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Tax Master's Program for In-Service Tax Officials: What Foreign Founders Should Know

A joint master's program in taxation offered by the State Taxation Administration's Tax Science Research Institute and Beijing National Accounting Institute for 2027, aimed at tax officials but relevant for foreign founders tracking China's tax talent development.

Overview of the 2027 Taxation Master's Program

The Tax Science Research Institute of the State Taxation Administration (STA) and Beijing National Accounting Institute (BNAI) have announced a joint admissions program for a professional master's degree in taxation (code 025300) for the year 2027. The program focuses on big data and smart taxation and is offered on a part-time, targeted-employment basis. The planned enrollment is 35 students, subject to final approval by the Ministry of Education.

Target Audience and Eligibility

The program is primarily designed for in-service cadres within the tax system. Applicants must be under 45 years old and have at least three years of tax work experience as of September 30, 2026. They must also support the leadership of the Communist Party of China, abide by the Constitution and laws, be honest and trustworthy, and meet health standards.

In addition, applicants must meet one of the following academic qualifications:

• Current undergraduate students expecting to graduate (including those from regular, adult, or online higher education programs) or self-taught examination and online education students who will graduate by the enrollment time.
• Holders of a nationally recognized bachelor's degree.
• Holders of a nationally recognized vocational college diploma with at least two years of post-graduation experience (by enrollment) or holders of a nationally recognized associate degree, who meet specific academic requirements and apply as equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
• Holders of a master's or doctoral degree.

Individuals prohibited from taking master's entrance exams by laws or regulations, such as those in a suspension period for violating exam rules, are not eligible.

Application Process and Key Dates

Online registration will be open from October 15 to 24, 2026, daily from 9:00 to 22:00, via the China Graduate Admissions Information Network (yz.chsi.com.cn). Candidates can modify their information during this period but can only keep one valid application record. Late modifications are not allowed. Each candidate may apply to only one program.

Applicants must provide truthful information and materials, sign the Candidate Integrity Examination Commitment, and submit supplementary materials as required by provincial education authorities. Those with academic qualifications that fail online verification must complete verification before the re-examination. Candidates must also pay the application fee and have their photo taken via the Xuexin app. Admission tickets can be downloaded about ten days before the exam.

Examination Structure

The entrance examination consists of a preliminary test and a re-examination. The preliminary test includes the following subjects:

• Ideological and Political Theory (100 points)
• English II (100 points)
• 396 Economic Comprehensive Ability (150 points)
• 433 Tax Professional Foundation (150 points)

The re-examination is organized by BNAI according to Ministry of Education regulations, and details will be published on the BNAI website. The Ministry sets the national minimum score requirements for entering the re-examination, and BNAI determines its own requirements based on applicants and enrollment plans.

Study Mode and Commitment

The program has a basic study period of two years. The first year is full-time study, and students must complete their thesis and defense. Before enrollment, students must sign a targeted employment agreement with the school and their current employer.

Relevance for Foreign Founders in China

While this program is not open to foreign nationals, it signals China's ongoing investment in tax expertise, particularly in big data and smart taxation. Foreign founders operating in China should be aware that tax administration is becoming more data-driven, and compliance requirements are likely to become more sophisticated. Understanding these trends can help founders anticipate changes in tax reporting and audits.

For foreign founders, the key takeaway is that China's tax system is modernizing, and having access to knowledgeable local professionals is crucial. ChinaMNC can assist with company registration, tax compliance, and navigating the regulatory landscape.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Call to action: Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.