Philosophy summer school

Founded in 2015, the Beijing Normal University Philosophy summer school is designed for international university students who are curious about traditional Chinese culture and its impact on the contemporary culture of China.

The invited speakers are world-renowned scholars who offer unique insights into traditional Chinese philosophy and thought-provoking discussions on contemporary China.

The Summer School also presents a unique opportunity to meet young people from around the world who share a passion to explore the treasures of Chinese civilisation.

PLEASE NOTE: Dates for 2025 will be announced in April/May 2025. Programme content and eligibility criteria for 2025 will also be updated then.

Venue: Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.

Theme: Tolerance, Mutual Communication and Common Development: the Core Values in Traditional Chinese Culture

Download programme

Applicants must be a student or alumni of The University of Manchester or a student of the Manchester Confucius Institute and aged over 18.

Please submit a 300-500 word statement including the following details to confucius@manchester.ac.uk no later than 29 April 2024.

  • Copy of Passport (with name and personal information)
  • CV (no more than 3 pages)
  • Personal Statement (no more than 2 pages, including motivation(s) to participate in this program and personal academic or social achievements)
  • 2 Recommendation Letters (written by your current employer or academic supervisor).
  • Application form

No tuition fees are charged for attending the programme. The International Confucian Association and Beijing Normal University will provide student grants of different levels, covering the cost of round-trip international air tickets, lodging and sightseeing in China during the program. To apply for the grant, please submit the following materials by sending an email to confucius@manchester.ac.uk before 29 April 2024.

  • A short, separate letter outlining the applicant’s current funding status, financial needs and the estimated international travel expenses.
  • An essay that discusses your interests in the topic “Tolerance, Mutual Communication and Common Development: the Core Values in Traditional Chinese Culture”, and your relevant previous study experience in no less than 1000 words. Applicants do not necessarily require relevant study experience in the program’s topic.

Please note that an X2 Student Visa will be required for this trip and obtaining this Visa will invalidate other Visas to China you may already have obtained.