The order that saves you money
Almost every expensive mistake in this process is a sequencing mistake. The steps depend on each other, and doing one too early means paying for it twice.
- Find out exactly what your university requires. There is no national checklist — each university publishes its own, and they differ substantially between undergraduate and postgraduate admission.
- Obtain the documents in final form from the bodies that issue them.
- Get them certified, by apostille if the Convention applies between China and the country that issued the document, or by consular legalisation if it does not.
- Translate them, after certification, so the certificate itself is part of what is translated.
- Apply, then obtain the study form and the visa that matches the length of your programme.
- On arrival, convert an X1 visa to a residence permit within 30 days of entry.
Three of these steps are slow and sequential: obtaining, certifying, translating. Count backwards from your deadline through all three before deciding you have enough time.
Where to go next
| If you are asking | Read |
|---|---|
| What does my university actually want from me? | The application document set |
| Do I need an apostille, or the old embassy stamp? | Apostille or legalisation |
| What is the answer for my specific country? | Find your country |
| Which documents have to be in Chinese, and does notarised mean something specific? | Translating your documents |
| How do I write the statement and get references? | Statements and references |
| How does the government scholarship application work? | Chinese Government Scholarship |
| I want to study medicine — what should I check first? | Medical degrees (MBBS) |
| X1 or X2, and what is this JW202 form? | The X1 / X2 student visa |
| I have landed — what now? | After you arrive |
| I have graduated — how do I use my Chinese degree at home? | Taking a Chinese degree home |
| What does this word on the form mean? | Chinese terms you will meet |
Three things that catch people out
If you read nothing else on this site, read these.
- The Apostille Convention has applied to mainland China since 7 November 2023, which removed the Chinese embassy step for most countries. But it does not operate between China and India, so documents issued in India still need full consular legalisation. Guidance written before late 2023 is still circulating and still describes the old process.
- The study form referred to as the JW201 or JW202 is now electronic, and is valid for six months from its date of issue. Paper versions issued after 20 November 2023 are invalid and will not be accepted by Chinese visa authorities abroad. If you are waiting for a paper form to arrive by post from China, check with your university.
- An X1 visa is an entry document, not permission to stay. You have 30 days from the date you enter China to apply for a residence permit, and the clock starts at the border, not at registration.
- Which certification you need depends on the country that issued the document, not on your nationality — and for a few countries it depends on the date, because they have joined the Convention recently or are about to.
Every requirement described anywhere on this site is set by a university, a consulate or a local authority, and any of them can change it. Treat these pages as a map of what to check, and confirm the details with the institution that will receive your documents.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a single list of documents required to study in China?
No. Central government sets the visa rules, but each university sets its own admissions document list, and they differ substantially. Undergraduate lists more often require financial proof, a health check and a police certificate; postgraduate lists more often require recommendation letters and a research plan.
Does China accept apostilles now?
Yes, for mainland China since 7 November 2023, which removed the Chinese embassy legalisation step for documents from countries party to the Convention. The significant exception is India, where the Convention does not operate between the two countries and consular legalisation is still required.
Should I translate my documents before or after certification?
After. The apostille or legalisation certificate is often attached as an extra page and becomes part of the document, so a translation prepared beforehand will not include it.
How long do I have after arriving in China?
Thirty days from the date of entry to apply for a residence permit, if you entered on an X1 visa. Students on an X2 visa for study of 180 days or less stay on the visa and do not convert.