China university application: the complete document checklist

Almost every application rejection is caused by missing or incorrect documents — not a weak profile. This is the master checklist every international student should use before submitting.

Core documents (every application)

• [ ] Passport — valid at least 12 months beyond your start date, with blank visa pages
• [ ] Passport photo — 48×33mm, white background, recent
• [ ] Application form — completed and signed

Academic documents

• [ ] Highest diploma — notarized and translated if not in English/Chinese
• [ ] Transcripts — notarized, with grading scale explained
• [ ] Two recommendation letters — from professors or associate professors, with signature and contact
• [ ] Study plan / research proposal — 800–1,500 words, tailored to the university

Language proof

• [ ] IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ for English-taught programs
• [ ] HSK certificate for Chinese-taught programs (level depends on program)
• [ ] Medium-of-instruction letter if your previous degree was in English (some universities accept this instead of IELTS)

Health and background

• [ ] Foreigner Physical Examination Form — completed within the last 6 months, stamped by a hospital
• [ ] Non-criminal record certificate — notarized and translated

For postgraduate / research

• [ ] Supervisor acceptance letter — decisive for PhD and many master's applications
• [ ] Published papers or research portfolio — strengthens the file
• [ ] Portfolio — for art, architecture and design programs

Submission tips

• Scan everything at 300dpi in PDF, each file under 1MB unless specified
• Name files clearly (e.g. Surname_Passport.pdf)
• Keep originals — embassies and visa officers ask for them
• Make 2–3 notarized sets; you'll need them again for the visa

If you can tick every box on this list, your application is in the top 20% of all international submissions. The rest is your grades and your study plan.