I. Introduction of Country and Area Studies Academy
The Country and Area Studies Academy at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), established in October 2016, is a comprehensive research institution dedicated to scientific research, teaching, policy consultation, and talent cultivation. The Academy leverages expertise from both within and outside the university to promote the integration of studies on global issues with country and area studies. By combining academic, social, and governmental resources, it produces high-quality scholarly work, nurtures top-tier talent, thus addressing the needs of the nation and society.
The work of the Academy focuses on four primary goals:
1. Conducting in-depth research on major issues in the theory and practice of Country and Region Studies and publishing relevant research reports and academic works.
2. Harnessing the university’s strengths in social sciences, humanities, and country and area studies to establish interdisciplinary research teams, thereby enhancing the university’s overall research capacity.
3. Fostering high-level talent in country and area studies through interdisciplinary master’s and doctoral programs.
4. Providing open and inclusive services to the public, and offering consulting services to governments, enterprises, and society at large.
Currently, the Academy is coordinating four country and area studies bases approved by Ministry of Education and 37 country and area studies cultivation bases and centers filled with MOE to manage the publication of Country and Area Studies.
As one of the first academic institutions in China to offer teaching and conduct research in Country and Region Studies, the Academy boasts a top-tier faculty. Leveraging the university’s strength in teaching 101 foreign languages, the Academy emphasizes problem-oriented interdisciplinary research and a teaching approach that closely integrates language with content, which fosters students’ innovative thinking and enhances their cross-cultural competence and global readiness.
The Academy places great emphasis on international exchanges and cooperation, and has established cooperative programs with world-renowned universities. Students will have the opportunity to participate in international exchanges, research projects, think tank studies, and academic activities conducted by the Academy in collaboration with globally prestigious universities, including international conferences such as the Conference of the Consortium for Country and Area Studies, academic forums, lectures, etc.
II. Program Overview
1. The Academy offers master’s and doctoral degree programs.
2. The Master’s program in Country and Area Studies offers three research directions: Global Governance and International Organization Studies, Studies on Neighboring Countries and Regions, and China Studies.
3. The Doctoral program in Country and Area Studies offers eight research directions: Theories and Methodologies in Country and Region Studies, European/EU Studies, American Studies, Studies on Neighboring Countries and the Global South, World Political Parties and Governance Studies, International Legal Systems and Regional Legal Systems, Language and Cross-Cultural Exchange, and International Organizations and Global Governance.
III． Chinese-taught Programs
Degree Program | Master | PhD |
Major | Country and Area Studies | Country and Region Studies |
Research Directions | Global Governance and International Organization Studies, Studies on Neighboring Countries and Regions, and China Studies | Theories and Methodologies in Country and Region Studies, European/EU Studies, American Studies, Studies on Neighboring Countries and the Global South, World Political Parties and Governance Studies, International Legal Systems and Regional Legal Systems, Language and Cross-Cultural Exchange, and International Organizations and Global Governance |
Study Duration | 3 years | 4 years |
Tuition Fee (CNY/Year) | 30,000 | 34,000 |
Application Fee (CNY) | 800 |
Application Deadline | May 31st annually |
Admission Time | Early September annually (specific date as per the admission notice) |
Admission Requirements | 1. Bachelor’s degree 2. HSK Level 6 with a score of 180 or above 3. English IELTS 6.5 /Spanish DELE C1 /French DELF C1 / equivalent. | 1. Master’s degree 2. HSK Level 6 with a score of 210 or above 3. English IELTS 6.5 /Spanish DELE C1 /French DELF C1 / equivalent. |
Graduation Requirements | Pass all courses and meet other university requirements for graduation, leading to the award of a Master’s degree and diploma. | Pass all courses and meet other university requirements for graduation, leading to the award of a Doctoral degree and diploma. |
IV．Checklist of Required Items
1. A scanned copy of the passport photo page
2. Guardian’s Declaration Letter (please download online, complete, and upload)
3. Student Affirmations (please download online, complete, and upload)
4. Scanned copy of the guardian’s ID card or passport photo page
5. Graduation Certificate / Proof of Expected Graduation or Degree Certificate (a copy; if the document is in a language other than Chinese or English, a Chinese or English translation must also be submitted)
6. Transcripts (a copy; if the document is in a language other than Chinese or English, a Chinese or English translation must also be submitted)
7. Valid Foreign Language Proficiency Certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, DELE, or DELF score report (Students whose native language is English, Spanish, or French, or whose previous degree was taught entirely in English, Spanish, or French with proof, or whose previous degree is in a field related to English, Spanish, or French, are exempt from providing a foreign language proficiency certificate.)
8. Valid Chinese proficiency certificate: HSK score reports
9. Personal Statement (including reasons for choosing to study in China and at BFSU)
10. Curriculum Vitae (written in either Chinese or English)
11. Research Plan (Master’s: at least 1,500 words, Doctoral: at least 3,000 words, written in either Chinese or English)
12. Two Letters of Recommendation (including evaluation of academic ability, written by individuals holding associate professor rank or above, or equivalent positions)
13. Visa page (for applicants currently studying at Chinese universities)
14. Study certificate（for applicants currently studying at Chinese universities, please upload to the “Other Attachment” folder）
15. School Transfer or Withdrawal Certificate (for applicants currently studying at Chinese universities, please upload in the “Other Attachments” folder)
16. Recommendation letter and academic transcript from your current university (for applicants currently studying at Chinese universities, please upload to the “Other Attachments” folder)
Online application link: http://study.bfsu.edu.cn
V. Contact Details
Country and Area Studies Academy, Beijing Foreign Studies University
Room 913, Comprehensive Teaching Building, West Campus, Beijing Foreign Studies University,
No.19 North Xisanhuan Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, 100089, China
Phone: +86 10 88815798
Email: qyyqqzl@bfsu.edu.cn
