Full-time universities' academic year in China normally contains two semesters, Spring semester and Autumn semester. The first semester starts on autumn of each year, requiring fully submission of materials between late February and late July of that year; and the second starts on spring, receiving materials between late October and late January starting from the previous year to the current year. But the dates are generally set, hence, it is important to figure out every university’s specific application deadline for each semester.

Spring semester generally only offer non-degree training programs for international students, and Autumn semester can only all the programs for international students.

The most common non-degree programs are Chinese language program or short term Chinese medicine program.