Updated: 12 November 2026 · SpecTa Education
Can I study a Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence or Computer Science in China without learning Mandarin?
Yes, you can study a Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence or Computer Science in China without learning Mandarin, as long as you choose an English-taught programme. For English-taught degrees, proof of English (IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic; scores vary by university) matters more than Mandarin. Mandarin-taught programmes require an HSK certificate, and basic Mandarin still helps daily life.
Many Chinese universities offer Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science programmes taught fully in English, making Mandarin optional for entry. The key is choosing an English-taught programme and meeting its English language requirements.
Key facts
| Language of instruction for S1 AI/CS in China | Varies: English-taught or Mandarin-taught (Choose English-taught to study without Mandarin.) |
|---|---|
| English requirement for English-taught programmes | IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic (scores vary) (Check university requirements.) |
| Mandarin requirement for Mandarin-taught programmes | HSK certificate (level set by university) (Usually not required for English-taught programmes.) |
| Full scholarships for Indonesian students | Available in China and Malaysia (Includes government and university scholarships; quotas change.) |
| SpecTa consultancy | China is a SpecTa Education destination (Initial consultation free.) |
Choose an English-Taught Programme
Bachelor of AI and CS programmes in China are offered in two main formats: English-taught and Mandarin-taught. To study without learning Mandarin, choose an English-taught programme. These programmes deliver lectures, tutorials, coursework and exams in English, and international students are not normally required to submit an HSK certificate.
- English-taught programmes: no HSK normally required; proof of English is required.
- Mandarin-taught programmes: HSK certificate required, level set by university.
- Daily life in China: basic Mandarin is still useful.
English Language Requirements
For English-taught degrees, universities generally ask for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic. Score requirements vary by university and programme, so check each university's international admissions page. The English test is usually the main language requirement, not Mandarin.
- Accepted tests: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic.
- Score thresholds vary by university.
- No single national minimum; requirements are university-specific.
Mandarin-Taught Programmes and HSK
If you choose a Mandarin-taught AI or CS programme, you will need an HSK certificate. The required HSK level is set by each university and programme. For English-taught programmes, HSK is usually not required.
- Mandarin-taught programmes require HSK.
- HSK level varies by university.
- English-taught programmes do not normally require HSK.
Scholarships and SpecTa Support
Full scholarships for Indonesian students are available in China and Malaysia, including government and university scholarships; quotas change each year. SpecTa Education lists China as one of its destinations and provides application, visa and scholarship guidance. Initial consultation is free.
- Full scholarships available in China and Malaysia; quotas change annually.
- SpecTa Education includes China as a destination.
- Free initial consultation available.
Key takeaways
- You can study a Bachelor of AI or CS in China without Mandarin if you choose an English-taught programme.
- English-taught programmes require IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic; scores vary by university.
- Mandarin-taught programmes require an HSK certificate at a level set by the university.
- Basic Mandarin is still useful for daily life in China.
- SpecTa Education can help with application and scholarships to China.
Related questions
Do I need HSK to study AI or CS in China if I choose an English-taught programme?
No, English-taught programmes usually do not require HSK. You will need IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic instead.
Which English test scores do Chinese universities accept for AI/CS?
Most accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic. Score requirements vary by university, so check the university's admission page.
Can I get a full scholarship to study AI/CS in China without Mandarin?
Yes, full scholarships are available in China and Malaysia, including government and university scholarships, but quotas change each year.
Will I need Mandarin in daily life in China?
Basic Mandarin is recommended for daily life even if your classes are in English, but it is not an admission requirement for English-taught programmes.
Can SpecTa Education help me apply to English-taught AI/CS programmes in China?
Yes, SpecTa Education includes China as a destination and can help with university application, scholarship guidance, and visas; initial consultation is free.