Entering China with L Visa, then getting an X2 type

I am from Canada and I am applying for a semester-long program in a university in Guangzhou. The problem is, it takes 6-8 weeks for the university to prepare the admissions package that I will need in order to apply for an X2. I plan to travel to Australia beginning early February and staying there for a few weeks before going to China, which does not provide me with enough time to receive the admissions package via post. I was wondering if it's possible to apply for an L type to enter China, pick up my admissions package in person at the university, and then apply for X2 in China? I was told that in order for me to apply for X2 I have to apply in the country of my residence. I have a South Korean passport, but I am a permanent resident in Canada. Does this mean I need to travel back to Canada or Korea to apply for X2, or can this be done in mainland?