Jingdezhen Ceramic University International Summer and Winter Programs
Q1:
As 2025 is coming to an end, why do you want to look back specifically at Jingdezhen Ceramic University’s summer and winter programs?
A:
Because 2025 was a very active year for international ceramic exchange in Jingdezhen.
Among all the programs that took place, one of the most representative ones was the international ceramic summer and winter programs organized by Jingdezhen Ceramic University.
I think for many people who are planning their 2026 art studies, ceramic projects, or academic exchanges, understanding how these programs actually work can be very helpful.
Q2:
What specific changes were made to the program in 2025?
A:
There are two very clear changes.
First, the schedule became more centralized.
Instead of being spread throughout the year, the program is now concentrated in two fixed periods:
- June 1 to June 30 (Summer Camp)
- December 1 to Dec. 30 (Winter Camp)
Second, the application requirements became more academic and professional.
Starting in 2025, applicants are expected to have a relevant university-level art education background, rather than simply holding IAC membership.
This indicates that the International Ceramic Art Workshop at Jingdezhen Ceramic University has formally shifted toward a summer camp and winter camp structure, clearly distinguishing itself from Taoxichuan’s residency model.
Q3:
So what exactly did Jingdezhen Ceramic University organize in 2025?
A:
In 2025, the university organized two major international programs:
- One was the International Ceramic Art Summer Program
- The other was the International Ceramic Art Winter Program
Each program lasted a full month, and both were quite comprehensive in terms of content and structure.
Q4:
How were the summer and winter programs scheduled?
A:
The schedule was actually very clear:
Summer Program: June 1 to June 30
Winter Program: December 1 to December 30
So there are two fixed windows every year—one in summer and one in winter.
Q5:
What do participants actually study? Is the focus more traditional or contemporary?
A:
That’s a very good question.
In reality, the curriculum is designed as a combination of traditional techniques, contemporary practice, hands-on craft, and field research.
There are 11 main study areas:
- Ceramic sculpture
- Blue-and-white porcelain
- Overglaze enamel painting
- Traditional large-scale wheel throwing
- Modern wheel throwing
- Traditional trimming techniques
- Clay modeling
- Wood firing
- Colored glaze painting
- Carving on porcelain
- Field research and site visits
If you are already studying or teaching ceramics, sculpture, design, or craft, these courses go straight to the core of the discipline.
Q6:
What would you say is the most attractive part of this program?
A:
Honestly, there is one very clear answer: it’s fully funded.
This program is supported by the Chinese Government Scholarship, which means:
- No tuition fees
- Courses are fully covered
- Teaching resources are provided by the university
This kind of support is actually quite rare in international art exchange programs.
Q7:
Who is this program mainly designed for?
A:
The target group is very clearly defined:
- Students from overseas universities that cooperate with Jingdezhen Ceramic University
- Art students from foreign universities
- Ceramic or art-related faculty members
- Researchers in related fields
The core purpose is to promote international academic exchange and cultural collaboration in ceramic art.
Q8:
Are there any age or nationality restrictions?
A:
There are no age or nationality limits in principle.
However, participants are divided into two categories:
- General Visiting Students
- Senior Visiting Students
Which category you fall into depends on your academic background and professional level.
Q9:
Are the application periods tight? Is timing important?
A:
Yes—especially for the summer program.
Summer application period:
May 6 to May 15
That’s only 10 days
Winter application period:
Mid-September to mid-November
About one and a half to two months
So if you are aiming for the summer program, you really need to prepare your materials in advance.
Q10:
What kind of applicants actually qualify for this program?
A:
To be honest, the screening process is quite strict.
Basic requirements include:
- No infectious diseases
- No mental illness history
- No criminal record
- Must hold a foreign passport
- Chinese citizens are not eligible
These are non-negotiable conditions.
Q11:
What if someone was originally a Chinese citizen but later obtained foreign citizenship?
A:
This is one of the most commonly misunderstood points.
The requirements are very specific:
- You must have held a foreign passport for at least 4 years
- Within the past 4 years, you must have actually lived abroad for at least 2 years
- Each year counts only if you lived abroad for at least 6 months
Simply holding a foreign passport without long-term overseas residence is not accepted.
Q12:
What about academic qualifications?
A:
There are two levels:
General Visiting Students:
- Currently enrolled undergraduate or master’s students
- Must be in an art or ceramic-related field
Senior Visiting Students:
- Master’s degree holders or PhD candidates
- Or overseas faculty members or researchers
So this program **is not open to independent hobbyists or casual applicants.
Q13:
If accepted, what kind of scholarship support do participants receive?**
A:
There are four main components:
- Full tuition waiver
- Free on-campus accommodation
(shared room with private bathroom) - Monthly living allowance
- General visiting students: RMB 3,000
- Senior visiting students: RMB 3,500
- Comprehensive medical insurance for international students
In a city like Jingdezhen, RMB 3,000 is generally sufficient for basic living expenses.
Q14:
Which costs do students need to cover themselves?
A:
Mainly:
- International airfare
- Medical examination fees
- Visa fees
- Tickets for off-campus visits and field trips
These are all out-of-pocket expenses.
Q15:
What materials are required for the application?
A:
There are six main documents:
- Online application form
- One-inch digital ID photo
- Enrollment or employment certificate
- High-resolution passport scan (English version)
- International medical examination report
- Criminal record clearance certificate
It’s strongly recommended to prepare these in advance, otherwise it’s easy to miss the application window.
Q16:
Why did the Jingdezhen Ceramic University International Ceramic Art Workshop make such a major adjustment in 2025?**
A:
Yes, the International Ceramic Art Workshop at Jingdezhen Ceramic University did undergo a significant change in 2025.
From my personal observation, this adjustment is very likely related to the rapid growth of the Taoxichuan International Artist Residency Program — also known as the “Migratory Bird Program” — during the period from 2023 to 2025.
Taoxichuan’s residency program has expanded quickly, with a wide scope and very flexible conditions.
There is no strict age limit, and as long as applicants hold IAC membership, they are eligible to apply.
There are no rigid requirements regarding academic degrees or formal diplomas.
In addition, the residency period is flexible throughout the year, and the program offers generous support, including free round-trip flights, accommodation, and studio space.
Under these circumstances, I personally believe that Taoxichuan’s residency program has gradually become more attractive and accessible than the original international workshop model at Jingdezhen Ceramic University.
Therefore, the university’s adjustment in 2025 can be seen as a response to this changing environment.
Q17:
What specific changes were made to the program in 2025?
A:
There are two very clear changes.
First, the schedule became more centralized.
Instead of being spread throughout the year, the program is now concentrated in two fixed periods:
- June 1 to June 30 (Summer Camp)
- December 1 to Dec. 30 (Winter Camp)
Second, the application requirements became more academic and professional.
Starting in 2025, applicants are expected to have a relevant university-level art education background, rather than simply holding IAC membership.
This indicates that the International Ceramic Art Workshop at Jingdezhen Ceramic University has formally shifted toward a summer camp and winter camp structure, clearly distinguishing itself from Taoxichuan’s residency model.
Q18:
What does this change represent?
A: In my view, it marks a clear divergence between two different paths:
- Taoxichuan focuses on an open, practice-oriented artist residency system with flexible durations.
- Jingdezhen Ceramic University is returning to a more structured, academy-based educational exchange format.
For applicants, this actually provides clearer choices based on individual goals and backgrounds.
Q19:
What is your personal view on this adjustment?
A: If you have previously participated in the Jingdezhen Ceramic University International Workshop,
or if you have your own experience or perspective,
feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
Thank you for watching.
Q20:
Will the program continue with the summer and winter camp structure in 2026?
A:**
Personally, I believe this structure will most likely continue.
However, the exact details, schedules, and program design should always be confirmed through the official announcements of the International College of Jingdezhen Ceramic University.
Since these programs are often connected to national scholarship frameworks and institutional planning, the International College maintains its own decision-making process.
So I strongly recommend keeping an eye on the official website for the latest updates.
Closing – Summary
Overall, this is a high-threshold, carefully reviewed program supported by the Chinese government.
But if you meet the requirements, it’s a low-cost, high-value opportunity for international ceramic art exchange.
What is your personal view on this adjustment?
If you have previously participated in the Jingdezhen Ceramic University International Workshop,
or if you have your own experience or perspective,feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Thank you for watching.