Eligibility and Entry Requirements in Chinese Universities

As you search for the perfect program at a Chinese university, you will first need to know if you are eligible for a program before you apply. This can save a lot of time on your part.

Entry requirements in Chinese universities depend on the program you are applying to. We encourage you to search on the program page for the exact information because it does vary by program.

The good news is that there are many programs and universities in China, so we can find a program for you. In this article, we will walk you through the entry requirements, types of application documents, and other helpful information to start your application.

Entry Requirements In Chinese Universities

What are the entry requirements to Chinese universities for international students? It depends on what degree you are applying for. You must meet the minimum requirements for each degree as well as prepare and submit all required application documents correctly.

By Degree Level
Foundation Programs Must be 16 to 25 years old. If under 18, you need to find a guardian in China. 
Bachelor’s Must have graduated from high school with good grades and academic background. 

Must be under 35 years old, but some programs can be flexible. 

Master’s  Must have obtained a bachelor’s degree.

Must meet GPA requirements, but some programs can be flexible. 

For non-native English speakers, you may be required to submit an English Language Test Certificate. 

PhD Must have obtained a master’s degree. 

Non-native English speakers may be required to submit an English Language Test Certificate. 

By Subject
Chinese Language  Must have graduated from high school.

Prior background in Chinese is not required.

MBA Must have obtained a bachelor’s degree.

Two years or longer work experience.

Competitive GMAT or GRE score (or you can take the school’s entrance test). 

Some universities may require an English Language Test Certificate. 

MBBS Must have graduated from high school.

18 years or above upon application

Must have good grades in Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB), and Mathematics.

Each university also has some slight differences. You can check specific entry requirements on our page here.

For more information about studying in China if you are under 18 years old, read our article on foundation programs here.

Application Documents

What application documents are required by Chinese universities for international students? Required documents are very similar for most universities in China. For more advanced degrees such as master’s and PhD, there may be a few additional documents to submit. The basic ones that you need to prepare include:

  • Passport-size photo
  • Photocopy of your passport
  • Graduation diploma
  • Official transcript of records
  • Personal statement
  • English language certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, or IET)

For MBA requirements, you can check here and for MBBS read our article here.

If you still have questions about documents, read our comprehensive guide and watch video guides for each step.

How To Apply

You can apply in three easy steps!

1) Choose a program here.

2) Complete and upload all your documents in a high-quality format.

3) Pay the application fee here, wait for the confirmation letter from the university and process your visa. Get ready to come to China!

How To Get A Student Visa

1) Choose a student visa category. There are two types: X1 which is for students staying for more than 180 days in China and X2 for students staying less than 180 days.

2) Complete the application form here and submit all the required documents to the Chinese Embassy/ Consulate General in your country of residence.

3) Pay the visa application fee at the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy. Regular processing is four business days, but this might be different from country to country.

Read our complete guide to processing the China X Student Visa. We can also give you assistance if you need help.

Study In China For Next Intake!

Chinese Universities are now accepting applications for next intake. Apply early (Why should you apply early?) and get the chance to apply for scholarships and grants.

We can also review your application documents for free after you have applied. Just let us know your application ID by email to apply@china-admissions.com. We can give you free feedback and suggest other options if you do not meet the entry requirements for a particular program. 

Founder and CEO at China Admissions. Originally from UK🇬🇧, based in Beijing. Studied at Peking University & BLCU. Preparing for HSK 6. Hope we can help more talented international students have the same amazing experiences and opportunities that I have had
Richard Coward
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neo khoza
neo khoza
3 years ago

Can I enroll in an MBBS program in a Chinese university after starting from another university?

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  neo khoza

Hi @Neo,

Yes, you can. However, you will be required to start from the very beginning.

Kyle Gurung
Kyle Gurung
3 years ago

Would there be an entrance examination? I know some universities do not require them but what about other universities?

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  Kyle Gurung

Hi @Kyle,

Normally, Chinese universities require an entrance exam for incoming undergraduate students. But since May last year, Chinese universities have temporarily cancelled this requirement due to COVID-19. Some have replaced the exam with an online interview, and language and qualification requirements still stand.

Emil Baghiyev
Emil Baghiyev
3 years ago
Reply to  Christine Chiu

Which universities in China do not require entrance exam?

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  Emil Baghiyev

Hi @Emil,
Peking, Tsinghua, Renmin and Shanghai Jiao Tong university cancelled entrance examinations in May 2020, but we have yet to confirm if this is true for 2021. Some universities have also taken their entrance examinations online like Fudan University.

maureen
maureen
3 years ago

Hello, are there universities in China that offer master’s degree that does not need to take the English proficiency Exam? I want to apply but then I do not have that. Thank you!

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  maureen

Hi @Maureen,

All English-medium programs need English Proficiency Exam. You can take our International English Test (IET) test online, it is officially recognised by Chinese universities and is accepted as an official evaluation of your English level. Here’s a link to the IET: https://iet.china-admissions.com/order-2275751122775726

Mau
Mau
3 years ago

I am in my last year of university and planning to take my masters, when should I apply? I will be graduating around the year 2022.

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  Mau

Hi @Mau,
If you’re graduating in 2022, you should start applying between March to August for September 2022 intake.

Mau
Mau
3 years ago
Reply to  Christine Chiu

I should apply in March to August 2021? or for 2022?

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  Mau

@Mau, you should apply March to August 2022.

grace
grace
3 years ago

I don’t know Chinese. What are the odds of me getting a scholarship?

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  grace

Hi @grace,
You don’t need to know Chinese (although it can be an advantage if you do) to get a scholarship in China. There are many scholarships for international students and English-medium programs. Read more about getting a scholarship here.

Ahmed Awan
Ahmed Awan
3 years ago

I have 3 remaining courses for completion of my Bachelors and my exams are commencing from 15th march 2021. The results will be announced 1 or maybe 2 months after the exams. When to apply?

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  Ahmed Awan

Hi @Ahmed,
You can start your application after receiving your bachelor’s degree certificate.

grace
grace
3 years ago

What are the chances of getting a scholarship without knowing Chinese?

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  grace

Hi @grace,
Knowing how to speak and write Chinese is not a requirement to get scholarships to study in China. Although it can really be a bonus point and an advantage. Try to search for online Chinese language programs here. 🙂

Rex
Rex
3 years ago

Hello, can an undergraduate student enrolled in a Western University transfer into MBBS program? Will the admission look at University Transcript? As he transferred O-level into foundation undergrad.

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  Rex

Hi @Rex,
If you study MBBS in China from a Western country, you have to start the program at the very beginning (or year 1). Chinese Universities will check university transcripts, O-level and foundation (or high school transcript).

rash
rash
3 years ago

Hi, I am Rash. When is the deadline in Chinese universities?

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  rash

Hi Rash, search for your preferred Chinese university/program and their deadlines here.

malik
malik
3 years ago

Hey, what are the documents required for 1 semester Chinese language course?

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  malik

Hi @malik,
Please check the complete documents here.

Bibi
Bibi
3 years ago

What’s the fee structure for MS or MD in China?

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  Bibi

Hi @Bibi,
It depends on the university where you are applying, but generally speaking, it’s more or less the same as most universities in the world. You need to pay for the tuition fee, entry fee, medical insurance, accommodation (if you stay on-campus), textbooks etc.
Tuition fee is paid one time. There are very few universities that allow installment.
I hope this helps.

Hildegalda
Hildegalda
3 years ago

Greetings! What is the average GPA is accepted for Degree Entry in Most of China Universities?
Can a holder of 2.5 GPA out of 5.0 of Diploma in Law get admission for Degree Entry?

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  Hildegalda

Hi @Hildegalda,
Average GPA accepted by Chinese universities is 70%. You can send your transcript here to check if you’re eligible or not: apply@china-admissions.com.

Danica
Danica
3 years ago

Hello. I’m in my second year pre-med and I’m planning to study in a medical school in China. What is the appropriate program should I get and when should I start to apply? Thank you!

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  Danica

Hi @Danica,
You can study MBBS or Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. Please read our MBBS guide or check out a full list of English-medium MBBS programs here.

Meesam Imran
Meesam Imran
3 years ago

what are the academic requirements for incoming undergraduates?

Christine Chiu
Christine Chiu
3 years ago
Reply to  Meesam Imran

Hi @Messam,
Please see entry requirements by degree level above. Academic requirements will also depend on the subject you take. You can head over to our search page here, select your desired program/university and see specific academic requirements.

Okereke Ijeoma
Okereke Ijeoma
3 years ago

If i apply for a course now, will i be able to travel to China by the time am admitted?
Because i wouldn’t want to waste my efforts and end up studying online

Nate
Nate
3 years ago

Are there age restrictions for masters programs?

X.maria belsin
X.maria belsin
3 years ago

I am currently 30 years old , so can I joinany University in china

Karl che
Karl che
3 years ago

Iam a student from India and iam looking to study history at undergraduate level in tshingua university what is the acceptance rate for my subject ? Is it a English taught program?

Karl che
Karl che
3 years ago

And the continuation of my comment, iam a 10th grade student now and what should I start doing right now to get accepted at tshingua? Like learning mandarin and preparing for entrance exams for

Karl che
Karl che
3 years ago

Cont…Students who are applying for undergraduate history program or any program in general? Please answer my questions iam really passionate about studying history at tshingua

Last edited 3 years ago by Karl che
Rafael R. Pinlac
Rafael R. Pinlac
3 years ago

If I am a 2nd year bsba marketing student in the philippines if I want to study at peking in marketing as well will my subjects be credited, or will I start at the beginning?

Maria Akter
Maria Akter
3 years ago

Is it really important to have IB score if I want to study at any Chinese International University?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
3 years ago
Reply to  Maria Akter

It is generally not required to submit an IB score. Check here for more details on the required application documents: https://www.china-admissions.com/study-in-china-guide-for-international-students/application-documents-for-chinese-universities/
For help building a strong application, we recommend you register on China Admissions (https://www.china-admissions.com/blog/register-for-free-advice-on-studying-in-china/), and then send us a message from the system or contact us by filling out this form (https://www.china-admissions.com/support-2/) so that we can help advise you on submitting proper documents and test scores.

rama krishna kalla
rama krishna kalla
3 years ago

Hi
Iam from India and am interested to get admission of my son in bachelor of petroleum engineering in china University of petroleum, Beijingn in 2022

Kindly help me to get admission
🙏🙏

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
3 years ago

Hello, you may find the program and begin an application here: https://apply.china-admissions.com/search/
Create an account on China Admissions to begin the application here: https://apply.china-admissions.com/account/register/
Here are China Admissions’ services we offer: https://www.china-admissions.com/services/
Check eligibility guidelines here: https://www.china-admissions.com/blog/admissions-requirements-at-chinese-universities/

Zahid
Zahid
2 years ago

Hey, i was wondering to secure fully-funded scholarship in PhD. I have distinctions in bachelors and masters degree. Would you mind guiding me on this please, thanks.

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Zahid

Hi Zahid, you may read all about scholarships here.
Find a program you would like and begin an application here. Once you have an account and our admissions counselors see your documents, they can help advise you best. You can contact them directly here.
Click here for more info about the PhD Application Process to Chinese unis. You will see it is best to start early!

Des Kennedy
Des Kennedy
2 years ago

I am British, my wife is Chinese and our son although spent all his life in China at public schools holds a British passport. What are the entrance requirements for university?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Des Kennedy

Hello, we explain the relevant laws and policies regarding students in a similar situation to your son’s here: https://www.china-admissions.com/blog/faq-can-you-study-in-china-if-you-are-a-former-chinese-citizen/. Note that your son may need to take extra steps to verify his nationality status.

cherish
cherish
2 years ago

Hello, I graduated from a singapore polytechnic with a local diploma. Can I apply to china universities if I had a diploma certificate but not A level?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  cherish

Hello Cherish, as long as you have a high-school level degree, you are eligible for Bachelor’s programs in China! A Levels are primarily offered by UK educational institutions, so applicants from different countries do not have them either.

Jeremy
Jeremy
2 years ago

Hi, Is high-school level degree equivalent to associate degree?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeremy

No, Chinese universities do not accept associates degrees

Kinza Khalid Minhas
Kinza Khalid Minhas
2 years ago

Students with low merit are eligible for study undergraduate courses in China or not? Is there any hope??

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago

You may begin an application to a university on our platform and we will help you determine if you are eligible.
You should also look at Foundation Programs, a great way for students with lower grades to prepare for university.

Shyam Lamichhane
Shyam Lamichhane
2 years ago

I completed my bachelor degree in chemical engineering in English medium. Is there any possibility to get admission in China without doing IELTS.

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago

You could register an account here and begin an application for your preferred program here. Then we can tell you what documents you will need for that program. In some cases, because your bachelor’s was in English, you may not need an additional certification.

Vitor
Vitor
2 years ago

I was a high school drop out and graduated later at 21 years old, with pretty average grades. It would be harder to get accepted(bachelor) even if I can pay for everything?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Vitor

Hi Vitor, don’t worry, your situation is not too uncommon! You might be very interested in a pre-university foundation program, read about them here.

Elle
Elle
2 years ago

Can I study undergrad. courses without learning Chinese? Are there English courses available for business courses at Tsinghua and Peking?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Elle

Hello! We have a free database of English-taught courses at hundreds of Chinese unis. You can search for courses at Tsinghua and Peking here: https://apply.china-admissions.com/search/
If you take an English-taught course, it will all be in English but you may have the option to take a Chinese language course as well.

aansa
aansa
2 years ago

can you please recommend me universities in china fo llm that will accept cgpa lower than 3/4 like 2.7 or 2.8?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  aansa

You might want to check out Foundation Programs (https://www.china-admissions.com/blog/study-foundation-programs-china/) which are for students with lower GPA.

riddhika gochhe
riddhika gochhe
2 years ago

Hello mam what is the requirements to study bachelor in China and how many marks does it need to get admitted to the university

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago

You can find a program you are interested in here: https://apply.china-admissions.com/search/
We have listed the requirements for each program. Once you apply through us, we can further guide you.

Matt.L
Matt.L
2 years ago

Do i require a GRE or GMAT score in order to apply for the Tsinghua-MIT Global MBA programme for the 2022 intake (On the application it doesn’t say that i need one or show anywhere to upload my score

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Matt.L

It is not required, but if you don’t submit a competitive GMAT/GRE score you may need to take the Tsinghua MBA Alternative Entrance Exam. You can read more about it here: https://apply.china-admissions.com/tsinghua-mit-global-mba-program-at-tsinghua-university/d/pMTHU2170

Matt.L
Matt.L
2 years ago

Could you please send me information on what the format is for the Tsinghua-MIT MBA entrance exam and what is its format and structure and how we can prepare for it?

SILVANO
SILVANO
2 years ago

Do we need have English certification if we are applying for the chinese master programs?(Peking, Tsinghua university), if yes, what level we have to reach? thanks

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  SILVANO

If you are applying to Chinese-taught masters, there is usually no need to provide an English test certificate, but it can be a bonus for you if you have a high score.

Princess
Princess
2 years ago

Can I get or study in China with high school results (Waec)

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Princess

Yes, you can apply for bachelor’s programs or Chinese language programs with a High School degree.

uvi p u
uvi p u
2 years ago

i studied diploma in mechatronics at 2014 to 2016. but i have a backlog. still can i study based on mechatronics course in china ?? I am 27 years old.

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  uvi p u

Hello, if you only finished high school/secondary school and did not finish a Bachelor’s degree, you will have to start a Bachelor’s program in China from the beginning. If you did finish a Bachelor’s degree already then you can apply for a master’s at a Chinese university. You can send your transcript and the details about what program you want to enroll in to apply@china-admissions.com for more advice.

ang
ang
2 years ago

hi, i’ll complete my bachelors in chemistry by july 2022, but i want to do my masters in food science. will i be eligible to apply for the food science courses?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  ang

Yes, you can still apply before you have graduated Bachelor’s, as long as you are on track to graduate on time! You can find a program and begin an application to see all the required documents here: https://apply.china-admissions.com/search/

Iram
Iram
2 years ago

Hey, I have sent emails to the Chinese professor for an acceptance letter but haven’t received any mail yet from their side, I do have 1st division in every grade, IDK why it is so what’s the reason?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Iram

If you have applied through us at China Admissions, you can email apply@china-admissions.com and we can help you check.
The university may not have decided upon your case yet, here are the average times: https://www.china-admissions.com/blog/fastest-chinese-universities-accept-international-students/
It can be very difficult to contact the Chinese universities by email, instead of emailing the professor you could try to contact the admissions office.

Robyn Kruger
Robyn Kruger
2 years ago

Hey, I’m considering doing my master’s degree abroad. Can I apply for a master’s in China with a 3-year bachelor’s degree? Some countries clearly state I should have a 4-year bachelor’s.

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Robyn Kruger

If you have a valid Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university it should be fine. If you apply through our platform our admissions team can give you more direct information based on which university/program you choose.

Jeremy
Jeremy
2 years ago

Hey, I graduated with a Higher Nitec certificate in Electronic engineering from Singapore. Am I able to apply any bachelor or master degree program in china?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeremy

You must have a high school degree (or the highest secondary school diploma from your country/A Levels) to attend Bachelors, and you must have a Bachelor’s degree to qualify for a Chinese Masters.

Jeremy
Jeremy
2 years ago

So it’s any diploma in Singapore to attend Bachelors in China?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeremy

You must have a high school/secondary school diploma, or A-levels, to be eligible for a Bachelors.

Peter
Peter
2 years ago

Hi just finished high-school in Kenya I want to study in China am I eligible please

I really want to study in china

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Peter

Hello, if you have a high school diploma you are eligible for Bachelors or Chinese language programs at Chinese universities!
You can search for them here: https://apply.china-admissions.com/search/

Serkan
Serkan
2 years ago

Hi, I want to study in Sustech. I am eligable for apply but is there a online test or interview? If yes, what kind of online test and interview? I saw a comment consultant says no need. update me pls

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Serkan

Hello, please read information about what test may be required here: https://www.china-admissions.com/blog/faq-is-there-a-chinese-university-entrance-exam-for-foreigners/

Rimsha
Rimsha
2 years ago

Hi! my bachelor’s Cgpa is 3.0 can i apply for mphill mathematics? If yes then suggest me universities which offer scholarship according to mine Cgpa….

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Rimsha

Hello! You can search programs here: https://apply.china-admissions.com/search/ We have listed the basic eligibility requirements so you can find a program that suits you.
Universities typically award scholarships to high-performing students. You can find scholarship information on the university’s website.

Rekha Sheoran
Rekha Sheoran
2 years ago

I want to offline classes for Chinese language program

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Rekha Sheoran

Hello! Right now the border is closed for many students to come to China; you can see border information here: https://www.china-admissions.com/blog/update-covid-and-online-classes/
You can search for Chinese programs within China here: https://apply.china-admissions.com/search/ or outside of the Chinese mainland here: https://articles.globaladmissions.com/blog/best-places-to-learn-chinese-outside-mainland-china/

Gopolang Kgafela
Gopolang Kgafela
2 years ago

Hello. I am doing Cambridge International Education. Do I need A Levels or AS Levels to apply

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago

You will need A levels.

Derek Dong
Derek Dong
2 years ago

Can I apply using a GED ?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Derek Dong

It depends on the university, some can accept it. You can find a program and begin an application here: https://apply.china-admissions.com/search/. After you begin uploading your documents, we can check the eligibility.

Nikita pal
Nikita pal
2 years ago

I want to learn Chinese standard Mandarin language

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Nikita pal
Anastasia
Anastasia
2 years ago

Can I study in China for a fee if I am over 35?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Anastasia

You will need to meet the age requirements to study your preferred degree level in China. If you are over 35 you can study PhD.

Anastasia
Anastasia
2 years ago

Dear Savannah, even if I would study for a few I can not apply for Masters or Bachelors if I am over 35, is this correct? Not speaking of scholarship. I would pay for my education.

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Anastasia

Yes, you cannot apply for Chinese Bachelors or Masters if you are over 35. This is due to Chinese law and regulations.
There are many other countries that accept students regardless of age limit, you can explore them at our sister site Global Admissions: https://www.globaladmissions.com/search/

Samra Riasat
Samra Riasat
2 years ago

What is the minimum cgpa requirement for admission in MS botany in ChineseUniversity?

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Samra Riasat

You will need to have at least a passing (70%) grade in all subjects, and have high scores in the sciences and mathematics.
You can find programs and check their eligibility requirements here: https://apply.china-admissions.com/search/

Zachory Qiao
Zachory Qiao
2 years ago

I will be graduating from bcom in Canada, what will be the GPA requirement for doing a master’s degree in China

Savannah Billman
Savannah Billman
2 years ago
Reply to  Zachory Qiao

It depends on the program, but you definitely need to have at least a passing grade in all subjects, and high marks in the subjects you want to study in graduate school.
You can find programs and check the requirements here: https://apply.china-admissions.com/search/

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