Documents Notarization Process for China Scholarships 2026

Every year, thousands of students from Africa, Asia, Europe, and beyond win the prestigious China Government Scholarship (CSC) to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees at top Chinese universities. But before your application can even be reviewed, you must submit the right documents—and more importantly, they must be properly notarized or legalized.

This step may sound confusing at first, but it’s actually simple once you understand the process. Whether you’re from Kenya, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Brazil, or the UK, the rules follow the same principle:
you must make your academic and official documents legally valid for use in China.

Why Notarization and Legalization are Required?

Chinese universities and the CSC need to verify that the documents you upload—like your degree, transcripts, and police certificate—are authentic and officially recognized by your home country’s authorities. That’s where notarization, apostille, or consular legalization comes in. It proves your papers are genuine before they’re accepted by the Chinese government or university admissions office.

• Notarization confirms that your document is a true and verified copy.
• Apostille (for Hague member countries) is a one-step official stamp recognized internationally.
• Legalization (for non-Hague countries) is a two-step process involving your Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy.

What Typically Must be Notarized to Apply for China Scholarships?

1. Highest diploma / degree certificate: If you’re still studying, use an official enrolment/expected graduation letter.
2. Academic transcripts: Provide complete, official records; include all pages and back-page seals.
3. Police clearance / non-criminal record: Most schools accept certificates issued within the last 3–6 months.
4. Foreigner Physical Examination Form: Must be fully completed, signed by a doctor, and hospital-stamped. A few universities may ask for notarized translations if not in Chinese/English.

5. Usually not notarized unless a university explicitly asks: passport bio page, CV/resumé, recommendation letters, study plan/research proposal, standard language tests (IELTS/TOEFL/HSK).

Where to Get Your Documents Notarized for China Scholarships?

Below is an easy list showing which office or authority you should visit in your country to make your documents valid for use in China. If your country isn’t listed, check with your Ministry of Foreign Affairs — you’ll either need an Apostille (one-step) or Embassy legalization (two-step).