Required Documents for CSC Scholarship China 2027: Complete Application Checklist

Preparing the correct documents is one of the most important parts of a successful CSC Scholarship China 2027 application. Even academically strong applicants can face delays or rejection if their files are incomplete, expired, poorly scanned, or inconsistent.

For the 2027/2028 academic year, applicants should expect to prepare academic certificates, transcripts, language evidence, a study or research plan, pre-admission documents and other supporting materials. Bachelor’s applicants must also pay particular attention to the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) requirement.

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However, no single document checklist applies to every applicant. Requirements can vary according to:

• Your application route, such as Type A or Type B;
• Your country’s Chinese embassy or dispatching authority;
• Your chosen university and academic programme;
• Your degree level;
• The programme’s teaching language;
• Your age and personal circumstances.

This guide explains the commonly required CSC Scholarship 2027 documents, which documents are conditional, and how to prepare them correctly.

CSC Scholarship 2027 Document Checklist

Document	Who usually needs it?

CSC online application form	All applicants
Ordinary passport information page	All applicants
Passport-style photograph	When requested by the university or portal
Notarised highest diploma or expected-graduation certificate	All degree applicants
Academic transcripts	All applicants
Language proficiency certificate	According to programme language and university rules
CSCA score report	Bachelor’s applicants
Pre-admission notice or university invitation	Required by many 2027 application routes
Study plan or research proposal	All applicants, with length depending on study level
Recommendation letters	Usually postgraduate and senior-scholar applicants; some universities also require them from undergraduates
CV or résumé	Commonly requested for postgraduate applications
Foreigner Physical Examination Form	Applicants planning to study in China for more than six months
Non-criminal record certificate	Commonly required; check the applicable validity period
Guardian documents in China	Applicants under 18
Supervisor’s acceptance or pre-acceptance letter	When required by the programme or university
Art or design portfolio	Applicants to relevant creative programmes
Publications and research evidence	When requested or when useful for supporting a research application
Financial-support evidence	When requested by the university
Additional university-specific documents	Varies by institution

An official 2027/2028 embassy notice lists the CSC form, passport, highest diploma, transcripts, language evidence, CSCA results for bachelor’s applicants, pre-admission documents, a study plan and other supporting documents among its requirements.

Use this article as a preparation guide, but always follow the checklist issued by your own receiving authority and target university.

1. Chinese Government Scholarship Application Form

The CSC application form is generated through the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System after you complete the online application.

You will normally need to:

1. Create an account on the official CSC application platform;
2. Complete your personal and educational information;
3. Select the correct programme category;
4. Enter the correct agency number;
5. Select your intended study category and university preferences;
6. Upload the supporting documents;
7. Submit the application;
8. Download or print the generated form if instructed.

Important Checks

• Your name must match your passport;
• Use the correct Type A, Type B or other authorised category;
• Enter the agency number supplied by the relevant embassy, authority or university;
• Do not guess an agency number from an unrelated online article;
• Check your date of birth, nationality and passport number carefully;
• Save a copy of the submitted form.

An incorrect agency number or programme category can prevent the intended authority from receiving your application.

2. Valid Ordinary Passport

Applicants must submit a clear scan of their ordinary passport information page.

The scan should clearly show:

• Your full name;
• Passport photograph;
• Nationality;
• Date of birth;
• Passport number;
• Issue and expiry dates;
• Machine-readable information, where present.

Check Passport Validity Early

Passport-validity rules can differ between official notices. Some 2027/2028 instructions require the passport to remain valid for at least 12 months after the expected enrolment date, while other notices provide a specific expiry cutoff.

Do not rely on a passport date copied from another country’s checklist. Check your own route and renew the passport early if necessary.

Common Passport Mistakes

• Cropped edges;
• Blurred passport numbers;
• Glare covering the photograph;
• Expired passports;
• Using different passport details in separate applications;
• Renewing the passport midway through the process without checking whether the university permits the change.

3. Highest Academic Diploma or Expected-Graduation Certificate

You must provide evidence of your highest relevant academic qualification.

Examples include:

• Bachelor’s applicants: High school diploma or equivalent;
• Master’s applicants: Bachelor’s degree;
• PhD applicants: Master’s degree, with some universities also requesting bachelor’s documents;
• Senior scholars: The academic or professional qualification required by the programme.

The highest diploma generally needs to be notarised when required by the official checklist.

If You Have Not Graduated Yet

Final-year students can usually submit an official document such as:

• An expected-graduation certificate;
• A certificate of enrolment;
• Official proof of student status.

The document should ideally state:

• Your full name;
• Current programme;
• Expected graduation date;
• The qualification you expect to receive;
• The issuing institution’s name;
• An official signature or stamp.

You must later provide the official diploma, as required by the university’s admission and registration instructions. An expected-graduation letter does not permanently replace the final qualification.

4. Academic Transcripts

Submit official transcripts covering the relevant period of study.

Depending on your degree level and university, you may need:

• Complete high school transcripts;
• All bachelor’s transcripts;
• Master’s transcripts;
• Transcripts from other completed degree programmes;
• Your most recent results if you are still studying.

A Good Transcript Should Show

• Your name;
• Institution name;
• Programme or major;
• Courses completed;
• Grades or marks;
• Grading scale, where available;
• Official stamp, signature or digital verification;
• All pages, including explanatory pages.

Do not upload only your strongest semesters or remove failed courses. Submit the complete academic record requested by the university.

5. Language Proficiency Certificate

Your language document must match the programme’s teaching language.

For Chinese-Taught Programmes

Applicants commonly need a valid HSK score report. The required level and score depend on the programme and university.

Official 2027 guidance commonly uses:

• At least HSK Level 3 for relevant undergraduate and scholar categories, subject to exceptions;
• At least HSK Level 4 as a general baseline for Chinese-taught master’s and doctoral programmes.

Individual universities can require a higher level or a specific score. For example, a university may request HSK Level 5 even when a lower general baseline exists.

For English-Taught Programmes

Possible evidence includes:

• IELTS;
• TOEFL;
• Another recognised English test;
• A Medium of Instruction certificate, if accepted;
• Previous education completed in English, if recognised;
• Other evidence permitted by the university.

IELTS is not universally compulsory for every CSC applicant. The accepted evidence and minimum score are determined by the university and programme.

Language-Certificate Reminder

Check both:

1. Whether the certificate meets the required score; and
2. Whether it will still be valid when you apply.

6. CSCA Score Report for Bachelor’s Applicants

Applicants seeking CSC-funded bachelor’s study must take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) and upload a valid score report according to the 2027/2028 instructions.

The CSCA is particularly important because it is an application document, not merely a test you can postpone until after receiving admission.

Before registering, contact your target university to confirm:

• Which CSCA subjects your intended major requires;
• Whether the university sets minimum scores;
• Which test session allows your result to be ready before the deadline;
• How the score report must be uploaded.

An official 2027/2028 notice specifies that bachelor’s applicants must hold a valid CSCA report when applying and should obtain the required subject information from the target institution.

Master’s and PhD applicants do not need CSCA merely because they are applying for CSC. It is a bachelor’s admissions requirement.

7. Pre-Admission Documents

Pre-admission documents connect your scholarship application with a Chinese university.

Depending on the route, acceptable documents may include:

• A pre-admission notice issued by the university’s international admissions office;
• An invitation letter from a school or academic department;
• An invitation or acceptance letter from a professor;
• A university-issued provisional acceptance document.

Do Not Assume It Is Optional

Some older guides describe pre-admission documents as optional. However, multiple official 2027 notices require applicants to provide at least one pre-admission document. For example, the official 2027/2028 notice published by the Chinese Embassy in Fiji requires all applicants under that route to provide one.

For Type B university applications, pre-admission may be issued after the university reviews your academic application. Follow the sequence stated by the university rather than trying to obtain every document before beginning.

8. Study Plan or Research Proposal

The study plan explains what you intend to study or research in China and how the opportunity fits your academic development.

Length Requirements Can Vary

One official 2027/2028 notice lists these minimum lengths:

• Undergraduate applicants: At least 200 words;
• Non-degree students: At least 500 words;
• Postgraduate applicants: At least 800 words.

However, some universities require postgraduate plans of 1,000 words or more. Beijing Language and Culture University’s 2027 Type A guide, for example, uses a 1,000-word minimum for graduate applicants.

Follow the stricter requirement of your actual university.

What to Include in a Bachelor’s Study Plan

• Your academic interests;
• Why you selected the subject;
• Why you want to study in China;
• Your preparation for university study;
• Your educational and career goals.

What to Include in a Master’s or PhD Research Plan

• Research background;
• Research problem or objective;
• Research questions;
• Proposed methodology;
• Previous academic or research experience;
• Connection with the university or supervisor;
• Expected outcomes;
• Future academic or career plans.

Write the plan in Chinese or English as required. Avoid copying another applicant’s proposal or submitting a generic plan that does not mention your chosen field.

9. Recommendation Letters

Master’s, doctoral and senior-scholar applicants generally need two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors.

A strong letter should include:

• The referee’s name and academic title;
• Institution and department;
• Contact information;
• Relationship with the applicant;
• Assessment of academic ability;
• Research potential, where relevant;
• Personal qualities relevant to international study;
• Signature and date.

Some universities require letters on official letterhead or set rules about when they must be issued. Undergraduate applicants should also check their university’s rules: BLCU’s 2027 guide, for example, requests one recommendation letter from a course teacher for undergraduate applicants.

Do not confuse academic recommendation letters with a Chinese supervisor’s pre-acceptance letter. They are separate documents.

10. Supervisor’s Acceptance or Pre-Acceptance Letter

A supervisor’s letter may be optional, recommended or mandatory, depending on the university and programme.

For example:

• Some postgraduate programmes encourage supervisor contact but do not make a letter compulsory;
• Some doctoral programmes require a formal pre-acceptance letter;
• Some universities ask the prospective supervisor to sign the research proposal instead.

BLCU’s 2027 guide requires doctoral applicants to submit a supervisor’s pre-acceptance letter, demonstrating why applicants must follow programme-specific rules.

If supervisor contact is required, send a targeted email containing your CV, transcripts, research interests and a concise proposal. Do not send identical bulk messages to unrelated professors.

11. Foreigner Physical Examination Form

Applicants planning to study in China for more than six months generally must submit a copy of the Foreigner Physical Examination Form.

The examination must cover every required item. The form should include:

• Your photograph;
• The required seal across or over the photograph, where applicable;
• The attending physician’s signature;
• The hospital’s official stamp;
• All required examination results.

Incomplete forms may be treated as invalid.

Medical-Form Validity

The examination result is generally valid for six months. Do not complete it so early that it expires before the relevant application or enrolment stage.

Keep the original safely. You may need to present it again during registration.

12. Non-Criminal Record Certificate

A non-criminal record certificate, sometimes called a police-clearance certificate, confirms that you have no relevant criminal record according to the issuing authority.

It should be:

• Issued by the appropriate police or public-security authority;
• Clear and complete;
• Officially signed or stamped;
• Within the required validity period;
• Translated and notarised if required.

Official notices commonly treat certificates issued within six months before application submission as valid. Check the exact rule for your route.

Do not replace an official certificate with a personally written declaration unless the receiving authority explicitly allows it.

13. CV or Résumé

A CV is commonly requested for postgraduate applications, even when it is not highlighted in every general checklist.

Include:

• Personal information;
• Educational history;
• Academic achievements;
• Research experience;
• Employment and internships;
• Publications or conference presentations;
• Relevant technical skills;
• Awards;
• Language qualifications;
• Referee or supervisor information where appropriate.

Keep the information consistent with your application form and transcripts. Explain significant gaps honestly rather than changing dates.

14. Passport-Style Photograph

Some universities request a digital photograph in addition to the passport scan.

Use a recent, clear photograph with:

• A plain background;
• Your full face visible;
• No heavy filters;
• Appropriate lighting;
• The required file format and dimensions.

For example, Shanghai Ocean University’s 2027 guide requests a one-inch electronic photograph in JPG format. That is a university-specific requirement, not a universal photograph specification for every CSC application.

15. Art, Design or Creative Portfolio

Applicants to art, design and related majors may need to submit examples of their work.

Possible materials include:

• Images of artwork;
• Design projects;
• Video or audio files;
• A portfolio document;
• Links or files submitted through the university’s preferred method.

Follow the university’s instructions regarding file size, format and whether the portfolio must be uploaded to the CSC system, a university portal or both.

16. Guardian Documents for Applicants Under 18

Applicants under 18 must provide the required legal documents for a statutory guardian in China.

The receiving institution may request:

• Guardian’s identification;
• Guardianship declaration;
• Contact details;
• Notarised authorisation;
• Other legal documents specified in its template.

Contact the university or receiving authority early because arranging guardianship documents can take time.

17. Publications, Research Evidence and Awards

Postgraduate applicants may strengthen their applications with relevant supporting evidence, such as:

• Published papers;
• A publication list;
• Thesis abstract;
• Conference presentations;
• Research-project certificates;
• Academic awards;
• Professional achievements.

These documents should be genuine and relevant. Do not upload a large collection of unrelated certificates merely to increase the number of attachments.

Some universities make research evidence compulsory for particular programmes rather than optional. Always check the programme notice.

18. Financial-Support Documents

Although CSC provides scholarship funding, some universities request separate evidence of financial support during the admission stage.

Possible documents include:

• Bank statement;
• Bank deposit certificate;
• Sponsor’s financial statement;
• Financial-support declaration.

This does not mean the scholarship has been denied. Universities may use financial evidence for admission, visa preparation or emergency-support purposes.

Shanghai Ocean University’s 2027 guide includes a Statement of Financial Support among its application documents, illustrating why a university-specific checklist remains necessary.

Additional University-Specific Documents

Universities can request documents beyond the general checklist. Examples include:

• University application form;
• Self-introduction video;
• Signed admission commitment letter;
• Employment certificate;
• Current Chinese visa or residence permit;
• Previous Chinese entry and exit records;
• Supervisor recommendation form;
• Application-fee payment voucher;
• Signed research proposal;
• Degree-authentication report.

For instance, Shanghai Ocean University’s 2027 guide includes a three-minute self-introduction video and a supervisor-signed research proposal. These should not be treated as universal requirements for every university.

Notarisation, Translation and Authentication

These terms are not interchangeable.

Notarisation

A notary or authorised institution certifies a document or copy according to the applicable process. Highest diplomas commonly require notarisation.

Translation

Documents issued in languages other than Chinese or English generally need a Chinese or English translation. Official notices commonly require the translation to be notarised.

Upload both:

1. The original document; and
2. The accepted translation and notarisation evidence.

Academic Authentication

Some universities may require a separate authentication report for overseas or Chinese qualifications. This is not automatically required for every CSC applicant, but it can be required for university admission.

Follow your university’s exact instructions rather than assuming that notarisation alone will satisfy an authentication requirement.

Document Validity Periods to Watch

Document	Common validity consideration

Passport	Must meet the validity cutoff stated by your route and university
HSK, IELTS or TOEFL	Must meet the university’s score and validity rules
CSCA score report	Must be valid under the current bachelor’s application instructions
Physical examination	Generally valid for six months
Non-criminal record	Commonly issued within six months before submission
Recommendation letters	Some universities specify a recent issue date
Expected-graduation certificate	Must accurately reflect your current status and expected completion

Create a spreadsheet showing the issue date, expiry date and required submission date for each time-sensitive document.

How to Scan and Name Your Files

Clear document presentation matters. Use a proper scanner or a high-quality scanning application.

Recommended Practices

• Scan every page completely;
• Keep text upright;
• Avoid shadows and glare;
• Ensure seals and signatures remain visible;
• Combine multi-page documents logically;
• Use PDF where accepted;
• Follow file-size limits;
• Use clear English filenames.

Example filenames:

• Passport_Full_Name.pdf
• Bachelors_Diploma_Notarized.pdf
• Bachelors_Transcripts_Complete.pdf
• English_Proficiency_IELTS.pdf
• Study_Plan_Masters.pdf
• Recommendation_Letter_1.pdf
• Physical_Examination_Form.pdf
• Police_Clearance.pdf

Do not password-protect documents unless the university specifically requests it.

Common CSC Document Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using a checklist from a previous scholarship year without checking the 2027 notice;
2. Forgetting the CSCA report for a bachelor’s application;
3. Assuming IELTS is either compulsory or unnecessary for every programme;
4. Uploading an incomplete transcript;
5. Submitting an expired medical or police-clearance document;
6. Using different spellings of your name across documents;
7. Uploading translations without the original documents;
8. Confusing a professor’s academic reference with a supervisor’s acceptance letter;
9. Entering an incorrect agency number;
10. Ignoring the university’s separate application portal;
11. Uploading blurred mobile photographs instead of readable scans;
12. Waiting until the deadline to request recommendation or pre-admission letters;
13. Submitting false, edited or misleading documents;
14. Failing to keep original documents for registration.

Final Document Review Before Submission

Before submitting, confirm that:

• Every mandatory document is present;
• All files open correctly;
• Names and dates are consistent;
• Translations and notarisation are included where required;
• Medical and police documents remain valid;
• Your study plan meets the university’s length requirement;
• Recommendation letters contain signatures and contact details;
• The CSCA report is included for bachelor’s applications;
• Pre-admission documents follow your route’s rules;
• The correct programme category and agency number are used;
• Both CSC and university applications are completed where required;
• Copies of all submitted documents are saved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the same documents required for every CSC university?

No. There is a common core checklist, but universities and receiving authorities can add documents, impose different validity periods or require separate application forms.

Do I need to notarise every document?

Not necessarily. Notarisation commonly applies to the highest diploma and required translations, but universities may specify additional notarised documents. Follow the actual checklist.

Can final-year students apply before receiving their diploma?

Yes, many routes accept official expected-graduation or student-status evidence. The final diploma must later be supplied according to admission and registration requirements.

Is IELTS mandatory for CSC Scholarship 2027?

No, not for every applicant. English-taught programmes require accepted English evidence, but the recognised tests and alternatives vary by university.

Is CSCA required for master’s and PhD applicants?

No. CSCA applies to bachelor’s applicants under the current Chinese Government Scholarship instructions.

Is a supervisor’s acceptance letter compulsory?

It depends on the university and programme. Some doctoral programmes require it, while others treat it as optional or arrange supervisors after academic review.

How long is the physical examination valid?

The examination result is generally valid for six months.

How recent must the police-clearance certificate be?

Official notices commonly require it to have been issued within six months before submission, but applicants should confirm their route’s rule.

Do I need to submit original documents online?

Online applications normally require clear scans. Keep the original documents safely because universities may inspect them during registration.

Is one CSC application enough for every university?

Not always. Many Type B universities require a separate university admission application in addition to the CSC application. Follow the university’s procedure.

Final Thoughts

A strong CSC application begins with an accurate document checklist. Start with your official 2027 receiving-authority and university notices, then prepare the core documents: passport, diploma, transcripts, language evidence, pre-admission material, study plan and the required supporting records.

Bachelor’s applicants should prioritise the CSCA, while postgraduate applicants should allow sufficient time for recommendation letters, research plans and any supervisor documents. Finally, check every file for clarity, consistency and validity before submission.

Preparing early gives you time to correct problems and prevents an otherwise strong application from being weakened by avoidable document errors.

Important Official Links

• CSC Study in China website
• Chinese Government Scholarship application portal
• Official CSCA website
• Official 2027/2028 CSC notice with document checklist
• BLCU 2027 Type A application guide
• Shanghai Ocean University 2027 Type B application guide