Applying for the Chinese Government Scholarship: the seven steps and the document list
Sources checked · Unofficial summary
The official guide describes the Chinese Government Scholarship application as seven steps. You do the first four: choose a programme and university, get admission documents from the university, get a recommendation from the application receiving agency, and submit the online form. The agency and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) do the remaining three.
The seven steps
- Choose. Learn about designated Chinese universities and their majors on Campus China, and decide on the scholarship programme, university and major.
- Get admission documents. Contact the designated university for admission documents.
- Get a recommendation. Contact the application receiving agency for your route. Which body that is depends on the programme: see the four routes.
- Submit the online form. Fill in and submit the Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship through the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System.
- Agency submits. The receiving agency submits its list of recommended candidates and their documents.
- CSC review. The CSC organises designated universities and experts to examine eligibility and academic performance, then finalises the shortlist.
- Result. The CSC notifies the receiving agency, and the agency informs the applicant.
The guide points to Campus China for the online system. Two other CSC notices, for the Youth of Excellence Scheme and the China Link programme, give the login address as studyinchina.csc.edu.cn.
The document list
| Document | Notes from the guide |
|---|---|
| Application form | Filled in online |
| Passport | Clear scan of the information page of an ordinary passport. If it has less than 12 months' validity from the expected start of study, renew it first |
| Highest diploma | Notarised photocopy. Current students submit a certificate of expected graduation or student status |
| Academic records | Records not in Chinese or English need notarised translations |
| Language certificates | A valid HSK report for Chinese-taught master's, doctoral and scholar programmes; for other languages, the certificate the university requires |
| CSCA score report | Bachelor's applicants only |
| Pre-admission document | Required of all applicants: a pre-admission notice from the admission department, or an invitation letter from the school or a professor |
| Study or research plan | In Chinese or English: at least 200 words for undergraduates, 500 for scholars, 1,000 for postgraduates |
| Recommendation letters | Two letters from professors or associate professors, for postgraduate applicants and senior scholars in academic education |
| Own works | Arts and design applicants only |
| Guardian's documents | Applicants under 18 only |
| Foreigner Physical Examination Form | For stays of more than six months. Results are valid for six months |
| Certificate of Non-Criminal Record | Usually issued within six months before the application is submitted |
Questions people ask
Do I need a pre-admission letter before I apply?
Yes. The guide says all applicants must provide a pre-admission document issued by the university they are applying to. That is why contacting the university is step two, before the recommendation and the online form.
Who tells me the result?
The application receiving agency. The CSC notifies the agency of the admission results, and the agency informs you.
How long must the study plan be?
At least 200 words or characters for undergraduates, 500 for scholars and 1,000 for postgraduates, written in Chinese or English.
Source: Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship, Campus China (China Scholarship Council); Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program and China Link Short-term Scientific Exchange Scholarship Program (2026), Campus China. Checked 10 October 2026. This page is an unofficial summary and is not published by the CSC.