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A study plan (for taught programs) or research proposal (for research degrees) is one of the few parts of a China application you fully control. It shows reviewers why you fit the program — and it is often what separates two applicants with similar grades.
Which one do you need?
| Program type | Document | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (taught) | Study plan | 1–2 pages |
| Master’s (taught) | Study plan | 2–3 pages |
| Master’s / PhD (research) | Research proposal | 3–5+ pages |
Some universities ask for both, or for a form with fixed questions. Always follow the university’s own prompt and word limit — a perfect generic essay that ignores the instructions still loses points.
What reviewers look for
- Fit with this program and department (not just “China is great”).
- A clear goal you can justify (career or research direction).
- Preparation: coursework, projects, skills, language level.
- Feasibility and a realistic timeline.
- Clarity: readable structure, no filler.
Structure that works
- Opening (3–5 sentences) — who you are, what you want to study, and why this program.
- Background — your degree, relevant courses, projects and results.
- Why this program — name courses, labs, professors or research strengths. Be specific.
- Your plan — what you will study, in what order, and what you want to achieve.
- Career/research goals — what comes after graduation.
- Close — a short, confident summary.
For a research proposal, add: research question, brief literature context, proposed method, expected contribution, and (if relevant) a named supervisor you would like to work with.
Writing tips
- Write in your own voice; reviewers read hundreds of these.
- Use concrete details: “the Machine Learning Lab’s work on X” beats “your excellent faculty”.
- Keep one idea per paragraph and use clear headings where allowed.
- If English is not your first language, have someone proofread — but keep it your own.
- Tailor each version to each university; do not reuse one text everywhere.
Common mistakes
- Repeating your CV in prose instead of explaining your choices.
- Vague goals (“I want to broaden my horizons”).
- Copying a template or using AI-generated filler that says nothing specific.
- Ignoring the word limit or required form.
- Claiming knowledge you cannot demonstrate in an interview.
Requirements vary by university and program. Check the official application instructions for the exact document, length and language.