Why Choose the School of Overseas Education at Soochow University？

I. A Millennium-Old City and a Centenary Institution of Higher Education

1. Suzhou: A city with over 2,500 years of history, boasting a prime location, a thriving economy and a rich cultural heritage; it is renowned as the 'Paradise on Earth' and the 'Venice of the East';

2. Soochow University: Founded in 1900, it is widely recognised as one of the 'Top Ten Most Beautiful Campuses in China' and is one of the country's earliest institutions of higher Education.

II. Prime Location, A Gathering of Elite Talent

1. Suzhou boasts a highly developed regional economy, ranking first among China's prefecture-level cities, second only to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen;

2. A large number of Fortune 500 companies, Taiwanese-funded enterprises and outstanding private enterprises have established operations in Suzhou;

3. Adjacent to Shanghai and situated within the core economic circle of the Yangtze River Delta, Suzhou offers extensive prospects for international students in terms of work placements and employment.

III. International Exchange and Diverse Programs

1. It has established friendly exchange relationships with over 200 universities and research institutions in more than 30 countries and regions;

2. It is one of the universities in Jiangsu Province with the largest number of international students, welcoming over 2,000 international students annually to study on campus;

3. It has fostered an internationalised academic atmosphere.

IV. Strengths of the School of Overseas Education

1. A specialised institution providing Chinese language and Chinese culture training for international students. 

It offers non-degree programmes such as long-term Chinese language courses and short-term courses in Chinese language, culture and economics.

2. It employs over 20 full-time lecturers specialising in the teaching of the Chinese language and Chinese culture; 

the majority have taught abroad, possess strong professional skills and extensive teaching experience, and are highly regarded by students.

3. The School implements small-class teaching, emphasises the development of international students' practical language skills, 

maintains strict teaching standards, and strives to create a favourable learning environment for international students.

About Long-term Chinese Language Course

Enrolment period: 1 April 2026 – 30 September 2026

Course dates: 14 September 2026 – 8 January 2027

Course levels: Levels 1–7; classes are organised according to HSK levels; students with a score higher than HSK Level 6 will be placed in Level 7

Course Structure:

1. Compulsory subjects: Comprehensive Chinese (grammar, Chinese characters, writing, etc.), Spoken Chinese (listening, conversation);

2. Elective subjects: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Listening, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Reading, Fundamentals of Chinese Characters, Intensive Pronunciation and Intonation, Human Geography of China, Chinese Folklore, Chinese Cinema, Stories of Idioms, etc. (the subjects offered each term may vary slightly);

3. Chinese Traditional Culture Appreciation Course: Organised in collaboration with relevant institutions such as museums, schools and cultural organisations; 4–6 sessions per term;

4. Cultural Experience Activities (free of charge): Preparing Chinese cuisine, celebrating traditional Chinese festivals, participating in Suzhou International Day, etc.;

5. Cultural Excursions (at a discounted rate): Visiting Suzhou's classical gardens and exploring neighbouring cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing and Wuzhen.

Weekly Timetable (Example):

Fees (excluding visa fees, insurance premiums and fees for certain cultural activities):

Eligibility criteria:

1. High school graduates or those with equivalent qualifications;

2. Aged between 16 and 60 (those aged 16–18 require a letter of consent from a guardian);

3. In good health.

Application documents:

1. Passport page; if in China, a valid visa page must be provided;

2. Certificate of highest academic qualification;

3. Transcript of highest academic qualification;

4. Proof of current enrolment or employment.

Application Process:

1. Visit the application website: http://iaa.suda.edu.cn/ or  https://suda.17gz.org/, and complete registration and online application;

2. Upon successful review, an electronic copy of the offer letter and visa application form will be sent via email;

3. Upon receipt of the electronic admission documents, apply for a student visa in your home country;

4. Report to Soochow University on time in accordance with the registration date specified in the admission email;

5. Pay the application fee and tuition fees on site upon registration; payment via Alipay and UnionPay bank cards is accepted.

Bank details:

*When making a bank transfer, please enter '2026haiwai + applicant's name' in the recipient's contact details field.

Contact Us

Address: Office 319, Yiyuan Building, Soochow University Tiancizhuang Campus, 333 Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou

Tel: +86-(0)512-65223787; +86-(0)512-65223403

Email: haiwai-zs@suda.edu.cn

Website: http://oversea.suda.edu.cn/