The single biggest reason students miss the CSC scholarship is not poor grades or weak documents — it is timing. The application window opens and closes within a narrow few months, and universities process applications on a rolling basis. This calendar gives you every critical date for the 2026–2027 intake cycle.
Important
This calendar covers the September 2027 intake. If you are targeting September 2026, you are very late — contact Globlearn Education immediately to assess your options for late-cycle applications.
Full Application Calendar: September 2026 → September 2027
| Month | What to Do | Deadline Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Sep – Oct 2026 | Research programs, shortlist 3–5 universities, contact potential PhD supervisors | Low — preparation phase |
| Nov 2026 | Request academic transcripts, arrange notarisation and certified translations | Low — but takes 4–8 weeks |
| Dec 2026 | Draft study plan / research proposal; request recommendation letters from professors | Medium — references take time |
| Jan 2027 | CSC Online Application System opens (studyinchina.csc.edu.cn) — register and begin | HIGH — act now |
| Feb 2027 | Complete medical examination at certified hospital; get police clearance if required | HIGH — 2–4 weeks processing |
| Mar 2027 | Submit CSC online application; post documents to university international office | CRITICAL — most uni deadlines |
| Apr 2027 | University internal review; follow up with international admissions office | Critical — respond to requests fast |
| May 2027 | Last chance for late university scholarship applications; provincial scholarship window | High — last opportunity |
| Jun – Jul 2027 | CSC results announced; Admission Notice and JW form issued to successful applicants | Waiting phase |
| Aug 2027 | Apply for X1 student visa at Chinese Embassy in your country | Act within 1–2 weeks of receiving Notice |
| Sep 2027 | Arrive in China; register at university; apply for Residence Permit within 30 days | CRITICAL — 30-day legal requirement |
Key Deadlines You Cannot Miss
- January 2027: CSC application system opens — start your profile immediately
- March 15–31, 2027: Most 985 universities close their CSC nomination window
- March 31, 2027: Hard CSC submission deadline for most institutions
- May 31, 2027: Last date for most provincial scholarship applications
- Within 30 days of arrival: Residence Permit application — this is a legal requirement, not optional
What Globlearn Education Does at Each Stage
- Sep–Nov: University and program matching based on your profile, budget, and career goal
- Dec–Jan: Study plan and research proposal writing support; document checklist and review
- Feb–Mar: Full CSC application submission support; university, provincial, and university scholarship simultaneous applications
- Apr–May: Follow-up with universities; respond to admission queries; prepare for visa
- Jun–Jul: Visa document preparation; pre-departure guidance
- Aug–Sep: Arrival support, Residence Permit guidance, settlement assistance
Tip
Start in September — not January. Students who contact us in September consistently have stronger applications, more time to polish their documents, and higher scholarship success rates than students who contact us in February.
Ready to Apply?
Talk to a Globlearn Education Advisor
Our advisors help with university selection, scholarship applications, and visa guidance — no upfront fees until you are admitted.