Documents you need to apply to a Chinese university (complete checklist)

Incomplete or poorly prepared documents are the most common reason good applications are delayed or rejected. This checklist covers what Chinese universities and scholarship bodies usually ask for, and how to prepare each item.

Identity documents

• Passport identity page: a clear colour scan. Your passport should remain valid for at least the first year of study; many universities prefer validity beyond your expected graduation date.
• Passport-sized photograph: recent, white background, matching the passport.
• Guardian authorisation: required for applicants under 18, often with a guardian in China.
• Chinese residence permit: if you are already living in China.

Academic records

• Highest diploma or school-leaving certificate. If you have not graduated yet, a letter confirming your expected graduation date.
• Official transcripts for every year of your most recent qualification.
• Notarised translations for documents not in Chinese or English.
• Language certificate: HSK for Chinese-taught programmes; IELTS, TOEFL or an equivalent for English-taught programmes. See which HSK level you need.

Statements and references

• Study plan or research proposal: specific to the programme. The CSC guidance has long asked for at least 800 words for undergraduates and 1,500 for postgraduates.
• Recommendation letters: usually two for master’s and PhD applicants, signed, on letterhead, with the referee’s contact details.
• CV: one or two pages, especially for postgraduate and professional programmes.

Health, police and financial documents

• Foreigner Physical Examination Form: the official form completed by a licensed doctor, with your photo, signature and the hospital stamp. Results are usually valid for six months, so time it carefully.
• Non-criminal record certificate: issued by the police in your country of residence, usually within the last few months.
• Bank statement or proof of funds: often required for self-funded students and some visa applications.

Preparation checklist

1. Scan every document in colour at a readable resolution, one PDF per document, with all pages included.
2. Name files clearly, for example “Surname_Transcript.pdf”.
3. Check that your name is spelled exactly as in your passport on every document.
4. Order notarised translations early; they often take one to two weeks.
5. Plan the medical examination and police certificate so they are still valid on the deadline.

You can work through this list in the GradGate document checklist, and our advisors audit every file before submission as part of the application process.