How to Apply to China Universities
A step-by-step walkthrough of the university application process for China. Learn how to navigate application systems, meet deadlines, and track your applications.
China University Application Systems
You apply on each university's own system. Government scholarship applicants also use the China Scholarship Council (CSC) system.
Key Features
- You type in two codes from your university: a Program Category and an Agency Number.
- You upload your scholarship papers.
Perfect For
- Students applying for the Chinese Government Scholarship
Comparing Application Systems
| Feature | Centralized System | Individual Portals |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 289 universities take part | One university per application |
| Main Focus | Chinese Government Scholarship | Admission to one university |
| Essay Requirements | Study or research plan | Each university's own statement rules |
| Special Features | Scholarship application | Direct contact with the university |
- Apply for admission and the scholarship through your university's system at the same time.
- At Shanghai Jiao Tong University you choose one scholarship route: through the university or through the embassy.
Step-by-Step Application Process
There is no single national application for international students. You apply to each university online.
Read each university's guide and programme catalogue.
Key Considerations
- Language rules (HSK Chinese test, IELTS or TOEFL)
- Degree needed
- Deadline
Pro Tip
Check the teaching language: Chinese-taught or English-taught.
Get your degree or diploma, transcripts, test scores, study plan and recommendation letters ready.
Key Considerations
- Colour scans
- Notarised translations if needed
Pro Tip
Bachelor's applicants also need a score from the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA), a school-subject test for China.
Fill in the form on the university's system and upload your papers.
Key Considerations
- One application per university
Pro Tip
Finish two or three weeks before the deadline.
Pay the application fee online.
Key Considerations
- CNY 800 at Tsinghua, PKU, ZJU and SJTU
Pro Tip
Applications with an unpaid fee are not processed.
Applicants the university picks are interviewed.
Key Considerations
- Set by each department
Pro Tip
PKU's second round runs from January to March 2027.
Once admitted, you get an admission notice and a JW201 or JW202 form (a paper from the university that you need for your X1 student visa).
Key Considerations
- Check names match your passport
Pro Tip
Use them to apply for your X1 visa.
A typical year for September 2027 entry.
Important Note
Application Fees & Fee Waivers
Tsinghua, PKU, ZJU and SJTU each charge CNY 800 to apply. CNY is the Chinese yuan, also called RMB.
Tsinghua University
Paid online when you submit. Not refunded.
Peking University
Up to two programmes. Paid online before the deadline.
Zhejiang University
Paid in the online system, or by bank transfer.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU)
Paid in yuan (RMB) or US dollars (USD), online or by bank transfer.
Multiple Applications Add Up
Online payment
In the university's application system.
Bank transfer
Zhejiang University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University accept bank transfer.
- Apply only to programmes you meet the language and degree rules for.
- At PKU, one fee covers one programme, and you may apply to two.
Tracking Your Applications
Universities show your status in their online systems and send email.
Application Tracking Methods
- Status updates
- Admission results
Pro Tip
Email Management Tips
- Use an email address you check every day.
- At Tsinghua, a notice sent by email or text counts as received, even if you did not read it.
Common Email Issues
Each university has its own dates.
Common Issues & Solutions
Problems students often meet when applying to Chinese universities, and how to fix them.
Phone photos of papers
Tsinghua and Peking University (PKU) do not accept phone photos, or scans of photocopies.
Solution:
Scan the original papers, or copies stamped as true by a notary (a legal officer), in colour with a scanner.
Papers not in Chinese or English
Universities read papers in Chinese or English only.
Solution:
Add a translation stamped as true by a notary, and upload it with the original.
Late papers
Zhejiang University (ZJU) generally does not accept papers after you submit.
Solution:
Check everything is uploaded before you press submit.
Online payment fails
Your card payment does not go through.
Solution:
ZJU: pay by bank transfer and upload the receipt, with your application number and name.
University admissions offices
- Tsinghua graduate admissions: [email protected]
- Each university's international student office
How to Ask for Help Effectively
- Read the university's guide and catalogue before you start.
- Upload colour scans, not phone photos.
- Pay the fee before the deadline, or the application may not count.
After Submission
After you submit, the university checks your papers and may invite you to an interview.
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