International Student Enrollment Guide of Inner Mongolia University

I. Introduction to the University

Inner Mongolia University (IMU) is located in Hohhot, the capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in People’s Republic of China. It is a city with rich historical heritage, over 400 kilometers away from Beijing. Established in 1957, the university began enrolling graduate students in 1962. In 1978, it was designated as one of the 88 key universities in China. In 1984, it was authorized to confer doctoral degrees. In 1997, it was approved as a key university under the Project 211. In 2004, it was listed as one of the provincially and ministerially co-constructed universities in Inner Mongolia. In 2012, it was selected as one of the universities under the Plan to Enhance the Comprehensive Strength of Universities in the Central and Western Regions (namely, building one key comprehensive university in one province). In 2017, it was included in the list of universities for first-class discipline construction. In 2018, it became a university co-constructed by the Ministry of Education and the People’s Government of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In 2022, it was selected in the second round of the national Double First-Class initiative.

The university has 22 colleges and secondary schools, with 13 first-level disciplines authorized to confer doctoral degrees, 24 first-level disciplines authorized to confer master’s degrees, 2 second-level disciplines authorized to confer master’s degrees, 15 categories of specialized master’s programs, 9 postdoctoral research mobile stations, and 87 undergraduate programs. The disciplines cover 11 major categories: philosophy, economics, jurisprudence, pedagogy, literature, history, science, engineering, agriculture, management, and art. The university has two national key disciplines—Languages and Literature of Chinese Ethnic Minorities and Zoology, as well as one key discipline cultivated at the state level—Ecology. It also has 18 key disciplines and 8 key disciplines cultivated at the regional level.

IMU is one of the first institutions approved by the Ministry of Education as a model base for studying in China. It serves as the Chinese language preparatory program base for international students in Inner Mongolia and accepts international students under the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (ICLTS), and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Government Scholarship (IMARGS). Since the 1980s, when it began receiving international students, IMU has cultivated over 5,000 students from more than 60 countries and regions across five continents. The university has developed a comprehensive education management system for international students, offering programs for language students, advanced students, exchange students, undergraduates, master’s students, and doctoral students. Currently, there are over 500 international students from more than 30 countries, including the United States, Spain, Italy, Russia, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Laos, Thailand, Rwanda, and Nigeria.

With its first-class facilities, scientific curriculum design, standardized management, and quality services, IMU welcomes students, scholars, and friends from all over the world to come for study and exchange.

II. Categories and Conditions for Enrollment

(I) Formal Education

1. Undergraduate Students: Applicants shall be at least 18 years old and be non-Chinese citizens, in good physical and mental health, with good character and academic performance, a high school diploma or higher, and a certificate of HSK Level 4 or above.

2. Master's Students: Applicants shall be no older than 35 years and be non-Chinese citizens, in good physical and mental health, with good character and academic performance and bachelor’s degree.

3. Doctoral Student: Applicants shall be no older than 40 years and be non-Chinese citizens, in good physical and mental health, with good character and academic performance, a master’s degree, good academic and research abilities, and a certificate of HSK Level 4 or above.

(II) Non-formal Education

1. Long-term Language Student: Applicants shall be non-Chinese citizens in good physical and mental health, with good character and academic performance and a high school diploma or higher. The duration of study for long-term language students is generally more than six months. IMU offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes in Chinese and Mongolian languages, with additional introductory Chinese language classes provided. Classes are arranged based on students’ needs and language proficiency. Long-term language students may take Chinese or Mongolian courses at the International College of Education (ICE), IMU. Upon completion of the study period and passing exams or assessments, the ICE may issue a certificate of completion for the courses studied.

2. Short-term Language Student: Applicants shall be non-Chinese citizens, in good physical and mental health, with good character and academic performance. The duration of study for short-term language students is generally 4-12 weeks. IMU can design detailed study and cultural experience programs, including cultural activities, according to the needs and language proficiency of short-term language students.

3. Common Advanced Student: Applicants shall be non-Chinese citizens, in good physical and mental health, with good character and academic performance and a high school diploma or higher. Upon enrollment, they can choose relevant undergraduate programs at IMU. Upon completion of the study period and passing the exams or the assessments, the ICE may issue a certificate of completion for the courses studied.

4. Senior Advanced Student: Applicants shall be non-Chinese citizens, in good physical and mental health, with good character and academic performance and a master’s degree or a proof of enrollment for a current doctoral student. Upon enrollment, they can choose relevant master’s or doctoral programs at IMU and complete the related studies under the guidance of IMU professors. Upon completion of the study period and passing the exams or the assessments, the ICE may issue a certificate of completion for the courses studied.

5. Research Scholars: Applicants shall be non-Chinese citizens, in good physical and mental health, with good character and academic performance and certificates of positions such as associate professors, professors, associate researchers, or researchers at foreign universities or research institutions. They can conduct research on specialized topics at IMU.

III. List of Majors for Enrollment

IV. Duration of Study and Academic Terms

(I) Formal Education

The duration of undergraduate programs is four years, with an optional one-year Chinese language preparatory study.

The duration of master’s and doctoral programs is three years, with an optional one-year Chinese language preparatory study.

(II) Non-formal Education

The duration of study typically ranges from half a year to two years, with short-term language students studying for 4-12 weeks. Each academic year is divided into two semesters: the fall semester and the spring semester. The fall semester, which marks the beginning of the new academic year, usually starts on September 1 and ends on January 15 of the following year. The spring semester typically starts on March 1 and ends on July 15, with the remaining time allocated for winter and summer breaks.

V. Admission Application and Enrollment Procedures

(I) Application Time and Start Date

1. Language Student: Applications are available year-round. The start dates are March 1 and September 1 each year.

2. Advanced Student: Applications are available year-round. The start dates are March 1 and September 1 each year.

3. Undergraduate Students: Applications are available from March 1 to June 1 each year. The start date is September 1.

4. Master’s Student: Applications are available from March 1 to June 1 each year. The start date is September 1.

(II) Application Procedures

1. Self-financed Language Students/Advanced Students: Applicants can log in to the website of the ICE (http://iec.imu.edu.cn) or the Inner Mongolia University International Student Management System (https://imu.at0086.cn) to apply, register, and submit relevant application materials. The required application materials are as follows. ①A photocopy of the applicant’s passport (including the front page, the personal information page, and the visa page); ②Personal resume and study plan (in Chinese or English); ②A photocopy of the highest degree certificate (with a Chinese translation attached); ②A photocopy of the transcript of the highest degree (with a Chinese translation attached); ②Original certificate of no criminal record (with a Chinese translation attached); ②Physical Examination Record for Foreigners and blood test report; ②Four recent 1X1 inch photos of the applicant.

2. Self-financed Students of Formal Education: In addition to the application materials required for self-financed language students/advanced students, applicants for degree programs shall also submit an HSK score report. Applicants for master’s or doctoral programs shall also submit two letters of recommendation from professors or associate professors (in Chinese or English), notarized copies of the highest degree certificate, transcripts (if the original is in a language other than Chinese or English, a notarized translation in Chinese or English shall be provided), and a personal research plan (in Chinese or English).

3. Scholarship Students: Applicants for the CGS, the ICLTS, and the IMARGS can check scholarship enrollment guides on the website or the Official ICE WeChat account. The admission criteria and requirements are based on the enrollment guide for the respective year.

Official ICE website: http://iec.imu.edu.cn.

(III) Admission and Enrollment

1. Personal application materials can be uploaded and submitted through the IMU International Student Management System (https://imu.at0086.cn).

2. After review and evaluation by the ICE, Admission Letter of IMU and the Visa Application for Study in China (JW201/JW202 Form) will be issued to applicants who meet the admission criteria.

Admitted students shall take their valid ordinary passport, the Visa Application for Study in China (JW201/JW202 Form), the Admission Letter of IMU, the Physical Examination Record for Foreigners, and the original copies of their highest degree certificate and transcripts to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate to apply for a study visa to China.

Admitted students shall strictly follow the specified time in the admission notice to register at IMU. Those who fail to register within two weeks after the specified time will have their admission qualification canceled.

Applications that do not meet the requirements or contain incomplete or incorrect materials will be considered invalid and will not be handled. Regardless of admission status, all application materials are non-returnable.

VI. Fees Standards

Tuition Standards                                                                         Currency: CNY (RMB)

Accommodation Fees Standards                                                 Currency: CNY (RMB)

VII. Scholarship Program

1. CGS: The CGS is available for master’s and doctoral students as well as general and senior advanced students. Applicants shall be non-Chinese citizens, in good physical and mental health, with good character and academic performance as well as a certificate of HSK Level 4 or above. They shall also have strong academic and research abilities. For master’s degree applicants, a bachelor’s degree is required, and applicants shall be under 35 years old; for doctoral degree applicants, a master’s degree is required, and applicants shall be under 40 years old. Before starting their professional studies, applicants can opt for one to two years of Chinese language preparatory studies. The CGS covers tuition fees, accommodation fees, and registration fees. Additionally, IMU will provide a monthly scholarship stipend and comprehensive medical insurance for CGS students. For more details, please visit the China Scholarship Council website (www.csc.edu.cn) or the ICE website (http://iec.imu.edu.cn).

2. ICLTS: The ICLTS is available for advanced students engaged in one academic year or one semester of study. Applicants shall be non-Chinese citizens, in good physical and mental health, with good character and academic performance, generally aged between the age of 16 and 35 (in-service Chinese language teachers aged 45 years old and bachelor’s degree holders under 20 years old are eligible).

Advanced students engaged in one academic year: This category includes in-service Chinese language teachers, students majoring in fields related to Chinese language who intend to pursue a master’s degree in TCSOL, and students aspiring to engage in Chinese translation or Sinology research. Applicants shall have a certificate of HSK Level 3 (at least 270 points) or Level 4 (at least 180 points), along with corresponding HSKK scores.

Advanced students engaged in one semester: This category includes in-service Chinese language teachers, registered students at Confucius Institutes (Classrooms) preparing to pursue an undergraduate degree in TCSOL, and students majoring in fields related to Chinese language communication. Applicants shall have a certificate of HSK Level 3 (at least 210 points) along with corresponding HSKK scores. Students under this scholarship are exempt from tuition fees and registration fees. IMU provides a monthly living expenses scholarship of RMB 2,500 and comprehensive medical insurance for scholarship recipients. For more details, please visit the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (http://www.chinese.cn) or the ICE website (http://iec.imu.edu.cn).

3. IMARGS: This scholarship is exclusively for undergraduate students. Applicants shall be Mongolian citizens, in good physical and mental health, generally not older than 25 years, with good character and academic performance and a high school diploma or higher. Before starting their specialized studies, applicants can opt for a one-year Chinese language preparatory study. Students under this scholarship are exempt from tuition fees and registration fees. IMU provides a monthly living expenses scholarship and comprehensive medical insurance for scholarship recipients. For more details, please visit the ICE website (http://iec.imu.edu.cn).

VIII. Contact Information

Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM (Beijing Time, GMT+08:00) 

Address: International Student Affairs Office, Building A, International College of Education, Inner Mongolia University, No. 235, Daxue West Road, Saihan District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, 010021

Tel: 0086-471-4994983   0086-471-4995619

Fax: 0086-471-4992596

Email: iec@imu.edu.cn

Website: http://iec.imu.edu.cn