Thailand is switching to the apostille route on 28 February 2027
Thailand has acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention, but it does not take effect between Thailand and mainland China until 28 February 2027. Which certification you need therefore depends on when your document is certified, not on when you apply to the university.
Before 28 February 2027: full consular legalisation, ending at a Chinese embassy or consulate. From 28 February 2027: an apostille issued in Thailand, with no Chinese embassy step.
The consular chain, which applies until 28 February 2027, runs in a fixed order: the document is notarised locally, then certified by the body the issuing country designates for documents going abroad, and finally legalised by a Chinese embassy or consulate. Each step certifies the one before it, so they cannot be done out of order.
If your certification falls near 28 February 2027, ask the issuing authority which route it is operating on the day you attend. Certification fees are generally not refunded, so it is worth one phone call to avoid paying for the wrong route.
This date is not yet final. The objection period under the Convention runs into late December 2026, so confirm on the HCCH status table nearer the time before relying on it.
What this does not cover
Certification only proves the signature and seal are genuine. It does not translate the document and it does not oblige any university to accept it. Language requirements are set separately by whoever receives the document, so confirm those first, and have any translation made after certification so the certificate is included in it.
Frequently asked questions
Do documents from Thailand need an apostille for China?
It depends on the date. Until 28 February 2027, documents issued in Thailand need consular legalisation ending at a Chinese embassy or consulate. From 28 February 2027, an apostille issued in Thailand is the correct certification.