Eligibility for Chinese Universities
Each university sets its own rules. Most ask for the right earlier degree, a language score and, for some programmes, an age limit. Bachelor's applicants also need a score from the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA), a school-subject test.
Example Eligibility Check
Earlier degree
VerifiedExample: bachelor's degree certificate
Language score
VerifiedExample: IELTS 6.5
Documents
In ProgressExample: transcripts uploaded
Degree check
RequiredExample: Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) report needed
Example only. Your real result comes from the university.
Main Rules
Check these before you apply.
Nationality
You must be from another country and hold a normal passport that has not run out.
Earlier degree
Bachelor's: a high school diploma. Master's: a bachelor's degree. PhD: a master's degree, though some departments take bachelor's holders.
Age
Zhejiang University (ZJU): under 25 for bachelor's and under 35 for master's, which is flexible for some applicants.
Language
HSK (the Chinese language test) for Chinese-taught programmes, or IELTS, TOEFL or similar for English-taught ones.
CSCA for bachelor's
From 2026/2027, ZJU asks every international bachelor's applicant for a CSCA report.
Health and character
Good health and good conduct. Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and Peking University (PKU) ask for proof that you have no criminal record.
Rules differ
Rules by Study Level
Rules at ZJU, Tsinghua, PKU and SJTU.
General Rules
- High school diploma, or a certificate that says you are about to finish high school.
- Under 25 at ZJU.
- CSCA score.
- HSK for Chinese-taught programmes; IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught ones.
- Bachelor's degree, or a letter with your expected graduation date.
- Under 35 at ZJU, flexible with work experience and strong grades.
- Two recommendation letters.
- Master's degree. Some schools accept bachelor's holders.
- Under 40 for SJTU scholarships.
Tests
Undergraduate Tests
1China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA)
A test for international students applying for bachelor's degrees, run by the China Scholarship Council (CSC).
Held in January, March, April, June and December.
2SAT, A-levels, IB or national exams
ZJU asks for results of international tests or your country's university entrance exam, if you have them.
If applicable.
Graduate Tests
1Interview or assessment
Tsinghua's assessment is generally an interview. PKU holds a second round from January to March 2027.
Set by each department.
Note: Each programme lists the tests it needs.
English Scores for English-Taught Programmes
Examples. Your programme may ask for more.
| Test | Graduate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 | ZJU graduate programmes. |
| TOEFL | 90 (old scale) | ZJU graduate programmes. |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 | ZJU graduate programmes. |
Important Considerations
Score Validity
Check the test provider’s score validity rules and your university’s requirements.
Possible Exemptions
You may be exempt from English proficiency requirements in certain cases:
- A degree taught in English, with a certificate from your university (ZJU).
- Native English speakers from countries on ZJU's list.
Different academic disciplines often have specific requirements beyond the general eligibility criteria. These specialized requirements ensure you have the necessary background and aptitude for success in your chosen field in China.
- India's National Medical Commission (NMC) asks for a course of at least 54 months.
- Plus an internship of at least 12 months at the same foreign institution.
- The degree must be taught in English.
- You must be able to get a licence to practise in China, as a citizen of China could.
- After that: 12 months of supervised internship in India and the National Exit Test.
- The whole course must be finished within ten years of joining.
- The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) sets these rules for Pakistani students who study medicine abroad.
- If you studied in Pakistan: at least 60% in F.Sc. (Pre-Medical), the intermediate course, and at least 50% in the MDCAT, the medical college admission test in Pakistan.
- The university must be on the list kept by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
- Get a free PMDC Student Registration Certificate before you go.
- At least 6,200 hours over five years, with 80% attendance.
- Pass the National Registration Examination (NRE) to get a licence.
- ZJU's MBBS fee is CNY 42,800 (Chinese yuan) a year.
Looking for Other Fields?
International students face several additional requirements beyond those for domestic applicants. These ensure that you can successfully transition to studying in China and comply with immigration regulations.
If your degree is from outside China, it must be checked by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE).
- SJTU needs the report before online registration, after you are admitted.
- Without it, admission is cancelled.
Applicants who once held Chinese nationality must show papers about that nationality.
- Each university lists the papers it needs.
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