Entry standards for degree study: minimum education in the quality standards
Section 1.1 of the Quality Standards for the Higher Education of International Students in China (Trial), issued by Ministry of Education notice 教外〔2018〕50号, sets the minimum prior education for each degree level. Junior college and undergraduate study require senior secondary graduation or equivalent, master's study requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and doctoral study requires a master's degree or equivalent.
See also Routes on this site. The degree levels above are the only levels that section 1.1 lists. The standards are addressed to higher education institutions. Article 12 of the Measures for the Administration of Schools Recruiting and Educating International Students (Order No. 42) addresses the school's review of applicants and its admission decision.
Both documents are in Chinese. The English wording on this page is this site's own translation of the Chinese text.
Minimum education by level
Section 1.1 reads, in translation: "The minimum education requirement in the entry standards for international students is as follows." It gives the following levels.
| Level | Minimum education (section 1.1) | Reference given in brackets in section 1.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Junior college and undergraduate | Senior secondary graduation or equivalent | Successful completion of ISCED 2011 level 3 or 4 leading to higher education |
| Master's | Bachelor's degree or equivalent | Successful completion of ISCED 2011 level 6 or 7 courses |
| Doctoral | Master's degree or equivalent | Successful completion of specific ISCED 2011 level 7 courses |
Section 1.1 gives the ISCED 2011 references as "参照" (by reference). They are the wording of the reference, not a separate requirement.
Section 1.1 adds one further point. Where an intergovernmental agreement on mutual recognition of educational qualifications sets entry conditions for the other party's students, the signed agreement is implemented.
Entry standards set by each institution
Section 1 of the standards reads, in translation: higher education institutions shall, under national provisions and these Standards, reasonably set entry standards for international students according to the school's training goals and capacity. Section 1 lists the following items: educational background, academic level, language ability, status and qualifications, and financial capacity.
Section 1 sets the list of items. The institution sets the standards for each item.
Language ability in section 1.2
Section 1.2 covers language ability. For disciplines taught in Chinese, the Chinese-language requirement in the entry standards shall reach at least Level 4 of the International Chinese Proficiency Standards (《国际汉语能力标准》).
For disciplines taught in a foreign language, the institution shall state the required foreign-language ability in its entry standards.
Article 12 of Order No. 42
Article 12 of Order No. 42 reads, in translation: higher education institutions shall examine the qualifications for admission and the proof of financial guarantee of applicants who are foreign citizens, and shall test or assess them. The school decides the admission of international students. A school may not enrol applicants who do not meet the enrolment conditions.
Questions
Does section 1.2 name an HSK level?
No. Section 1.2 names the International Chinese Proficiency Standards and does not name the HSK. Where a programme asks for an HSK score, see HSK on this site. The HSK tests are described on the official test site.
Does section 1.1 set a Chinese language level?
No. Section 1.1 sets education levels only. The Chinese-language level for Chinese-taught disciplines is in section 1.2.
Sources
- Quality Standards for the Higher Education of International Students in China (Trial) (来华留学生高等教育质量规范（试行）), notice 教外〔2018〕50号 — Ministry of Education of the PRC
- Measures for the Administration of Schools Recruiting and Educating International Students (学校招收和培养国际学生管理办法), Order No. 42 — Ministry of Education of the PRC
Checked 11 October 2026.
This page is an unofficial summary. It is not legal or immigration advice, and it is not published by the bodies named. The official text and the instructions of the body handling your case prevail if they differ.