Application Guide of Chinese Government Scholarship Bilateral Program in 2025 at SYSU

      In accordance with the relevant regulations stipulated by the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges of the Ministry of Education and the China Scholarship Council, as well as the actual conditions of SYSU, the application guide of this scholarship is formulated as follows:

I. Scholarship Introduction

      The Chinese Government Scholarship Bilateral Program is set up in accordance with cooperation agreements between China and international organizations and institutions.

      Sun Yat-sen University, one of the designated universities, welcomes international students to pursue bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees under this program. The final admission results are contingent upon the expert review of the China Scholarship Council.

II. Eligibility

      1. Applicants should be non-Chinese citizens and hold a valid foreign passport.

      2. Applicants must maintain good health and satisfy the physical standards necessary for applying for a student visa or residence permit.

      3. Applicants for bachelor's programs should be academically excellent holders of a high school diploma or its equivalent under the age of 25; applicants for master's programs should be academically excellent holders of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent under the age of 35; applicants for doctoral programs should be academically excellent holders of a master's degree or its equivalent under the age of 40.

      4. Applicants must be friendly to China, hardworking and diligent in their studies, excellent in their academic performance, and upstanding and law-abiding in their conduct. They should have a commendable record of adherence to school regulations, devoid of any instances of rule violations, security penalties, or criminal records.

      5. Language Proficiency

       (1) Applicants of the programs instructed in Chinese should hold an HSK (level V) certificate with a score of 180 points or above. Those who have taken courses with Chinese as the instruction language shall submit a certificate issued by their former university. Upon verification by SYSU, the applicants may be exempted from providing HSK certificates.

       (2) To apply for the English-taught programs, applicants whose native language is not English must submit valid proof of English language skills to demonstrate that their English proficiency is sufficient to meet the academic requirements, such as TOEFL (minimum score of 79 on iBT, with no less than 15 in each section) or IELTS Academic (minimum score of 6.5, with no less than 5.5 in each section). Applicants who have previously studied with English as the medium of instruction may submit an official certificate from their institution confirming this. Upon verification by the university, these applicants may be exempt from submitting English test scores.

      If the applicant can not meet the aforementioned admission requirements, students are required to have Chinese language (preparatory) study after being pre-admitted, and their Chinese language proficiency test (HSK) must meet the admission requirements within one year.

III. Content of Scholarships

      The scholarship program covers tuition fees, university dormitory or accommodation subsidy, stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance. The coverage and standard of the scholarship are subject to the announcement of the China Scholarship Council in the same year.

IV. Application Procedure

      1. Applicants shall apply to the dispatching authorities of their home country such as Chinese embassies (consulates) for overseas study and obtain a recommendation for the scholarship.

      Applicants who need the letter of invitation please visit the website of the Office of International Students' Affairs of Sun Yat-sen University (http://iso.sysu.edu.cn), click “APPLY ONLINE”, create an individual account, and select "Pre-application-Chinese Government Scholarship - Bilateral Program in 2024”. After the preliminary review of the documents, SYSU will provide the letter of invitation via e-mail (admissions@mail.sysu.edu.cn). For a specific application guide of the letter of invitation, please refer to website https://iso.sysu.edu.cn/en/application/scholarship/1417805.htm.

      2. Application on the CSC Website

      Applicants visit the Chinese Government Scholarship Information Management System (https://campuschina.org), select the project type (Type A), complete the online application procedure, submit the required materials, and fill in the Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship with your signature.

      Applicants can consult the dispatching authorities of their home country for the instructions of the Chinese Government Scholarship Information Management System and your agency number.

      3. Formal Application on the SYSU website

      After receiving the notice from the China Scholarship Council, SYSU will inform applicants to visit the website of the Office of International Students' Affairs of Sun Yat-sen University (http://iso.sysu.edu.cn), click “APPLY ONLINE”, create an individual account and select “Chinese Government Scholarship - Bilateral Program in 2024 (Type A)” and upload the following application documents (If the applicant has filled pre-application documents, please complete the following application documents in “Chinese Government Scholarship Bilateral Program in 2024".

      1) Valid ordinary passport and personal profile photo

      Passports must remain valid beyond December 1, 2024. If you do not meet the requirements, please ensure prompt renewal. Applicants residing in China during the application process should provide a scanned copy of passport pages displaying the Chinese visa or residence permit page, along with the entry seal.

      Individuals who were initially residents of the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region, or Taiwan Region before acquiring foreign citizenship must provide the following documentation: (1) Proof of cancellation of household registration or withdrawal of Chinese nationality, or an official document certifying the absence of Chinese nationality issued by the Chinese diplomatic representation and consular authorities; (2) Proof of acquiring foreign citizenship.

      2) Diploma, certificates, and verification reports

      Applicants for bachelor's programs are required to submit documents of high school graduation. Students yet to graduate before the application deadline can submit a pre-graduation certificate issued by their high schools. Those who fail to provide their high school education certificate before registration will have their admission revoked.

      Applicants who apply for master's programs and have graduated from universities within the Chinese Mainland should submit the Record of Electronic Registration of Academic Certificates from the Ministry of Education and the Online Verification Report of Chinese Higher Education Degree for bachelor's degrees, available on Chinese Higher Education Student Information website (https://www.chsi.com.cn). Applicants who graduated from universities outside the Chinese Mainland should submit Verification of Foreign Academic Degrees for bachelor's degrees, accessible on the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchanges (https://www.cscse.edu.cn). Students yet to graduate before the application deadline can submit a pre-graduation certificate issued by their university. Those who fail to provide their bachelor's degree certificate before registration will have their admission revoked.

      Applicants who apply for doctoral programs and graduated from universities within the Chinese Mainland should submit the Record of Electronic Registration of Academic Certificates from the Ministry of Education and the Online Verification Report of Chinese Higher Education Degree for both master's and bachelor's degrees, available on Chinese Higher Education Student Information website (https://www.chsi.com.cn). Applicants who graduated from universities outside the Chinese Mainland should submit Verification of Foreign Academic Degrees for both master's and bachelor's degrees, accessible on the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchanges (https://www.cscse.edu.cn). Students yet to graduate before the application deadline can submit a pre-graduation certificate issued by their university. Those who fail to provide their master's degree certificate before registration will have their admission revoked.

      3) Complete transcripts of studies

      Applicants for bachelor's programs are required to submit standard test transcripts (High School Graduation Examination transcripts, Matriculation Examination transcripts, and transcripts of international standard tests such as SAT/ACT/ A-Level/IB in high school). Students yet to graduate can first submit transcripts from their high schools. Those who do not submit complete high school transcripts before registration will have their admission revoked.

      Applicants for master's programs must submit undergraduate transcripts issued and stamped by the  academic affairs department or relevant student administration department of the applicants' university. Applicants who will not graduate before the application deadline can submit their most recent transcript issued by their university. Those who fail to provide a complete transcript of undergraduate studies before registration will have their admission revoked.

      Applicants for doctoral programs must submit the transcripts issued and stamped by the academic affairs department or the relevant student administration department of the applicants' university. These transcripts should include the academic performance of both undergraduate and graduate studies. Applicants who will not graduate before the application deadline can submit their most recent transcript issued by their university. Those who fail to provide a complete transcript of undergraduate and graduate studies before registration will have their admission revoked.

      4) Language proficiency certificate

       Applicants of the programs instructed in Chinese should submit a valid certificate of Chinese language proficiency (HSK) or proof of completing courses instructed in Chinese language. Applicants of English-taught programs should submit TOFEL, IELTS certificate, or any proof of having taken program instructed in English or other proof demonstrating their English language proficiency.

      5) Two letters of recommendation (see Attachment 1 for template)

      Applicants for bachelor's programs should submit letters of recommendation issued by the principal and a teacher respectively of the applicant's high school.

    Applicants for master's and doctoral programs should submit letters of recommendation issued by professors, associate professors, or senior professionals in the academic field relevant to the applicants' chosen field of study.

      6) Personal statement and plan of study and research in China (see Attachment 2 for template)

     Applicants for bachelor's programs are required to submit a personal statement that should include self-introduction, learning experience, interests, study goals, reasons for application, and career plans after graduation.

      Applicants for master's or doctoral programs should submit a research plan for study in China, which should be over 1500 words/characters and encompass various aspects including, but not limited to, relevant research or working background, past achievements in academic research, comprehensive study and research plan for the doctoral program, and career goal after graduation. If the applicant has published papers, please submit the abstract of the published papers.

      7) Report of physical examination and result of blood test (see Attachment 3 for template)

      The physical examination results must be endorsed by the hospital and obtained within six months prior to the submission date. Those who are living in the Chinese mainland with a valid foreign residency permit or permanent foreign permanent resident ID card can use these documents as substitutes for Foreigner Physical Examination Form.

      8) Certificate of Non-Criminal Record

      The applicant must provide a valid non-criminal record issued by local authorities; the document should be issued within six months prior to the date of application submission.

      9) The China Scholarship Council Application Form 

      Fill in the application form (Type A Application), sign on the last page, scan, and upload according to the requirements of the Chinese Government Scholarship (http://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn).

      10) Supporting documents

      Applicants can submit award certificates or certificates of certain experience as supporting documents.

      11) Letter of commitment (see Attachment 4 for the template)

      The provided application information must be truthful, legally sound, and valid. Before uploading the document to the system, please print and sign the document.

      12) Personal Information Form

      The Personal Information Form is generated automatically by the International Student Management System. After printing and signing it, please upload the completed form back to the system.

      Note: Application documents shall be original and in either Chinese or English. For documents in other languages, both the original documents and their notarized Chinese or English translations shall be provided. Translations must be authenticated by either the Hague Apostille Convention or a Chinese embassy or consulate. Applicants shall ensure the accuracy of the email address, WeChat account number, and contact phone number entered in the application system. Notification regarding supplementary materials will be issued via the application system(https://apply.sysu.edu.cn). Failure to submit the scanned copies of supplementary materials, translations, or translation notarized certificates in a timely manner, submission of materials that do not meet the requirements, or incorrect contact information may result in an unsuccessful application, for which the applicant shall assume full responsibility.

V. Majors for International Students

      The Catalog of Majors for the 2025 Chinese Government Scholarship — Bilateral Program (Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, and Ph. D) at Sun Yat-sen University can be found in Attachments 5 but please consult the specific Catalog of Majors approved by the Ministry of Education. If the major applied for is beyond the aforementioned scope, the application will be considered invalid.

VI. Deadline for Letter of Invitation Application

      January 15, 2025 (The first round）

      February 15, 2025 (The second round）

      Letter of Invitation Application see application guide on website https://iso.sysu.edu.cn/en/application/scholarship/1417805.htm.

      The deadline for the China Scholarship Council to accept recommendations from the dispatching authorities. Applicants shall consult the dispatching authorities for the specific application deadline.

VII. Selection Procedures

      1. Qualification Review

      After receiving the letter of invitation from the China Scholarship Council, SYSU will review the applicant's information such as foreign status, highest academic qualification, academic performance, Chinese language proficiency, plan of study, and research and recommendations to determine the assessment list

      2. Assessment

      Assessment will be organized by admission teams of each school/department in one of the following methods: (1) Interview; (2) Interview and written examination. The admission team of each school/department will notify applicants of the specific assessment method, location, and time.

      3. Confirmation of Scholarship Recipients' Qualification

      For applicants who have been pre-admitted to Sun Yat-sen University, the final admission results are contingent upon the expert review of the China Scholarship Council.

      4. Admission and Notification

    The China Scholarship Council will send the Admission Letter and the Visa Application for Study in China to the dispatching authorities or scholarship recipients via the Chinese embassy or consulate-general.

      5. Study and Research in China

      Admitted applicants must apply for an X1 visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate with the Admission Letter and the Visa Application Form for Study in China. X1 visa holders must complete residential procedures at local public security departments within 30 days of entering China. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of admission. SYSU will not accept the registration of students without a valid student visa, and expired visas or residence permits are not permitted to stay or engage in activities on campus.

VIII. Supplementary Provisions

      1. Admitted students must complete registration procedures according to the registration date and location specified in the Admission Letter; registration ahead of schedule is not permitted. Failing to register within the stipulated timeframe without approval will result in the forfeiture of admission qualifications. Scholarship recipients will also be disqualified under such circumstances.

      2. Following the relevant regulations and requirements of the Ministry of Education, SYSU will conduct a physical examination and admission eligibility review for all admitted applicants. Those who fail to meet the admission requirements or are found to have provided fabricated materials will be disqualified from admission or student status. Scholarship recipients will be disqualified under these circumstances.

      3. Applicants must undergo a scholarship review of their performance as per regulations after registration. Failing to pass the review will result in suspension or disqualification from the scholarship.

IX. Contact information

      1. Division of International Students Admission and Cooperation Programs, China Scholarship Council

      Asia

      Tel: 0086-10-66093584

      E-mail: asia-admission@csc.edu.cn

      Africa

      Tel: 0086-10-66093928

      E-mail: africa-admission@csc.edu.cn

      Europe

      Tel: 0086-10-66093921

      E-mail: europe-admission@csc.edu.cn

      America & Oceania

      Tel: 0086-10-66093578

      E-mail: americas-admission@csc.edu.cn

                  or oceania-admission@csc.edu.cn

      Website: http://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn

                  or https://www.campuschina.org

      Address: Level 13, Building A3, No.9 Chegongzhuang Avenue, Beijing, P.R China

      Postcode: 100044

      2. Office of International Students' Affairs, Sun Yat-sen University

      Website of the Office of International Students' Affairs: http://iso.sysu.edu.cn

      Online Application Website: https://apply.sysu.edu.cn

      Email：admissions@mail.sysu.edu.cn

      Tel: 0086-20-84110819

      Supervision Department Tel: 0086（20）84115582

      Address: Office of International Students' Affairs, Sun Yat-sen University,

                     135 Xingangxi Road, Guangzhou, P.R.China

      Postcode: 510275