Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about studying at the Institute for China Studies? Below you will find answers to some of the questions most frequently asked by our students and participants.
If you cannot find the information you are looking for, contact us at info@china-studies.org or request a study consultation.
How can I register for a course?
You can register directly through the relevant program page on the Institute for China Studies website. Select “Take Course” and proceed through the registration and payment process.
Once your registration and payment have been completed, your student account is created and you receive access to the Digital Campus, where you can access your course materials and learning environment.
Do I need prior academic qualifications or knowledge about China?
No specific prior academic qualification or subject-specific knowledge is generally required to enroll in our Masterclasses, Certificate Programs and Diploma Programs.
Individual programs may, however, have specific requirements or recommended experience. Please refer to the relevant program page for details.
Our programs are designed for professionals and participants with different levels of China experience.
Can I cancel my registration?
Cancellation and withdrawal are subject to the Institute for China Studies Terms & Conditions and may depend on the type and duration of the program.
Because different programs may have different enrollment and delivery arrangements, please review the applicable terms before registering. For questions about a specific registration, contact us at info@china-studies.org.
Recommended change: I would use this wording rather than retaining the current blanket statement that cancellation is never possible.
Can I request an exemption from part of a program?
Yes, partial exemptions may be possible where you have previously completed a relevant Institute for China Studies program.
For example, completion of a relevant Masterclass may qualify you for an exemption from part of a corresponding Certificate Program, while completion of a relevant Certificate Program may qualify you for partial exemption from a corresponding Diploma Program.
Exemptions are subject to academic review and approval.
Can I defer my start date?
For programs with open enrollment, you may generally start at a time that suits you.
If you have already registered but would like to defer your planned start date, please contact us at info@china-studies.org. We will confirm the available options and help you arrange your start date.
Are the programs open to international participants?
Yes. The Institute for China Studies is an international institute and our programs are designed for professionals working in and with China from different countries and professional backgrounds.
Programs are generally delivered in English, making them accessible to an international professional audience.
What types of programs does the Institute for China Studies offer?
The Institute for China Studies offers a growing range of professional education programs, including:
- Masterclasses
- Certificate Programs
- Diploma Programs
- Executive Education
- Executive Coaching
Programs cover areas including China market entry and investment, sales and business development, HR and employment, finance and tax, risk and compliance, and media and communication.
How do I know whether a program is suitable for me?
Each program page provides information about the target audience, learning objectives, content, admission requirements, duration, delivery format and expected outcomes.
You can also select a program according to your learning objective—for example:
- Enter China
- Grow your business
- Manage China operations
- Manage China finance
- Manage China-related risks
- Build China expertise
If you are unsure which program is most suitable, you can request a free study consultation with an ICS study advisor.
How do I know whether a program is too difficult for me?
Our programs are designed for professionals and structured into clear, manageable learning units.
The level and expected workload vary by program. Individual program pages provide information about the required background, learning objectives and study commitment.
If you are uncertain about your suitability, our study advisors can help you identify an appropriate starting point.
How long do programs take to complete?
The duration varies significantly depending on the type of program.
Masterclasses are focused short-format programs, while Certificate Programs and Diploma Programs involve more comprehensive study. Executive Education and In-Company Training may have individually agreed schedules.
The exact duration is stated on each program page.
How much time do I need to spend studying each week?
The required study time depends on the program, its duration and its delivery format.
The estimated study commitment is provided on the relevant program page. Online programs are structured so that participants can generally plan their study around their professional commitments.
Executive and in-company programs may have a different time commitment depending on the agreed format.
Can I complete a program early?
This depends on the program and its assessment requirements.
For self-paced online programs, participants can generally progress through the learning materials according to their own schedule, provided that all required assessments and completion requirements are fulfilled.
Can I take longer to complete my program?
If you need additional time because of work, travel or other temporary circumstances, please contact us as early as possible.
Where applicable, ICS may provide an extension in accordance with the program’s terms and conditions.
What happens if I am on holiday, travelling or too busy with work?
Our online programs are designed with professional participants in mind.
If you temporarily cannot study because of work, travel, illness or other circumstances, contact us to discuss the available options for your program.
For self-paced programs, participants can generally organize their study around their professional commitments.
In which language are programs taught?
Our programs are generally taught in English.
Where relevant, course materials may include Chinese laws, regulations, official documents and other Chinese-language primary sources. English translations or explanations are provided where these materials form part of the learning content.
ICS combines Chinese primary sources with academic research and practical business analysis to make complex China-related subjects accessible to an international professional audience.
How are programs delivered?
The delivery format depends on the program.
ICS offers programs through:
- Online learning
- Live online sessions
- On-site learning
- Blended learning
- Executive education
- Customized and in-company training
The specific delivery format is stated on each program page or agreed with the organization for customized programs.
When can I start a program?
Many ICS online programs are offered on an open-enrollment basis, allowing participants to start at a time that suits them.
Programs involving scheduled live sessions, on-site delivery or cohort-based learning may have specific start dates.
The relevant program page will indicate the applicable start arrangement.
Do I receive a certificate after completing a program?
Yes. Where a program includes certification, participants who successfully meet the completion and assessment requirements receive a Certificate of Completion.
For online programs, the certificate may be issued as a digital certificate. The specific certification awarded is stated on the relevant program page.
When and how do I receive my course materials?
After registration and payment, you receive access to the ICS Digital Campus.
Course materials are made available through the online learning environment and may include reading materials, presentations, exercises, assignments, case studies and other learning resources.
In which language are the course materials available?
Course materials are generally provided in English.
Where Chinese primary sources such as laws, regulations or official documents are used, the relevant Chinese-language source may be provided together with an English translation or explanation.
How does ICS ensure the quality and relevance of its programs?
ICS combines Chinese primary sources, academic research, international perspectives and practical China business experience.
Program development may include research and analysis of Chinese laws, regulations, policies, official data and other primary sources. Content is complemented by insights and practical experience from faculty and expert contributors.
Does ICS use Chinese primary sources in its programs?
Yes.
Chinese primary sources are an important part of the ICS approach. Depending on the subject, these may include Chinese laws and regulations, government policies, official data, regulatory materials and other authoritative Chinese-language sources.
These sources are combined with academic research and practical analysis to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the subject.
Does the Institute for China Studies hold the copyright to its course materials?
ICS develops and uses proprietary educational materials and reading resources for its programs.
Copyright and usage rights depend on the specific material and its source. Materials provided by external authors, contributors or third parties remain subject to the applicable rights and permissions.
Course materials are provided for the participant’s personal educational use unless otherwise agreed.
How are assignments structured?
Assignments are designed to help participants demonstrate their understanding and apply the knowledge gained during the program.
Depending on the program, assessments may include written assignments, practical exercises, case analysis, quizzes or other forms of assessment.
The specific assessment structure is described in the relevant program.
How many assignments are included in a program?
The number and type of assignments depend on the program.
Online Certificate and Diploma Programs may include assignments linked to individual learning units or modules, while other formats may use different assessment methods.
Please refer to the individual program description for the applicable requirements.
Are assignments compulsory?
Where assignments form part of the formal assessment requirements, they must be completed and submitted in order to qualify for the Certificate of Completion.
The relevant program page or Digital Campus will indicate which assignments are compulsory.
How do I submit my assignments?
For online programs, assignments are submitted through the ICS Digital Campus.
The Digital Campus provides the applicable instructions and submission process for each assignment.
How are assignments assessed?
Assignments are assessed against the requirements specified for the relevant program or module.
Assessment is intended to demonstrate both understanding of the subject matter and the ability to apply the knowledge appropriately.
Where a program requires a passing grade, participants will be informed of the applicable requirements.
How do I contact my course professor?
The available contact arrangements depend on the program.
For online programs, participants may receive access to professor contact details, email support and/or designated office hours.
The relevant information is provided through the Digital Campus or the program introduction.
How much contact do I have with my professor?
The level of interaction depends on the program format.
Self-paced online programs provide structured academic support, while Executive Education, live programs and selected programs may include more direct interaction with faculty or expert contributors.
The level of faculty interaction is described on the relevant program page.
Who teaches at the Institute for China Studies?
ICS brings together faculty members, researchers and experienced China practitioners.
Faculty members contribute to teaching, research and academic development, while expert contributors bring practical experience from business and professional practice. Research and industry experts may also contribute to selected programs, publications, case studies and executive briefings.
What is the difference between faculty and expert contributors?
Faculty members are academic professionals involved in teaching, research and academic development.
Expert contributors are experienced professionals who contribute practical knowledge from business and professional practice.
This combination allows ICS to connect academic knowledge with real-world China experience.
What payment options are available?
Available payment methods are shown during the registration and checkout process.
Depending on the program, payment may be made by credit card or bank transfer. For organizational, executive or customized programs, alternative payment arrangements may be agreed separately.
When do I need to pay the tuition fee?
For standard open-enrollment programs, tuition is generally payable before access to the program is provided.
Payment terms for Executive Education, In-Company Training and customized programs may differ and will be stated in the applicable proposal or agreement.
Is VAT included in the program price?
The applicable tax treatment is stated in the relevant pricing, checkout information or commercial agreement.
For organizational and customized programs, tax treatment may depend on the applicable arrangement and jurisdiction.
Can I pay the tuition fee in installments?
Payment arrangements depend on the program.
Standard open-enrollment programs are generally paid in advance, while selected Executive Education or longer programs may offer alternative payment arrangements.
Where installment payments are available, this will be stated on the relevant program page or in the applicable agreement.
Are there additional costs when following a program?
The program price generally covers the standard learning services described on the relevant program page, including access to the Digital Campus and applicable learning materials.
Any additional costs or exclusions will be identified in the program information or commercial agreement.
Does ICS offer customized and in-company training?
Yes.
ICS provides customized and in-company training designed around the needs of organizations and their teams.
Programs can be tailored to specific business objectives, industries, professional roles and China-related challenges. Delivery can be online, on-site or blended.
Typical areas include China market entry, business development, HR and employment, finance and tax, compliance and risk, and China operations.
Can a company customize an existing ICS program?
Yes.
Existing programs can provide the foundation for a customized corporate learning program.
ICS can adapt the content, examples, case studies, exercises, delivery format and level of the program to the organization’s objectives and participant profile.
For larger organizational requirements, ICS can also develop a tailor-made program.
Can ICS provide training for different departments within the same organization?
Yes.
Programs can be designed for specific professional groups, including management, sales, finance, HR, legal and compliance, operations and business development teams, or for mixed groups requiring a shared understanding of China.
This allows organizations to combine general China knowledge with role-specific capabilities.
Can ICS provide executive briefings or workshops rather than full courses?
Yes.
In addition to structured programs, ICS can provide executive briefings, workshops, masterclasses and customized learning sessions focused on specific China-related topics or business challenges.
These can be delivered as standalone sessions or as part of a broader organizational development program.
Does ICS also conduct research?
Yes.
Research is an integral part of the Institute for China Studies.
ICS conducts research and produces analysis on China’s economy, business environment, markets, policies, regulations and institutions, drawing on Chinese primary sources, academic research and practical perspectives.
What is China Insights?
China Insights is the research and intelligence platform of the Institute for China Studies.
It provides analysis and insights on China’s business, economic, policy and regulatory environment.
While the Newsroom focuses on developments within the Institute for China Studies, China Insights focuses on developments and issues relating to China.
Can I continue learning after completing a program?
Yes.
ICS is designed as a continuous learning platform for professionals who want to develop and maintain China expertise.
Participants can progress from shorter Masterclasses to Certificate Programs and Diploma Programs, and may subsequently explore Executive Education, research, China Insights and other learning opportunities.
Does ICS work with external experts and business partners?
Yes.
ICS works with academic institutions, professional organizations, companies and knowledge partners to strengthen education, research, knowledge exchange and professional development.
Expert contributors and industry specialists may contribute practical experience, case studies, research, publications, events and selected programs.
Does ICS offer partnerships for universities and other educational institutions?
Yes.
ICS works with academic and educational institutions on areas such as research collaboration, curriculum development, faculty collaboration, knowledge exchange, events and professional education.
Organizations interested in developing a partnership can contact us at info@china-studies.org.
Can I speak to someone before registering?
Yes.
If you are unsure which program is appropriate, you can request a free study consultation.
Our study advisors can discuss your professional background, objectives and China-related learning needs and help you identify relevant programs.
What if my question is not answered here?
If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact the Institute for China Studies.
Email: info@china-studies.org
You can also request a free study consultation to discuss a program, organizational training requirement or other question with our team.
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