Founded in 1946, Jilin University (JLU) is a national key comprehensive university under the direct administration of China’s Ministry of Education and one of the first “Project 985 ” and “Project 211” key universities in China. In 2017, it was rated as one of the universities for building world-class universities in the “Double World-class Initiative”. In 2022, six of our disciplines were included in the second round of the “Double World-Class” project.

JLU boasts a high-level talent training system covering bachelor’s, master's and doctoral degree education in a wide range of disciplines. With over 600,000 graduated alumni from around the world, the university has been widely recognized both at home and abroad for its high calibre of teaching. Dedicated to the goal of building “Double World-Class” university and disciplines, JLU is constantly upgrading its global cooperation network and has established partnerships with 302 universities and research institutions in 40 countries and regions.

School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) was established at the end of 2012 based on Contemporary International Relations, an English course of JLU designed for overseas students since 2006. It is the first school of public diplomacy established by Chinese universities. SIPA has a strong international faculty. Many of its teachers have received doctorates from prestigious foreign universities such as the London School of Economics and Political Science, Ritsumeikan University in Japan, and People's Friendship University of Russia. A number of internationally renowned scholars are also hired to teach in SIPA, including Barry Buzan, Fellow of the British Academy and professor of the London School of Economics and Political Science and Brantly Womack, winner of the Chinese Government’s Friendship Award and professor of the University of Virginia. SIPA highly values the education of international students. In the past 10 years, it has trained more than 400 international students from over 100 countries and has been one of the top three among all JLU departments in terms of the number of recruited international students. It has remained on good terms with many of its foreign alumni.

The Master’s Program of Public Diplomacy for Developing Countries is committed to cultivating top-tier, versatile students with applied skills in the field of politics. The program mainly enrolls government officials from developing countries and professionals engaged in media, culture, education and non-governmental diplomacy. Students will be exposed to multi-disciplinary perspectives, theories and methodologies and then develop a solid mastery of both the theory and practice of public diplomacy. Through theoretical training combined with subject research, internships and extracurricular activities required by this program, students are expected to grasp an extensive knowledge of basic theories and systematic expertise of the discipline, be ready to conduct research, undertake entry-level work and become a future leader in real-life public diplomacy.

I. Program information

1. Level of Degree: Master’s

2. Language of instruction: English

3. Discipline of study: International Relations

4. Study mode and length of funding: One-year (12 months) master's degree program

II. Admission requirements

1. Applicants should not be nationals of the People's Republic of China (PRC), no more than 45 years old, physically and mentally healthy.

2. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or above with three years or more of work experience. Academic or professional background in a relevant field is preferred.

3. Applicants must fall into one of the following four categories:

(1) Public officials at or above the divisions level or equivalents, working for the local government;

(2) Senior managers of companies or other institutions;

(3)Administrative personnel of universities and research institutions;

(4) Personnel who have worked or taken internships in international organizations.

III. Scholarships

Scholarships are provided to cover applicants’ tuition, accommodation, living expenses and comprehensive medical insurance during their study in China.

IV. Training scheme and features

(I) Key courses

Eight courses in small-sized classes, including:

1. Chinese Language

This course is a public compulsory course, which contains the knowledge of standardized Chinese, Chinese characters and Chinese culture with scientific and systematic training for language skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students are expected to gain comprehensive improvement in their ability in the pronunciation, writing, vocabulary, grammar and other aspects of Chinese so as to correctly distinguish the formations and interpret the meanings of the language. Students will be able to accurately process information or express themselves using Chinese in specific texts and contexts and in a manner that fits well in the China’s social and cultural environment. Students are also trained to use Chinese for oral and written expressions that can fulfill the functions of both contextual or situational conversations. The teaching materials and training are also designed to keep students’ interest in improving Chinese and equip them with necessary abilities needed for self-teaching.

 2. Introduction to China

This course is a public compulsory course, which introduces a major component of the Chinese culture, i.e. the institutional culture, including China's political system, foreign policy, financial regulations and cultural system in a language easily acceptable for foreign students to give them a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the Chinese-style management and the features of the Chinese culture. With an emphasis on contemporary China, the course reflects the latest progress of the rapidly changing Chinese society through carefully selected texts presented in a well-designed structure.

 3. A Growing China and The Changing World

   This is a public selective course. China belongs to the world, and its development is inseparable from that of the world. At present, the overall strategy of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has historically converged with world’s great change unseen in a century. The relationship between China and the world has undergone profound changes. China's influence on the world has never been so comprehensive, profound and long-term as it is today. The world's attention to China has never been so wide, deep and focused as it is today. This course aims to make international students more deeply realize the close connections between China and the world. As a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order, China’s new development will inevitably provide new opportunities for the common development of the world. The Chinese Approach, responsibilities and wisdom have infused more stability and positive energy into the world full of uncertainties.

 4. Theory and Practice of Public Diplomacy

This Compulsory Course of the Program (CCP) focuses on the origin, development and basic theories of public diplomacy, in relevant to the basic theoretical concepts in international relations, diplomacy, international communication, international marketing, public relations and cross-cultural communication. By comparing the philosophies, practices and results of public diplomacy in major countries and regions, students are encouraged to explore the similarities and differences between public diplomacy and traditional diplomacy and interpret and differentiate the roles played by states, civil societies, international organizations, multinationals, media, and individuals in public diplomacy. Providing students with a systematic study of the theory and practice of public diplomacy and relevant knowledge of diplomacy. This course aims at deepening students’ comprehension of public diplomacy led by sovereign states and widely participated by civil societies, international organizations and individuals as a whole, improving their understanding and expression abilities in international cross-cultural exchanges, raising their awareness of the significance and functions of public diplomacy in contemporary diplomacy, further enhancing their expertise and gaining practical experience in diplomacy.

 5. Introduction to International Relations

This is a compulsory course for the major of International Relations and Diplomacy with its theories closely linked to disciplines such as Chinese Diplomacy, Public Diplomacy and Globalization. The course is an introduction to the basic research scope, theoretical frameworks, research methods and the latest developments in the discipline of international relations. The course contains five modules: First, the histories of international relations and the international society, which explores the global expansion of European international society since the formation of nation-states; Second, major schools of thoughts and theories in international relations, mainly focusing on mainstream theories such as realism, liberalism, neo-realism, neo-liberalism, Marxism and constructivism; Third, the structure and process of international relations, which mainly discusses the new situation of international security in the post-Cold War era, international politics and economy, international law, international mechanisms, diplomacy and the role of transnational actors; Fourth, the source and impact of major international issues, mainly including environmental protection, nuclear proliferation, nationalism, humanitarian intervention, regional integration, global trade, information revolution, poverty and development as well as human rights; Fifth, the new changes of international relations in a globalized era and basic research methods of international relations. During the course, students will be guided to read the most classical and fundamental literature of international relations and draw a clear picture of the basics of international relations.

 6. Contemporary China’s Diplomacy

This Compulsory Course of the Program (CCP) aims at helping students develop a thorough and systematic understanding of the principles and history of foreign-policy making in the PRC. To this end, this course consists of three parts: First, the six stages of the development of Chinese diplomacy, the core principles guiding China’s foreign-policy making and the procedures and core institutions making China's foreign policies; Second, the countries and regions deeply involved in China’s foreign relations, like the relationship between China and the United States, China and the European Union, China and Russia (including the former Soviet Union), China and neighboring countries or countries nearby (including Japan), China and Africa, China and Latin America, China and Central Asia/ the Middle East as well as China and international organizations and regional international organizations (UN, WTO, SCO); Third, theory interpretation and case analysis of China’s foreign policy, including major traditional and non-traditional security issues that China is facing, the theoretical and practical exploration of China’s rising and the strategic significance and potential problems of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The course will be delivered primarily in the form of lectures, but students will also be required to join discussion groups made up on a voluntary basis on top of completing necessary reading and writing tasks. Reading materials include monographs and academic papers by well-known scholars both from China and abroad. Students will be guided to read the original texts in the documents issued by the Chinese government or national authorities to understand core principles and concepts of China's diplomacy.

 7. Academic Writing and Research Methodology

This CCP focuses on the basic norms, skills, techniques and cases of beginner-level academic writing and the research methodology of social sciences required for postgraduate study and research. The course is made up of two modules, i.e. academic writing and research methodology. The academic writing module includes chapters on the norms of writing, the structure, characteristics and writing skills for different types of academic papers and thesis writing. The research methodology module includes chapters on fundamental academic ethics and paradigms, quantitative and qualitative analysis, questionnaires and case studies in the research methodology of social sciences.

8. Global Issues and Public Diplomacy

With the expansion of globalization in terms of economy, politics and society, diplomacy based on nation-states is exhibiting new features different from traditional diplomacy with ever richer connotation. This Selective Course of the Program (SCP) focuses on the impact of globalization in economy, politics, society and culture, as well as the new challenges brought to the development of international relations. Covering the basic theories of international relations, the economic globalization theory, global culture, global civil society, global governance and public diplomacy, the course contains an in-depth analysis of the history of globalization, the role of states and non-states in addressing the complexities of global security, diplomacy in global economic relations, international interdependence, the development of regional integration and diplomatic efforts on common global issues. The course provides students with a panorama of diplomatic theory and practice in the era of globalization, thus inspiring them to explore the role of public diplomacy in the new era.

(II) Credits

According to the Amendment to the Regulations on the Training Scheme for Postgraduates Pursuing Academic Master’s Degree of Jilin University (Proposal), postgraduate courses are divided into compulsory courses and selective courses with minimum credits required respectively. The program is not a lengthy one, so students need to obtain 20 credits by completing all the tasks stipulated in the training scheme.

Based on curriculum arrangement and class-hour calculation, The Compulsory course for any discipline (CCA) is Introduction to China with 3 credits and Chinese Language with 3 credits, totaling 6 credits; The Public Selective course include A Growing China and The Changing World, accounting for 1 credit. CCPs include Theory and Practice of Public Diplomacy, Introduction to International Relations, Contemporary China’s Diplomacy and Academic Writing and Research Methodology, totaling 10 credits; SCPs include Global Issues and Public Diplomacy accounting for 2 credits; Compulsory modules include Scientific Morality and Academic Norms, Proposal Report and Literature Review, each accounting for 1 credit.

(III) Duration of study and dissertation

Semester 1:

Early September: Registration and induction

From September to the end of October: intensive lecture I, assigning instructors;

Early November: field trip about China's national conditions, history, culture and non-governmental diplomacy;

Mid-November to the end of December: intensive lecture II;

Mid to late December: dissertation proposal meeting;

Winter vacation (early January to the end of February): material collection and dissertation writing.

Semester 2:

End of February to early May: dissertation writing, plagiarism check, revision and submission for review;

End of May: dissertation defense;

End of June to early July: graduation and leave the University.

V. Application, review and admission procedure

Step 1: Applicants should submit their application via the International Student Registration System of Jilin University.

Applicants should submit materials before March 15, 2024 (see the attachment for specific requirements), including the passport personal information page, notarized highest diploma, academic transcripts, language proficiency certificate, study plan in China, reference letters, Foreigner Physical Examination Form, Certificate of Non-criminal records and research achievements.

Applicants should register at the International Student Registration System of Jilin University (http://apply.jlu.edu.cn) with their accurate personal information and click "Submit" to complete online application. This year's enrollment is conducted online. Applicants should ensure that the documents submitted online are consistent with the originals. Only those who have submitted full documents will be considered for the next round of review.

Step 2: Preliminary review by the College of International Education

By March 20, 2024, the College of International Education will check the applicants’ qualifications one by one against the entry requirements, with emphasis given to applicants’ educational background, language proficiency, identity qualifications, health status, etc. A second review will be conducted by the teaching department afterwards.

Step 3: Second review by the teaching department, remote interview/written examination

By April 2, 2024, the teaching department will organize an expert review on the applicants’ academic performance, research ability, language proficiency, academic background, comprehensive quality and development potential. Eligible candidates will be selected for remote interview or written examination and the test results will be submitted to the College of International Education.

Step 4: Submission of application via the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System

By April 5, 2024, the university will notify the applicants of their pre-admission results via e-mail or the International Student Registration System. Notified students should apply via the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System before April 14. (https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn/#/login)

Step 5: Expert review by China Scholarship Council

Experts in relevant disciplines will be deployed by the China Scholarship Council to review applicants’ academic performance, comprehensive quality and development potential in order to select the best candidates.

Applicants who are not admitted by the sponsored program will be given priority if they apply for self-funded programs of Jilin University.

Step 6: Admission notice

The College of International Education will inform students of their application results.

Note:

1. Students enrolled should register in strict accordance with the schedule set by Jilin University. Scholarship qualifications will not be retained if a student fails to register on time. The study is expected to start in September 2024.

2. Applicants who fail to pass later qualification review will be disqualified from the sponsored program.

3. Please visit the website of the College of International Education of Jilin University (https://cie.jlu.edu.cn/info/1060/3133.htm) if you have any questions when applying.

VI. Application deadline

March 15, 2024

VII. Special Reminders

1. Applicants for the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program Chinese Government Scholarship shall not apply for other programs with Chinese Government Scholarship.

  2. Students enjoying Chinese Government Scholarship shall not enjoy other scholarships (not including one-off awards of various types) sponsored by Chinese governments at all levels and the university. Once the situation above is found, the students’ Chinese Government Scholarship qualifications will be canceled and funds they have received must be returned. For any students found to conceal the fundings they are receiving, apart from the disqualification, the students will not be allowed to apply for Chinese Government Scholarships within the next three years.

   3. Applicants who have applied for other universities via the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System shall not apply for Jilin University.

  4. Once the scholarship is granted, receivers are not allowed to change their discipline and duration of study as well as the language of instruction.

   5. After admission, funded students must participate in the annual evaluation, the results of which will determine whether their scholarship will continue to be provided, suspended, or canceled for the next academic year.

   VIII. Contact

   Admissions Office, College of International Education, Jilin University

   Tel: + 86-431-85166885, 85166519

   Address: Room 216, Youyi Guesthouse, Jilin University, No.1505 Xiuzheng Road, Changchun, Jilin Province, China

   Post code: 130012

   Email: admissions@jlu.edu.cn

   Website: https://www.jlu.edu.cn/

                  http://cie.jlu.edu.cn/

Attachment:

List of Application Documents for the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program Chinese Government Scholarship

1. Passport personal information page: Please renew your passport in time if the validity period does not meet the requirement (the passport should be valid at least until September 2024)

2. Notarized highest degree certificate: For applicants who are currently studying, an expected graduation certificate issued by their university should be submitted. Their diploma or degree certificates should still be submitted no later than June 30, 2024. An notarized English translation should also be provided if the diploma or certificate is in languages other than Chinese and English.

3. Academic transcripts (from undergraduate study onwards): Scanned transcripts since undergraduate study issued and sealed by the senate or similar student management organs of that university. Transcripts should be provided in Chinese/English. If the transcripts are in languages other than English, an notarized English translation should also be provided.

4. Language proficiency certificates: Applicants should provide certificates of international English tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

5. Study plan in China: A Chinese/English study plan (more than 1000 words) should be submitted with its focus on the applicant's professional background, academic ability, strengths and characteristics, interested research areas and plans for study. The plan should be written in either Chinese or English and will be an important reference of expert review.

6. Reference Letters: Reference Letters from two professors or associate professors should be submitted to introduce the applicant’s goals of study in China, the cooperation between the applied university or interested tutors and foreign institutions or tutors as well as an evaluation of the applicant’s comprehensive ability and potential. The letters should only be written in Chinese or English with the referers’ signatures and contact information.

7. Foreigner Physical Examination Form (printed by Chinese authorities of health and quarantine; filled out in English). Applicants should be examined strictly in accordance with the items required in the Foreigner Physical Examination Form. The form is invalid if certain items are not finished or there is a lack of the examinee’s photo, a seal across the photo and the form and a signature and a seal by the doctor. The validity period of the examination results is 6 months.

8. Certificate of non-criminal records: Applicants should submit a certificate of non-criminal records issued by the local public security authority. The certificate has to be within the validity period, usually issued no earlier than six months before the date of submission.

9. Research results (if any): dissertation abstract and instructor’s profile of previous study; A copy of published paper(s) and a copy of the cover and contents of the journal or other publications with the paper(s); supporting documents for academic and research achievements, inventions and patents, etc.

10. Certificate of employment: A certificate of employment signed and sealed by the employer should be submitted. The certificate must include the applicant's personal information, years of employment and current position. Applicants should be holding a position as required in the Enrollment Guide.

Note:

Documents uploaded onto the system should be clear, authentic and valid. Applicants are recommended to use professional equipment to scan the documents to be submitted. Consequences caused by unclear or illegible documents should be borne by the applicants themselves.

Students should bring the originals of the above application documents with them when they register in the campus. The originals will be verified by the university to double check students’ eligibility.