How Should You Compare Foundation Programs Before Choosing?

Compare programs on written terms, not marketing, using the same criteria for each. The criteria below apply to the CCN IFP and to any alternative.

Which criteria matter most?

Eight criteria matter most: Chinese level fit, subject match, progression terms, exam preparation, scholarships, quality controls, total cost and location. Ask every provider for the same information in writing so you can compare like with like.

• Chinese level fit: does the route start where your Chinese starts?
• Subject match: does it teach the subjects your degree needs?
• Progression terms: which universities, under which written conditions?
• Exam preparation: does it cover the CSCA and HSK where required?
• Scholarships: which results lead to which awards?
• Quality controls: who marks and moderates the exams?
• Total cost: fees, accommodation, living costs and refunds.
• Location: city, climate and distance from home.

Which claims can you verify?

You can verify exam, visa and scholarship rules on official sites, but a provider's own results must be requested in writing. This guide labels CCN's figures as CCN's own reporting and links official sources for exam and scholarship rules.

How can you score the options?

Score each option on the eight criteria using three marks: confirmed in writing, stated verbally or unknown. Pick your top three priorities first, such as scholarships, location and Chinese level fit, and give those more weight. An option with many unknown marks needs more questions before you decide. This method keeps the comparison based on evidence rather than on which provider spoke most persuasively.

Why Choose CCN's IFP Program for Studying in China? Seven Reasons to Weigh

Seven reasons stand out in the brochure: route fit, conditional placement, CSCA preparation, scholarships, quality controls, a choice of centres and support services. Each reason below states what CCN claims and what to verify.

A route that matches your Chinese level

You can start with no Chinese or join at HSK 3 or HSK 4, depending on your route. HSK is China's official Chinese proficiency test, run by Chinese Testing International. Route A suits beginners, Route B suits HSK 3 or above and Route C suits HSK 4 or above. The brochure's entry pages use finer labels (B1, B3/B4, C1, C3/C4) that it does not explain, so confirm your exact level before choosing.

A conditional placement at one member university

CCN says students who meet set conditions are guaranteed admission to at least one of its CCN member universities. The word "conditional" matters. Undergraduates need an IFP average and a Chinese for Academic Purposes score of at least 60%, plus a CSCA pass where required. The guarantee does not name your university.

Built-in CSCA preparation

CSCA preparation sits inside the timetable. The brochure lists aligned review, mock exams and academic support. The CSCA is run by the China Scholarship Council, and the Shanghai Municipal Government's CSCA FAQ says undergraduate applicants to Chinese Government Scholarship universities must take it from the 2026/2027 academic year. Rules and registration are on the official CSCA website.

Scholarship opportunities linked to results

Strong IFP results can lead to university scholarships. The brochure reports that 91% of IFP graduates received scholarships and 42% received A0 scholarships, which cover full tuition with accommodation and/or living support. These are CCN's own figures, so ask for the cohort years and definitions behind them.

A published quality system with external moderation

CCN describes a three-body quality system and external moderation of the graduation exam. The IFP Centres teach and mark, the Academic Management Centre evaluates delivery, and the Academic Committee sets standards. External Exam Board experts review the exam paper, delivery and double-marked results before results are final. The brochure names no outside accreditor.

A choice of centres and cities

The brochure lists seven IFP centres in six cities and provinces, so you can choose a study environment. The cities are Harbin (two centres), Shanghai, Tianjin, Xi'an, Zhenjiang and Hainan. Shanghai Dianji University launched in September 2026, and Hainan is scheduled for 2027, so those centres have a shorter track record.

Support from application to registration

The brochure lists support at every stage, from counselling to registration at your degree university. That includes IFP admission, visa documents such as the Admission Notice and JW202 form, pre-departure training, arrival service, university applications during the IFP and registration help afterward.

What do these reasons not guarantee?

They do not guarantee admission to a specific university, a scholarship, a visa or a particular score. Each reason depends on your results, the conditions in your written offer and decisions made by universities and authorities. Treat the reasons as grounds for comparison, not promises.

How do the seven reasons map to the eight criteria?

Each reason answers one or more comparison criteria, which makes it easy to check them against other providers. Route fit answers Chinese level fit. Streams and subject modules answer subject match. The conditional placement answers progression terms. CSCA preparation answers exam preparation. Scholarship opportunities answer scholarships. The quality system answers quality controls. The choice of centres answers location. Total cost is the one criterion the reasons do not answer, so request it in writing.

What Will You Study and How Are You Assessed?

You will study General Chinese, Chinese for Subject Purposes, subject modules and CSCA preparation, and you graduate by meeting score thresholds.

What are the core modules and the workload?

The four core modules are General Chinese, Chinese for Subject Purposes, subject modules and CSCA preparation. Students choose one of four streams: Business, Humanities, Science or Engineering. Mathematics is compulsory for every stream, and Science and Engineering also require Physics and Chemistry. The brochure's sample timetables show about 32 to 40 class sessions a week, plus 3 to 5 hours of self-study each weekday and 8 to 12 hours at weekends.

What do the sample timetables show?

They show a heavy language load in Route A and a mix of Chinese and subjects in Routes B and C. In the Route A Business sample, Monday to Wednesday mornings are integrated core Chinese classes, with listening, reading and writing, and speaking in other slots. The Route B sample adds Mathematics, Chinese for Business and Humanities, HSK intensive and vocabulary classes. The Route C sample adds interview speaking practice. The brochure says each centre sets the actual courses and times.

How do assessment and graduation work?

To graduate, a student needs at least 60% in Chinese for Academic Purposes and a 60% average across all subjects. Each subject's final score combines attendance (10%), monthly exams (20%), mid-term and term-end exams (20%) and a graduation exam (50%). All exams run on CCN's online platform, CCN Digital Campus.

What Do the Placement and Scholarship Terms Say?

CCN says students who meet set conditions are guaranteed admission to at least one member university, and strong results open scholarship opportunities. The conditions differ for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

What are the undergraduate conditions?

For undergraduate admission, you need an IFP average of at least 60%, at least 60% in Chinese for Academic Purposes and a CSCA pass where your university or scholarship route requires one. You also need a good disciplinary record and must meet the health requirements for university study. For scholarships, the brochure lists 75% to 90% in both the IFP average and Chinese for Academic Purposes, plus the CSCA.

What are the postgraduate conditions?

For postgraduate admission, you need at least 80% in both the IFP average and Chinese for Academic Purposes. Scholarships need 85% to 90%. Relevant university and programme requirements also apply.

What does the guarantee not promise?

It does not promise your first-choice university, a specific scholarship or a scholarship from one named university. Each student applies to two of the member universities in China through the official application system. If you meet both choices, your first choice has priority. If you meet only the second, it can be considered. If you meet the guarantee conditions but neither choice, CCN supports placement at one suitable member university, which may not be the city or major you wanted.

How should you choose your two universities?

Choose by stream availability, city, scholarship tier and ranking group, then pick a realistic second choice. The brochure says CCN's 37 member universities include 6 in the QS World Top 250, 8 in Project 985, 10 in Project 211 and 13 others. Your second choice is considered if you miss the first, so it protects your placement.

How do CCN scholarships differ from the Chinese Government Scholarship?

They are separate schemes. CCN member universities offer scholarships for strong IFP results, and the China Opportunity Scholarship (COS) is CCN's own premium scheme. The Chinese Government Scholarship is applied for through the Study in China platform, and CCN does not offer it.

What Does the CCN IFP Cost and What Else Should You Budget?

Costs vary by route, centre and room type, so no single price applies to every student. The brochure lists four cost areas: programme fee, accommodation, living costs and other study costs.

What should you ask about fees?

Ask for a written breakdown of the programme fee, accommodation and any extras for your route and centre. Also ask for the payment schedule and what is refundable if your visa or offer changes. Compare the total with the scholarship tier in your offer, because a longer route means more months of accommodation and living costs.

What other costs should you plan for?

Plan for living costs, visa fees, insurance, a medical check, a residence permit, textbooks, transport and personal expenses. Living costs vary by city, lifestyle and accommodation. The brochure says final guidance should be confirmed with the IFP centre and local office.

How can you compare total cost across routes?

Compare the total cost of each option, not only the programme fee. A direct application may have no foundation fee but needs more preparation on your own. A longer IFP route adds months of accommodation and living costs, while a shorter route may need a higher starting Chinese level. Put every quote in one table before you decide.

How Do You Apply for the CCN IFP?

Applying takes six steps, from submitting your profile to applying to member universities during the IFP. Contact the CCN Bangladesh team to start.

1. Submit your student profile: academic records, Chinese level, target major and preferred study destination.
2. CCN assesses your academic and scholarship profile and recommends a route.
3. You receive an offer confirming route, university placement tier, scholarship tier where applicable and next steps.
4. You accept the offer, pay and complete enrolment.
5. CCN and the IFP centre support visa documents, pre-departure preparation, arrival and registration.
6. You study the IFP, sit the assessments and apply to member universities through the placement system.

What support continues after you arrive in China?

The brochure lists support during and after IFP study, from academic monitoring to registration at your degree university. During the IFP, the centre provides teaching, academic monitoring, counselling, progression planning and university application services. After the IFP, the brochure lists offer follow-up, registration support and settling-in guidance. Ask the centre who your contact will be.