How the CSC online application portal works
The CSC system is the online form behind Chinese Government Scholarship applications. You choose the scholarship type and the agency you apply through — normally the university itself or the dispatching authority in your country — complete the personal, education and language sections, upload the documents the programme lists, and submit before the deadline.
The two routes
- Through the university: you apply to the university and it nominates candidates.
- Through your country's dispatching authority: usually a ministry or the Chinese embassy.
- Applicants often use both routes in parallel; check whether the programme allows it.
Step by step
- Create an account and note which type and agency you selected — this is the most common source of mistakes.
- Complete the personal, education and language sections exactly as they appear on your documents.
- Upload each document the programme lists, in the required format and size.
- Submit before the deadline and keep the application number you receive.
After you submit
- Track the status in the system; universities may request extra documents by email.
- Keep your application number: every later message will refer to it.
- If something must be corrected after the deadline, contact the agency you applied through — you cannot usually edit it yourself.
Common mistakes
- Wrong agency number or wrong scholarship type.
- Documents uploaded without the required notarisation or translation.
- Files rejected for format or size and not re-uploaded.
- Submitting late because one document was not ready — prepare documents before the form opens.
Common questions
Can I edit my CSC application after submitting?
Usually while the application window is open. After it closes, corrections have to go through the agency you applied through.
How many programme choices can I list?
The form allows several choices, but the exact number and rules are set in that year's guidance — check the current call before you fill it in.
Do doctoral applicants need a supervisor letter?
Many universities ask for a supervisor acceptance letter or at least written interest from a supervisor. Check the programme page, because it is often a hard requirement.
Research first, then verify at the source
VisChat is an independent information and data site. Compare programmes here, then use current university and government pages to confirm the details that apply to you.