Language study is a central component of NYU Shanghai’s Core Curriculum, and students must complete the required coursework or demonstrate equivalent proficiency. After matriculation, if a student requests to be placed out of Intermediate Chinese II (or Intermediate Chinese for Advanced Beginners), in order to fulfill the language requirement, the student must take an in-person place-out exam. The place-out exam must be taken and completed prior to the student’s final semester. The intermediate Chinese II place-out exam is offered during the add/drop period at the start of each semester and again toward the end of the semester. Students can sign up for the place-out exam by emailing the Chinese Language Program (shanghai.clp@nyu.edu) at least two weeks prior to the exam date. The dates for the Spring 2026 semester are as follows:
- Add/drop: January 21
- End of semester: TBD
(Students who miss the place-out exam after registering will be eligible to sign up for any remaining exam dates. However, makeup exams will not be provided.
Requests for place-out exams at a different time must be submitted by email to Chinese Language Program (shanghai.clp@nyu.edu) at least thirty (30) days in advance of the proposed examination date/ time.
In-person place-out exams are ONLY offered to demonstrate proficiency at the Intermediate Chinese II (or Intermediate for Advanced Beginner) level.
Only two attempts are permitted, after which students must complete the requirement through coursework.