Students often have the list of required documents but no idea what half of them actually are. Here is what each of the four most-asked-about items means.
The application form
An official document you fill in with your personal, educational and contact details, to apply for admission to a Chinese university.
Why it matters: it is the first step of the whole process. Accurate, complete information is what the university uses to judge whether you are eligible.
How you get it: from the university's own website, or through an authorised representative like us.
The physical examination test
A health check-up done at an authorised hospital, on a standard form, assessing your general health against what Chinese universities and visa authorities require.
Why it matters: it proves you meet the health standards for studying in China, and it is usually compulsory for both admission and the visa.
The bank statement
An official document from your bank showing your transactions and available balance over a set period.
Why it matters: it shows you or your sponsor can support your study and living costs.
How much: an equivalent balance of at least USD 5,000 is the common requirement, though some universities ask for more — Panzhihua asks for around USD 7,500.
The balance has to actually be in the account on the date of the statement. Arranging this at the last minute is the single most common reason a file sits waiting.
The police clearance certificate
An official document from the relevant authority confirming whether you have a recorded criminal history.
Why it matters: it may be required during admission or the visa process, depending on the university, the programme and your circumstances.
Requirements are not identical for every university or programme. Always check the current list for the specific place you are applying to — and if you are unsure about any of them, send us what you have and we will tell you what is missing.
Still not sure how this applies to you?
Every university sets its own rules and they change between intakes. Send us your situation and we will give you the specific answer, not the general one.