**English-taught programs** use IELTS/TOEFL (no HSK to apply), charge roughly **10–30% higher tuition**, and suit students who need a fast academic start. **Chinese-taught programs** usually need **HSK 4–5** (sometimes 5–6 for competitive majors), cost less, and help if you want Chinese-language internships or post-grad work in China. From the **2026 intake**, bachelor’s applicants on **both** tracks still sit **CSCA**. Filter SICA’s catalog with language=English or language=Chinese on /programs.
Key takeaways
- ETP: IELTS/TOEFL in, HSK not required to apply; tuition often higher
- Chinese-taught: HSK 4–5+ typical; lower fees; stronger Mandarin campus life
- CSCA still applies to bachelor’s on both tracks from 2026
- CSC funding is open to both language tracks
- Jobs in China after graduation reward Chinese ability even for ETP grads
Side-by-side comparison
Use this table to choose a track before you shortlist universities.
| Dimension | Chinese-taught | English-taught (ETP) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry language test | HSK 4–5 (5–6 at top programs) | IELTS ~5.5–7.5 / TOEFL ~60–100 |
| Tuition | Usually lower | Often 10–30% higher at the same school |
| Bachelor’s CSCA (2026+) | Required | Required |
| Classroom language | Mandarin | English (campus life still Mandarin-heavy) |
| Internship / local jobs | Easier with HSK in hand | Possible; Chinese still helps off campus |
| Best if you… | Want lower fees + China career immersion | Need English instruction now |
Fees: what you actually pay
Language track changes tuition more than dorm or food.
- Chinese-taught bachelor’s — often toward the lower published bands at the same university
- ETP bachelor’s — commonly ¥18,000–50,000/year depending on school and major
- ETP master’s — commonly ¥25,000–70,000/year; MBBS English tracks higher still
- Living costs — same city = same rent/food whether your classes are EN or ZH
- CSC — can wipe the tuition gap entirely when awarded
HSK level and jobs
Instruction language ≠ career language.
- Chinese-taught — HSK 4 unlocks many bachelor’s; HSK 5 is safer for competitive majors and daily academic reading
- ETP — you can graduate without HSK, but Z-visa / local employer interviews still favor HSK 4+
- Hybrid path — start ETP, take free campus Chinese classes, sit HSK before final year
- Return-home careers — English-taught degrees are fine; Chinese-taught can be a plus for China-facing roles
If your goal is working in China after graduation, treat Mandarin as a career skill even on an English degree track.
How to choose in 3 questions
Answer these before paying any application fee.
- Can I reach HSK 4–5 before enrollment? If no, prefer ETP or a language year first
- Is my major deep on the MOE ETP catalog? Some humanities/law majors are still mostly Chinese-taught
- Where will I work? China-based career → invest in Mandarin; home-country Anglophone career → ETP is enough for many fields
How to choose Chinese-taught vs English-taught programs in China
- 1
Pick the language track
Match HSK readiness, budget, and career geography.
- 2
Filter the SICA catalog
Use /programs?language=English or /programs?language=Chinese, then open university pages.
- 3
Confirm tests
Book IELTS/TOEFL or HSK, plus CSCA for bachelor’s.
Book a free 10-minute consultation
Talk to a SICA admissions counsellor on Zoom, WhatsApp, or WeChat (Beijing time) — get a straight answer on your universities, scholarships, and the CSCA before you commit to anything.