The academic calendar of University of Science and Technology of China is comprised of two semesters: the fall semester and the spring semester. The fall semester normally starts from September to next year's January and the spring semester normally begins from February to June. There will be two long holidays for each academic year, including a summer break and a winter break. The summer break usually lasts for eight weeks and USTC may arrange summer courses or summer program for our students. The assigned time of university’s winter break varies yearly as this is determined by the date of the Chinese New Year, which is regulated by the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. The winter break usually lasts for four weeks.For more detailed information please refer to the University's academic calendar. 

The basic duration for undergraduate programs of USTC is 4 years, for master's programs 2-3 years and for doctoral programs 3-4 years. Students may apply for early graduation if they have fulfilled their respective graduation requirements prior to the designated time of graduation. Students may also request  to extend their designated duration of study.

1. Academic requirements for undergraduate students

Academic affairs for undergraduate students are mainly in charge by schools/departments. After registration in International Students Office, you need to go to your school/department for registration and select courses under the instruction of teaching secretary in your school/department according to the cultivation plan of your major. Please consult International Students Office for the contact information and office address of your teaching secretary.

For graduation, you must obtain at least 130 credits and pass oral defense of the graduation thesis. For more information about credits and degree requirements, please consult the Teaching Secretary in your school/department.

2. Academic Requirements for postgraduate students

Academic affairs for postgraduate students are mainly in charge by supervisors and schools/departments. After registration in International Students Office, you need to go to your school/department for registration. Specific cultivation plan for each postgraduate student is supposed to be made by the supervisor and the student, and must be approved by the school.

Then you can start selecting courses. Please log in the "Postgraduate Education System" (www.yjs.ustc.edu.cn) and select courses under the instruction of your supervisor according to your cultivation plan.

Different majors have different requirements for graduation and degree conferment, for which you are suggested to consult your school/department.

Regulated by Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese language and China Panorama are compulsory courses for all international students studying for degree programs.

Since Oct. 2018, it is further regulated by Chinese Ministry of Education that international students enrolled in Chinese-taught programs must pass HSK 5 before graduation; international undergraduate students enrolled in English-taught programs must pass HSK 4 before graduation; and international master’s degree students and doctoral students enrolled in English-taught programs must pass HSK 3 before graduation. Students enrolled in English-taught programs can write graduation thesis in English, but the abstract must be in Chinese.

(Compulsory Chinese language and culture courses are organized by International College of University of Science and Technology of China, including:

1. Graduate students enrolled in English-taught programs:

(1) Comprehensive Chinese: 2 credits
(2) Chinese Listening and Speaking: 2 credits
(3) China Panorama/China Panorama II: 4 credits

2. Graduate students enrolled in Chinese-taught programs:

(1) Comprehensive Chinese (Advanced): 4 credits
(2) China Panorama/China Panorama II: 4 credits

3. Undergraduate students:

(1) Chinese for Science & Technology (Advanced): 4 credits
(2) China Panorama/China Panorama II: 4 credits

Exemption for sitting in Chinese language class:

If you have passed HSK with the level as required for graduation or above, you can submit an application together with the photocopy of your HSK certificate to Inernational College for exemption from sitting in the language class and your score for the language course will be 75 or the actual score you achieved if taking the exam.