China Higher Education Admissions Glossary
Decoding Tiers, Testing Acronyms, Scholarships & Legal Documents

Announced in May 1998 (hence "98-5") during Peking University's centennial, Project 985 was China's premier state initiative to elevate a select group of world-class research universities. Only 39 universities nationwide received this status. Graduates of 985 universities enjoy top employment prestige and prioritized civil service recruitment in China and internationally.

Initiated in 1995 by the Ministry of Education, Project 211 targeted strengthening approximately 100 key universities for the 21st century (hence "21-1"). It encompassed roughly 112 institutions, including all 39 Project 985 universities plus leading provincial flagships and specialized institutions in medicine, foreign languages, and finance.

Launched in 2017 and evaluated on a rolling 5-year cycle, the "World-Class Universities and First-Class Disciplines" initiative is the active successor to Projects 985 and 211. It shifts funding from fixed institutional status to dynamic subject-level excellence. A total of 147 universities are recognized in the latest cohort.

Founded in 2009 by nine elite Project 985 universities for mutual academic collaboration: Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhejiang University, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Nanjing University, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), and Xi'an Jiaotong University.

来华留学本科入学学业水平测试 — Standardized centralized entrance examination administered for international students applying to undergraduate programs at top Chinese universities. Tests foundational subject competencies across Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Chinese Language using dual-camera AI-proctored online testing.

The standardized Chinese proficiency test administered by Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC / 语合中心). Levels range from HSK 1 (basic) to HSK 6 (mastery), with the upcoming HSK 3.0 expanding to 9 bands. Admissions requirement: Most Chinese-taught undergraduate degrees require minimum HSK Level 4 (≥ 210 points) or HSK Level 5 (≥ 180 points). The oral exam (HSKK) is mandatory for CSC scholarship applicants in Chinese-taught tracks.

• CSC Type A (Bilateral Program / 国别双边项目): Applications submitted via Chinese Embassies, Consulates, or national education ministries in the applicant's home country. Applicants may list up to 3 target universities.
• CSC Type B (University Postgraduate Program / 高校自主招生): Direct application to individual designated Chinese universities. The university itself conducts the academic evaluation and recommends the candidate to the China Scholarship Council for final approval.

Agency Number (受理机构代码)

A unique 5-digit numerical code assigned to every Chinese university and Chinese embassy worldwide on the official China Scholarship Council portal (Campus China). Entering the correct Agency Number routes the applicant's online dossier directly to the intended university admissions office or consular dispatching authority.

• JW201 Form: Issued strictly to recipients of full or partial Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC). Authorized directly by the Ministry of Education.
• JW202 Form: Issued to self-funded students or recipients of provincial, municipal, and university-level scholarships. Currently issued as an official digitized e-JW202 containing verifiable QR codes.

Both documents (along with the physical Admission Notice) are mandatory for obtaining an X1 or X2 Student Visa at a Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad.

X1 vs. X2 Student Visa

• X1 Visa (Long-Term Study): Issued for academic degree programs exceeding 180 days. Valid for 30 days upon entry; must be converted to a multi-entry Foreigner Residence Permit (居留许可) at the local Public Security Bureau (Exit-Entry Administration) within 30 days of arrival.
• X2 Visa (Short-Term Study): Issued for non-degree, exchange, or language immersion programs lasting 180 days or fewer. Single or double entry, does not require residence permit conversion.

CHSI (China Higher Education Student Information / 学信网)

The authoritative national database managed by the Ministry of Education of China for degree accreditation, student enrollment records, and credential verification. All accredited Chinese university degrees awarded to international graduates are permanently archived and independently verifiable via CHSI electronic verification reports.

A 6-year English-taught medical program (5 years academic coursework + 1 year hospital clinical internship) recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), WHO, and national medical regulatory councils (e.g. USMLE, PLAB, NMC). The Ministry of Education tightly regulates the list of approved universities authorized to deliver English-medium MBBS courses.

1+4 Foundation Preparatory Year (预科项目)

A transitional preparatory pathway designed for international high school graduates without sufficient Chinese proficiency. Students undertake one intensive year of language and foundational academic coursework (Mathematics/Physics) at designated preparatory bases (e.g., Tianjin University, Shandong University, Northeast Normal University) before seamlessly entering their 4-year undergraduate degree upon passing HSK Level 4.