How To Prepare A Police Report / Non Criminal Report / Police Clearance Certificate For Study In China 2026

How to Prepare a Police Report / Police Clearance Certificate for Study in China.When applying to study in China, one important document you may be asked to provide is a Police Report / Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — a document that proves you have no criminal record in your home country.

How to Prepare a Police Report / Non Criminal Report / Police Clearance Certificate for Study in China

When applying to study in China, one important document you may be asked to provide is a Police Report / Non Criminal Report / Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — a document that proves you have no criminal record in your home country.

This article explains what the Police Clearance Certificate is, why it’s needed, and how to prepare it correctly.

1. What Is a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

A Police Clearance Certificate is an official document issued by your local police or public security bureau, stating that you do not have a criminal record.

Many Chinese universities require it to ensure that international students entering China have a clean legal background.

2. Validity Period

The Police Clearance Certificate is typically valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
If your certificate is older than 6 months when submitting your application or applying for a visa, you may need to get a new one.

3. What Should the Certificate Include?

Your PCC should include the following:

Full name (as shown on your passport)
Date of birth
Place of residence
A statement confirming you have no criminal record
Official seal/stamp of the issuing police authority
Issuing authority name and contact information

If the certificate is not in English or Chinese, you must provide a certified English translation.

4. Where and How to Apply?

You can usually apply at:

Your local police station
The Ministry of Interior or Public Security Bureau
Online government portals (if your country offers it)

Be prepared to provide:

Valid ID or passport
Application form
Recent passport-size photos
Possibly fingerprints or biometric data

Processing time varies from country to country — it can take from a few days to several weeks.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do all Chinese universities require a police clearance certificate?
A: Not all, but many do — especially for Master’s and PhD programs, or scholarship applications.

Q2: What if I lived in multiple countries in recent years?
A: You may need to provide a PCC from each country where you have lived for more than 6 months.

Q3: My country doesn’t issue a formal PCC. What should I do?
A: Some countries issue alternative documents, such as “Certificates of Good Conduct” or “Character Certificates.” You may also submit a written explanation along with any official supporting letters.

Q4: Is notarization required?
A: Some universities or Chinese embassies may require the document to be notarized or legalized — check with the school or consulate for specific requirements.

Important Notes & Tips

Always request the official stamp/seal on your certificate
Double-check that your personal details are correct
Apply at the right time so the certificate is still valid during your application
If applying online, ensure the digital version is accepted by your university
Keep at least one extra copy for visa use or future applications
Translate the document into English or Chinese if necessary

Summary

A Police Clearance Certificate is a vital document to prove your clean legal background when applying to study in China. It should clearly show that you have no criminal record, include your basic information, and be issued by the appropriate local authority.

Get it done early, check the details carefully, and make sure it’s valid when you apply.

Your journey to China starts with clean records — and a well-prepared application!

Related: Admissions in China

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