A plain-language glossary of terms for studying in China: CSC, JW202, HSK, CSCSE, Project 985/211, Double First-Class, X1/X2, residence permit and more.
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Studying in China comes with its own vocabulary. Here are the terms you will meet, explained simply.
Scholarships and institutions
Term
Meaning
CSC
China Scholarship Council — the body that administers the Chinese Government Scholarship.
Chinese Government Scholarship
The main national scholarship for international students, applied for through an embassy, a university, or a designated body.
Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS)
A scholarship focused on Chinese language and related studies, often applied for through a Confucius Institute or host university.
CSCSE
Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange — handles degree verification for Chinese qualifications, among other services.
MOE
Ministry of Education of China — the authority behind education policy and approvals.
University classifications
Term
Meaning
Project 985
A group of elite research universities selected from 1998 onward.
Project 211
A larger group of key universities supported for the 21st century.
Double First-Class
The current national scheme designating top universities and top disciplines.
C9 League
An informal league of nine leading universities (China’s “Ivy League”-style grouping).
Application and visas
Term
Meaning
JW202 / JW201
Visa application forms issued by the university (JW201 in some scholarship cases; JW202 otherwise). An embassy may require one.
X1 visa
Student visa for studies over 180 days; converted to a residence permit after arrival.
X2 visa
Student visa for studies of 180 days or less.
Residence permit
The card/sticker that becomes your legal status in China after entering with X1. Allows multiple entries while valid.
Temporary residence registration
Registering your address with the police after moving in (usually within 24 hours).
Exit-entry administration
The public security office handling visas and residence permits in your city.
Language tests
Term
Meaning
HSK
Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi — the standard Chinese proficiency test (levels 1–6 for the older scale; 1–9 for HSK 3.0).
HSKK
The speaking component of the HSK family.
IELTS / TOEFL
English tests commonly required for English-taught programmes.
Documents
Term
Meaning
Notarization
A notary certifies that a copy or translation is authentic.
Apostille
A simplified authentication between countries party to the Hague Convention.
Consular legalization
Authentication by the Chinese embassy/consulate where an apostille does not apply.
Foreigner Physical Examination Form
The standard medical form many universities and visas require.
Definitions are for orientation. For any decision, confirm with the university, the CSC, the CSCSE
and your local Chinese embassy — details and names change over time.
