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Play Rugby & Study at University In China

Play rugby in one of the worlds most exciting emerging rugby scenes, while studying university abroad and empowering yourself for the future

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Awesome Rugby

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Great Universities

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Travel & Adventure

See our Rugby Videos Below!

What is the Level of Rugby Like in China?
Players of All Levels Welcome

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Semi-Pro Rugby

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Women's Rugby

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Social Rugby

Rugby Level

1. Hong Kong Premiership (Semi Pro: £100-300 Match Fees)
Equivalent Level: UK National 1 / SA Varsity Cup / NZ Prems / AUS Shute Shield

2. Hong Kong "Premiership A" (Amateur)
Equivalent Level: UK National 3 / SA Varsity Shield / NZ AUS Prem Reserves

3. Hong Kong "Championship" AND
China Mainland "All China Cup" (Amateur)

Equivalent Level: UK Top Leagues Below Nat 3 / SA NZ AUS Major City Div 3 

4. Hong Kong "Community Leagues" AND China Mainland Social Club Rugby (Amateur Social Rugby)
Equivalent Level: Social Rugby in UK, SA, NZ, AUS

Mainland China Social Club Rugby (Club Rugby Below "All China Cup" Level) ⬆️

Some of our partner clubs:

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Watch how one of our players is helping women's rugby grow in China:

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What are the requirements?

To be admitted to university in China, you must have:

  1. Completed (and passed) high school - must be 18+ years old to apply

  2. Clean police record

  3. Family support to cover the costs of studying in China

What is China like?

When you're not playing rugby you'll get an opportunity to enjoy the ancient history, rich culture, delicious food, thriving nightlife and nature escapes that China's megacities Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Beijing have to offer. Take a quick look through the gallery below for a showcase of what China is like ⬇️

Location: Shenzhen

Located right next to Hong Kong in the winterless south of China, Shenzhen is China's tech city with a population of 15 million and a thriving international community.  Shenzhen has easy access to the highest level of rugby in China (in Hong Kong) and is endowed with stunning white-sand beaches.

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The Rugby Club

Shenzhen Pirates is the best and biggest rugby club in Mainland China and competes in the Hong Kong rugby leagues (Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong).

  • Men's 1st Team - A high level team that competes in Hong Kong Premiership A + the Mainland China "All China Cup"

  • Men's 2nd Team - Competes in the Hong Kong Championship 1

  • Women's Team - Competes in the Hong Kong Community League.

Club website: shenzhenpirates.com

Club Instagram Page

NOTE: After 5 years of playing in Hong Kong, players are eligible to be selected for the Hong Kong national team (which is likely to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup)

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Universities & Majors

 

ENGLISH TAUGHT 4 YEAR BACHELOR'S DEGREE MAJORS

  • Economics & Trade 

  • Business Administration

  • Computer Science​

  • Robot Engineering

  • Mechanical Design 

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Civil Engineering

  • Architecture

  • Chinese Language (0.5 year, 1 year short courses and 4 year bachelor's degree courses available)

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Cost + Timeline

Application Fee: ¥450 (🇿🇦R1,150)

Flight to China: ¥3500 (🇿🇦R9,000)

Annual Cost Breakdown:

  • TOTAL¥50,000 (🇿🇦R127,000)

    • Tuition ¥30,000 (🇿🇦76,500)

      • NOTE: Scholarships covering tuition fees​ can be applied for

    • Food ¥13,000 (🇿🇦33,000)

    • Accommodation ¥5000 (🇿🇦R12,750)

    • Insurance, Health Check & Residence Permit ¥1700 (🇿🇦R4,325)

Timeline:

  • Application deadline: 15 April

  • Academic year: September-July

  • Summer holiday during July and August

  • Winter holiday during February

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are my chances of being accepted into a university and my preferred course?

As long as you completed and passed high school then you should be successful in getting admitted to most available university majors.

 

2. So What's China like?

China is a land full of opportunity and has the right mix of stimulation and challenge to help you grow as an individual and gain an advantage over your high school friends who take easier / more comfortable paths back home.  The rugby is high level and you don't need to make lifestyle or social sacrifices.  Here's a video showcasing a bit of Shenzhen:

 

 

3. What are the VISA requirements?

i. You must have completed and passed high school (you also must be 18+ yo)

ii. You must have family support to pay for your tuition, accommodation and living costs (which are around ¥50,000 (🇿🇦R126,000) per year in total).

iii. You must have a clean criminal record

4. Part time work

It is legal for foreigners on student visas to engage in paid part time work.  Many foreign students from native English speaking countries do part time English tutoring work as it's easy to find and is well paid at a rate of around ¥300-400 (🇿🇦R750-1000) per hour.  Doing 6-7 hours a week of part time work will give you a monthly salary or around 🇿🇦R20,000.

 

5. What's the deal with Accommodation?

There are two different types of student dormitory accommodation available:

  • Double Room ¥500 (🇿🇦R1270)/Month

  • Single Room ¥1000 (🇿🇦R2540)/Month

 

Here's a video of a single room dormitory at the Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen campus:

6. The University Options:

Shenzhen University - Official Website

Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen

Official Website

7. English Taught Bachelors Programmes

  • Trade & Economics

  • Business Administration

  • Computer Science​

  • Robot Engineering

  • Mechanical Design 

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Civil Engineering

  • Architecture

  • Chinese Language (0.5 year, 1 year short courses and 4 year bachelor's degree courses available)

8. Any language barriers?

It's entirely possible to exist in China comfortably without Chinese language skills.  If you want to learn Chinese then there's no better place to learn!  The university courses we recommend are taught entirely in English and our rugby clubs are English language environments with most players being expats from South Africa, UK, New Zealand and other tier 1 rugby nations.

9. What is the level of rugby in China?

The top level of club rugby is the Hong Kong Premiership which is semi professional and has match fees of around ¥1500 (🇿🇦R4000).  Other leagues don't have match fees but are still competitive.  There are also social leagues at the lower end of the scale.  No matter your background, you will find a challenge on the pitch. Click here for highlight videos of the different leagues.

10. Will my degree be recognised outside of China?

Yes, absolutely.  Chinese universities are well renowned world wide and degrees are universally recognised both inside and outside of China.

11. Rugby Training

Twice a week. Usually Tuesday and Thursday nights 6:30-8:30pm. There is additional midweek touch rugby for those interested.  The Shenzhen Pirates' training field:

12. Living costs?  Low..

University Canteen Meals:

  • Breakfast ¥5-10 (🇿🇦R12.5-25)

  • Lunch ¥15 (🇿🇦R40)

  • Dinner ¥15-20 (🇿🇦R40-50) 

Beers:

  • ¥4 (🇿🇦R10) in Convenience Stores

  • ​¥15-35 (🇿🇦R40-90) in Bars

Transport

  • Subway Train: ¥4 (🇿🇦R10) per trip

13. Annual Cost Breakdown

TOTAL ¥50,000 (🇿🇦R127,000) / Year

  • Tuition ¥30,000 (🇿🇦76,500)

    • NOTE: Scholarships covering tuition fees​ can be applied for

  • Food ¥13,000 (🇿🇦33,000)

  • Accommodation ¥5000 (🇿🇦R12,750)

  • Insurance, Health Check & Residence Permit ¥1700 (🇿🇦R4,325)

14. Post Graduation Work Opportunities:

There are well paid work opportunities in Chinafor university graduates so once you complete your university bachelor's degree you have the option to stay in China to work and pursue your career.

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One of Our Player Stories:

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