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    UK Application Document Checklist for Chinese Students

    By Lightning Enrolment Editorial TeamPublished Updated 7 min read

    Reviewed against official UK university and UKVI sources. See oureditorial policy.

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    Complete Document Checklist for Chinese Applicants

    Chinese students often face additional documentation requirements compared to other countries. Use this checklist to avoid delays.

    For University Application

    Academic Documents

  1. ✅ Senior high school graduation certificate (高中毕业证)
  2. ✅ Senior high school transcript (高中成绩单)
  3. ✅ Gaokao result certificate (if applying with Gaokao)
  4. ✅ Bachelor's degree certificate (for Master's applicants)
  5. ✅ Bachelor's transcript with grading scale
  6. ✅ Notarised English translations of all above (from a Public Notary Office / 公证处)

    7. Supporting Documents

  7. ✅ Personal Statement (typically 4,000 characters via UCAS for UG)
  8. ✅ 2 academic reference letters (preferably one from your subject teacher)
  9. ✅ CV (for Master's and PhD)
  10. ✅ English test scores (IELTS / Duolingo / PTE / TOEFL)
  11. ✅ Passport copy

    12. For PG Applicants

  12. ✅ Research proposal (PhD only)
  13. ✅ Writing sample (some humanities programmes)
  14. ✅ Portfolio (Art / Architecture / Design)

    15. For UK Visa Application

    Mandatory

  15. ✅ CAS reference number from your university
  16. ✅ Valid passport with blank page
  17. ✅ TB test certificate from an IOM-approved clinic in China (valid 6 months)
  18. ✅ Financial evidence (28-day rule applies)
  19. ✅ Tuition fee and maintenance funds proof
  20. ✅ ATAS certificate (only for certain STEM PG courses)
  21. ✅ IHS payment receipt

    22. If Funded

  22. ✅ Sponsor letter (CSC, employer, government scholarship)

    23. If Under 18

  23. ✅ Parental consent letter (notarised)
  24. ✅ Birth certificate (notarised English translation)
  25. ✅ Proof of guardianship arrangement in the UK

    26. Notarisation Process in China

  26. Visit your local Public Notary Office (公证处)
  27. Bring originals + Chinese copies + your passport
  28. Pay the notary fee (~¥150-300 per document)
  29. Notary issues a bilingual notarial certificate with your original document attached
  30. Some universities additionally require CDGDC verification for degree certificates

    31. Pro Tips

  31. Apply for notarised translations early — they take 5-10 working days
  32. Use CSSD (留服中心) to verify foreign degree intentions before returning
  33. Keep digital scans of every document in cloud storage
  34. TB test must be at an approved clinic — your local hospital does NOT count

    35. Approved TB Test Clinics in China

  35. Beijing International SOS Clinic
  36. Shanghai United Family Hospital
  37. Guangzhou Canam Medical
  38. Chengdu Global Doctor Clinic
  39. Full list: gov.uk/tb-test-visa

    40. Source: GOV.UK Student Visa, IOM China panel physicians, China Notary Association, and CSSD (留学服务中心) 2026.

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