1. How should I apply for a visa to study in China?

International students should apply for an “X” visa or “F” visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General to study in China with the original documents and one set of photocopies of the following:

(1) Visa Application for Study In China (JW201 or JW202),

(2)Admission Notice,

(3)Foreigner Physical Examination Form,

(4)A valid ordinary passport.

International students must enter China with the original copies of the above documents. A person coming to China with other types of passports, or visas or without the original documents will not be able to register with the institution, nor will they be able to apply for residence in China.

X (study) visas are issued to those coming to China for study or an internship for more than six months.

Students organized in the form of groups and who stay less than 6 months can apply for the F group visas by the authorized invitation letters or fax of the duly authorized unit.

International students should apply for a Residence Permit for Foreigners from the division of exit-entry administration of the local public security bureau within thirty days of arrival in China.

2. What health verification should be presented if I want to go to China?

After arriving in China, international students are required to go to the Health quarantine bureau to confirm the Physical Examination Record for Foreigners within the prescribed time limit. Students failing to provide a Physical Examination Record for Foreigner must have a physical examination at the local Health Quarantine Bureau. If the student is diagnosed with any disease the laws prohibit entry into China, he/she must return to his/her country at his own expense.

3. How are health verification and residence permits applied for?

Health verification: Scholarship students who are to stay in China for more than 6 months are requested to bring their passports, Admission Notice, the original Foreigner Physical Examination Form, and Blood Test Report to the local health and quarantine office within the due time to have their medical examination reports verified. Scholarship students who do not meet the requirements of the above authority will be required to retake the medical examination. Those who refuse to retake the medical examination or are diagnosed with diseases that are not permitted to stay in China according to Chinese laws and regulations will be required to leave China.

Residence Permit: After the health verification, the scholarship students must apply for a residence permit from the local police authority with their passports, Admission Notice, and Visa Application Form for Study in China (JW201) within 30 days of their arrival.

Note: Expenses incurred in the procedures above shall be borne by the students themselves.

source: Preparation (www.gov.cn)