Documents Required for China Scholarships 2025 (Full Checklist)
The gates are creaking open. Over 270 Chinese universities are preparing to unleash a torrent of scholarship applications for the September 2025 intake. Think you’ve got what it takes to snatch one of these coveted prizes? Think again.
The competition is FIERCE. Thousands of hungry students, just like you, are sharpening their claws, ready to pounce on these fully-funded opportunities. But here’s the chilling truth: most will fail. Why? Because they won’t have the right set of application documents.
So are your documents ready? And by ready, we mean completely, precisely, without-a-single-detail-missing ready. Because if even one item is incomplete, that opportunity could slip through your fingers faster than you can say “scholarship.” Let’s dive into the thorough list of documents needed for your China Scholarship application submissions.
1# Passport & Passport-Sized Picture (6 Months Validity is Must)
First things first: your passport. Ensure it’s valid for at least 6 months, has a clean, readable copy, and is backed by a professional passport-sized photo on a white or blue background. Don’t skip the small details, like background color, because Chinese universities tend to enforce these details to the letter.
2# Two Recommendation Letters
One letter won’t do—you need two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors. And if you’re applying to multiple universities, multiply that requirement by the number of applications. Yes, that’s potentially a mountain of originals, but it’s a necessary step to show each university your academic backing. Failing to get multiple originals? That could weaken your application.
3# Professor’s Acceptance Letter (Optional but Powerful)
Want a competitive edge? Connect with a professor aligned with your research interests and request an Acceptance Letter. If granted, this letter can significantly boost your chances of being selected for the scholarship.
4# English Proficiency Certificate
While most Chinese universities don’t demand IELTS, they’ll want an English Proficiency Certificate (https://sie.tju.edu.cn/en/jxj/tjszfjxj/). Secure this document from the registrar’s office of your last academic institution if you studied in English. This certificate serves as proof of your language proficiency for 95% of universities, but be mindful—top-tier institutions may still require additional validation.
5# High School Certificates (Matric & Inter)
For many students, scholarships require Matric and Intermediate (FA/FSc) certificates and DMCs. So, if you think they’re behind you, think again—they’re coming with you to China.
6# Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees & Transcripts
For Master’s applicants, your Bachelor’s degree and transcripts are required. PhD hopefuls will need their Master’s degree and transcripts as well. Have them carefully organized and ready to present after getting them attested from higher educational authorities of your country.
7# Attestation of Educational Documents
Here’s where things get official. Get all your educational documents attested by MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) of your country. If you’re cringing at the thought of endless red-tape, now’s the time to prepare yourself.
8# Notarized Colored Copies of Documents
Yes, you read that right. After attestation, make colored copies of all your documents and have them notarized for foreign studies—stamps on the copies, not the originals, remember. It sounds tedious, but it’s essential, as missing this step could sink your entire submission.
9# Study Plan
Craft a comprehensive Study Plan (https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/study-space/how-to-make-an-effective-study-plan) detailing your background, research interests, and future goals. Your plan should reflect your passion and vision, as this document helps universities gauge your purpose and dedication.
10# Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A well-structured CV is mandatory, ideally in the Europass format (https://daadscholarship.com/europass-cv-format-editable-template-to-create-european-style-cv/) but a clear, research-focused format works too. Highlight research projects and interests—it’s all about convincing the scholarship committee that you’re serious about your field.
11# University Application Forms & Fees
Application requirements vary by university, so be prepared for the occasional application fee. Research each institution’s submission requirements in advance to avoid any nasty surprises.
12# Physical Examination Form for CSC
This isn’t your everyday check-up. The CSC-specific physical examination form can be downloaded from the CSC portal and must be signed off by a hospital. Double-check every box because an incomplete form could invalidate your entire application.
13# Police Clearance Certificate (Visa Application Stage only)
Yes, China needs to know you’re a law-abiding citizen, so the police clearance certificate (https://www.huainan.gov.cn/HUAINANCHINA/Education/1260095710.html) is required—good for six months only. It’s needed for the visa stage, so get it on time, but not too early, lest it expires.
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