Key Dates Overview
2027/28 cycle — official dates expected. CSC has not published the next Type A or Type B cutoffs. Recent cycles typically opened in December and closed in February (2026/27 Type A typically closed Feb 2026). Watch campuschina.org and the relevant Chinese embassy notice. Do not treat a February day as confirmed until it is published.
Deadlines by Type
| Route | Portal Opens | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A (Embassy) | Typically Nov–Jan | 2027/28 dates TBC | Recent pattern: typically closed Feb (last official 2026/27). Confirm on embassy notices and campuschina.org. |
| 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.