Key Dates Overview
Deadlines by Type
| Route | Portal Opens | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A (Embassy) | November–January | January–April (varies by country) | Check YOUR embassy. Some close in January. |
| Type B (University) | December–February | February–April (varies by university) | Contact university directly for their deadline. |
| Confucius Institute | January | March–April | Apply through local Confucius Institute. |
| CSC Portal (online) | November | April 30 (firm cutoff) | Portal closes at midnight Beijing time (UTC+8). |
Critical: Your embassy deadline may be WEEKS before the CSC portal closes. Many embassies require physical document submission by January or February. The April date is the portal maximum, not your actual deadline. Always check with your specific embassy first.
Visual Timeline
October–November: Early Preparation
Start researching universities and professors. Begin cold-emailing potential supervisors. Download the CSC application form and medical exam form.
December–January: Document Preparation
Write your study plan. Get recommendation letters. Schedule medical exam. Get criminal background check. Start notarization and translation.
February–March: Submit Application
Register and complete online application at campuschina.org. Submit physical documents to embassy (Type A) or university (Type B). Submit at least 5 days before deadline.
July: Results
Results announced. Successful applicants receive admission letter and JW201 form. Apply for X1 visa immediately. Prepare for September arrival.
Know Your Deadline?
Start preparing your application now.