Study in China from Kenya
For Kenyan students, China offers programmes taught in English and in Chinese, with scholarships reachable by two different routes. This page walks through the usual path, from choosing programmes to the student visa.
How the application works
- 1 Choose programmes, not just universities
Requirements are set programme by programme and can differ between faculties of the same university. Shortlist 3 to 6 specific programmes and read each programme page.
- 2 Prepare your documents
KCSE certificate and transcripts for a bachelor's degree; degree certificate and transcripts for a master's; two recommendation letters, passport page and the foreigner physical examination form.
- 3 Decide which route you are applying through
Directly to the university, or through the CSC scholarship, which goes via the Chinese embassy in Nairobi — many applicants file both in parallel, because the deadlines differ.
- 4 The visa after admission
With the admission letter and the JW201/JW202 form, apply for the X1 visa at the Chinese visa application centre.
Documents and certification
- KCSE certificate and transcripts for undergraduate entry; degree certificate and transcripts for postgraduate.
- Two recommendation letters from teachers or lecturers, on letterhead with a signature.
- Passport photo page and a recent passport-style photograph.
- The foreigner physical examination form, completed by a doctor — it is usually valid for six months.
- Check whether your university wants documents certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy, or simply uploaded; some also ask for a translation into Chinese or English. Ask for the exact list before you start.
Language of study
- English-taught programmes: HSK is normally not required for entry; some universities ask for IELTS or TOEFL.
- Chinese-taught programmes: HSK 4 or 5 depending on the university and the subject.
- Many universities offer a one-year Chinese preparatory course if you want to move into a Chinese-taught programme afterwards.
- Some universities require the CSCA test for bachelor's applicants while others accept KCSE or international qualifications — the programme page decides.
When to apply
- The main intake is in September; a few programmes also admit in spring.
- Applications usually open in the previous autumn and close between January and April.
- Scholarships close earlier than the universities: start with the scholarship route if you need one.
Common questions
Do I need HSK?
Not for English-taught programmes. For Chinese-taught programmes, expect HSK 4 or 5 depending on the university and the subject.
Can I apply with KCSE?
Yes, for a bachelor's degree you apply with your KCSE certificate and transcripts. For a master's you need a bachelor's degree.
Do my documents need certification?
It depends on the university: some accept scans, others ask for certification and translation. Request the exact document list before you begin.
Related universities
More answers
- Documents required to study in China
- How the CSC online application portal works
- When to apply: a practical timeline
- Do you need HSK to study in China?
- X1 or X2: which student visa do you need?
- Dormitory or apartment: where do students live?
- Can Muslim students find halal food and prayer facilities in China?
- Can international students wear a hijab at Chinese universities?
Scholarships
Other countries
Research first, then verify at the source
VisChat is an independent information and data site. Compare programmes here, then use current university and government pages to confirm the details that apply to you.