Renmin University of China (RUC) in Beijing accepts international students to bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs, taught in Chinese and in English. According to the university, applications are submitted only through the university's online system, and the application fee is 800 RMB. Below we cover programs, tuition, HSK and English requirements, documents and deadlines.
Key points • Chinese-taught bachelor's programs cost 24,000–30,000 RMB per year, and the English-taught Global BBA costs 36,000 RMB per year. • Bachelor's applicants need a CSCA result; the HSK level depends on the major, from HSK 4 to HSK 6. • English-taught options include the Global BBA and the Global Talents master's programs; you need IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 90. • The application fee is 800 RMB and is non-refundable. • The university states that it does not work with intermediaries or charge agency fees: pay the fee only through the official system. |
What is Renmin University of China and who is it for
Renmin University of China is in Beijing and, as its brochure for international students puts it, builds its profile around the humanities and social sciences. The fee table names programs in law, international relations, journalism, business, economics, finance, art and public administration.
It suits applicants who want to study social sciences or business in Beijing. If you are still comparing universities, start with our overview of the top universities in China. The international office also publishes information in English and other languages, while the detailed brochures are in Chinese and English.
The bachelor's brochure notes that the university operates on three campuses: Zhongguancun, Tongzhou and Suzhou.
Which programs are open to international students
International students can apply to bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs taught in Chinese, and to a bachelor's and master's taught in English. Here are the essentials for each level.
Chinese-taught bachelor's
Studies take four years. The university publishes the majors in its undergraduate admissions section. You need a CSCA result and an HSK certificate, and the HSK requirement depends on the major.
Global BBA in English
The Global BBA is a business administration program of the Renmin Business School. It takes four years: in Beijing plus one year overseas, with no additional tuition. It starts in September.
English-taught master's: Global Talents
The Global Talents master's program takes two years and is taught mainly in English. The university adds six months to one year of free basic Chinese language training. Programs fall into four categories: China studies, global affairs, finance and management, and fundamental disciplines.
How much it costs
Tuition depends on the level, language and school. Below are figures from the university's tuition table and the Global Talents program list.
Level and language | Tuition per year, RMB |
Chinese-taught bachelor's: law, international relations, journalism, business, economics, finance, applied economics | 26,000 |
Chinese-taught bachelor's: art | 30,000 |
Chinese-taught bachelor's: other schools | 24,000 |
Global BBA, English-taught | 36,000 |
Chinese-taught master's: law, international relations, journalism, business, economics, finance and others | 32,000 |
Chinese-taught master's: art | 30,000 |
Chinese-taught master's: other schools | 28,000 |
Chinese-taught doctorate | 32,000–36,000 |
Source: Renmin University tuition table
Tuition for the English-taught Global Talents master's programs depends on the field: for example, Chinese philosophy costs 40,000 RMB, financial technology 75,000 RMB, Chinese law 70,000 RMB, Contemporary China Studies (international relations) 60,000 RMB and the International MBA 89,000 RMB. For the IMBA the university separately asks for a GMAT or GRE score and work experience. For the English-taught doctorate the university lists a program in international communication at 84,000 RMB per year. See the program list for details. For a full budget, see our breakdown of the cost of studying and living in China.
How applications are reviewed
First the university's international office reviews your qualifications and materials in the system, and if something does not pass, you must re-upload it in time. Then the school or department evaluates the application: for the Global BBA this is the Renmin Business School. If your documents are approved, you are invited to an interview. The university does not accept applications after the review deadline, so do not leave uploading to the last day.
Language requirements
For Chinese-taught bachelor's programs the university sets these minimums. The Chinese language major requires HSK 4 with at least 180 points, other humanities and social science majors require HSK 6 with at least 180, and science and engineering majors require HSK 5 with at least 210. The certificate is valid for two years, and the report must be sent to the university directly by Chinese Testing International. Native speakers of Chinese and applicants whose previous education was in Chinese can be exempt from the certificate.
For the Global BBA and the Global Talents master's you need English: IELTS Academic 6.0 or higher, or TOEFL iBT 90 or higher. The certificate is not required if English is your native language or you studied in English (for the Global BBA, at least three years of full-time education in English).
Is CSCA required
Bachelor's applicants need the CSCA exam. For the Global BBA the mandatory subject is mathematics, while the set of subjects for Chinese-taught programs depends on the major and is listed in the program catalog. For details the university refers applicants to the official exam website. We explain how the exam works in our CSCA guide.
When to apply
Applications are accepted only through the university's online system. Below are the 2026 intake dates; the university publishes the 2027 calendar later, so use these as a guide for now.
Program | Application period | Other stages |
Chinese-taught bachelor's | January 1 – March 31, 2026 | review until April 10, subject assessment April–May, admission May–June |
Global BBA | January 1 – May 31, 2026 | document review until June 10, admission April–July |
Global Talents master's | November 25, 2025 – May 31, 2026 | document review until June 10, admission March–July; for Chinese Government Scholarship Type B apply by February 15, 2026 |
Source: Renmin Chinese-taught bachelor's, Global BBA, Global Talents
Studies begin in late August or early September; you receive the admission notice after acceptance.
Documents you need
All documents are uploaded in Chinese or English; other languages need a notarized translation. For a bachelor's the university lists this package:
1. A passport page; the passport must be valid until after March 31, 2027.
2. A high school diploma, notarized or verified, or a certificate of expected graduation.
3. A transcript for all high school years.
4. A CSCA result.
5. An HSK certificate (Chinese-taught programs) or IELTS/TOEFL (Global BBA).
6. A personal statement: at least 1,000 characters in Chinese, or in English for the Global BBA.
7. One recommendation letter from a teacher, class teacher or school leader.
8. A statement of guarantee from a financial guarantor and proof of economic capability: an income certificate or a bank deposit of at least 30,000 RMB.
9. A certificate of no criminal record.
10. A foreigner physical examination form, valid for six months.
11. Nationality proof for applicants of Chinese origin.
12. A notarized document naming a guardian in China, if you are under 18 and your parents do not live in China.
Global Talents master's applicants add two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors and write the personal statement and study plan in English. The university requires comprehensive insurance, and it will not register a student without it.
Visa, insurance and housing after admission
After admission the university issues an admission notice and the JW201/202 form. With them you apply to a Chinese embassy or consulate for an X1 visa and, within 30 days of arrival, apply at the university to convert the X1 visa into a study residence permit. You can read more in our guide to the China student visa. The university requires insurance in advance: registration does not proceed without it.
For new students the university offers on-campus housing, single and double rooms. The conditions and booking procedure arrive with the admission materials, and for questions you can write to the email address given in the brochure. If you live off campus, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours.
How to protect yourself from intermediaries
In its notice to international applicants the university states that it has never cooperated with agencies or third-party companies on international admissions and does not charge any "agency fees" or "guarantee deposits." Pay the fee only through the official system, and if in doubt, verify information through official contacts. The university also warns about maintenance of its payment system: from 11:00 PM to 1:30 AM every day, paying the fee may be unavailable, so apply in advance. The text of the notice is in the official announcement.
Scholarships
In the bachelor's brochure the university names three sources of support. The Chinese Government Scholarship under bilateral programs (Type A): you first apply through the Chinese embassy or another dispatching authority in your country, and in the scholarship system you choose Renmin University as your first-choice university. The Silk Road program (Type B): you apply through the scholarship system, and the university's code is 10002. And the Beijing Government Scholarship for international students, whose conditions are published separately. For a broader overview, see our guide to scholarships in China. For the Global Talents master's, the Type B scholarship deadline is in the table above.
Frequently asked questions
Does Renmin accept international students without Chinese?
Yes. The university has the Global BBA and the Global Talents master's programs taught in English. They require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 90.
How much is the application fee?
The fee is 800 RMB. It is non-refundable and is paid in the university's online system.
Which HSK level do I need for a Chinese-taught bachelor's?
HSK 4 with at least 180 for the Chinese language major, HSK 6 with at least 180 for other humanities and social science majors, and HSK 5 with at least 210 for science and engineering majors.
Do I need CSCA for a master's?
CSCA is not listed in the Global Talents master's guide. It is required for bachelor's applicants.
Can I apply through an agency?
The university states that it does not cooperate with agencies on international admissions and does not charge agency fees. Applications and fees go directly through the official system.
When does the academic year start?
New students arrive for registration in late August or early September; the exact date is in the admission notice.
Action plan
1. Choose the level, language and school.
2. Check the HSK or English requirement and the document list in the program brochure.
3. For a bachelor's, take CSCA.
4. Collect your documents, notarized translations, guarantee letter and medical form.
5. Submit the application in the university's system on time and pay the 800 RMB fee.
6. If you count on a scholarship, apply for it on time.
We can help you apply to China GE Agency will help you choose a program, check your documents and prepare you to submit your application in the university's official system without mistakes. Book a consultation. |
Information verified on October 19, 2026. Requirements, costs and deadlines depend on the university and may change — always check the official university website before applying.
Useful articles about studying in China
- Bachelor’s Degree in China After High School: Requirements, CSCA, Costs and 2027 Admission
- Master’s Degree in China for International Students: Programmes, Requirements, Costs and Admission
- English-Taught Programmes in China: Universities, Tuition and IELTS Requirements
- Peking University (Beijing University) for International Students: Admission, Requirements and Fees