HSKReadyGet the appA visiting programme, not a full degree
The checked China Link notice supports study or research visits lasting 1–12 months, with a start no later than 31 August 2027. It is described as the continuing 2026 programme. General-scholar places cover eligible undergraduate or master’s students; senior-scholar places cover eligible doctoral students or academic staff.
Applicants must hold the required full-time student or staff status at a CSC foreign partner institution during application and participation, and obtain acceptance from an eligible Chinese host. Teaching or research may be in Chinese or English; Chinese-language study itself is excluded from the stated subject scope.
Check eligibility and support
The notice gives age limits of 45 for general scholars and 50 for senior scholars. It lists tuition, university accommodation, medical insurance and monthly living support of RMB 3,000 or RMB 3,500 respectively. Confirm the host’s practical arrangements and any costs outside those categories.
Being enrolled at a university outside China is not enough on its own. Verify your home institution’s partnership status and the host’s eligibility before asking for letters or making travel plans.
Coordinate with the host early
Contact the Chinese host, obtain the required acceptance, then complete the CSC online application. The instructions ask applicants to inform the host of their name, application serial number and intention to use China Link. The host is responsible for submitting recommendations.
The notice describes year-round online applications, but host deadlines still matter. Hosts are asked to recommend candidates at least two months before intended arrival. Work backwards from your proposed start and obtain the host’s timetable instead of treating “year-round” as immediate admission.
Sources & scope
- Campus China · China Link programme Source checked · 19 Oct 2026