The Visiting Student Program is designed for law students currently enrolled at other law schools in China or in a law degree program outside China who are interested in taking courses in STL’s J.D. and/or Chinese law J.M. program. Visiting students may attend STL on a full-time basis for any length of time (at least one quarter) up to one academic year.
Visiting students will earn credit for transfer to their degree-granting institution. In the past, visiting students at STL have come from schools such as the University of Alabama School of Law, the University of Cincinnati College of Law, and the Hautes Etudes Appliques du Droit (HEAD).
STL reviews visiting student applications for Fall, Winter, and Spring quarter admission. Admission is granted on a competitive, space-available basis. To be eligible for admission, students must ordinarily have completed at least three years of an undergraduate degree program or be currently enrolled in a graduate law degree program. In addition, it is strongly preferred that students be at least 21 years of age when they visit, however, we will consider applications from students under 21. An application to attend STL as a visiting student will not be considered unless the applicant’s Dean authorizes the student’s attendance.
Visiting student tuition is equivalent to international J.D. student tuition at 120,000 RMB per year. For visits shorter than one year, tuition is prorated on a per-quarter basis.
How to Apply
To apply, please send the following materials via e-mail to admission@stl.pku.edu.cn, and indicate the quarter (Fall, Winter, or Spring) you wish to begin your visiting study and the length of time (one quarter, two quarters, or full year) you wish to spend at STL. Admission deadlines are also below.
Personal statement – Please describe why you wish to study at STL, your educational objectives, professional goals, any areas of special interest, and previous international experiences, if any. Limit your statement to no more than 750 words.
Resume or curriculum vitae
Copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts
Letter from applicant’s home institution stating that the applicant is a student in good standing, and authorizing the student’s attendance at ST
Proof of English proficiency (for J.D. courses only) – Applicants may demonstrate fluency either by certifying that their native language is English, that their home institution uses English as a primary language of instruction, or by achievement on certain approved language aptitude tests. For example, STL accepts minimum scores of 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL or 7 points on the IELTS.
Proof of Chinese proficiency (for Chinese law J.M. courses only) – Applicants may demonstrate Mandarin Chinese proficiency by certifying that their native language is Chinese, that their home institution uses Chinese as a primary language of instruction, or by achievement on certain approved language aptitude tests. For example, STL will consider achievement on the HSK test.
Admission Deadlines
For admission in the Fall or Winter quarter, visiting student applications must be submitted before March 31.
For admission in the Spring quarter, visiting student applications must be submitted before October 15.
“I spent one year in STL studying with Chinese J.D. students in a highly demanding environment. I had the chance to discover the Chinese culture in depth by spending so much time with my classmates who were always available and open with me. Most of the classes focus on international operation more than a specific law and gave me the key skills to be prepared for my future career. Everyone, from the administration to the students, made everything they could to make this year such a great experience.”
– Bruno Valenti, Hautes Etudes Appliques du Droit