Short answer: Yes—apply to both. Treat Type A (Embassy/Bilateral) and Type B (University Program) as complementary, not competing. Official rules allow up to 2 Type A submissions (via different diplomatic agencies) plus 1 Type B (to one university). Using all three slots maximizes your odds in both diplomatic and academic selection channels. (Policies and dates reference the 2025 intake; for 2026, timelines and specifics may vary—verify on your embassy and university pages.)
TL;DR
- Use all 3 slots: 2× Type A + 1× Type B in the same cycle (not concurrent awards).
- Benefits are identical: Tuition waiver, housing (or subsidy), stipend, medical insurance—same for A and B.
- Pre-admission Letter = leverage: For Type A, it directs your placement to the target university if the embassy awards you. For Type B, it boosts nomination.
- Start early (Nov–Dec): Begin professor outreach for the pre-admission letter and document notarization/legalization—these are the slowest steps.
- One award only: If you get both A and B, accept one and decline the other immediately to stay compliant.
What Type A vs Type B Really Means
- Type A (Embassy/Bilateral) = Embassy route using diplomatic quotas, then CSC final review.
- Type B (University Program/High-Level Postgraduate) = University route driven by department fit and university capacity, then CSC final review.
- Decision makers differ:
- Type A: Embassy/consulate quota → CSC.
- Type B: University academic review → CSC.
- Agency numbers:
- Type A: From embassy/dispatching authority (e.g., MOFCOM uses agency 00010).
- Type B: From the host university (e.g., 10027 for some universities).
- Administrative, not financial, difference: Funding package is the same; choose by strategy, not money.
- Varies by university—verify on admissions page: application windows, LOA/pre-admission expectations, portal steps, and fees.
Why Apply to Both (2A + 1B)?
- Policy allows it: Up to 2 Type A (different agencies) + 1 Type B (one university).
- Better coverage:
- Type B targets your strongest academic match at a single university.
- Type A taps national/diplomatic quotas that may favor your country.
- Common myth to drop: Type B isn’t “easier”—top universities are intensely competitive. Type A outcomes vary with embassy quotas and country context.
The Pre-admission Letter: Your #1 Lever
- What it is: An official letter from the university admissions office promising admission if CSC funds you.
- Not the same as LOA: A professor’s email (LOA) is not sufficient for placement decisions.
- Why it matters:
- Type A: Turns a placement lottery into targeted assignment to your chosen university (if awarded by the embassy).
- Type B: Strongly boosts nomination inside the university.
- Action: Start cold-emailing supervisors in Nov/Dec of the preceding year to trigger departmental support toward the pre-admission letter. (Varies by university—verify their process.)
Month-by-Month Timeline (Typical for 2025 Intake)
(For 2026, check each embassy/university page—dates and windows can shift.)
- Nov–Dec (prior year):
- Shortlist 2× Type A routes and 1× Type B university (note agency numbers).
- Email professors to secure a pre-admission letter; draft a specific study plan.
- Start notarization → MoFA authentication → Chinese Embassy legalization (non-Hague routes).
- Jan:
- Type A peak submissions (many embassies close late Jan/early Feb).
- Type B portals open; submit and complete any required portal steps (including non-refundable fee where applicable—varies by university).
- Feb:
- Type A deadlines finish; ensure files are complete and bound per embassy rules.
- Type B windows typically run to mid-Feb–late Mar.
- Mar–Apr:
- Type A: Embassy nominations to CSC.
- Type B: University academic reviews/interviews.
- May:
- Type A: CSC final review.
- Type B: Universities nominate to CSC.
- Jun–Jul:
- Results released. If you get both A and B, pick one and decline the other immediately.
- Aug–Sep:
- Receive Admission Letter/JW202 and apply for X1 visa; travel and register.
Status Codes — What They Mean & What You Do
- Submitted/Unverified → System got your file, waiting for first check.
- Do: Confirm every upload is correct and legible; wait 1–4 weeks typical.
- In Progress / In Process → Active review.
- Do: Watch email daily; respond to interview or extra-document requests fast.
- Preliminary Admission / Have entered School → University nominated you to CSC.
- Do: Wait for CSC final sign-off (1–3 months typical).
- Approved/Appointed → CSC award confirmed.
- Do: Await admission package (Admission Letter + JW202).
- Returned → Missing/deficient docs.
- Do: Urgently contact the embassy/university and fix the gap.
- Disapproved/Untreated (after Submitted) → Rejected.
- Do: Start next-cycle prep early (Aug/Sep): sharpen topic fit, re-verify documents, renew outreach.
Requirements (Core & Variable)
Universal core (often notarized/legalized):
- CSC application form (completed, printed, signed).
- Passport bio page (valid past Mar 1, 2026).
- Academic docs: Highest diploma + full transcripts (notarized).
- Prospective grads: Pre-graduation certificate (finishing by July 2025).
- Study plan/research proposal: Detailed and specific (methods for PhD).
- Two recommendation letters (professor/associate professor).
- Foreigner Physical Examination (within 6 months of submission; include required lab reports/ECG).
Program-specific (varies by university—verify on admissions page):
- Language proof:
- Chinese-taught: typically HSK 4 minimum; competitive schools may prefer higher; some admit with HSK 4 plus 1 year prep Chinese.
- English-taught: often IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 for non-native speakers.
- Pre-admission letter: Often mandatory for competitive Type B; highly recommended for all routes.
- Application fee (Type B portals): Non-refundable. (Amount and payment channel vary—check the university page.)
Age limits (CSC reference):
- Bachelor: under 25. Master: under 35. PhD: under 40.
Strategy That Works (Step-by-Step)
- Nov–Dec: Win the pre-admission letter.
- Cold-email supervisors aligned with your topic.
- Aim to convert LOA discussions into an official pre-admission letter from admissions.
- Dec–Jan: Lock down certification.
- For non-Hague routes: Notarize → MoFA authenticate → Chinese Embassy legalize.
- Ensure multi-page docs are properly bound (cross seal/sealing wax/steel seal) or legalization can be refused.
- Jan: Submit 2× Type A.
- Use the pre-admission letter on one Type A channel if possible; consider a second Type A like MOFCOM if eligible.
- Feb–Mar: Submit 1× Type B.
- Pick one university where your fit is strongest; tailor your package precisely.
- Mar–Jul: Respond and wait smart.
- Answer interview/document emails quickly; track statuses correctly.
- Jun–Jul: Choose one award.
- Accept one (A or B), decline the other immediately to stay compliant.
If/Then Cheatsheet
- IF you don’t have a pre-admission letter by the Type A deadline
THEN still submit Type A with three preferred schools listed—placement will depend on embassy/CSC quotas. - IF you receive both Type A and Type B offers
THEN accept only one and formally decline the other right away. - IF your Type B shows “In Process”
THEN do not apply to another Type B university—1B rule applies once processing begins. - IF you are rejected (May–Jul)
THEN restart prep Aug/Sep: refresh documents, improve research fit, re-engage supervisors.
Common Red Flags (and What To Do Instead)
- Red flag: Generic study plan reused across applications.
Do instead: Make it university-specific with clear methodology and program fit. - Red flag: Missed deadlines, incomplete uploads, or blurry scans.
Do instead: Track each window; audit every file for completeness and clarity before submitting. - Red flag: Treating “In Progress/Preliminary Admission” as final.
Do instead: Wait for “Approved/Appointed” before you assume success. - Red flag: Improper legalization/binding of multi-page docs.
Do instead: Follow the notarize → MoFA → Chinese Embassy chain; bind multi-page docs with official seals as required. - Red flag: Paying deposits/fees via untraceable methods or for unseen housing.
Do instead: Use traceable bank methods; verify housing via the university international office; avoid “guaranteed scholarship” claims.
Templates (Easy Copy)
Email: Requesting a Pre-admission Letter (for Type A/B strategy)
(Adapt content to reflect your exact program, agency numbers, and the fact that only the pre-admission letter from admissions—not a professor LOA—controls Type A placement.)
Subject: Pre-admission Request for [Degree, Major] – CSC [Type A/B], 2025/2026 Intake
Dear Prof. [Name],
I am applying for the Chinese Government Scholarship via [Type A Embassy route / Type B University Program] for the [2025/2026] intake.
My research focus is [brief, specific topic], which aligns with [your group/lab’s work on X].
To secure correct placement and strengthen my nomination, I would like to request the official Pre-admission Letter from the university admissions office (distinct from a supervisor LOA).
I can provide:
• Study Plan / Research Proposal (detailed and specific)
• Two recommendation letters (prof/assoc prof)
• Notarized diploma and transcripts (or pre-graduation certificate)
• Language proof [HSK/IELTS/TOEFL, if applicable]
• Foreigner Physical Examination (within 6 months)
If helpful, I am also submitting Type A via [Embassy/Agency Name; Agency No. if relevant], listing [University Name] as my top choice.
Thank you for considering my request. I would be grateful for any guidance on your department’s process to have admissions issue the Pre-admission Letter.
Sincerely,
[Full Name]
[Nationality] • Passport valid past Mar 1, 2026
[Email] • [CV/Portfolio/Links]
Email: Declining a Duplicate Offer (Compliance with “one award only”)
Subject: Decline of Scholarship Offer – Compliance with CSC Non-Concurrent Rule
Dear [Embassy/University Office],
Thank you for awarding me the [CSC Type A/Type B] scholarship.
Per CSC’s non-concurrent scholarship rule, I have accepted another CSC award and must decline this offer to remain compliant.
Please consider this email as my formal decline and kindly update your records.
With appreciation,
[Full Name]
[Application ID / Passport No.]
Edge Cases & Eligibility Notes
- Age limits: under 25 (Bachelor), 35 (Master), 40 (PhD).
- Non-concurrent rule: You cannot hold two Chinese government/university-established scholarships at the same time. If you get more than one, accept one and decline the others immediately.
- MOFCOM (Type A): A valid second Type A option if eligible (agency 00010).
- Out of scope: Non-CSC university scholarships and long-term status after arrival are not covered here.
Final Word
The 2A + 1B rule answers the big question: apply to both. Since benefits are identical, your decision is strategic—win a pre-admission letter, certify documents correctly, hit earlier Type A deadlines, and deploy all three slots. If you later face multiple offers, accept one and decline the rest immediately to stay compliant.
