The apostille route applies to the United Kingdom
Because both the United Kingdom and China are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, a document issued in the United Kingdom does not go to a Chinese embassy or consulate. It is certified once, in the United Kingdom, and mainland China accepts that certificate directly.
The Convention has operated between the United Kingdom and mainland China since 7 November 2023, the date it entered into force for China. the United Kingdom was already a party before then.
In the United Kingdom the apostille is issued by: the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Confirm the current competent authority on the HCCH listing linked below before travelling anywhere — designations change, and several countries split the work between more than one body.
The FCDO Legalisation Office is the single authority for the United Kingdom itself. Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories such as Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar and Bermuda have their own separate designated authorities.
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 the United Kingdom need an apostille for China?
Yes. the United Kingdom and mainland China are both parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, so a document issued in the United Kingdom needs an apostille from the competent authority there, and does not need to be taken to a Chinese embassy or consulate.