Overview

The Chinese programme at the University of California, Davis offers students a comprehensive gateway to the world’s most widely spoken language and its diverse traditions. This Bachelor of Arts degree is designed to build high-level competency in Mandarin while exploring the complex literary and cultural history of the region. Students benefit from a structured curriculum that supports both beginners and those with prior language experience.

The curriculum is deeply rooted in the College of Letters and Science, providing a rigorous academic environment. Beyond the classroom, the university encourages global learning through established study abroad programmes in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Why Chinese at University of California, Davis?

The university provides an intimate learning environment through small class sizes, ensuring personalised attention from expert faculty. Students have the unique opportunity to work directly with professors on research projects and laboratory initiatives. The programme also integrates global learning opportunities, allowing students to pursue academic interests across East Asia through dedicated partnerships.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 53472 per year
National fee: USD 53472 per year
Local fee: USD 14202 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum balances intensive language training with the study of literature and culture. Advanced students engage with materials in their original language to refine their analytical skills. Modules may include:

Mandarin
Traditional Poetry
Modern Fiction
Contemporary Popular Culture
Literary Heritage
Cultural Studies

Careers with Chinese

Graduates of the Chinese programme are well-prepared for diverse international roles in both the public and private sectors. The linguistic and analytical skills gained during the degree are highly valued in global business, diplomacy, and legal professions. Many alumni also pursue further academic study in specialised fields.

Common career paths and graduate destinations include:

Translator or Interpreter
Marketing Manager
Financial Analyst
Journalist
Teacher
Lawyer
Travel Guide

Graduates have secured positions with prominent organisations such as Facebook, the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, and various governmental departments. The degree also serves as a strong foundation for postgraduate study in medicine, business, and linguistics.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Modern Chinese Literature (In English)

Great Books of China (in English)

Literature of China & Japan

Poetry

Masterworks
Japanese Literature (in English)

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Davis, United States

Disciplines

Linguistics Asian studies View 504 other Bachelors in Asian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Students who are not residents of California must earn a GPA of 3.40 or higher.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To be competitive for freshman admission to UC Davis, prospective students must be on track to earn a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meet all UC freshman admission requirements. Our campus then reviews and assesses all applications as part of our UC Davis freshman application review process.

Freshman 1applicants are required to take the ACT with Writing or the SAT with Essay no later than December 31 of the year they apply.

International students must meet the same admission requirements and will be included in the same selection process as students from the United States.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

53472 USD / year

≈ 53472 USD / year
Out-of-State

53472 USD / year

≈ 53472 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14202 USD / year

≈ 14202 USD / year

Living costs

Davis

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Chinese.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Davis

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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