Language courses abroad

The programme is open to all students and recent graduates (within 12 months of graduation) from Università Cattolica.

No prior knowledge of the Chinese language is required: the courses cover all levels, from complete beginner to advanced.

• Spring 2026: Applications are open! Application deadline: 10 December 2025
• Summer 2026: Applications will open in February 2026
• Fall 2026: Applications will open in April 2026

Spring 2026

Courses are available for all levels, from complete beginner to advanced.

Before departure, each student must take an online placement test to determine the most appropriate level.

The 4, 6, 8, and 12-week courses only offer the regular option, consisting of 20 hours per week.

The semester courses offer both the regular option (20 hours per week) and the intensive option (30 hours per week).

• Regular course (20 hours per week): classes from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Intensive course (30 hours per week): classes from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.

The courses are intended for international students and are taught by native-speaking instructors specialised in teaching the Chinese language.

Each class will consist of approximately 20 students.

Students will be accommodated on campus in Building 17 (double or single rooms) or in the Conference Center (single rooms).

All rooms have a private bathroom and shared kitchen facilities on the floor. Each floor is also equipped with coin-operated washing machines and dryers.

The accommodation is located within walking distance of the classrooms where lessons take place.

Accommodation booking is managed by Cattolica International: students must communicate their preferred option within one week of their meeting with Cattolica International.

Rooms will be reserved from 2 days before the start of the course until 2 days after its end.

The campus is located in the university district of WuDaoKou, about 15 km from Tiananmen Square – considered the city centre – and 35 km from the international airport.

Numerous facilities are available on campus, including:

• Libraries
• Bookshops
• Shops and minimarkets
• Canteens
• Cafés and restaurants (Chinese, Japanese and international cuisine)
• Sports centre (indoor swimming pool and gym, running track, basketball, tennis, volleyball and football pitches)
• Bank (currency exchange and cashpoint services)
• Health Centre
• Post Office

Access procedures for the various facilities can be verified directly on campus.

The cost of the programme varies according to the chosen option and type of accommodation.

• Programme fee: to be paid at the time of registration for the programme; it includes:
  • Orientation and support during the registration phase for courses at BLCU
  • Pre-departure assistance
  • 24/7 active Italian emergency number during the stay abroad
  • Assistance upon return, regarding the validation procedures of exams taken abroad
  • Application fee
  • Health insurance for the duration of the programme and Safety App
  • Post-return self-assessment session “Welcome Back: unpack your experience!” organised by Cattolica International
• Tuition fee: to be paid directly to BLCU; it includes:
  • Chinese language course of 20 or 30 hours, with final exam
  • Teaching materials
  • Certificate of attendance
  • Access to all BLCU campus facilities
• Accommodation: to be paid directly to BLCU.
  1. Building 17
  • Single room: 240 CNY/person/day
  • Double room: 90 CNY/person/day
  2. Conference Center
  • Single room: 200 CNY/person/day

The following are not included in the programme cost and are therefore the responsibility of the student:

• Return flight to/from Beijing
• Visa issuance costs (approximately €150)
• Room deposit of approximately 600 CNY, to be paid at check-in (refundable if no damage occurs to the accommodation facilities)
• Meals (the BLCU campus has a student canteen and numerous bars, restaurants, and supermarkets)
• Any personal expenses during the stay abroad

NB: We recommend purchasing the flight only AFTER completing the application on the BLCU website and receiving the admission letter.

In the event of being unable to depart, it is possible to request a refund of the fee; only the non-refundable fees will be withheld, amounting to €150.

No refund can be granted in the case of cancellations after the departure date.

All students who take part in the programme as their first international experience will receive, upon return, 1 additional CFU (university credit) for International Activities.

Students from the Faculty of Linguistic Sciences may request recognition of the oral mid-term Chinese language exam by completing, prior to departure, the study plan abroad and the programme plan.
Detailed instructions regarding the specific recognition procedures will be available after registration in the Documents section of the student’s dashboard on the international mobility portal.

1. Attend an info session.
2. Complete the online application: during the application process you will be asked to confirm your personal details and upload a copy of your passport, which must have at least 6 months’ remaining validity. If you need to renew or apply for a new passport, please contact our offices. Select your preferred option and make the payment for the programme fee.

Programme Timeline

1. Attend the MANDATORY meeting with Cattolica International, where we will provide instructions regarding the next steps.

2. Communicate your accommodation preferences to Cattolica International.

3. Complete and submit your online application on the BLCU website within the given deadlines.

4. Receive your admission letter. (Note: issuance times may take up to 4 weeks.)

5. Apply for your visa. Read all details regarding visa application procedures. (Note: the student is responsible for the visa application.)

6. Attend the MANDATORY pre-departure meeting, where we will share the final details useful for the programme.

7. Depart ✈️;

8. Check in at your dormitory and proceed with the accommodation payment.

9. Go to the building indicated in your admission letter to complete course registration and pay the tuition fee.