International Students & Scholars Center

International Students & Scholars Center


The International Students & Scholars Center (ISSC) at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS) is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to international students and scholars throughout their academic journey. The ISSC serves as a one-stop hub for resources and services, offering professional guidance on immigration and visa matters, residency in China, campus life, and cultural activities.

 

Additionally, the center organizes cultural exchange events and activities to foster cross-cultural understanding, deepen knowledge of both Chinese and global cultures, and promote a diverse multicultural environment. The staff at ISSC are committed to offering assistance, ensuring that international students and scholars feel welcomed and empowered during their time at Tsinghua SIGS.



Contact the ISSC:

General Issues

issc@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn


International Faculty & Staff Affairs

+86 755 26036015, xu.hui@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn


International Students Affairs

+86 755 26403743, beatrixjiang@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn


Culture Exchange Programs

+86 755 26036337, sophiadooly649@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn


SIGS Global Summer School

gss@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn


Address:

International Students and Scholars Center, 2nd Floor, Information Building, Tsinghua Campus, University Town, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China


  • For Students

    Visa

    X1 Visa

     It is issued to those undertaking long-term study in Mainland China (more than 180 days).

     It must apply within 30 days after entry for a residence permit, otherwise it constitutes illegal residence.



    X2 Visa

     It is issued to those undertaking long-term study in Mainland China (less than 180 days).

     The validity period is indicated on the visa page.


    Residence Permit Application

    Scan the QR code to download the guidance



    Insurance

    When applying for a visa or residence permit extension, international students must first pay the insurance and tuition fees according to the university’s designated time frame.


    Guidance download link:

    https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Fqq-6mOldM9BULF4N7sMaA

  • For Scholars

    Visa

    International scholars visiting or working in China must hold an ordinary passport with either Visa F, Visa Z, or Visa R. Chinese visa authorities abroad include Chinese embassies, consulates, visa offices, and the consular departments of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.

     

    Visa F: (also known as the Visit Visa or Business Visa) is issued by the Chinese government for individuals visiting China for non-commercial purposes, such as short-term business activities, cultural exchanges, or academic research. F visas generally require an invitation letter from the inviting institute or inviter at Tsinghua SIGS and other relevant documents. Please refer to the specific requirements on the website of the Chinese Embassy in your country or region. While on an F Visa, individuals are not permitted to engage in work or employment in China. If you intend to work, you would need to apply for a Z Visa (Work Visa).

     

    Visa Z: (Work Visa) is a type of visa issued by the Chinese government for foreign nationals who intend to work in China. This visa is required for individuals who have secured employment with a Chinese employer and plan to engage in full-time paid work during their stay. International scholars employed by Tsinghua SIGS should follow the procedures to obtain a Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit from the Shenzhen Foreign Expert Affairs Bureau. After receiving the e-copy of the Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit, the applicant can apply for the Z Visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country or a country of residence. Upon arriving in China, Z Visa holders must apply for a Residence Permit for Work within 30 days of arrival. This permit allows the holder to stay in China for the duration of their work contract.

     

    Visa R: (Talent Visa) is a special type of Chinese visa designed for high-level foreign talents and urgently needed professionals, whose expertise is essential for China’s economic and social development. This visa is intended for individuals who meet the criteria of Category A talents according to the Foreigners’ Work Classification Standards. The R Visa is valid for 5 to 10 years, allowing multiple entries and allows the holder to stay in China for up to 180 days per entry. After entering China with an R Visa, individuals planning to work in China long-term should apply for the Foreign Work Permit and Residence Permit for work. The R Visa offers a convenient pathway for high-level foreign talent, supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional activities in China.


    Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit

    The following documents are required:

    (1) Application Form

    Download address:

    https://static.gdzwfw.gov.cn/guide/files/907eec7660b44ddeba088dc999652637

    (2) Passport (colored scanned e-copy)

    (3) 2-inch portrait photos (front facing, no hat, white background; an electronic version and 1 hard copy)

    (4) Highest Degree Certificate and Verification (If obtained abroad: The certificate must be authenticated by Chinese embassies or consulates. If obtained in China: The certificate must be verified on 学信网 (Xuexinwang) (https://www.chsi.com.cn/) (associate professors and professors employed by Tsinghua SIGS can provide a statement letter with their signature instead of the authentication)

    Sample template download address:

    https://static.gdzwfw.gov.cn/guide/files/974afd4fb6984d559192c85405e35065

    (5) Non-criminal record certificate (A non-criminal record certificate issued by the official authorities of the applicant’s country of nationality or long-term residence, authenticated by the embassy or consulate of the applicant’s country of nationality in China or by the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad. The issuance date of the criminal record certificate should be within six months. The issuance date of the criminal record certificate should be within six months. Post-doctors under 40 years old, associate professors and professors employed by Tsinghua SIGS can provide a statement letter with their signature instead.)

    Sample template download address:

    https://static.gdzwfw.gov.cn/guide/files/8ffebef8e78b41ebb2fde6a69c7006d0

    (6) Certificate of working experience for at least 2 years / recommendation letter if recently graduated. (Please provide a certificate from your previous employer detailing your role, duration of employment, or specific projects. This document should be officially sealed or signed. It should also include a contact number or email address to verify its authenticity.)

    (7) Contract with Tsinghua SIGS

    (8) The name and address of the Chinese embassy or consulate where the applicant intends to apply for a visa

     

    Note: All non-Chinese materials must be accompanied by Chinese translations. English materials can be translated by the applicant. Materials in other languages must be translated by a professional translation agency, with the translation company’s official seal affixed.


    Work Permit

    Full-time international scholars working in China with a Z Visa or R Visa must apply for a Work Permit through the International Students and Scholars Center after their arrival. The following documents are required:

    (1) Passport (colored scanned e-copy)

    (2) Z Visa or R Visa (for scholars) and the passport page with the entry stamp of China Customs (colored scanned e-copy)

    (3) 2-inch portrait photos (front facing, no hat, white background; soft copy)

    (4) Registration Form of Temporary Residence for Visitors (to be done at the local police station of your long-term residence; colored scanned e-copy)

    (5) Medical Authentication issued by Shenzhen port hospital (ORIGINAL and colored scanned e-copy)

    Sample template download address:

    https://static.gdzwfw.gov.cn/guide/files/9714f6c1c00c47559af1b0b57351c5ab


    Residence Permit

    An international scholar holding a Z Visa or R Visa must apply for a Residence Permit from the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Bureau within 30 days after arrival. A Residence Permit is an official document issued by the Chinese government that allows foreign nationals to legally stay in China for an extended period for specific purposes, such as work, study, or family reunification. It serves as a long-term visa and is essential for anyone planning to stay in China beyond the initial entry period allowed by a short-term visa.

    The following documents are required:

    (1) Passport (original)

    (2) Z Visa or R Visa (for scholars) and the passport page with the entry stamp of China Customs (colored scanned e-copy)

    (3) Receipt of China Visa Photograph for Foreigners in Guangdong Province + 1 Photo (colored scanned e-copy)

    (4) Registration Form of Temporary Residence for Visitors (to be done at the local police station of your long-term residence; colored scanned e-copy)

    (5) Medical Authentication issued by Shenzhen Port Hospital (original)