Application guide

Official Chinese study application portals

The official websites that matter, what each is for, and which ones charge nothing.

Everything you need to apply to a Chinese university can be done through official channels at no cost beyond the university's own application fee. No intermediary can obtain a place that a direct application cannot, and no legitimate scholarship is sold.

PortalURLWhat it is for
Campus China — official Study in China portal (CSC)https://www.campuschina.orgProgramme search, scholarship policy and the list of ~300 designated host universities.
CGSIS — Chinese Government Scholarship Information Systemhttps://studyinchina.csc.edu.cnThe only official online application system for the Chinese Government Scholarship.
CSCA — China Scholastic Competency Assessmenthttps://www.csca.cnAcademic aptitude test now required for most undergraduate scholarship applicants.
Study in China — visa & JW form servicehttps://www.studyinchina.edu.cnDownload and print the JW201 / JW202 / DQ visa application forms.
Chinese Visa Application Service (COVA)https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cnOnline visa application form and appointment booking for Chinese embassies and consulates.
National Immigration Administrationhttps://en.nia.gov.cnOfficial rules for the study residence permit, extensions and the internship remark.
Chinese Testing International — HSKhttps://www.chinesetest.cnRegistration and test centres for HSK, HSKK and the new HSK 3.0 levels.
Ministry of Education of the PRChttp://en.moe.gov.cnNational policy on international student education and the list of recognised institutions.

Links open the official sites. This site is not affiliated with any of them.

How to use them in the right order

  • Start with the Ministry of Education list of recognised institutions to confirm the university can issue a degree your country will recognise.
  • Search programmes on campuschina.org, then go to the university's own international admissions site, which is the authoritative source for deadlines, tuition and document formats.
  • Create a CSC account on studyinchina.csc.edu.cn early, using exactly the same name spelling as your passport, and note your agency number for the Type A route.
  • Register for CSCA at csca.cn if you are applying for an undergraduate scholarship, and book the earliest available national test date.
  • Apply for the visa through COVA only after the JW201, JW202 or DQ form and the admission notice are in hand — the visa application needs both.

Read in full

Guides on portals, scholarships and verification.

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