Basic Definition

A bank statement is a document issued by a bank that proves the applicant or their sponsor has sufficient funds in their account to cover tuition fees and living expenses during their stay in China.

It is typically used for:

" Financial guarantee materials for Chinese university applications

" Submission to Chinese embassies or visa centers for student visa applications (X1 or X2)

Required Applicants:

" Almost all self-funded study abroad applicants need to provide this

" Regardless of educational background (SPM, UEC, A-Level, IB, Diploma, etc.)

" Including undergraduate, master's, or doctoral program applications

Recommended Deposit Amounts:

By Education Level:

" Undergraduate: RM 20,000  RM 30,000

" Master's: RM 30,000  RM 50,000

" Doctoral: RM 40,000 and above

Recommended amount should cover first year's tuition + one year's living expenses (generally estimated at RMB 30,000~50,000)

Document Requirements:

Ensure the bank statement clearly shows the following information:

" Account holder's name (can be student or parents)

" Bank name and address

" Account type (Savings/Fixed Deposit)

" Current balance (recommended in RM or equivalent RMB/USD)

" Issue date

" Bank stamp and signature (must be original or Certified True Copy)

Sample Reference:

Common Malaysian Banks:

" Maybank

" CIMB

" Public Bank

" RHB

" HSBC

" Ambank

Please call the bank to make an appointment and specify the purpose as "Bank statement for Chinese university/visa application"

Q1: Must the bank statement be in English?

Yes, it's recommended to get an English version or bilingual version for easier review by universities or visa officers.

Q2: Do I need a bank statement if I have a scholarship?

If you have a full scholarship (such as Chinese Government Scholarship), you can usually be exempted from providing a bank statement, but you'll need to submit the scholarship admission letter.

Q3: Can I use an electronic version of the bank statement?

Generally, it's recommended to use a scanned copy of the stamped original or Certified Copy, depending on the acceptance of the university or visa office.

Important Preparation Points:

1. Early Planning: Start preparing funds 3 months in advance, avoid large last-minute transfers

2. Account Selection: Prefer fixed deposit accounts to show fund stability

3. Amount Calculation: Ensure amount covers tuition and living expenses (recommend 20% buffer)

4. Document Validity: Note the validity period, recommend issuing within 1 week of application

5. Translation Requirements: If translation needed, must be certified by professional translation agency

6. Original Documents: Keep all original documents, some universities may require viewing

7. Account Freezing: Some universities require 3-6 months fund freezing, confirm in advance

8. Family Relations: When using parents' account, prepare family relationship proof

9. Bank Selection: Prefer major banks, avoid small banks that might not be recognized

10. Document Backup: Prepare multiple copies and keep electronic backups

# Timeline:

" 6 months before: Start financial planning

" 3 months before: Open fixed deposit account

" 1 month before: Prepare supporting documents

" 2 weeks before: Obtain bank statement

" 1 week before: Prepare translations (if needed)

 Important Notes:

" Avoid large last-minute transfers, may be seen as suspicious

" Don't spread funds across multiple accounts, prefer one account

" Ensure bank statement amount matches application form amount

" Don't use electronically signed versions, must use bank-stamped original

" Avoid using statements from non-mainstream banks

Tips:

" Choose English version to reduce translation needs

" Can prepare both RMB and foreign currency account statements

" Keep all bank transaction records for future reference

" Monitor exchange rates and choose optimal timing

" Maintain good communication with bank about policy changes