Proof of financial support for studying in China: what universities are told to check

Yes. Under Order No. 42, Article 12, the university must examine your proof of financial guarantee as part of admission. The national rules set no single amount: each university sets its own financial guarantee standard and must publish it in its admissions brochure.

The English wording in this article is this site's translation of the Chinese official text.

What the university must check

Order No. 42, Article 12 states that the university shall examine the admission qualification and the economic guarantee proof of the foreign citizen who applies, and shall examine or assess the applicant. Admission of an international student is decided by the university. Where an applicant does not meet the admission conditions, the university must not admit the applicant.

How the financial guarantee standard is set

Quality Standards, section 2.6 states that the university shall set a financial guarantee standard for incoming international students according to tuition, accommodation fee levels and the local general cost of living, on the principle that it can fully cover the reasonable costs of study, living and international travel. Where the local education authority issues a guiding standard, the corresponding guiding standard applies.

Quality Standards, section 2.6 states no amount.

What the brochure must state

Quality Standards, section 2.1 states that the admission information a university provides shall include the financial guarantee requirement, alongside admission procedures and admission criteria, fee levels, payment methods and refund policy, and other listed items. The university shall provide true and comprehensive admission information suited to international students.

What proof you must provide

Quality Standards, section 2.6 requires you to provide economic guarantee proof that meets the standard the university sets. The university shall require this and review it on the principles of prudence and due diligence. Quality Standards, section 2.6 states no prescribed document format.

Questions people ask

Does the Chinese government set a fixed minimum amount for all students?

No. Quality Standards, section 2.6 states no amount, and Order No. 42, Article 12 gives no amount. The standard is set by each university, or by the local education authority's guiding standard where one is issued.

Can a university refuse admission if my proof is insufficient?

Yes. Under Order No. 42, Article 12, where an applicant does not meet the admission conditions, the university must not admit the applicant.

Sources

• Quality Standards for the Higher Education of International Students in China (Trial) — Ministry of Education of the PRC (moe.gov.cn)
• Measures for the Administration of Schools Recruiting and Educating International Students (Order No. 42) — Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Public Security (moe.gov.cn)

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, CHSI or any university, is not legal advice, and the official text and the current notice of the university or authority handling your case prevail if they differ.