Study in China from Indonesia
Indonesian students often start with a Chinese language course and stay for a degree, or apply straight into an English-taught programme. This page covers the documents, the two scholarship routes and the timing.
How the application works
- 1 Choose programmes, not just universities
Requirements are set programme by programme, and faculties of the same university can differ. Shortlist 3 to 6 programmes and read each programme page before you decide.
- 2 Prepare your documents
SMA/SMK ijazah and transcripts for a bachelor's degree; degree certificate and transcripts for a master's; two recommendation letters, passport page and the foreigner physical examination form.
- 3 Decide which route you are applying through
Directly to the university, or through the CSC scholarship, which in Indonesia is usually administered through the Chinese embassy in Jakarta. Many applicants file both, because the deadlines differ.
- 4 The visa after admission
With the admission letter and the JW201/JW202 form, apply for the X1 visa at the Chinese visa application centre.
Documents and certification
- SMA/SMK ijazah and transcripts for undergraduate entry; degree certificate and transcripts for postgraduate.
- Two recommendation letters from teachers or lecturers, on letterhead with a signature.
- Passport photo page and a recent passport-style photograph.
- The foreigner physical examination form, completed by a doctor — it is usually valid for six months.
- Ask whether the university wants legalised or translated documents, or only scans, and keep the exact wording of the requirement in your files.
Language of study
- English-taught programmes: HSK is normally not required; some universities ask for IELTS or TOEFL.
- Chinese-taught programmes: HSK 4 or 5 depending on the university and the subject.
- Many Indonesian students take a one-year Chinese preparatory course first and then continue into a degree.
- Some universities require the CSCA test for bachelor's applicants while others accept the ijazah — the programme page decides.
When to apply
- The main intake is in September; several universities also admit students in spring.
- Applications generally open in the previous autumn and close between January and April.
- Language-course intakes are more frequent than degree intakes, which is useful if you are starting with Chinese.
Common questions
Do I need HSK?
Not for English-taught programmes. For Chinese-taught programmes, HSK 4 or 5 is normally required, and the level depends on the subject.
Can I start with a language course and then do a degree?
Yes. A one-year Chinese course is a common route, and after passing HSK you can apply for the degree separately.
Do my documents need legalisation?
It depends on the university: some accept scans, others ask for legalisation and translation. Request the exact list before you begin.
Related universities
More answers
- Documents required to study in China
- How the CSC online application portal works
- When to apply: a practical timeline
- Do you need HSK to study in China?
- X1 or X2: which student visa do you need?
- Dormitory or apartment: where do students live?
- Can Muslim students find halal food and prayer facilities in China?
- Can international students wear a hijab at Chinese universities?
Scholarships
Regional focus · Southeast Asia
Study in China from Southeast Asia
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