Can Bangladeshi students study in China without IELTS? See which universities officially accept Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE or an English-medium certificate, plus Chinese-taught and HSK routes.
Yes, you can study in China without IELTS from Bangladesh, but not without proving your language ability in some other way. There are three realistic routes: take an accepted alternative test such as Duolingo, TOEFL or PTE; qualify for an exemption with an English-medium (MOI) certificate at universities that officially allow it; or choose a Chinese-taught programme, which uses HSK instead of an English test.
The right route depends on the university, your level of study and how you studied before. This 2027 guide uses English requirements published on Chinese universities' own admission pages, so Bangladeshi students and guardians can see what is officially accepted rather than relying on "no IELTS" promises. Requirements change every year, so always check the current admission guide before applying.
For the full picture of studying in China, including universities, costs and the visa, see our complete guide to studying in China from Bangladesh.
"Without IELTS" Does Not Mean "Without English Proof"
Chinese universities teaching in English want evidence that you can follow lectures and write assignments in English. IELTS is the most familiar option, but it is rarely the only one. Most official guides accept IELTS or TOEFL, and many also list Duolingo, PTE or "other equivalent" certificates, sometimes at the university's discretion.
Our multi-country guide to studying abroad without IELTS from Bangladesh explains the general options. This article focuses only on China.
Route 1: Use an Alternative English Test
Several leading Chinese universities officially list Duolingo or PTE alongside IELTS and TOEFL. Examples from 2026 admission documents include:
Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), undergraduate including MBBS: TOEFL 80, IELTS 5.5 or Duolingo 110, or other certificates HUST accepts. See HUST's 2026 undergraduate guide.
Xi'an Jiaotong University, English-taught engineering undergraduate: TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 110, or other equivalent. See XJTU's 2026 programme document (PDF).
Beihang University, master's: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 90 or Duolingo 105, taken within two years. See Beihang's master's admissions page.
Fudan University, English-taught MBBS: TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 110 or PTE Academic 61. See Fudan's 2026 MBBS guide (PDF).
Zhejiang University, graduate programmes: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90 or Duolingo 120, among other accepted tests.
Duolingo can be taken online from home, which many Bangladeshi students find convenient, but you must still reach the university's minimum score. Not every university or programme lists Duolingo, so check before booking a test.
Route 2: English-Medium (MOI) Exemption
Some universities waive a test score if your previous study was taught in English and you can prove it with an official certificate from your school or university. Examples from official pages:
Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT): applicants whose previous degree was taught in English can submit an English language instruction certificate from that institution. See HIT's admissions page.
Beihang University: undergraduate applicants can submit proof that all courses were taught in English instead of TOEFL or IELTS; master's applicants whose earlier university study was in English do not need test scores. See Beihang's undergraduate page.
HUST: applicants whose previous degree education was taught in English can be exempted after confirmation.
Sun Yat-sen University, master's: a Certificate of English-Medium Instruction issued by your school can waive test scores. See SYSU's master's guide.
Fudan MBBS: applicants from high schools where major courses were taught in English may have the test waived.
Does This Work for Bangladeshi Students?
It can, but it depends on how you studied:
English-medium or English-version SSC/HSC, O/A Levels, or an English-taught Bachelor's: ask your institution for an official MOI letter on letterhead, signed and stamped, stating that the whole programme was taught in English.
Bangla-medium SSC/HSC: an MOI exemption is unlikely to apply. Plan for an accepted test such as Duolingo, TOEFL or IELTS, or choose a Chinese-taught route.
Universities decide individually whether to accept an MOI letter, so confirm with the admissions office before relying on it.
Route 3: Chinese-Taught Programmes with HSK
Chinese-taught degrees do not normally ask for IELTS, because teaching is in Mandarin. Instead, they usually require an HSK (Chinese proficiency test) certificate at a level set by each university. Many Bangladeshi students start with a one-year Chinese language programme in China and then move into a Chinese-taught degree.
This route opens up far more programmes and often lower tuition, but it takes extra time and commitment. It suits students who are comfortable learning a new language and want long-term career links with China.
Universities That Still Expect a Test Score
Some highly competitive universities set clear test-based requirements. For example, Peking University's graduate admissions list TOEFL iBT 100 or GRE 315 or other proof, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University's graduate requirements focus on IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT or Cambridge scores, with exemptions mainly for study in recognised English-speaking countries. If you are aiming for these universities, plan to take a recognised test.
English Requirements at a Glance
Duolingo officially listed: HUST (UG), XJTU (UG engineering), Beihang (master's), Fudan (MBBS), Zhejiang (graduate).
PTE officially listed: Fudan MBBS.
MOI or English-medium exemption: HIT, Beihang, HUST, Sun Yat-sen (master's), Fudan MBBS, Zhejiang (graduate).
"Other equivalent" at the university's discretion: HIT, HUST, XJTU, Tsinghua, Peking.
These examples come from 2026 admission pages or undated official pages. Requirements can differ between programmes at the same university.
Can You Get a Scholarship Without IELTS?
Yes, as long as you meet the university's language requirement in another accepted way. The Chinese Government (CSC) Scholarship follows the host university's rules. For example, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics' 2026 Type B scholarship lists TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS Academic 6.5 or Duolingo 110 for English-taught programmes. See SUFE's 2026 notice. A strong test score can still make a competitive scholarship application stronger. Read our guide to scholarships for Bangladeshi students for more options.
How to Apply to a Chinese University Without IELTS
Choose English-taught or Chinese-taught based on your goals and language ability.
Shortlist universities and open each programme's current admission guide.
Check the exact English rule: accepted tests, minimum scores and whether MOI exemptions are allowed.
Prepare your proof: book Duolingo, TOEFL or PTE, or request an official MOI letter from your school or university.
Email the admissions office if you are unsure whether your MOI letter will be accepted, and keep the reply.
Submit your application with transcripts, passport, study plan and other required documents before the deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Believing "no IELTS needed" means no English proof at all.
Submitting an informal MOI letter without letterhead, signature and stamp.
Assuming one university's rule applies to every Chinese university.
Booking Duolingo without checking that your chosen programme accepts it.
Trusting agents who promise admission "without any English test" for every programme.
Key Takeaways
Studying in China without IELTS is possible, but you still need accepted English or Chinese proof.
Duolingo is officially accepted at several universities, including HUST, XJTU, Beihang and Fudan (MBBS).
English-medium study can waive test scores at universities such as HIT, Beihang, HUST and Sun Yat-sen.
Chinese-taught degrees use HSK instead of IELTS.
Always confirm the exact rule for your programme in the current admission guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study in China without IELTS from Bangladesh?
Yes. Many Chinese universities accept alternatives such as TOEFL, Duolingo or PTE, and some waive test scores for students with English-medium education. Chinese-taught programmes use HSK instead.
Do Chinese universities accept Duolingo?
Some do. Official 2026 pages from HUST, Xi'an Jiaotong, Beihang (master's) and Fudan (MBBS) list Duolingo, with minimum scores such as 105, 110 or 120 depending on the programme.
Is an MOI certificate accepted in China?
At some universities, yes. HIT, Beihang, HUST, Sun Yat-sen (master's) and Fudan (MBBS) mention English-medium instruction as a way to waive test scores, subject to their rules.
Can I study MBBS in China without IELTS?
Possibly. Fudan's English-taught MBBS accepts Duolingo or PTE and may waive the test for English-medium high-school students, while HUST lists Duolingo for undergraduate programmes including MBBS. Check each university's MBBS guide.
What IELTS score is needed for China if I take it?
Commonly between 5.5 and 6.5, depending on the university and programme. For example, HUST lists 5.5 for undergraduates, HIT 6.0 and Fudan MBBS 6.5.
Do I need HSK for English-taught programmes?
Usually not for admission, although some programmes, such as certain English-taught medicine courses, may ask for basic Chinese proficiency. Learning some Chinese helps with daily life.
Is it easier to get admission without IELTS?
Not necessarily. Universities still assess your academic record and the strength of your application. An alternative test or MOI letter simply replaces IELTS as language proof.
Get Help Choosing the Right English Route
Southern Trip Limited helps Bangladeshi students check official English requirements, prepare MOI letters and test plans, shortlist Chinese universities and complete applications. Admission decisions are made by the universities, so we cannot guarantee an offer, but we can help you choose a realistic route.
Explore our Study in China services, compare with studying in Malaysia without IELTS, or talk to our counselling team.
Requirements in this article were checked in October 2026 from official Chinese university admission pages. English requirements can change each year and differ by programme; always confirm in the latest admission guide.