How to Apply to Universities in China (2027): Step by Step

Bachelor's degree, programmes taught in Chinese

1. Prepare an HSK Chinese proficiency certificate, commonly HSK Level 5 with a score of at least 180; check the specific level your target university asks for, since this varies.
2. From the 2026-2027 cycle, sit the China Scholastic Competency Assessment, which several universities in this project's research now require of international undergraduate applicants.
3. Apply through the university's own online application system within its published window; many close between March and June for a September start, though several universities defer the exact date to a specific programme catalogue rather than stating one on the general guide.
4. Pay the non-refundable application fee, commonly 400 to 800 CNY, and submit transcripts, a personal statement, recommendation letters and a physical examination report.
5. If accepted, obtain the JW202 form for self funded students or the JW201 form for Chinese Government Scholarship holders from the university, then apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate.
6. After arrival, register for a residence permit within 30 days.

Bachelor's degree, programmes taught in English

1. Confirm the specific English taught programme exists at your target university; most Chinese universities still teach the large majority of bachelor's degrees in Chinese, with English taught tracks concentrated in a smaller number of subjects and universities.
2. Prepare an IELTS or TOEFL result; minimums in this project's own research ranged from about 5.5 to 6.5 for IELTS and 70 to 90 for TOEFL, so check the specific figure your target university publishes.
3. Apply through the university's own online system, submitting standardised test scores such as the China Scholastic Competency Assessment or an SAT or ACT result alongside transcripts and recommendation letters.
4. Pay the application fee and wait for the admission decision.
5. Apply for the relevant JW form and an X1 student visa, then register for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.

Master's degree

1. Identify a specific school, department or supervisor, since Chinese universities generally organise graduate admission by department rather than through one university wide cycle.
2. For research programmes, contact a prospective supervisor and secure informal agreement before applying, a step several universities in this project's research state is expected.
3. Prepare HSK Level 6 for Chinese taught programmes, or the IELTS or TOEFL result set by the individual programme for English taught ones.
4. Apply within the department's published window and pay the application fee.
5. Apply for the relevant JW form and an X1 student visa, then register for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.

PhD

1. Contact a prospective supervisor in your field and agree a research topic before applying.
2. Confirm your master's degree is recognised as equivalent to a Chinese degree.
3. Apply to the specific school or department within its own deadline.
4. Arrange funding, commonly the Chinese Government Scholarship, a university fellowship, or personal means.
5. Apply for the relevant JW form and an X1 student visa, then register for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.