Beijing Normal University  

Brief Introduction to Beijing Normal University

Founded in 1902, Beijing Normal University (BNU) is one of China’s earliest-established institutions of higher learning as well as one of the ten key universities in the country. BNU has at present 12 colleges, 24 departments, 21 research institutes and 25 research centres with a 3,456 person staff. The student body in 1999 was 15,130, including 436 PH.D students, 1,286 Master’s degree students, 5,590 undergraduate and diploma students, 7,168 undergraduate and diploma students for adult education, and 650 international students.

BNU provides excellent conditions for study and research, and is famous for its superior teaching. The university faculty places emphasis on the theoretical research of education as well as the improvement in practice of teaching methods.

BNU began to accept students from abroad in 1965. Today it has international students not only studying Chinese as a foreign language, but enrolled in regular degree programs. The university feels it has gained tremendously from its experiences teaching students from abroad. Recognizing the diversity of cultures and languages amongst international students, the faculty of BNU strive to find the best possible teaching methods so that their students gain as much as possible during their residence at BNU. BNU warmly welcomes students from around the world, and sincerely wishes to deepen its friendship with all countries through academic exchanges. 

Brief Introduction to BNU’s Library

BNU’s library holds approximately 2,800,000 volumes, many of which are books on education and liberal arts. As one of the nation’s largest education libraries, it has room for more than 1,800 visitors. 

Brief Introduction to the College of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language

The College of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language is a teaching and research department specially established for foreigners to learn Mandarin. The College has an excellent faculty of over 40 lecturers and professors and 6 teaching and research offices in six disciplines. Among these disciplines are language, culture and language, Chinese literature, and teaching methodology. The College now has postgraduate students in the programs of Modern Chinese and Ancient Chinese, four year degree undergraduate students, as well as long and short term visiting students studying Mandarin.

For long term language students, placement examinations are held shortly after arrival. Students are placed into classes according to their listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities. Class sizes are usually no more than 15 students. Language students have 18 instructional hours and 2 tutorial hours each week. Undergraduate students in the Chinese Language and Culture program take a more rigorous series of courses designed to help students achieve proficiency in Chinese. Their classes focus on practical language skills, theory of language, conditions of Chinese society, and Chinese culture and literature.

Additionally, in order to meet the different demands of the students and to produce an organic connection between language and culture studies, the College has arranged a score of elective courses for students. Among them the Reading of Modern Literary Works, the Reading of Classical Literary Works, Chinese in International Trading, Chinese History and Culture, the Reading of Scenic Poetry Composed in Tang and Song Dynasty, Putonghua Phonetic Training, Tai Ji Quan, Chinese Painting, Calligraphy, Lectures on Education, Lectures on Psychology, the Reading of Contemporary Literary Works, Chinese Social Convention, Travel Geography of China, Grammar, Phonetics, Vocabulary, Chinese Folk Literature, An Introduction to Chinese Economics, and Classical Poetry Appreciation.

The College has so far trained more than 4,000 international students from over 50 countries around the world. By taking full advantage of the excellent environment of Beijing, the students can quickly grasp the standard spoken Chinese as well as gain an understanding of Chinese society.

Undergraduate Programs

DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL

MAJOR

Education Department

Pre-school Education

Pedagogical Studies

Special Needs Education

Public Business Administration

Philosophy Department

Philosophy

The Science of Law

Political and Moral Education

Art Education Department

Music

Movie & Drama

History Department

Historical Studies

Foreign Languages & Literature Department

English

Japanese

Russian

Chinese Language & Literature Department

Chinese Language and Literature

Studies of Editorship & Publication

The College of Teaching Chinese as A Second Language

Chinese Language and Literature

(Chinese Language and Culture Program)

School of Economics

Economic Studies

Industrial & Commercial Administration

International Economics & Trade

Physical Education Department

Physical Education

Mathematics Department

Mathematical Statistics

Mathematics & Applied Mathematics

Chemistry Department

Chemistry

Applied Chemistry

Physics Department

Physics

Material Physics

Astronomy Department

Astronomy

Psychology Department

Psychology

Applied Psychology

System Science Department

 

Systematical Theory

Administrative Science

Resource and Environmental Science Department

Geographical Science

Resource Environment, Urban, Rural Planning & Administration

Life Science School

Biological Science

Biological Techniques

Information Science School

Electronic Information Science & Techniques

Computer Science & Techniques

Information Management Systems

Educational Technical Studies

Graduate Programs Leading to Master’s Degrees

Philosophy Department

Marxist Philosophy

Chinese Philosophy

Foreign Philosophy

Logical Studies

Ethics

Aesthetics

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Law & Political Science Institute

History of the Chinese Communist Party

Marxist Theory & Political and Moral Education

International Relations

Administration

Educational Science Institute

Principles of Education

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Educational Economics & Administration

Education & Administration College

Higher Educational Studies

Educational Economics & Administration

Foreign Languages & Literature Department

English Language and Literature

Russian Language and Literature

Japanese Language and Literature

History Department

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Studies of Chinese Historical Classics

Ancient Chinese History

Modern and Contemporary Chinese History

World History

Historical Science Institute

Historical Theory and Historiography

Ancient Chinese History

The College of Teaching Chinese as A Second Language

Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

Studies of Chinese Language and Scripts

Institute of Infantile Psychological Studies

Developmental and Educational Psychology

Mathematics Department

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Basic Mathematics

Probability and Mathematics Statistics

Applied Mathematics

Computer Software and Theory

Physics Department

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Theoretical Physics

Condensed Matter Physics

Optics

Chemistry Department

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Inorganic Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics

Astronomy Department

Optics

Astrophysics

Celestial Survey & Celestial Mechanics

Environmental Science Institute

Environmental Science

Resource Science Institute

Regional Economics

Physical Geography

Human Geography

Systematic Science Department

Systematism

System Analysis and Synthesis

School of Economics

Political Economics

History of Economic Thought 

Global Economics

Finance

Business Management

Educational Economics & Administration

Education Department

Principles of Education

Curriculum & Pedagogy

History of Education

Comparative Education

Pre-school Educational Studies

Higher Educational Studies

Educational Studies of Vocational Techniques

Special Needs Education

Educational Economics & Administration

Chinese Language & Literature Department

Folklore

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Studies of Literature and Arts

Studies of Chinese Language and Scripts

Studies of Chinese Classical Literature

Ancient Chinese Literature

Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature

Comparative World Literatures

Journalism

Ancient Documents Studies Institute

Studies of Chinese Classical Literature

Studies of Chinese Historical Classics

International & Comparative Education Institute

Studies of Comparative Education

Art Education Department

Musicology

Film Studies

Studies of Radio and Television Arts

Psychology Department

Basic Psychological Studies

Developmental and Educational Psychology

Physical Education Department

Curriculum & Pedagogy

The Humanities of Sports

Bio-mechanics of Sports

Low Energy Institute

Theoretical Physics

Condensed Matter Physics

Nuclear Technology Application

Information Science School

Studies of Educational Techniques

Communication and Information System

Computer Software and Theory

Computer Application Technology

Information Studies

Resource & Environmental Science Department

Regional Economics

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Physical Geography

Human Geography

Cartography and Geographical Information Systems

Quaternary Geology

Life Science School

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Botany

Zoology

Physiology

Microbiology

Genetics

Cell Biology

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Ecology

 Graduate Programs Leading to a Doctorate

Philosophy Department

Marxist Philosophy

Law & Political Science Institute

History of the Chinese Communist Party

Psychology Department

Basic Psychological Studies

Developmental and Educational Psychology

Chinese Language & Literature Department

Studies of Literature and Arts

Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature

Ancient Chinese Literature

Folklore

Studies of Chinese Language and Scripts

Studies of Chinese Classical Literature

Comparative World Literatures

Russian Language & Literature

History Department

Ancient Chinese History

World History

Modern and Contemporary Chinese History

Physics Department

Theoretical Physics

Condensed Matter Physics

Chemistry Department

Physical Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

The College of Information Science

Studies of Educational Techniques

Environmental Science Institute

Environmental Science

Historical Science Institute

Historical Theory and Historiography

Art Education Department

Film Studies

Systematic Science Department

Systematism

School of Economics

Global Economics

Educational Economics & Administration

Education Department

Principles of Education

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Pre-school Educational Studies

History of Education

Educational Economics & Administration

Institute of Infantile Psychological Studies

Developmental and Educational Psychology

Foreign Languages & Literature Department

English Language and Literature

Russian Language and Literature

Mathematics Department

Basic Mathematics

Applied Mathematics

Probability and Mathematics Statistics

Low Energy Institute

Theoretical Physics

Condensed Matter Physics

Astronomy Department

Astrophysics

Resource & Environmental Science Department

Physical Geography

Life Science School

Cell Biology

Zoology

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Ecology

International & Comparative Education Institute

Studies of Comparative Education

Educational Economics & Administration

Resource Science Institute

Physical Geography

 

 How to Apply to BNU for Study

²         All applicants should be physically and mentally healthy, have a positive attitude about China and be willing to abide by laws and decrees of China and rules and regulations of BNU.

²         One academic year includes two semesters, each semester lasting for about 19 weeks. Classes usually begin in February and in the beginning of September. The exactly opening date in February varies from year to year, and is determined by Chinese lunar New Year.

 Non-degree Programs

Student Type

Definition

Applicant’s Requirement

Application Materials

Definite Application Time

Language Students

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term Students

 

 

 

Studying beginning to advanced classes for one semester or more.

Under 45 years of age; high school certificate or higher academic degree.

Completed “Application Form for International Students” issued by BNU; completed “Guarantee Statement” issued by BNU; high school graduation certificate; high school or university transcript (applicants with Master’s degree or higher only have to present their highest academic certificate); two recommendation letters; application fee of US$20, cash or check.

Your application materials are expected to arrive at the Office of International Scholars and Students’ Affairs by the end of May for the fall semester and by the end of November for the spring semester. The Office will answer you one month after receiving your materials.

 

Short-term Students

Studying from 2 to 8 weeks; usually during winter or summer vacations.

Under 55 years of age; high school certificate or higher academic degree.

Completed “Application Form for International Students” issued by BNU; completed “Guarantee Statement” issued by BNU; most recent graduation certificate or study certificate; application fee of US$20, cash or check .

Visiting Scholars

 

 

 

 

General Advanced Studies Students

 

 

 

 

Studying various specialties at departments or colleges for one semester or more and taking courses with Chinese undergraduate students.

Under 45 years of age; HSK degree 6 or above; college sophomore or higher academic standing.

 

Completed “Application Form for International Students” issued by BNU; completed “Guarantee Statement” issued by BNU; certificate of studying at university; high school or university transcript(applicants with Master’s degree or higher only have to present their highest academic certificate); HSK certificate; two recommendation letters; application fee of US$20, cash or check.

 

Senior AdvancedStudies Students

Studying various specialties at departments or colleges for one semester or more with Chinese postgraduate students and under professional tutor’s guidance.

Under 55 years of age; HSK degree 6 or above; Master’s degree obtained or equivalent academic degree or above.

 

Completed “Application Form for International Students” issued by BNU; completed “Guarantee Statement” issued by BNU; Master’s degree certificate or higher academic degree certificate; HSK certificate; two recommendation letters; applicant’s research plan at BNU; application fee of US$40, cash or check.

 

Research Scholars

Cooperating with Chinese scholars in academic research.

No age limitation;

Lecturer or higher academic title.

Completed “Application Form for International Students” issued by BNU; employment certificate in applicant’s home country; applicant’s research plan at BNU; application fee of US$40, cash or check.

 

 Degree Programs

Student Type

Applicants’ Requirement

Application Materials

Definite Application Time

Undergraduate Students

Under 40 years of age; high school graduation certificate or higher academic degree certificate;

average grade of B or higher; HSK degree 6 or above for liberal arts applicants, 3 or above for applicants to the Chinese Language and Culture program open by the College of Teaching Chinese as A Second Language; 4 or above for science applicants; science applicants should also pass the Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry Exam (MPCE) organized by the China State Education Commission and present the transcript to BNU.

Completed “Application Form for International Students” issued by BNU; completed “Guarantee Statement” issued by BNU; two recommendation letters; notarized high school graduation certificate; high school transcript; HSK certificate; MPCE transcript for science applicants; application fee of US$40, cash or check.

Your application materials are expected to arrive at the Office of International Scholars and Students’ Affairs by the end of May for the new academic year. The Office will answer you one month after receiving your materials.

Postgraduate Students

Under 45 years of age; Bachelor’s degree or higher academic degree; HSK degree 6 or above; applicants having no HSK certificate will be tested on their  Chinese as  part of the entrance exam.

Completed “Application Form for International Students” issued by BNU; completed “Guarantee Statement” issued by BNU; two recommendation letters by Associate Professors or scholars with higher academic title; notarized certificates of Bachelor’s degree and graduation; university transcript; HSK certificate; application fee of US$70, cash or check.

Your application materials are expected to arrive at the Office of International Scholars and Students’ Affairs before December 31st, or you may come directly to the Office between October 5th and December 31st. The entrance examination will be held in mid January.

Ph.D. Students

Under 50 years of age; Master’s degree or higher academic degree; HSK degree 6 or above; applicants having no HSK certificate will be tested on their Chinese as part of the entrance exam.

Completed “Application Form for International Students” issued by BNU; completed “Guarantee Statement” issued by BNU; two recommendation letters by Associate Professors or scholars with higher academic title; notarized certificates of Master’s degree and graduation; postgraduate school transcript; Master’s degree thesis and its Chinese summary; HSK certificate; application fee of US$70, cash or check.

Your application materials are expected to arrive at the Office of International Scholars and Students’ Affairs before February 28th, or you may come directly to the Office between October 5th and February 28th. The entrance examination will be held in early April.

After You are Admitted

                You will receive the following documents sent by the Office of International Scholars and Students’ Affairs: Admission Notice of BNU, Visa Application for Foreigners Wishing to Study in China (form JW202) issued by Beijing Municipal Education Commission, Physical Examination Record for Foreigners form issued by the Ministry of Sanitation of China.

When you have received these documents, you should

A.        Purchase your air ticket to China according to the appointed time in the Admission Notice.

B.         Apply for an “X” visa to the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate with your Admission Notice and form JW202 (N.B. -- Students who will study over half a year must apply for X visas; students less than half a year must apply for F or X visas. Do not apply for L visa, or you cannot enter BNU).

C.         Complete the Physical Examination Record for Foreigners form at a hospital or clinic. (N.B. -- You must bring with you the original Physical Examination Record for Foreigners, the original copy of your AIDS and Syphilis test reports, and your original ECG report. If your Physical Examination Record is out of date, over 6 months old, or if there is anything uncertain or unsatisfactory about it, you will be required to have another physical examination in China).

D.        Register at the appointed time indicated in the Admission Notice. If you cannot register on time, please make a request to the Office in advance; otherwise, your case is likely to be considered a voluntary annulment of admission.

 School Life

 Accommodation and Food

BNU has several international student dormitories and an international student cafeteria. The daily cost for each bed will be either $4.50, $6.50, $7.00, $8.00 or $9.00. Detailed information on international student dormitories along with the Accommodation Choice Form will be sent to you with the Admission Notice issued by BNU. You may use this form to chose your own accommodation. Hot water, coin-operated washers and dryers, and furniture are available in each international student apartment. All students have access to a computer-room with internet capabilities. Recreational facilities available include a piano, karaoke machines, ping pong tables, and billiards.

The international student cafeteria has seating for 300 people, and serves both Chinese and western food. The average cost per day is about US$2.00. Other restaurants on campus are also open to international students, and within walking distance of campus there are a variety of Chinese, Japanese and Korean restaurants.

Out-of-class Activities

Travel and entertainment activities are organized free of charge by the Office once a month for long-term international students, and twice a month for short-term students. The Office will be happy to help make arrangements for students travelling on their own in groups of ten or more.

In order to foster exchanges between Chinese students and international students and to deepen international students’ understanding of Chinese society, the Office organizes various cultural activities throughout the year. For example, parties for both Chinese and international students, Language Practice Week and trips to rural Chinese areas.

Brief Introduction to Language Practice Week

 “Language Practice Week” is a special event organized every year by the Office. During this week, students travel to one of China’s many historic areas to study Chinese culture, and of course, language. In 1999, for example, students traveled more than 500 kilometers to the historic city of Pingyao, in Shanxi province. In Pingyao more than 50,000 people still live in buildings built between the 14th and 18th centuries. Pingyao’s antiquity is a sharp contrast from Beijing’s modernity, and students gained a lot from the week they spent there.  

Cultural Performances

Cultural performances by international students studying in Beijing are organized by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission every year. The following picture is a Thai folk dance performed by our Thai student, Miss Wanphen Kintow in 1999. 

Possible Part-time Employment

International students are not permitted to be employed, do business or take part in any kind of profitable activities according to Chinese laws. However, under the prerequisite of not affecting studies, they are allowed to take part-time jobs of not more than 15 hours on campus per week. English speakers, for example, may teach additional classes for BNU staff and students. They may apply for these positions through the Office. 

Taking Courses in A Second Department

International students interested in taking classes in other departments may apply through the Office. Tuition for additional classes must be paid for by the students.

 Extending Duration of Study

International students interested in extending their duration of study may apply to the Office not later than one month after entrance time.

 Climate Conditions in Beijing

Month