How to Apply to Chinese Universities

The application procedure for Chinese Universities is simpler than you may think. Although the process for every university might slightly differ, and documents might vary if you apply for a Bachelors, Masters, or a PhD degree, the general steps you need to take are generally the same.

Read ahead to find out how to apply to a Chinese university!

Step 1: Choose your major and university

China offers Bachelors, Masters, and PhD degrees in all kinds of fields and subjects. Start your application process by picking a major. Look into different majors that interest you, and then explore different universities in China that offer these majors and compare their programs. Universities in China offer a wide range of English-taught programs, so make sure you look into that too! You can learn how to choose the right university in China for your major. You can also read about the top-ranked universities in China.

Depending on the university, there might be different admission criteria and document requirements. So, after choosing the major you want to study, and the universities you desire, we recommend that you go to their websites to learn more about their specific admission requirements.

Step 2: Make sure you meet the criteria required by the university

Admission is usually based on your grades from your previous school. If you’re applying for a Bachelor’s degree, they will ask to see your high school report card, and if you’re applying for a Master’s degree, they will want a copy of your Bachelor’s transcript. Some universities also require applicants to take entrance exams/interviews for certain majors, so take your time to do careful research!

Keep in mind that most universities have age limitations for different academic levels. These can vary depending on the university, but generally speaking, you can’t be over 25 for a Bachelor’s degree and over 35 for a Master’s degree.

Tuition fees for your desired majors are listed on each university’s website. The estimated tuition fee ranges from 15,000 RMB to 60,000 RMB per year. But worry not! You can win scholarships in China, and get a tuition fee waiver, free accommodation, and even a monthly stipend as an international student. You can go to the university’s website to see all the scholarship opportunities they offer. You can also find the ultimate guide to Chinese university scholarships!

Step 3: Prepare the documents

We recommend you to apply to at least three universities to improve your chances of being admitted. After choosing your universities, list and gather all the required documents. Generally, these are the documents you need to submit:

Passport photo
Photocopy of passport
A non-criminal record certificate
A medical examination certificate
Academic transcript from previous graduated school
Graduation certificates/diploma from previous graduated school
Recommendation letters (usually only mandatory for Masters or PhD degrees)
Proof that you can support your studies in China (for non-scholarship applicants)
Chinese/English language proficiency certificate

If you apply for English-taught degrees, these are the language tests accepted by all universities across China: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT.

A number of universities even accept the International English Test (IET) or Duolingo!

If you apply for Chinese-taught degrees, you will need to have an HSK certificate. The level of HSK required varies between majors. You can understand more about the different levels of HSK!

Step 4: Submit your application!

Before submitting your application, be sure to check the application deadlines! The academic year in China is usually split into two semesters: the spring semester and autumn semester. You can go to the university’s page to check the deadline for each semester, but generally the deadline is mid-July for spring semester and late April for autumn semester.

Now that you have all your documents prepared, and have checked the application deadlines, the only thing left to do is to submit your application!

There are several ways to do this:

First, you can apply online directly on the university’s website.
Second, you can apply through official intermediary portals like CUCAS or (an official platform that allows you to apply to any Chinese university).
Last but not least, you can also apply through Apply for China. We offer personalized, comprehensive guidance to overseas students seeking to find the perfect study programs in China, helping you make all the right decisions every step of the way, from start to finish!

Final steps:

After you receive your acceptance letter, these are the finals steps you need to take:

Apply for the Chinese student visa.
After arriving in China, apply for a residence permit from the local public security office (for steps 1 and 2, read our China visa and residence guide for foreigners!).
Enjoy your academic journey in China to the fullest!

Start Your Journey to Study in China Today

Choosing to study in China is a life-changing decision that opens the door to world-class education, cultural diversity, and exciting global opportunities. Whether you’re researching top China universities or preparing your China university application, having a trusted partner can make all the difference.

At ApplyForChina, we make the process simple and stress-free. From finding the right university to submitting your application, we’re here to support you every step of the way.