Study in China requirements for international students in 2027 depend on your degree level, university, major, teaching language and scholarship. A major development for undergraduate applicants is the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA), which many universities began requiring from the 2026/27 academic year. Graduate applicants follow a different set of academic, language and research requirements.
Core 2027 checklist: passport + academic certificate/transcripts + language evidence + CSCA for undergraduate programs where required + study plan/personal statement + any recommendations/portfolio/research proposal + health/police/financial documents requested by the university + admission documents for the X1 visa/residence process.
1. Nationality and Passport Requirements
International applicants must generally be non-Chinese citizens with a valid foreign passport and meet China’s rules governing international-student nationality status. Applicants who formerly held Chinese nationality or who were born abroad to Chinese parent(s) may need additional proof relating to nationality, permanent residence and time lived abroad. Universities reproduce these rules in their annual admissions guides.
2. Undergraduate Academic Requirements
Undergraduate applicants normally need a recognized high-school/secondary-school diploma and complete transcripts. Current students can often provide an official expected-graduation certificate, then submit the final diploma at registration. Universities can also specify prerequisite subjects, minimum averages or additional assessments.
3. CSCA for International Undergraduate Applicants
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is now a central requirement at many Chinese universities. Chongqing University’s 2026 guide states that international undergraduate applicants must take the CSCA organized by the China Scholarship Council on behalf of the Ministry of Education and submit a valid transcript. Nankai University, USTC, Dalian University of Technology and others publish similar requirements.
Required CSCA subjects depend on the major and teaching language. Mathematics is widely required; science/engineering/medical applicants can also face physics or chemistry, while Chinese-taught applicants may need the relevant Chinese paper. Always use the target university’s program list to determine your exact subjects.
4. Master’s Requirements
Master’s applicants generally need a recognized bachelor’s degree and complete undergraduate transcripts. Programs may assess prerequisite coursework, GPA, research or professional background. Some universities encourage applicants to contact a potential supervisor in advance, particularly for research-oriented degrees.
5. Doctoral Requirements
Doctoral applicants generally need an appropriate master’s qualification, strong academic record and evidence of research potential. A research proposal, publications, academic references and supervisor fit can be important. Specific requirements differ significantly across departments.
6. Chinese-Taught Program Language Requirements
Chinese-taught programs normally require HSK. The level varies by institution and major. Current examples show HSK 4 for some undergraduate programs and HSK 5 for many graduate programs, while humanities/language programs can set higher standards. Previous education taught in Chinese can sometimes support an exemption, but only where the university explicitly allows it.
7. English-Taught Program Requirements
English-taught programs commonly accept IELTS or TOEFL, but alternatives exist. Chang’an University currently lists TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.0 and Duolingo 100 and allows exemption based on official proof that previous education was taught in English. Chongqing University’s postgraduate guidance also recognizes an English-medium previous-degree certificate as an alternative. Therefore, 2027 applicants should check the exact program rather than assuming IELTS is mandatory.
8. Application Documents
| Document | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Passport information page | Identity and nationality |
| Diploma / expected-graduation certificate | Academic eligibility |
| Complete academic transcripts | Academic review |
| CSCA score | Undergraduate academic assessment where required |
| HSK / English evidence | Teaching-language readiness |
| Personal statement / study plan | Motivation and academic plan |
| Recommendation letters | Often required for graduate applications and some scholarships |
| Research proposal | Common for research master’s/PhD programs |
| Physical examination form | Required in many university/scholarship applications |
| Non-criminal record | Requested by many institutions |
| Financial support evidence | Can be required for self-funded applicants or specific universities |
| Portfolio / additional tests | Program-specific, especially arts/design or specialist programs |
9. Application Deadlines
China does not have one national university deadline. Zhejiang University’s 2026 undergraduate application opened on 1 December 2025 with a main deadline of 28 February 2026 and later deadlines for some programs. Other universities used dates in March, May or beyond. Scholarship deadlines can be earlier than self-funded admission deadlines.
For 2027 entry, begin checking university portals in late 2026. Do not wait until March 2027 to start documents if you plan to apply for CSC or a competitive university scholarship.
10. Application Fees
Application fees vary. Zhejiang University currently lists RMB 800 for degree applicants, while other universities publish their own amounts. Application fees are often non-refundable even if the applicant is not admitted.
11. Scholarship Requirements
Scholarship eligibility is separate from basic admission. The Chinese Government Scholarship can impose age, nationality, language and program-category requirements, and undergraduate scholarship applicants now need to plan for CSCA under current guidance. University, municipal and provincial scholarships can use different criteria and deadlines.
12. Admission Documents and X1 Visa
After admission, the university issues the documents needed for study and immigration. Peking University’s current guidance states that students use their admission letter and the Confirmation Form for Study in China (JW201/JW202 as applicable) to apply for an X1 visa, then apply through the university for a study residence permit within 30 days after entering China. Follow the Chinese mission and university instructions applicable to your case.
13. Medical Insurance and Registration
Universities require international students to hold appropriate medical insurance. PKU’s current undergraduate information says students must purchase the Comprehensive Insurance Plan for International Students before registration, and students without required insurance cannot register. Registration also involves verifying original academic and identity documents.
14. 2027 Application Timeline
| Period | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| Sep–Nov 2026 | Choose programs; check CSCA and language-test schedule; prepare passport and academic documents. |
| Nov 2026–Jan 2027 | Monitor admissions opening; request recommendations; prepare study plan and scholarship applications. |
| Jan–Mar 2027 | Submit early university/CSC applications and required test results. |
| Mar–May 2027 | Complete later self-funded applications; interviews/academic review. |
| May–Jul 2027 | Admission decisions, scholarship results, final diploma verification. |
| Jul–Sep 2027 | Visa, housing, insurance, travel and registration preparation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need CSCA to study in China in 2027?
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree, many leading universities now require CSCA and scholarship rules increasingly incorporate it. Check the exact 2027 university guide. CSCA is generally not the same requirement for graduate applicants.
What HSK level is required?
There is no single national score for every program. Requirements can range by degree and subject; use the exact program brochure.
Can I study in China without IELTS?
Yes at some English-taught programs where the university accepts an alternative such as MOI, TOEFL, Duolingo or another approved proof. Verify the program-specific rule.
Official Sources Used
Research sources: The figures and policy details in this guide were checked against official government, scholarship-provider, university, or ranking sources current as of 16 September 2026.
- Chongqing University – 2026 Undergraduate Application Guide
- Chang’an University – 2026 Undergraduate Guide
- Chang’an University – 2026 Master’s Guide
- Zhejiang University – 2026 Undergraduate Admissions
- Zhejiang University – 2026 Master’s Admissions
- Peking University – 2026 Undergraduate Visa/Insurance Guidance
- Peking University – 2026 Graduate Admissions
- Chinese Embassy – 2026/27 CGS Notice
