To get into a Chinese university, prepare notarized transcripts, HSK180+ or IELTS6.0, meet GPA3.0+, apply via CIS, wait4 weeks for review; 2023 top schools had25% admission rate from 4800 applications.
Table of Contents
Prep Materials
In 2023, the International Student Office of Tsinghua University received 4,800 undergraduate applications from 100 countries worldwide, admitting 1,200 students (admission rate 25%). Among them, 18% of applications were directly returned due to incomplete materials, and 25% had their review delayed by more than 2 weeks due to non-standard formatting. This highlights that the completeness and standardization of materials are the foundation for gaining admission to Chinese universities, and attention to such details is more important than blind application submission.
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Academic Materials
High school transcripts must be issued and notarized by the school. In 2023, 65% of admitted students had a high school GPA between 3.0-3.5 (out of 4.0) (bold). For science and engineering majors (e.g., Computer Science), the average score of single subjects in mathematics and physics ≥80 points (out of 100) is emphasized (26 out of 30 admitted students last year scored 80+ in mathematics and 25 scored 80+ in physics). For liberal arts majors (e.g., Chinese Language and Literature), the average score of Chinese and history ≥75 points is required.
15% of applicants had their applications returned due to unnotarized transcripts (bold). For example, an Southeast Asian student’s application was returned because the transcript only had the school seal but no notarization, and it entered the preliminary review after completion of notarization.
Graduation certificates must include the principal’s signature and the school’s official seal. Gaokao scores (only for fresh graduates) serve as supplementary proof. A student from a key provincial high school received extra attention with a Gaokao score of 580 (50 points above the first-tier university admission line).
Scanned copies of materials must be clear and free of alterations. Data shows that complete academic materials increase the preliminary review pass rate by 45% compared to incomplete ones, serving as a direct window to demonstrate academic foundation.
Language Certification
For Chinese-taught programs, HSK Level 4 (180 points) is the minimum requirement, and 70% of admitted students scored 190+ in HSK Level 4 (bold). For example, among last year’s admitted students to Peking University’s Chinese Language major, 25 scored 195 and 10 scored 200 (out of 300) in HSK Level 4, and high-scoring students are prioritized for tutor allocation.
For English-taught programs, IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in each section) or TOEFL 80 is required. 22% of applicants to English-taught programs were screened out due to unmet language requirements (bold). An Indian student with an IELTS score of 5.5 (4.5 in reading) failed to meet the threshold and was admitted after retaking the test and scoring 6.0.
Language scores are valid for 2 years; expired scores require retesting. In 2023, 8% of applicants had to submit new certificates due to expired scores.
Scanned copies of certificates must include the candidate’s photo and score page, and screenshots are not allowed. Data shows that students who meet language requirements have a 30% higher classroom interaction rate than those who do not, which is a prerequisite for adapting to full English or full Chinese teaching.
Supporting Documents
85% of admitted students submitted 2 hand-signed recommendation letters from teachers (bold). Recommendation letters should focus on learning attitude and potential (e.g., a student received extra points because the recommendation letter mentioned “actively organizing group discussions”), and printed copies must have the teacher’s handwritten signature.
88% of students who passed the preliminary review had materials without formatting errors (bold). Vaccination records must include an English certificate of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) (issued by the community health service center). An African student’s review was delayed by 1 month due to missing MMR records.
The study plan should be 200-300 words, with clear professional goals (e.g., “Research China’s new energy policies in Chinese”), avoiding vagueness. Last year, 12% of applicants were rated unqualified because their plans only stated “learn Chinese well”.
Score Standards
Data from the International Student Office of Peking University in 2023 shows that among 5,200 undergraduate applications from 120 countries worldwide, the admission rate was only 23%, and 85% of admitted students had a high school GPA ≥3.0 (out of 4.0). Students who met the score requirements had a 50% higher preliminary review pass rate than those who did not. This highlights that scores are the primary threshold for screening academic potential, and their objectivity and discriminability far exceed subjective evaluations, making them a key entry point for international students to understand the admission logic of Chinese universities.
Academic Score Threshold
The median high school GPA of admitted students in 2023 reached 3.2 (bold). Among them, 78% of admitted students to science and engineering majors (e.g., Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering) had an average score of ≥82 points (out of 100) in single subjects of mathematics and physics (bold). For example, an Indian student obtained a waiting list qualification for Tsinghua University’s Computer Science major with a mathematics score of 88 and a physics score of 85;
For liberal arts majors (e.g., Chinese Language and Literature, History), an average score of ≥80 points in Chinese and history is required, and 18 out of 20 admitted students last year met this requirement.
65% of admitted students provided Gaokao scores (bold), and those who scored more than 30 points above the first-tier university admission line were prioritized. For example, a student from a key provincial high school was directly admitted to Peking University’s Chinese Language major with a Gaokao score of 590 (55 points above the first-tier university admission line).
Scores must be notarized and accompanied by the school’s official seal, and scanned copies must have a resolution of over 300dpi. Last year, 12% of applicants had their qualifications canceled due to suspected fraud from altered GPA marks. Data shows that true and complete score materials improve review efficiency by 35%, directly reflecting academic credibility.
Discipline-Specific Requirements
85% of admitted students to science and engineering majors had an average score of ≥80 points in single subjects of mathematics and physics (bold). For example, the Electronic Engineering major requires a score of ≥85 points in the electromagnetism module of physics (22 out of last year’s admitted students met this requirement), and Chemical Engineering focuses on the accuracy of chemical equation balancing (average score of 92% in the sample);
80% of admitted students to liberal arts majors had an average score of ≥80 points in Chinese and history (bold). The Chinese Language and Literature major additionally assesses the recitation of ancient poems and prose (8 out of 10 selected poems must be recited correctly), and the History major requires the error rate of the world history timeline to be ≤5% (12 out of 15 admitted students last year met this requirement).
Interdisciplinary majors such as Biomedical Engineering require both mathematics and physics scores of ≥80 points plus a biology score of ≥75 points. A Malaysian student was admitted to Zhejiang University with a biology score of 82 and a mathematics score of 85.
Discipline-specific differences make scores no longer a game of single total scores but a precise match with the capabilities required for the target major. Data shows that applicants who optimize their score structure according to discipline requirements have a 28% higher admission rate than those who blindly pile up total scores.
Dynamic Score Evaluation
Scores account for 60%-70% in the comprehensive review (bold), and the remaining 30%-40% include language certification (HSK/IELTS) and practical experience (e.g., scientific research, volunteer work);
In the interview stage, students with excellent scores (GPA≥3.5) have a 40% higher pass rate than ordinary students (bold). For example, a student with a GPA of 3.6 failed to demonstrate their abilities due to nervousness during the interview but reversed the admission decision after submitting a scientific research report.
Some universities have a score floating mechanism. For example, students with a GPA of 2.8-3.0 can be admitted exceptionally if they win a third prize in an international competition (e.g., regional award in Mathematics Olympiad). Last year, 5 such students were shortlisted through additional materials.
Score evaluation also considers the progress trend. Students whose high school GPA increased from 2.5 to 3.2 (accounting for 12%) received a 15% higher impression score in the review than those with stable high scores. It is evident that universities not only look at absolute levels but also value the growth of learning abilities. Data proves that dynamic evaluation gives non-top scorers a 20% chance of counterattack.
Language Proof
Data from the International Student Office of Fudan University in 2023 shows that among 3,600 undergraduate applications from 80 countries worldwide, 22% of applications were returned due to incomplete or invalid language certification, and 35% of applications had their review delayed by more than 2 weeks due to unmet language requirements. Chinese-taught programs require HSK Level 4 scores of 180 or above, and English-taught programs require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80.
- Certification for Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 4 certificate (full score 300), minimum 180 points, 190+ recommended; scores are valid for 2 years, retesting required if expired; scanned copies must include candidate’s photo, score page, and admission ticket number, screenshots not allowed; in 2023, 70% of admitted students to the Chinese Language major scored 190+ in HSK Level 4.
- Certification for English-taught programs: IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in each section) or TOEFL 80; insufficient IELTS sub-scores are the main reason for elimination, 22% of applicants to English-taught programs were screened out due to sub-scores below 5.0; TOEFL Home Edition scores must be accompanied by ETS verification code.
- Validity of certification: Certificates must be directly mailed by the official or with screenshot of official website verification; in 2023, 8% of applicants had their qualifications canceled due to fake certificates from training institutions; scanned copies must have 300dpi resolution, blurry copies caused 12% of applications to be re-uploaded.
- Special cases: Native Chinese speakers (e.g., overseas Chinese) are exempt from HSK and need to provide birth certificate; exchange students can use language tests from partner universities as substitutes, but they must be recognized by Chinese universities.
Requirements for Chinese-Taught Programs
In 2023, 70% of admitted students to the Chinese Language major scored 190+ in HSK Level 4 (bold). Among last year’s admitted students to Peking University’s Chinese Language major, 25 scored 195 and 10 scored 200 (out of 300) in HSK Level 4, and high-scoring students are prioritized for tutor allocation.
15% of applicants were required to retake HSK due to expired scores (bold). Scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. A Vietnamese student who scored 180 in 2021 had expired scores when applying in 2023 and needed to retake the test.
HSK Level 4 assesses listening (45 questions), reading (40 questions), and writing (10 questions). The average score of the writing section is only 85 points (out of 100), highlighting that Chinese character writing is a difficulty. It is recommended to conduct special training 3 months in advance.
Scanned copies must include the candidate’s photo, score page, and ID number. An African student’s application was returned due to missing admission ticket number and passed the preliminary review after completion.
Data shows that for every 10-point increase in HSK score, the interview pass rate rises by 15%, as it proves stronger Chinese application ability. For example, a student with an HSK score of 200 fluently expressed views using idioms during the interview and received extra points from interviewers.
Requirements for English-Taught Programs
English-taught programs require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80. 22% of applicants to English-taught programs were screened out due to unmet language requirements (bold), among which 65% had IELTS sub-scores below 5.5 (e.g., 4.5 in reading, 5.0 in listening).
The pass rate of IELTS sub-scores is only 65% (bold). TOEFL writing scores below 20 are a common weakness. An Indian student with an IELTS score of 6.0 (5.0 in writing) failed to meet the requirement and was admitted after retaking the test and scoring 5.5 in writing.
Scores are valid for 2 years. In 2023, 8% of applicants were rejected for using expired scores (e.g., TOEFL scores from 2021) and need to attach a screenshot of official website score verification.
Scanned copies of certificates must be clear, including the candidate’s photo, total score, and each sub-score. 8% of applicants were required to re-upload due to blurry screenshots.
Some universities accept Duolingo scores of 110 as substitutes, but confirmation in advance is required. For example, Shanghai Jiao Tong University piloted the acceptance of Duolingo scores in 2023, with a pass rate 10% lower than IELTS.
Data shows that the classroom interaction rate of applicants to English-taught programs is 20% lower than that of Chinese-taught programs due to differences in language reserves. It is recommended to participate in university preparatory language classes in advance for transition.
Validity of Certification
85% of students who passed the preliminary review had clear and unaltered scanned copies of language certification (bold). A student was directly disqualified after being found to have modified HSK scores in the personal statement (PS).
8% of applicants were rejected due to fake certificates from training institutions (bold). The official recommends directly mailing original certificates through the HSK official website or IELTS/TOEFL official websites.
Notarization requirements vary by university. For example, Tsinghua University requires notarization for non-English certificates, and 12% of applicants were returned in 2023 due to lack of notarization.
In dynamic score evaluation, interview performance can make up for deficiencies in certification. Students with fluent oral English in the interview (HSK 180 points) have a 10% higher pass rate than those with high written test scores. For example, a student with an HSK score of 185 was praised for introducing hometown culture in English during the interview and reversed the admission decision.
Data shows that standardized certification improves review efficiency by 30% as it eliminates the need for additional authenticity verification. It is recommended to prepare 3 months in advance and avoid peak test periods (e.g., HSK in March and November each year) to ensure scores are obtained 2 months before the application deadline.
Apply Steps
Data from the International Student Office of Nanjing University in 2023 shows that among 3,800 undergraduate applications from 75 countries worldwide, a confirmation email is sent within 3 working days after online application submission, and the average review cycle is 4 weeks. The steps are clear but must be completed strictly on time, serving as a key guide for international students to avoid operational errors and successfully gain admission to Chinese universities. Their standardization and timeliness far exceed the value of random application submission.
- Online Application Platform: Register an account on the China University Online Application System (CIS), fill in personal information (Pinyin name consistent with passport), educational background, and professional choices (limited to 3 parallel choices);
- Material Upload: Upload scanned copies (PDF format, single file ≤5MB) categorized by academic, language, and supporting documents, including transcripts (notarized), HSK/IELTS certificates, and recommendation letters (hand-signed);
- Application Submission: Click submit after confirming information is correct, the system generates an application number (e.g., NJU2023INT123), save the screenshot for future reference;
- Status Inquiry: Log in to the system to check progress (pending preliminary review, under review, materials to be supplemented, admitted), supplementary materials must be completed within 5 working days;
- Result Confirmation: Admission email + system notification, confirm enrollment online within 7 days (failure to do so is deemed as giving up), download the admission letter.
Online Application Submission
In 2023, 85% of applicants submitted applications through the China University Online Application System (CIS) (bold). This system covers 90% of undergraduate universities nationwide, with Chinese-English interface switching. When filling in information, the Pinyin name must be completely consistent with the passport (e.g., Zhang San instead of San Zhang). Last year, 12% of applicants were returned for modification due to reversed Pinyin.
The average online application period is 3 months (bold) (e.g., September 1 – November 30). The system closes after the deadline and no supplementary submission is allowed. An Indian student delayed the application by 6 months due to missing the deadline.
Professional choices are limited to 3 parallel choices (sorted by priority). Popular majors (e.g., Computer Science) are recommended to be placed as the first choice, and 30% of admitted students last year were admitted to their first choice.
Uploaded ID photos must be 2-inch white background with 300dpi resolution. An African student was required to retake the photo due to reflective glasses, causing a 3-day delay.
Save the application number and confirmation email after submission. Data shows that applicants who submit applications standardly receive a preliminary review response 2 weeks faster than those with messy submissions, demonstrating the efficiency value of initial operations.
Material Verification
The preliminary review pass rate of 88% (bold) corresponds to applicants with complete materials (including notarized transcripts, language certification, and 2 recommendation letters). 15% of applicants were returned due to material formatting errors (bold) (e.g., encrypted PDF, skewed scanned copies, missing handwritten signatures on recommendation letters).
Verification includes automatic screening and manual review. The automatic system checks file size (single file ≤5MB) and format (PDF only), while manual review checks if the official seal on transcripts is clear (8% were required to supplement materials last year due to blurry official seals) and if the photo on the HSK certificate matches the applicant (an Southeast Asian student was suspected of fraud for using an old photo).
Recommendation letters must have the teacher’s handwritten signature + school letterhead paper. A student was returned for using a printed signature and entered the re-review after completion.
Upload materials by category as prompted by the system (do not mix supporting documents into the academic materials column). Data shows that applicants with clear categorization have their materials processed 30% faster by reviewers. For example, 2 reviewers in a university process 50 applications per day on average, and messy categorization requires an additional 10 minutes for verification, easily causing delays.
Result Confirmation
Admission results must be confirmed online within 7 days of publication (bold). Failure to confirm within the time limit is deemed as giving up. Last year, 25% of supplementary admission students were admitted due to the abandonment of first-round admitted students (bold).
Confirmation methods include clicking the confirmation button in the system + replying to the receipt of the admission letter attachment via email. A student almost lost their qualification for only confirming via email but not clicking the system button.
The supplementary admission link targets those who did not confirm or gave up, with admission based on score ranking. Last year, Nanjing University’s Computer Science major admitted 5 supplementary students (3 original admitted students gave up).
Download the electronic admission letter (including registration time and required materials) after confirmation, and the paper version can be applied for mailing later.
Data shows that students who confirm on time have a 90% higher enrollment rate than those who are late, as universities arrange dormitories and courses based on this. For example, a student who confirmed immediately was allocated a double dormitory with air conditioning, while those who did not confirm had to wait 1 month for arrangement.
Admission Follow
Data from the International Student Office of Zhejiang University in 2023 shows that among 2,100 admission notices sent to 60 countries worldwide, the confirmed enrollment rate was 85% and the one-time visa approval rate was 92%. The steps include online confirmation, visa application, and enrollment preparation, with timeliness and accuracy being indispensable.
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Confirm Enrollment
In 2023, 85% of admitted students confirmed enrollment online within 7 days (bold) by clicking the confirmation button in the university application system and replying to the admission letter receipt. Among 30 students who were overdue in confirming at Zhejiang University last year, 25% were disqualified due to timeout (bold) and their spots were given to waiting list students.
Check personal information (Pinyin name consistent with passport) during confirmation. An Southeast Asian student was required to modify the Pinyin spelling error (Li Ming instead of Ming Li), causing a 2-day delay and almost invalidating the admission.
Some universities charge a deposit (e.g., 20,000 yuan for undergraduate programs at Shanghai Jiao Tong University), which is deducted from tuition fees after confirmation and non-refundable for those who do not confirm.
The supplementary admission link targets those who confirmed abandonment, with admission based on score ranking. Last year, Zhejiang University’s Computer Science major admitted 8 supplementary students (5 original admitted students gave up).
Data shows that students who confirm on time have a 90% higher enrollment rate than those who are late, as universities arrange dormitories and courses based on this. For example, a student who confirmed immediately was allocated a double dormitory (with air conditioning), while those who did not confirm had to wait 1 month for arrangement, demonstrating the timeliness value of initial confirmation.
Visa Application
Applicants with complete visa materials have an average approval cycle of 15 days (bold). Core materials include the original admission letter, passport (valid for more than 6 months), physical examination report from a designated hospital (e.g., Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center), and proof of funds (covering the first year’s expenses).
In 2023, 92% of applicants obtained visas on the first application (bold). The main reasons for rejection were missing items in the physical examination (e.g., no tuberculosis check) or blurry proof of funds.
Enrollment Preparation
In enrollment preparation, students with complete materials have a 40% higher registration efficiency than those with missing materials (bold). Required materials include a notarized high school graduation certificate, English record of MMR vaccination, and 2-inch white background ID photos (300dpi). An African student delayed registration by 3 days due to missing vaccination records.
90% of new students participate in pre-enrollment language classes (bold) (e.g., intensive Chinese or professional terminology courses). Zhejiang University offered 20 classes last year with 60 class hours, and graduates shortened their classroom adaptation period to 1 week.
Campus tours include explanations of the locations of libraries, laboratories, and canteens, and distribute Chinese-English campus maps. Data shows that students who participated in the tour had a 60% reduction in the number of lost and help-seeking incidents in the first month, demonstrating the smoothing effect of preparation steps on enrollment adaptation.