nationality and do not hold Chinese nationality, as well as applicants from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, or Taiwan Province who later emigrated and acquired foreign nationality and now apply as international students, must have held a valid foreign passport or proof of foreign nationality for at least four years. In addition, they must have actually resided in a foreign country for a cumulative period of at least two years within the most recent four years (up to April 30, 2026). Residence for nine months in a calendar year is counted as one full year, based on entry and exit stamps. Applicants who were formerly Chinese citizens must also provide documentation proving the renunciation of their Chinese nationality.
Whether the applicant who holds foreign nationality also possesses the nationality of the People’s Republic of China shall be determined by the conclusions of the Exit-Entry Administration of public security authorities in China. If an applicant is determined to hold Chinese nationality during application, admission, or after enrollment, their eligibility to apply, admission status, or student registration will be cancelled accordingly.
2. Be in good physical and mental health, meet the medical requirements for obtaining a visa or residence permit in China, satisfy the health standards for the intended major at BFSU, and be fully capable of sustaining normal academic progress and daily life during their stay in China.
3. Have no disciplinary violations, public security penalties, or criminal behaviors or records; be friendly toward China; demonstrate good conduct; abide by Chinese laws and university regulations; and respect the customs and habits of the Chinese people.
4. Have completed high school education. Applicants under the age of 18 must obtain the university’s approval and submit a notarized certificate appointing a guardian in China and other required materials.
5. Meet the academic performance, academic level, language proficiency, and other requirements for the intended major. Details can be found through the links to each admitting school in the Program Catalogue.
IV. Application Procedures
Beijing Foreign Studies University adopts an online application system. Applicants must register and submit their applications through the BFSU International Students Service System.
Instructions:
(1) Application portal: http://study.bfsu.edu.cn. The application may be completed in Chinese or English.
(2) Portal opening periods: March 10, 2026 – June 15, 2026
October 15, 2026 – December 15, 2026
(3) All information provided in the online application must be truthful, accurate, complete, and valid. Applicants shall bear full responsibility for any adverse consequences in admission or enrollment caused by errors, omissions, falsification, or invalid information.
(4) For details regarding the collection, use, and protection of student data, please refer to the Beijing Foreign Studies University International Students Privacy Policy.
(5) Application Materials:
1. High School Diploma. The diploma should be in Chinese or English. If the original diploma is in another language, both the original and a Chinese or English translation must be uploaded.
Note: Graduates are generally required to submit their diploma at the time of application. Current students must submit an official pre-graduation or student status certificate when applying and provide the final diploma and degree certificate before enrollment if admitted.
2. High School Transcript. The transcripts must include all courses taken during high school. For transcripts not graded on a 100-point scale, an explanatory page must be included. The transcripts should be in Chinese or English; documents in other languages must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation.
3. China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) Test Transcript administered by the Ministry of Education of China. Applicants may visit the official CSCA website (https://www.csca.cn) to check specific test dates and content. The test subjects required for each major are detailed in the Program Catalogue.
4. Valid Language (Chinese or English) Proficiency Certificate. Specific language requirements for each major can be found through the links to the admitting schools in the Program Catalogue.
5. Personal Statement. The statement must be written in the language of instruction of the applied program. Applicants should include, without limitation to, personal background, family information, previous life and academic experiences, participation in social activities, and plans for university life. The statement should be no less than 500 words.
6. Passport (photo page). A valid ordinary private passport is required. For applicants seeking admission in the fall semester, the passport must be valid until after October 1, 2026; for applicants seeking admission in the spring semester, the passport must be valid until after April 1, 2027.
Applicants currently residing in China must also upload the pages of their current visa/residence permit and the page with the most recent entry stamp.
Applicants who were formerly Chinese citizens and later acquired foreign nationality must submit proof of naturalization and proof of renunciation of their former Chinese household registration. (See Instructions on Nationality Documents for details.)
Applicants under the age of 18 (calculated from September 1, 2008) must submit a birth certificate, a parental authorization letter, a notarized certificate appointing a guardian in China, and other required documents at the time of application. (For details, see the Instructions for Student Visa Applications for International Students Under 18.)
Note:
(1) The university does not accept applicants holding any of the following documents when applying as international students: Travel Document of the People’s Republic of China, Exit and Entry Permit of the People’s Republic of China, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, Residence Permits for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Residents of the People’s Republic of China, etc.
(2) From the date of application submission until three months after enrollment, applicants may not change their passport or alter their personal information without authorization, including but not limited to name, gender, date of birth, nationality, and passport number. If a change is truly necessary due to exceptional circumstances or force majeure, a written request must be submitted to BFSU for approval. If the applicant alters their passport or personal information without authorization and such changes result in inconsistency with the information used during application or admission, BFSU will not proceed with enrollment procedures.
7. Enrollment Commitment signed by the applicant and Letter of Guarantee signed by a guarantor. Templates for the Enrollment Commitment and Letter of Guarantee can be downloaded from the application website: http://study.bfsu.edu.cn.
8. Applicants who are currently employed must provide a letter from their employer consenting to their study, or proof of termination of employment.
9. Other supplementary documents required by the admitting school or specific scholarship programs. Please refer to the admitting school’s introduction or scholarship application instructions for details.
Note: All original supporting documents must be submitted as clear color scans. Photographs that are distorted or unclear will not be accepted.
VI. Application Fee
The application fee is 800 RMB. Applicants should complete online payment as instructed within the International Students Service System. Only RMB is accepted; other currencies and traveler’s checks will not be accepted. The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
VII. Preliminary Review and Re-examination
The Overseas Students Affairs Office will conduct a preliminary review of applicants’ eligibility and submitted materials. Applications that pass the preliminary review will be forwarded to the respective admitting schools. Each school will review the materials and, according to the requirements of the major, organize entrance examinations or assessments to evaluate the applicant’s overall qualifications, including academic potential and language proficiency.
During this period, applicants may log in to the BFSU International Students Service System to check the application status and relevant notifications.
VIII. Admission
1. The university conducts a comprehensive evaluation of applicants based on the preliminary review of submitted materials, departmental assessments, and proposed admission recommendations, and admits candidates on a merit basis.
2. The university will send admission notices to successful applicants via the email address registered in the online application system. In accordance with the relevant policies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and the National Immigration Administration, the university will also issue the electronic Confirmation Form for Study in China (JW201/JW202).
The process from completion of admission to the issuance of all relevant documents typically takes 4 to 5 weeks.
IX. Registration and Preliminary Review and Re-examination of Enrollment Eligibility
New students must register and report in person within the timeframe specified on their admission notice. Failure to register on time without a valid explanation will be treated as automatic withdrawal from the university.
At registration, students must present their passport, admission notice, Confirmation Form for Study in China (JW201/JW202), and five 2-inch passport-style photos with a white background. Applicants should also bring the original copies of their diploma and other submitted application materials for verification. If a physical examination was conducted in the applicant’s home country, all original medical documents must be brought.
BFSU will conduct a preliminary review at registration and a re-examination after enrollment. If, during the review, it is found that the admission notice, applicant information, or other supporting documents do not match the student’s actual situation, or if there is any falsification or misconduct, the student will be deemed ineligible, and their enrollment or student status will be canceled.
X. Tuition Fees and Scholarships
1. Tuition standards are listed in the Program Catalogue. All fees and refunds are calculated in RMB.
Students making bank transfers must remit funds to the designated account and retain the remittance receipt for verification purposes. Refunds resulting from mid-term withdrawal or transfer will be handled in accordance with the Beijing Foreign Studies University Regulations on Fees for International Students.
[Bank Account Information]
Beneficiary: Beijing Foreign Studies University
Account Bank: Zizhuyuan Sub-branch, Beijing Branch, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
Account No.: 0200007609026402172
Bank Identifier Code: ICBKCNBJBJM
2. Scholarships
New international students may apply for the following three types of scholarships:
(1) China Scholarship Council (CSC)
Bilateral Programs (CSC Type A): Applicants may apply through the relevant authorities in their home country (such as Chinese embassies or consulates). For detailed requirements, please refer to https://www.campuschina.org. Applicants nominated to BFSU by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) must still pass the university’s eligibility review and academic assessment before receiving a provisional admission offer.
The Silk Road Scholarship Program (CSC Type B): Applicants may apply for the Silk Road Scholarship Program through BFSU. Information on available majors is provided in the program brochure for the corresponding admission year. Applicants must register and submit their application for the Silk Road Scholarship Program (CSC Type B) at https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn using BFSU’s institution code “10030.” The final scholarship admission results are subject to the official announcement of the China Scholarship Council.
(2) International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship
The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship was established by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of the Ministry of Education to provide funding for undergraduate students majoring in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages. Applicants may apply through the scholarship application website (cis.chinese.cn). For further details, please refer to the BFSU Application Guidelines for International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship.
(3) Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students
For application details, please refer to the Application Procedures of Beijing Government Scholarship for New International Students in 2026.
XI. Visa, Medical Insurance, and Accommodation
[Visa]
Before entering China, applicants must apply for a student visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate using their admission notice, Confirmation Form for Study in China (JW201/JW202), and other required documents. Applicants planning to study in China for more than six months must apply for an X1 visa. Required documents and application procedures are subject to the regulations of the local Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Decisions on visa issuance or refusal made by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate are final. Upon arrival in China, students must visit the Overseas Students Affairs Office within 30 days to convert their X1 visa into a residence permit for study.
[Medical Insurance]
The Ministry of Education of China requires all international students studying in China to purchase a comprehensive medical insurance plan that meets national standards. Students who do not obtain the required insurance will not be allowed to complete registration.
Insurance can be purchased either before arrival or on the day of registration. The reference premium rates are: 400 RMB per half-year or 800 RMB per year.
[Accommodation]
BFSU provides on-campus dormitories for international students. [Click here to view the accommodation fees.]
International students officially admitted to BFSU are eligible to apply for residence in the university’s international student dormitories. Students must log in to the BFSU International Students Service System (website: http://study.bfsu.edu.cn) within the designated timeframe and use the dormitory reservation module to book accommodation for the new semester. Students who reserve a dormitory or make an online booking must report to the university and complete the check-in process according to the announced registration schedule. Dormitory reservations will not be retained for students who fail to register on time.
International students who enjoy free accommodation benefits under Chinese government programs or bilateral agreements will be assigned on-campus dormitories by the university and do not need to make an online reservation.
Students who do not reside in on-campus dormitories during their studies should secure alternative accommodation in advance. For those living in community housing, a temporary residence registration certificate must be obtained at the local police station within 24 hours of moving in, accompanied by the head of the household. Off-campus students must present said valid temporary residence registration certificate to complete enrollment and visa procedures.
Accommodation information link: https://lb.bfsu.edu.cn/info/1048/2086.htm
XII. Graduation and Degree Conferral
Upon completion of the required study period, fulfillment of all requirements specified in the training plan, attainment of satisfactory academic performance, and successful defense of the thesis, graduation shall be approved. Upon review and approval by the university’s Degree Evaluation Committee, the corresponding degree shall be conferred.
XIII. Other Matters
1. For further information regarding the relevant schools or departments, such as their basic profiles, research activities, faculty teams, and training programs, please refer to the websites of the respective schools or departments.
2. BFSU does not authorize any intermediary agencies or individuals to conduct entrance examination training or admissions-related work. No fees beyond those stipulated by national regulations will be charged. The applicant’s admission status shall be determined solely by the official notification received from BFSU.
3. Any matters not covered herein shall be handled in accordance with the relevant policies of the higher authorities and the university. Should there be any new policies or requirements, the university will release relevant information in a timely manner.
XIV. Contact Information
Overseas Students Affairs Office, Beijing Foreign Studies University
Address: Room 201, Student Center, No. 2 North Xisanhuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Tel: 0086-10-88816549, 0086-10-88816424, 0086-10-8881067
Fax: 0086-10-88812587
Website: https://lb.bfsu.edu.cn
Email: study@bfsu.edu.cn
Appendix 1: 2026 Beijing Foreign Studies University Undergraduate Program Catalogue
Appendix 2: Instructions on Nationality Certification Materials
Appendix 3: Notice on Student Visa Application for International Students Under 18 Years Old
Appendix 4: Accommodation Fee Standards
Appendix 1:
Appendix 2:
Instructions on Nationality Certification Materials (Undergraduate)
According to the relevant provisions of Document Jiao Wai Han [2020] No. 12 issued by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and in accordance with the relevant clauses of the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China, applicants who fall under the following circumstances are required to upload the relevant nationality certification materials as specified.
I. If both or one of the parents is a Chinese citizen who has settled abroad, and the applicant was born in a foreign country and acquired foreign nationality at birth, the following materials must be submitted:
A notarized document proving that the applicant acquired foreign nationality at birth, with the original available for inspection;
The valid identification documents of both parents at the time of the applicant’s birth and their current valid identification documents;
The foreign permanent residence proof of the parent(s) who is a Chinese citizen at the time of the applicant’s birth;
The entry and exit stamp pages of the applicant’s passport for the most recent four years (up to the date of application), with the original available for inspection.
II. If both or one of the parents is a Chinese citizen and has been living in China for a long time, unable to provide proof of foreign permanent residence, and the applicant was born in a foreign country and acquired foreign nationality at birth, the following materials must be submitted:
A notarized document proving that the applicant acquired foreign nationality at birth, with the original available for inspection;
The valid identification documents of both parents at the time of the applicant’s birth and their current valid identification documents;
In accordance with Article 5 of the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China, if the applicant has Chinese nationality, proof of renunciation of Chinese nationality must be provided;
The entry and exit stamp pages of the applicant’s passport for the most recent four years (up to the date of application), with the original available for inspection.
III. If both or one of the parents is a Chinese citizen, and the applicant was born in China but acquired foreign nationality at birth, the following materials must be submitted:
A notarized document proving that the applicant acquired foreign nationality at birth, with the original available for inspection;
The valid identification documents of both parents at the time of the applicant’s birth and their current valid identification documents;
In accordance with Article 4 of the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China, if the applicant has Chinese nationality, proof of renunciation of Chinese nationality and proof of cancellation of Chinese household registration must be provided;
In accordance with Article 9 of the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China, if the applicant has settled abroad since birth, proof of foreign permanent residence must be provided, and proof of renunciation of Chinese nationality is not required;
The entry and exit stamp pages of the applicant’s passport for the most recent four years (up to the date of application), with the original available for inspection.
IV. If the applicant was originally a resident of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan and later acquired foreign nationality through immigration, the following materials must be submitted:
The original notarized document proving the applicant’s acquisition of foreign nationality after immigration, with the original available for inspection;
Applicants who were originally residents of Mainland China must provide proof of renunciation of Chinese nationality and proof of cancellation of Chinese household registration;
In accordance with Article 9 of the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China, if the applicant has settled abroad and voluntarily acquired or obtained foreign nationality, proof of foreign permanent residence must be provided, and proof of renunciation of Chinese nationality is not required;
The entry and exit stamp pages of the applicant’s passport for the most recent four years (up to the date of application), with the original available for inspection.
