Applying

9 points · checked 11 October 2026

What the official texts say

Each point names the article or section it is taken from.

1. Degree certificate and transcripts

   The scholarship guide asks for a notarized photocopy of the highest diploma, or a certificate of expected graduation for current students, and for academic records. Records not in Chinese or English need notarized translations.

   Source: CSC application guide, section VI, items 3 and 4

2. A pre-admission document from the university

   Every Chinese Government Scholarship applicant provides a pre-admission document issued by the university applied to: a pre-admission notice from the international admissions office, or an invitation letter from the school or a professor.

   Source: CSC application guide, section VI, item 7

3. Study or research plan: at least 1,000 words for postgraduates

   The plan is written in Chinese or English. The guide sets a minimum of 1,000 words or characters for postgraduates.

   Source: CSC application guide, section VI, item 8

4. Two recommendation letters

   A postgraduate applicant submits two recommendation letters, in Chinese or English, from professors or associate professors.

   Source: CSC application guide, section VI, item 9

5. Language certificate

   For a Chinese-taught programme, a valid HSK score report at the required level. For other teaching languages, the certificate the university asks for, such as an IELTS or TOEFL report.

   Source: CSC application guide, section VI, item 5

6. Foreigner Physical Examination Form, valid six months

   An applicant who will study in China for more than six months submits a photocopy of the Foreigner Physical Examination Form. All listed items must be examined; the form needs the physician's signature, the hospital stamp and a sealed photograph. Results are valid for six months.

   Source: CSC application guide, section VI, item 12

7. Certificate of no criminal record

   The guide asks for a valid certificate of no criminal record, usually issued within six months before the application is submitted.

   Source: CSC application guide, section VI, item 13

8. Passport valid at least 12 months from the start date

   The guide asks for a scan of the passport information page. If the passport has less than 12 months of validity counted from the expected start of study, renew it first.

   Source: CSC application guide, section VI, item 2

9. How a scholarship application moves

   Choose the programme, university and major; obtain admission documents from the university; get a recommendation from the application receiving agency; fill in the application form online in the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System. The agency forwards its candidates, the China Scholarship Council reviews them and the agency tells the applicant the result.

   Source: CSC application guide, section V