What is the Foreigner Physical Examination Form for China?
The Foreigner Physical Examination Form is a medical record completed by an approved doctor. It is used by many Chinese universities and can also be requested as part of the student-visa process. The current form must be downloaded from the university, Chinese embassy or consulate handling your application; requirements and accepted clinics vary by location.
Do not arrange the medical examination only after receiving an offer. First confirm:
- whether your university accepts a form completed in your home country or requires an in-China check;
- whether the clinic must use a specific form and stamp;
- how recent the examination must be at submission and at arrival;
- whether vaccination records, additional tests or a translated report are required.
What it covers
The form records a general medical examination, typically including:
- general physical examination (height, weight, blood pressure, vision),
- chest X-ray,
- blood tests (including for HIV and syphilis),
- ECG (for some ages/conditions),
- vaccination/immunisation history.
The exact tests are determined by the current form and the examining clinic. A document that contains the same test results but is not on the required form may still be rejected, so check the format as well as the tests.
Where to get it
- In your home country: a hospital or clinic can complete and stamp the form before you travel.
- In China: many universities arrange a health check after arrival, and there are designated international travel-health centres.
Check whether the university accepts a home-country examination, or requires it to be done in China — the rules differ.
Before booking an appointment, ask the clinic whether it can complete the full form, perform the listed laboratory tests and provide the required stamp or signature. Take your passport, the current form and any vaccination record requested by the clinic.
Validity
The form is generally considered valid for a limited period (commonly around 6 months), so time it close to your application and arrival. If it expires, you may need a new examination.
“Commonly around six months” is a planning point, not a universal rule. The programme guide, university checklist and visa authority may apply different cut-off dates.
Tips
- Download the official form from the university or the embassy; use the current version.
- Bring the form, your passport and photos to the appointment.
- Keep the original stamped form and a scan — you will need it at application and on arrival.
- If you have a chronic condition, carry records and any medication information.
- Keep laboratory reports, the chest X-ray result, vaccination records and payment receipts together.
- Check that your name, passport number and date of birth are identical across every document.
Related guides
Requirements and validity periods vary. Confirm with the university and, for the visa, with the Chinese embassy or consulate where you apply.