Updated: 9/23/2024
At Duke Kunshan University (DKU), we welcome students from around the world to pursue their undergraduate education in China. However, eligibility for international students is based on citizenship in accordance with Chinese Nationality Law and the Ministry of Education’s Guidelines Governing International Enrollment at Chinese Universities. We understand this may be complex, especially for applicants with ties to China, and may involve sensitive family matters. To ensure a smooth application process and avoid potential visa issues, we urge prospective students to carefully review the guidelines below:
If you exclusively hold a passport from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan (without any other passports), you should apply to DKU through the Chinese admissions process, regardless of your high school location or curriculum.
If you hold a passport(s) other than China (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), please carefully read the scenarios below to determine your eligibility:
Scenario A:
You were previously a resident of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, and you have a current foreign (non-Chinese) passport through an immigration process. To be recognized as an international student, you must meet the following criteria:
• Have cancelled your Chinese citizenship (you no longer hold a Chinese passport, no longer hold a Chinese Household Registration (HUKOU), nor hold Chinese travel documents).
• Hold a valid foreign (non-Chinese) passport or citizenship certificate for at least four years.
• Have lived outside of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan for at least 2 years within the past 4 years, by April 30th of the year of enrollment at DKU (nine months of residency abroad may be considered as one year). For example, students applying for Fall 2025 should have lived outside of CHMT since at least April 29th, 2023.
Scenario B:
You obtained your current foreign (non-Chinese) passport at birth, and one or both of your parents were Chinese citizens who settled abroad before your birthdate. To be recognized as an international student, you must meet the following criteria:
• Hold a valid foreign (non-Chinese) passport or citizenship certificate for at least four years.
• Have lived outside of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan for at least 2 years within the past 4 years, by April 30th of the year of enrollment at DKU (nine months of residency abroad may be considered as one year). For example, students applying for Fall 2025 should have lived outside of CHMT since at least April 29th, 2023.
Important Note
If you can relate to one of the above scenarios but cannot confirm the required information, you may not be eligible for admission to DKU as an international student. In such cases, DKU applicants with ties to China may be asked to complete a Citizenship Review form (found in the DKU Applicant Portal) to help determine their status.
Contact Us
For any questions regarding application eligibility, please contact the DKU International Enrollment Management (IEM) office via email at intl-admissions@dukekunshan.edu.cn. We are here to address your inquiries personally and provide the necessary assistance.
At DKU, we aim to create a diverse and inclusive learning community, and we appreciate your understanding of the citizenship requirements for international students. We look forward to welcoming you to our university and providing you with an enriching educational experience in China.