Stop searching and start applying. Check the only complete China application checklist you need. Learn required documents for visas, scholarships, and university admission in China.
Key Takeaways (Read this in 30 seconds)
- The Golden Rule: If a document isn’t in English or Chinese, it must be officially translated and notarized. No exceptions.
- The “Big Three”: Almost every application fails without these three core items: A valid passport (6+ months remaining), notarized highest degree certificate, and official academic transcripts.
- The Hidden Hurdles: The Foreigner Physical Examination Form and the Non-Criminal Record are often left too late. Start these early; they take time.
- Format Matters: Ensure all digital scans are clear, color PDFs. Blurry photos get rejected.
Introduction: The Bureaucracy Barrier
China is calling. You can already picture it: mastering Mandarin, exploring ancient cities, and launching a global career from one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
But right now, between you and that dream stands a mountain of paperwork.
We get it. The Chinese university application process is notorious for being bureaucratic and confusing. A single missing stamp or an incorrectly translated document can lead to immediate rejection, delaying your life plans by a whole year. Don’t let paperwork kill your dream.
At GreatWall we have successfully guided hundreds of students through this exact maze. We’ve taken our deep research and years of experience to create the ultimate, fail-proof China Application Checklist.
Stop opening fifty different tabs. This is the only guide you need.
Phase 1: The Universal “Must-Haves”
These are the non-negotiables. Every university, from Beijing to Shanghai, requires these basics to even open your file.
a. A Valid Passport:
- Requirement: A clear scan of the main information page.
- Crucial Detail: It must be valid for at least 6 months (ideally 12) beyond the date you intend to arrive in China. It needs at least two blank visa pages.
b. Passport-Sized Photographs:
- Requirement: Recent, professional, color photos with a white background.
- Crucial Detail: The standard Chinese visa photo size is 33mm x 48mm. Do not use casual selfies.
c. Notarized Highest Degree Certificate:
Requirement: Your ticket to the next level. If applying for a Master’s, you need your Bachelor’s degree.
The Trap: If you are still in your final year, you need an official “Pre-graduation Certificate” issued by your current school stating you will graduate before the Chinese semester begins.
Notarized” means legally certified. This is the most common reason for rejection. Ensure it’s done right.
d. Official Academic Transcripts (Notarized)
- Requirement: The complete record of your grades from your highest level of education.
- Crucial Detail: Like your degree, if these are not originally in English or Chinese, they must be translated and notarized.
- Phase 2: The Academic & Program Specifics
Start Your Journey to Study in China
We guide you step by step to choose the right university and build a strong application.
Phase 2: The Academic & Program Specifics
This is where you prove you have the brains and the motivation to succeed.
a. The Personal Statement or Study Plan:
This is your chance to talk directly to the admissions officer.
- Undergraduate: A 600-800 word personal statement about who you are and why you want to study in China.
- Graduate (Master’s/PhD): An 800-1500+ word detailed Study Plan or Research Proposal. This needs to be academic and specific to your field.
b. Two Recommendation Letters:
- Who needs them: Mandatory for Master’s and PhD applicants; increasingly requested for Bachelor’s.
- From whom: They must come from Professors or Associate Professors who know your academic work. They must include the professor’s signature and contact details (email/phone).
c. Language Proficiency Certificate
Don’t assume your English is “good enough.” You need proof.
- For English-Taught Programs: IELTS (usually 6.0 minimum) or TOEFL (usually 80+ minimum) or Duolingo (usually 100 minimum)
- For Chinese-Taught Programs: The HSK Certificate. Level 4, 5, or 6 is required depending on the university and major.
Phase 3: The “Deal-Breakers” (Legal & Medical)
These documents ensure you are legally and physically cleared to enter China. Ignore these at your peril.
a. The Foreigner Physical Examination Form:
This is the most complex single document.
- The Requirement: A standard two-page government medical form.
- The Execution: It must be completed by a doctor in a public hospital. It requires chest X-ray results, ECG, and blood tests for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis.
- Crucial Warning: The form must have the hospital’s official stamp placed over your attached photo, and a final stamp at the end of the document stating you are “healthy.”
b. Non-Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance)
- Requirement: An official document from your local police station confirming you have no criminal history.
- Crucial Detail: This is usually valid only for 3 to 6 months, so time it carefully before you apply.
Financial Guarantee / Bank Statement
- Requirement: Proof that you can afford tuition and living costs (even if applying for scholarships, this is often needed as a backup).
- Crucial Detail: Usually a bank statement in your name (or a sponsor’s name with a support letter) showing a balance equivalent to roughly $3,000–$5,000 USD.
Technical Specs: Photo Size & Scan Quality
The system is picky. Follow these specs to avoid upload errors.
A. Photo Size for China Visa & Application
- Dimensions: 33mm (width) x 48mm (height).
- Background: Pure WHITE. No grey, no blue.
- Format: JPG, smaller than 50KB.
- Look: No glasses, ears visible, neutral expression.
B. Scan Quality Documents
- Resolution: 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch).
- Format: PDF (for docs) or JPG (for passport/photo).
- Size: Each file should be under 3MB but legible.
- Tool: Use a real scanner (Canon/HP) .
How to Notarize Documents in Morocco
- Photocopy: Make clear copies of your original Diploma and Transcripts.
- Translate: Go to a Sworn Translator (Traducteur Assermenté) for English/Chinese versions.
- Notarize: Take the copies and translations to the Moqataa (Local Municipality) or a Public Notary. They will stamp “Copie Conforme.”
Tips for a Perfect Application
Admissions officers review thousands of applications. Make yours easy to read.
- Scan documents flat (no fingers holding corners!).
- Name your files clearly: LastName_FirstName_Passport.pdf, LastName_FirstName_Transcript.pdf.
Don’t Do It Alone: Looking at this list can feel overwhelming. The fear of missing one tiny detail is real.
At GreatWall, we don’t just give you a checklist; we handle the process. We review every scan, ensure your translations are compliant, and polish your study plan until it shines.
Are You Ready To Secure Your Seat in China Without The Stress?
Contact GreatWall.ma Today for a Free Consultation – Let us handle the paperwork while you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
FAQs
Yes. You can submit a “Pre-graduation Certificate” (Attestation de Scolarité) issued by your school. You must submit the final diploma before September.
No. A clear color scan of the original is usually enough.
No. The Foreigner Physical Examination Form expires after 6 months. You must do it again
Yes. The notary usually staples them together to prove they are one set.
References & Sources
To ensure technical accuracy, we consulted:
- China Scholarship Council (CSC)
- Source: CGSIS Application System Instructions (2025/2026).
- Data: Confirmed the 3MB file limit and list of mandatory uploads.
- Chinese Visa Application Service Center (Rabat)
- ource: Visa Photo Guidelines.
- Data: Validated the 33x48mm photo requirement.
- Great Wall Education Internal Data
- Source: Analysis of 500+ rejected applications from previous years (Top reason: Poor scan quality).