Education Ministry: Foreign students suspend to return to school

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 100 countries and regions worldwide have already been affected by the Covid-19 outbreak, as it continues to expand. 

Schools in many countries remain closed at present, while in China, the reopening of schools and universities is under preparation as positive signs have been seen in the war against Covid-19 pandemic. 

”Can we return to school now?” This is probably the most concerned question for foreign students who live and study in China.

In the afternoon of March 31, a press conference themed “School Reopening in Low-Risk Areas” was held by the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of China’s State Council.

At the conference, officials from the Ministry of Education responded to questions regarding campus disease control, situation of foreign students in the country as well as adjustment of time for China’s Gaokao (university entrance examination).

Foreign students studying in universities in China have been asked NOT to return to their schools for now. Further notice will be announced depending on the risk of Covid-19 outbreak.

At present, the Chinese government temporarily bans foreign nationals with Chinese visas or residence permits from entering the country.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has required schools and universities nationwide to carry out classes online and provide necessary academic support to those who are in their last year, ensuring that their dissertations can be finished in spite of Covid-19 outbreak.

To the foreign students who intend to leave school or extend their study period, the Ministry of Education has ordered schools and universities across the country to help them follow the procedures accordingly.

Trans-editing by Wang Jingzhong