Use this checklist as a working list. Requirements vary by university, so treat it as a starting point and confirm the exact list on the official admissions page.
1. Decide first
- 3–6 universities and specific programs chosen
- Language route decided (Chinese-taught vs English-taught)
- Admission requirements checked for each program
- Scholarship options identified (CSC, provincial, university)
- All deadlines noted in one calendar (admission + scholarship + visa)
2. Documents to prepare
- Passport (valid well beyond your study period) + scan
- Passport photo (white background, digital + printed)
- Diploma / graduation certificate (and expected-graduation letter if pending)
- Transcripts (official, sealed or verified if required)
- Language certificate: HSK/HSKK or IELTS/TOEFL as required
- Recommendation letters (2–3, per program)
- Study plan / research proposal
- Motivation letter (some programs)
- CV/résumé (research degrees)
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form
- Notarization / legalization of key documents if required
- Financial proof if required
3. Forms and fees
- Online application account created for each university
- CSC online system form completed (if applying for the scholarship)
- Application fee paid where charged (never to agents or personal accounts)
- Documents uploaded in the required format (often PDF) and file size
4. After submitting
- Save your application number and screenshots
- Watch email (including spam) for document requests or interview invitations
- Prepare for interview or entrance exam if required
- Track each application in a simple table: university, program, date, status
5. When you are admitted
- Confirm the offer and any deposit requested by the university
- Request the admission letter and JW202/JW201
- Apply for the student visa (X1/X2)
- Book accommodation and plan arrival
Avoid these traps
- Missing a scholarship deadline that is earlier than the admission deadline.
- Uploading documents that are not notarized when the university requires it.
- Paying money to unverified agents; official fees go to the institution.
- Applying to programs whose language requirement you do not meet.
Always confirm the exact document list, formats and deadlines with the university’s official VisChat is an independent information and data site.