Should I apply for Type A or Type B?

Type A goes through your country's Chinese embassy or a home-country authority. Type B goes straight to a Chinese university. Many applicants apply through both channels if the rules for that year allow it. Check the current CSC guidelines.

Do I need a professor's acceptance letter?

It is not always required, but for master's and PhD applicants a pre-admission letter from a supervisor greatly improves your chances, especially for Type B.

When are results announced?

Results usually arrive between June and August, together with or shortly before the admission package.

How to Apply for the Chinese Government (CSC) Scholarship

Type A vs Type B, the agency number, required documents and a month-by-month timeline for the Chinese Government Scholarship.

The Chinese Government Scholarship (中国政府奖学金), administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), is the most generous award for international students. It covers tuition, on-campus accommodation, a monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance.

Two application channels

	Type A — Bilateral program	Type B — Chinese University Program
Apply to	Chinese embassy/consulate or your home-country dispatching authority	A designated Chinese university
Agency number	Issued by the embassy or authority	The university's own code
Best for	Applicants with strong home-country nominations	Applicants who have chosen a specific university and supervisor

Both channels use the online system at campuschina.org. Each channel and university sets its own deadline, so note each one.

Eligibility in brief

Non-Chinese citizen in good health
Bachelor's: high-school diploma, under 25
Master's: bachelor's degree, under 35
PhD: master's degree, under 40
Chinese-taught programs need an HSK score; English-taught programs need proof of English proficiency

Bachelor's students in Chinese-taught programs often complete a one-year preparatory program before starting their degree.

Documents checklist

Online application form (printed and signed)
Notarized highest diploma and transcripts (Chinese or English)
Study or research plan — at least 800 words for master's and PhD
Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors (master's and PhD)
Foreigner Physical Examination Form
Certificate of no criminal record, usually issued within the last 6 months
Passport photo page
HSK or English test certificate
Pre-admission letter from a supervisor, if you have one

Timeline for September intake

When	What to do
Sep – Nov	Shortlist universities, contact supervisors, take HSK or IELTS/TOEFL
Nov – Dec	Request documents: notarized diploma, police record, recommendations
Dec – Apr	Submit online and send hard copies if requested
Jun – Aug	Results, admission letter and JW201 form; apply for an X1 visa
Late Aug – Sep	Arrive, register, apply for your residence permit

Tips that make a difference

Write a specific study plan. Name the program, the research question and why China.
Contact supervisors early (Type B). Send a short email with your CV and a one-page proposal.
Apply for a university scholarship as a backup. Many universities consider you for their own awards automatically.