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Documents Needed to Apply to a Chinese University: The Complete Checklist
Oct,12 2026
The documents required for Chinese university admission are a passport, your high school diploma and transcripts, a language certificate, and a completed application form — but the full list of documents needed to apply to a Chinese university depends on the programme and scholarship you choose when you study in China. This guide gives you the complete checklist.
Why Getting Your Documents Right Matters
Chinese universities review applications in batches. A missing or incorrectly certified document is the most common reason an application is delayed or rejected. Most universities publish their document checklist on the admissions page, and the China Scholarship Council publishes its own list on CampusChina for scholarship applicants. Check both lists before you start.
The Core Documents Every Applicant Needs
These documents are required for almost every application to study in China:
Passport — a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity. Upload a clear scan of the bio-data page.
High school diploma or expected graduation certificate — final-year students can usually apply first with an official letter confirming they will graduate, then submit the diploma after results.
Academic transcripts — all subjects and grades from your high school years, issued and stamped by your school.
Application form — completed on the university's online system or on the SICAS platform. Sign it if a signature is required.
Passport-style photo — usually a recent white-background digital photo in the requested format.
Physical examination record — the standard Foreigner Physical Examination Form, completed by an authorised hospital. Universities usually ask for it at admission or visa stage.
Language and Exam Certificates
Add the certificate that matches the language of instruction:
English-taught programmes — IELTS, TOEFL, or an official letter from your school confirming English-medium education.
Chinese-taught programmes — an HSK certificate, usually HSK Level 4 or above for bachelor's degrees.
[- CSCA score report — from the 2026/2027 intake](/news/how-to-prepare-for-the-csca-exam-1538.shtml), undergraduate Chinese Government Scholarship applicants must upload their Chinese Standardised College Admission (CSCA) score report to CampusChina, according to the China Scholarship Council.
Documents That Usually Need Notarisation and Translation
Documents not issued in Chinese or English usually need two extra steps:
Notarised copies — many universities ask for notarised copies of your diploma and transcripts.
Certified translation — if your documents are in another language, provide an official translation into Chinese or English, often with the translator's stamp.
Do Your Documents Need an Apostille?
Often, yes. China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2023. Instead of the old consular legalisation process, many countries can now get an apostille from their national authority — a single stamp that is recognised in China. Requirements vary by country and university, so confirm with the admissions office whether your documents need an apostille or a simpler notarisation. For China Government Scholarship applications, follow the CSC's instructions on CampusChina.
Extra Documents for Scholarship Applicants
Chinese Government Scholarship applicants must usually also provide:
Study plan or personal statement
Two recommendation letters from teachers or professors
Non-criminal record certificate, issued by your local police or authority
CSCA score report for undergraduate applicants (from 2026/2027)
Extra Documents for Some Programmes
MBBS applicants — some universities ask for a mathematics or science background statement.
Art and design programmes — a portfolio of your work.
Sports programmes — certificates or proof of athletic level.
How to Prepare Without Stress
Getting your documents right early makes the rest of your application to study in China much easier.
Start three to six months before the deadline. Order certified copies early, because schools and government offices take time. Scan everything in colour and keep both PDF and original paper versions. Then list each university's checklist and tick items off one by one. If a document requirement is unclear, ask the admissions office before you submit — it saves weeks of delay.
Official Sources and Update Time
This article follows the application document guidance published by Chinese universities and the China Scholarship Council. Requirements can differ between universities, so always confirm with your target institution. Last updated: October 2026.
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Ready to apply? Upload your documents and submit your application online — SICAS helps you check each file before it goes to the university.
About SICAS
SICAS (Study In China Admission System) helps international students apply to more than 300 Chinese universities. We guide you from choosing a programme to preparing your documents, so your application is complete the first time.
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