Masters degree in China: the documents the official scholarship guide lists
A master's applicant who applies for the Chinese Government Scholarship prepares the documents in section VI of the Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship, published by the China Scholarship Council. The items that apply to a postgraduate are items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13, and item 10 or item 11 where they apply. These are conditions of that scholarship. A self-funded applicant follows the document list in the admissions brochure of the university applied to.
Identity and academic papers (items 1 to 4)
Item 1 requires the Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship, filled in online.
Item 2 requires a clear scanned copy of the information page of the ordinary passport. If the passport has a validity period of less than 12 months (calculated from the expected start date of study), the applicant is asked to renew the passport and use it to complete the scholarship application. An applicant who could not apply for a passport for objective reasons may submit valid documentation or documentary proof showing the full English name, gender, nationality and date of birth. That alternative needs the approval of the application receiving agency.
Item 3 requires a notarized photocopy of the diploma and certificate of highest education. An applicant who is a current university student submits the certificate of expected graduation or student status issued by that university.
Item 4 requires academic records. Records in a language other than Chinese or English must carry notarized translations in Chinese or English.
Language certificates (item 5)
Item 5 divides the requirement by the language of instruction. For a master's program taught in Chinese, the applicant must submit a valid HSK score report that meets the corresponding Chinese language proficiency requirements. For a program taught in another language, item 5 requires relevant language certificates, such as IELTS or TOEFL score reports, in accordance with the requirements of each university.
Admission and study plan (items 7 to 9)
Item 7 states that all applicants must provide a pre-admission document issued by the university applied to. Item 7 gives two examples: a pre-admission notice issued by the international students' admission department, or an invitation letter from the school or from professors.
Item 8 requires a study or research plan written in Chinese or in English, with a length of "no less than 1000 words/characters for postgraduates". Item 8 sets a minimum only. It gives no upper limit.
Item 9 requires two recommendation letters for a postgraduate program. The letters may be in Chinese or in English, and they come from professors or associate professors.
Medical and police papers (items 12 and 13)
Item 12 applies to an applicant who will study in China for more than six months. That applicant submits a photocopy of the Foreigner Physical Examination Form. The original is printed by Chinese quarantine authorities, filled in English, and kept by the applicant. The medical examinations must cover all the items listed in that form. Item 12 states that incomplete records, or records without the signature of the attending physician, the official stamp of the hospital, or a sealed photograph of the applicant, are invalid. Item 12 also states that "Medical examination results are valid for only six months."
Item 13 requires a valid Certificate of Non-Criminal Record (or Police Clearance Certificate) issued by the local public security authority, such as the police station. Item 13 says this certificate is "usually issued within six months prior to the submission date of the application."
Items 10 and 11: conditional
Item 10 applies to an applicant for an arts or design program. That applicant provides his or her own works, such as videos and paintings.
Item 11 applies to an applicant under the age of 18. That applicant submits the legal documents of his or her legal guardian or guardians in China.
Item 6 applies to applicants seeking a bachelor's degree, so it is not on the list for a master's applicant.
Age and language rules in the eligibility section
The eligibility rules are in section IV of the same guide. Section IV item 3 sets the condition for a master's program as being "an academically excellent holder of a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent under the age of 35 when applying for a Master's program." Section IV item 10 requires that the applicant "have passed the HSK (Level 4) when applying for a Chinese-taught master's or doctoral program." Section IV item 11 applies to a program taught in a language other than Chinese. For that program, the applicant must "meet the admission requirements of the university of preference in terms of language proficiency and academic ability, among others."
Questions people ask
Does the study plan have a minimum length for a master's applicant?
Yes. Item 8 requires a study or research plan of no less than 1000 words/characters for postgraduates. Item 8 gives no upper limit.
How old can a master's applicant be under the scholarship?
Section IV item 3 sets the limit at under the age of 35 when applying for a master's program, counted as the guide states it. The guide's age limits apply to the Chinese Government Scholarship.
Sources
Checked 11 October 2026
This page is an unofficial summary. It is not published by or affiliated with the Ministry of Education, the China Scholarship Council or any university, and it is not legal advice. The official text and the current notice of the university or authority handling your case prevail if they differ.