A medical examination is a mandatory step for international students coming to China. This guide covers the essentials to help you complete the process smoothly.
Who Needs a Medical Exam?
You must take the official foreigner medical examination if you:
- Enter China with an X1/X2 student visa
- Plan to stay in China for over 180 days
- Apply for a residence permit for the first time
- Renew a residence permit expired for over 3 months
- Studied high school in China without an official foreigner medical check
- Apply for master's or PhD programs (undergraduate exams expire after 3 years)
What to Prepare
✅ Valid passport original + bio page copy
✅ Admission letter from your university
✅ 4 passport-sized photos (white background recommended)
✅ Examination fee: ~RMB 500 (varies by location)
💡 Freshmen with JW201/JW202 forms may get free check-ups at some universities.
Before your exam:
- Fast overnight (no food after 10 PM)
- Light diet the day before
- Get enough rest
If you have a home-country medical report:
- Bring the complete original report
- Verification fee: RMB 70–400
- Not all reports are accepted — check in advance
Where & How to Book
You must go to an International Travel Health Care Center (not a regular hospital). Major centers include:
- Beijing International Travel Health Care Center
- Shanghai International Travel Health Care Center
- Guangxi International Travel Health Care Center (Nanning)
Booking steps (via WeChat):
- Open the center's official WeChat account
- Select "Entry-Exit Physical Examination" (not general check-up)
- Choose a date (must complete within 30 days of arrival)
- Pick a morning time slot (exams only held in the morning)
- Fill in your details and submit
FAQ
How long for results?
3–5 working days. Plan ahead to avoid residence permit delays.
What if I fail?
Minor issues usually require a re-check. Only serious infectious diseases cause problems.
How long is the certificate valid?
6 months. Time your exam accordingly.
Can I take it in another city?
Yes — all official International Travel Health Care Center certificates are valid nationwide.
While a small step, the medical check-up directly affects your residence permit and enrollment. Plan early to avoid issues.
For more study-in-China questions, contact WIE International. We provide full support from university applications and visa processing to pre-departure guidance and on-arrival assistance.
