Some Chinese universities charge an application fee when you submit an application. The fee is set and collected by the university (or the platform you apply through), not by VisChat.
VisChat is an independent information and data site. Application fees, where a university charges them, are paid directly to the university.
Who charges what
| Charged by | For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University | Processing your application | Amount set by the university; varies widely |
| Application platform | Some third-party or national portals | Check who operates the portal |
| Scholarship scheme | Usually no fee for the CSC route itself | Some universities still charge their own fee |
| Test providers | HSK, IELTS, TOEFL etc. | Paid to the test organisation |
How fees are usually paid
- Online, on the university’s application portal, by card or a supported online method.
- Occasionally via bank transfer, with proof of payment uploaded.
- In the local currency (CNY) or as stated by the university.
Watch out for
- Agents promising guaranteed admission for a large fee. No one can guarantee admission; treat such offers with caution.
- Requests to pay large sums to personal accounts. Legitimate fees are paid to the institution.
- Fees that are “refundable on admission” — read the terms carefully.
Where to check
The exact fee, if any, is listed on the university’s official admissions page or its application portal. If a portal asks for payment and you are unsure, contact the university’s international admissions office using the contact details on its official site.
Fee amounts and payment methods change. Confirm them on the official page before paying, and keep receipts.