How to Write a CV for Chinese Universities • China Admissions

A CV or resume is one of the essential elements needed for a successful application. Unlike a personal statement essay, which focuses on your goals, motivations, dreams, and character, a CV is a chance to show off your professional and academic accomplishments.

Yet, many students struggle to write a quality CV for their Chinese university application. Follow our guide to craft an excellent resume!

What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

CV stands for the Latin phrase curriculum vitae, which means “course of life.” CVs are typically between three and ten pages (though if you are a student, it may not be this long) and include all details about your academic and professional history, as well as any other accomplishments, awards, and projects.

A resume is typically only one or two pages, and includes only specific information for the position you are applying for. As an example, if you are applying for a job in graphic design, you will only include relevant design work on your resume, such as: personal design projects, previous design internships, or relevant coursework you did in school.

Which one do Chinese universities want?

Chinese universities want a CV that includes all of your academic and professional experience, regardless of whether it specifically relates to your major. It may not be as long as 3-10 pages, but you should include all your educational and work history, as well as other information such as awards, skills, interests, etc.

In general, you can write your CV in English.

CV for Chinese Universities format: Basic Information

Your CV must be well-organized and easy to read. You can use dividing lines to separate different sections of the resume. If you do not know how to design a resume, you can download one of our two pre-formatted CV templates and fill them out accordingly.

Download these free templates for Chinese University CVs and fill them out:

Sample 1: Chinese University CV Sample Form 1 PDF, Chinese University CV Sample Form 1 Microsoft Word DOCX
Sample 2: Chinese University CV Sample Form 2 PDF, Chinese University CV Sample Form 2 Microsoft Word DOCX

Microsoft Word and Canva.com (a user-friendly graphic design platform) also have dozens of free resume and CV templates.

Here are some examples you might find on Canva.com:

Your CV should follow these basic considerations in order to be successful.

Be up to date (until the time you send it to us).
Written in a readable font. In English, try using fonts such as Arial, Calibri, Cambria, Georgia, or Times New Roman with a size 11-14.
Grammatically correct. Do not have grammar mistakes or spelling errors.
Include contact information. Professional resumes should include a phone number, address, email address, or another contact number.
All dates should include day, month, year. Do not just put the years, be specific!
Include a photo. For Chinese resumes and CVs alike, you are expected to include a photo of yourself in the upper corner of the document. Use a professional style headshot that clearly shows your head and shoulders, and preferably a plain background with solid-colored, professional clothing.

Here are some acceptable styles of photos:

Information to put on your CV

Here is the basic information you should include on your CV to a Chinese university.

Name and contact information
Photo
Education history (arranged in order from most recent to oldest)
- Include the full name and city/country of your school, graduation day/month/year, and your final average grade/GPA
- Include your major or area of study
- Include what education type it is: Middle School, High School, Bachelor’s, Master’s
- Some universities will want your primary/elementary school information!
Work/Internship experience (arranged from most recent to oldest)
- Include the name/city/country of the company, your position, and a few short notes on what you accomplished there
- Include the specific dates (day/month/year) that you worked there
- If you have no work experience, in this section you can include school projects or clubs, volunteer work, or community service
Awards
- If you have any awards or honors, it is essential to list them on your resume with the date you received them and the organization that awarded them
Hard and Soft Skills
- Examples of hard skills: Python, Javascript, or another programming language; knowledge of Adobe Photoshop; Fluency in a language; Research; Budgeting; Copywriting
- Examples of soft skills: Leadership, Cross-Cultural Communication, Problem Solving, Dependability, Critical Thinking, Optimistic Attitude
Hobbies and Interests
- You may also include some interesting hobbies on your resume, such as:
  - Sport, calligraphy, dancing, photography, playing an instrument, stand-up comedy

Learn More

Learn more about the different types of documents required for admissions to Chinese universities here.

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Savannah Billman

Savannah Billman has a master's degree in Chinese Law and Society at the Yenching Academy of Peking University. She holds a B.A. from NYU Shanghai and has also written for The World of Chinese, TechNode, SupChina, and Sixth Tone.

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