Academic Administration | Office of China Programs
Academic Administration | Office of China Programs
Office of China Programs

Programs and Resources

Graduate Student Program (VSP)

Saint Joseph's China Office Graduate Student Program welcomes applications from students who:

  • Have a good academic standing in their home university (GPA 3.0 and above)
  • Have TOEFL 80 and above or IELTS 6.5 and above, or CET BAND 6 or have passed CET BAND 4 and attend SJU Summer Bridging Program
  • Have GMAT 550 and above
  • Are recommended by our partner universities in China

  • Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Our programs fill up quickly, so please apply early.

    Follow these steps to apply:

    1. Read our website for information including deadlines, dates and costs.
    2. Fill out an online application form and upload supplemental materials (see “Application Requirements” below).
    3. Submit your complete application online.
    4. If you are accepted to our program, we will send you an acceptance e-mail with details on how to create a SJU student account.
    5. After you are accepted, you need an I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa (see “I20 Application Requirements” below).
    6. Once you receive your I20 in email, you will follow the instructions on paying the SEVIS I-901 fee and preparing for your F-1 visa interview appointment. Original I-20 will be mailed to your university coordinator.
    7. After you have been accepted, get ready to come to Saint Joseph's University reading our information about arrival and housing.

  • To apply, please submit the following items online:

    • Completed online application form
    • Non-refundable application fee of $35 USD (waived for students from partner university)
    • Express mail fee for I20 of $40 USD (waived for students from partner university)
    • Official transcripts in English and your native language (Undergraduate and Graduate)
    • Official English Proficiency Proof
    • Two (2) letters of Recommendation
    • Resume
    • TOEFL 80 and above or IELTS 6.5 and above, or CET BAND 6 or CET BAND 4 plus attending SJU Summer Bridging Program
    • Official GMAT scores 550 and above* (test must be taken within the last 7 years)
    • An official course-by-course evaluation of undergraduate and graduate education
      The course by course undergraduate and graduate transcript evaluation must be performed by a NACES approved international credential evaluation service such WES (www.wes.org) or ECE (www.ece.org) OR applicants may submit original transcripts along with the English translation to be evaluated by the Graduate Operations office of Saint Joseph’s University.
    • Copy of the page in your passport with your picture, name, and birthdate (to apply for I20)
    • Official bank statement(less than six months old) and letter of sponsorship (if sponsored) confirming you have the funds necessary to cover all tuition and living expenses while you are in the U.S. Both documents must be in English. We accept photocopies, but please be ready to provide originals if asked. Contact us if you have questions about the funds that must be demonstrated for your program (to apply for I20)

Visiting Student Program (VSP)

Saint Joseph's University China Office Visiting Student Program welcomes applications from students who:

  • Are at least 18 years old by the time the program begins
  • Have a good academic standing in their home university (GPA 2.5 and above)
  • Have TOEFL 80 and above or IELTS 6.5 and above, or CET BAND 6 or have passed CET BAND 4 and attend SJU Summer Bridging Program
  • Are recommended by our partner universities in China

Visiting Student Application

Housing Application

  • Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Our programs fill up quickly, so please apply early.

    Follow these steps to apply:

    1. Read our website for information including deadlines, dates and costs.
    2. Fill out an online application form and upload supplemental materials (see “Application Requirements” below).
    3. Submit your complete application online.
    4. If you are accepted to our program, we will send you an acceptance e-mail with details on how to create a SJU student account.
    5. After you are accepted, you need an I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa (see “I20 Application Requirements” below).
    6. Once you receive your I20 in email, you will follow the instructions on paying the SEVIS I-901 fee and preparing for your F-1 visa interview appointment. Original I-20 will be mailed to your university coordinator.
    7. After you have been accepted, get ready to come to SJU reading our information about arrival and housing.

  • To apply, please submit the following items online:

    • Completed and signed application form
    • Non-refundable application fee of $35 USD
    • Express mail fee of $75 USD
    • Official transcripts of all college and university academic course work in English and your native language
    • Official English Proficiency Proof
    • One recommendation letter from your home university
    • Resume
    • Have TOEFL 80 and above or IELTS 6.5 and above, or CET BAND 6 or have passed CET BAND 4 and attend SJU Summer Bridging Program
    • Copy of the page in your passport with your picture, name, and birthdate (to apply for I20)
    • Official bank statement(less than six months old) and letter of sponsorship (if sponsored) confirming you have the funds necessary to cover all tuition and living expenses while you are in the U.S. Both documents must be in English. We accept photocopies, but please be ready to provide originals if asked. Contact us if you have questions about the funds that must be demonstrated for your program (to apply for I20)

Bridging Program

The Saint Joseph's University Bridging Program (Communication & Culture) is designed for Chinese students who want to bring their English language up-to-date and overcome the challenges they may encounter in American higher education classroom. Through this program the students will improve their English language fluency and learn about American culture so that they can adapt to the new education system and American culture rather quickly.

Program Features

  • Knowledgeable, experienced instructors with advanced degrees
  • Guest speakers (Only in Fall and Spring)
  • Field trips to practice and study English at Philadelphia locations such as Philadelphia Reading Terminal, Love Park, Philadelphia Science Museum, etc. (Only in Fall and Spring)

Program Structure

Students in the bridging program begin their studies in the summer three weeks before fall semester starts. The program will continue throughout the Fall and Spring semester. During semester, class meets twice a week.

During the summer intensive training, class meets Monday to Friday for three consecutive weeks. In the morning, students will spend most of their class time with the same teacher working on all language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – in one integrated class. In the afternoon, students will attend American culture lecture series. In addition to the core course and lectures, students will take a separate tutor session on pronunciation.

Classes are organized around topics, so students can work on their English while learning about different topics in American culture.

Chinese Language and Culture Minor

Saint Joseph’s University’s Chinese language and culture minor provides a foundation in the culture, perspectives and societal behaviors of the Chinese people. As a Chinese major or minor, you will take language courses that utilize advanced teaching methods and cutting-edge instructional materials and technology.

Chinese Language and Culture Minor Program