Daily Chinese - HSK 日常汉语 - HSK
Learn Practical Mandarin for Everyday Communication
Daily Chinese – HSK is designed for participants who wish to develop practical Mandarin communication skills for everyday use and basic workplace interactions.
Aligned with the internationally recognised Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) syllabus, the programme builds competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through structured progression across levels. It supports participants from beginner to advanced proficiency at a manageable pace.
What You Will Learn
By the end of each level, you will be able to:
- understand and respond to commonly used Mandarin in daily situations
- communicate basic needs, requests, and information clearly
- read and write simple texts for everyday use
- apply Mandarin in routine workplace interactions
Who Should Join
This programme is suitable for:
- participants with little or no prior Chinese language knowledge
- participants who need Mandarin for everyday communication and basic workplace use
Course Structure
The programme consists of 18 progressive levels.
- build a foundation in pronunciation (tones, initials, finals)
- understand and use simple vocabulary and sentence patterns
- communicate in common daily situations
- develop basic reading and writing skills in Chinese characters
- improve communication skills for everyday life and basic workplace settings
- expand vocabulary and sentence structures
- strengthen reading comprehension and written expression
- communicate more fluently across a wider range of situations
- understand longer and more complex spoken and written texts
- express ideas more clearly in spoken and written Mandarin
- develop cross-cultural awareness to support communication
Mode of Training: Classroom Facilitated Training
Schedule & Duration: Four intakes per year (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct)
30 hours per course (10 sessions)
Weekday evenings (7pm – 10pm) | Saturdays morning (9am – 12pm)
Assessment: Conducted at the end of each course to track learning progress.
| Funding Support · National Silver Academy Subsidy (NSA) · SkillsFuture Credit (Opening Credit) · Post-Secondary Education Account Fund (PSEA) · Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) | Discounts · NTU Community Discount · Senior Discount · Group Enrolment Discount |
Enrolment Procedure
After receiving the course recommendation (or if starting in Basic Level 1), submit the enrolment form at least 10 days before the course start date.
Payment instructions will be provided upon class confirmation.
Training Venue
NTU@one-north campus
11 Slim Barracks Rise, Executive Centre, #08-01, Singapore 138664
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista & one-north
Contact Us
📞 6514 1062 / 6592 2539 (Joyce / Eileen)
📧 [email protected]
FAQs
Which programme should I choose: Daily Chinese or Business Chinese?
Daily Chinese – HSK is suitable for learners building foundational Chinese for everyday communication and basic workplace use.
Business Chinese is designed for learners with prior Chinese knowledge (e.g. O-Level standard) who need to use Chinese in professional or business settings.
Are foreign participants eligible to enrol?
Yes. Foreign participants are welcome but must hold a valid pass for the full course duration. This programme does not qualify for a Student Pass, and CI-NTU does not assist with pass applications.
Are there additional material fees?
No. There are no additional material fees. Printed materials may be provided at selected levels where applicable.
Are courses guaranteed to start as scheduled?
Courses are subject to a minimum class size. You will be notified in advance if there are any changes.
How do I register?
Submit the online application form based on your self-assessment. All applications are subject to review and do not guarantee enrolment.
Do I need to take a placement test, and which level should I start from?
Beginners may enrol directly in Basic Level 1. If you have prior knowledge of Chinese, we recommend taking the placement test to determine the most suitable starting level.
How is the placement test conducted?
The placement test consists of two parts:
A short survey (approx. 5–10 minutes)
An online test (approx. 1–2 hours)
Placement recommendations will be emailed within 5-7 working days after both parts are completed.
Can I enrol based on my existing HSK result?
You may use your HSK results as a reference. However, we recommend taking the placement test for a more accurate course recommendation.
What is the attendance requirement?
Participants are expected to maintain at least 70% attendance.
What if I miss a lesson?
Make-up lessons are not provided. Please choose a schedule that suits your availability.
Is the post-course test compulsory?
Yes. The test assesses learning progress and is required for progression to the next level.
What happens if I fail the test?
You may take a supplementary test (with an applicable fee) or consult the course coordinator for a placement test.
What funding support is available?
Eligible participants may use:
- National Silver Academy Subsidy (NSA) – 50% funding for SCs aged ≥50
- SkillsFuture Credit (Opening Credit) – may be used together with NSA subsidy (excluding the $4,000 Mid-Career Tier Credit). Check your balance here.
- Post-Secondary Education Account Fund (PSEA) – To check your balance, please log in to the MOE Student Finance System (SFS) at. Learn more here.
- Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) – Check the NTUC portal for eligibility details.
Are SSG funding schemes like the 50% baseline funding, 70% MCES, or ETSS grant available for this programme？
No. This programme is not eligible for SSG funding schemes.
How do I use my PSEA for course fees?
After your registration is confirmed, we will submit the PSEA withdrawal request on your behalf. You will receive an e-notification. Log in to studentfinance.moe.gov.sg to review and authorise the deduction before the due date.
Can I use CPF for payment?
No. CPF Education Scheme applies only to full-time undergraduate programmes.
Can I withdraw and receive a refund?
Refunds depend on when the withdrawal request is submitted:
- More than 30 days before course commencement: 100% refund
- 15 to 30 days before course commencement: 50% refund
- Less than 15 days before course commencement: No refund
Refunds are calculated based on the full course fee. Registration fees are non-refundable. For full details, refer to the Terms & Conditions in the enrolment form.
How are refunds processed?
Refunds are processed via GIRO to the participant or sponsoring company. Bank details and relevant documents will be required.
