Can You Actually Go? General Requirements for Studying in China

The Eligibility Check

Official Study in China requirements backed by CSC and Embassy data. Check the age limit for scholarship, Baccalaureate score, and strict passport validity rules for Moroccans

Key Takeaways (Read this in 30 seconds)

  • The Authority: All age and document rules come directly from the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and the Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE).
  • The Age Rule: Bachelor’s applicants must be under 25. Master’s applicants under 35. (Source: Campus China).
  • The “Red Line”: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining (12 months recommended for X1 visas).
  • Medical & Legal: A stamped Foreigner Physical Examination Form and a Non-Criminal Record are mandatory for the X1 Visa.

Introduction: Don’t Let a Detail Ruin Your Dream

You have the ambition. You see the opportunity. But do you have the right profile? Every year, brilliant Moroccan students face rejection not because of a lack of intellect, but because they missed a tiny regulatory detail established by Chinese authorities.

Before you start dreaming of Shanghai or Beijing, you need to pass the “Eligibility Check.” Below, we break down the general requirements for studying in China, strictly based on official regulations from the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and the Chinese Embassy in Rabat

1. The “Golden Numbers”: Age Requirements for Moroccan Students

China is incredibly strict about age limits, especially for government funding. These are not suggestions; they are regulatory cut-offs set by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to invest in young talent.

Whether you are applying for a scholarship or going self-funded, knowing these limits is the first step for any Moroccan student planning to study in China.

Age Limit for Scholarship vs. Self-Funded:

Degree LevelCSC Scholarship Limit (Strict)Self-Funded Limit (Flexible)
Bachelor’sUnder 25 years Under 30 years
Master’sUnder 35 years Under 40 years
PhDUnder 40 years Under 45 years

PS: If you are 24 and turning 25 before September 2026, you are in the “Danger Zone.” You must apply immediately. Reach out to our expert at Great Wall Education to handle your requests.

2. The Grades: What Bac Score Do You Actually Need?

One of the most common questions regarding requirements is: “Is my 13/20 enough?”.

While the MOE does not set a single national minimum grade (universities set their own), the statistical probability of acceptance helps us define the “Safety Zones.”

For Scholarships (CSC & Grants)

To access funding, the CSC requires “Excellent Academic Performance”.

  • 14/20 and above: You are Scholarship Ready. This score makes you highly competitive for Type A (Embassy) or full Type B funding.
  • 12/20 – 13/20: You are likely eligible for Type B (University) partial scholarships.
  • Bonus Requirement: While not mandatory for English programs, having HSK 3 or 4 significantly boosts your profile.

For Self-Funded Admission

  • 10/20 or 11/20: As long as you have a passing Baccalaureate diploma verified by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, most universities will accept you for self-funded seat

Insider Tip: Grades aren’t everything. A strong Study Plan can compensate for average grades. Read more: [Scholarships 101: The Ultimate Guide to Funding].

3. The “Red Lines”: Passport & Police Record (Automatic Rejection)

These are the non-negotiable general requirements for studying in China. These rules come directly from the National Immigration Administration (NIA). If you fail these, your visa will be rejected regardless of your acceptance letter.

A. The Passport Validity Rule

  • The Rule: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your application. However, for long-term X1 student visas, the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) strongly recommends 12 months of validity.
  • Source: Chinese Embassy in Morocco (Consular Section).

B. Clean Criminal Record

  • The Rule: You must provide a “Non-Criminal Record Certificate” (Casier Judiciaire) issued by the Moroccan authorities.
  • Validity: It must be issued within 6 months of the application date and notarized.

4. Health & Medical Fitness

To prove you are physically fit to study in China, you must complete the Foreigner Physical Examination Form

  • Requirements:
    • Must cover all items listed (X-ray, ECG, blood tests).
    • Must be signed by a doctor and stamped by the hospital.
    • Photo on the form must be stamped.
  • Disqualifiers: Conditions like Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, or severe mental disorders may lead to disqualification.

5. FAQs

I am 25 years old exactly. Can I still apply for a Bachelor’s scholarship?

Technically, the rule says “under 25.” If you have already turned 25, the CSC system may automatically reject you. However, some provincial or university scholarships have higher limits (up to 30). Contact us to find those specific universities

My passport expires in 5 months. Can I apply now and renew it later?

No. The system requires a valid passport number and scan. If you apply with an expiring passport, your X1 visa will be denied. Renew it immediately via the Moroccan dedicated portal (passeport.ma).

I have a Baccalaureate from 2022. Is it too old?

No. Unlike some French universities, Chinese universities accept older diplomas (gap years), provided you explain what you did during that time (work, internship, or language study) in your Study Plan.

Do I need the HSK (Chinese Language) test?

Not for English-taught programs. However, having HSK 3 or 4 significantly boosts your scholarship chances, as cited by the CSC selection criteria.

6. Conclusion: Are You Ready?

If you meet these study in China requirements, you have passed the first hurdle. Now, the real work begins: crafting an application that stands out.

Don’t navigate this alone. At Great Wall Education, we double-check every document against these official standards to ensure zero administrative rejections.

Ready to start? Contact us for a Free Eligibility Check.

7. References & Official Sources

To ensure the accuracy of this article, we have consulted the following regulatory bodies:

  • China Scholarship Council (CSC) – Campus China
    • Reference: Eligibility criteria for Category A & B Scholarships.
    • URL: campuschina.org
  • Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Morocco
  • National Immigration Administration (NIA)
    • Reference: Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC (Passport & Criminal Record rules).
  • Great Wall Education Internal Data
    • Reference: Historical acceptance data from 1,500+ successful Moroccan applicants.

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Author
iyad rouijel