It is not easy to apply to the China Scholarship Council. Applicants must apply through the Study Abroad Department of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange. The National Scholarship Council does not accept individual applications.

It is not easy to apply to the China Scholarship Council for studying abroad for a doctoral degree, because the state funds doctoral study abroad in a planned way, or the professional category is urgently needed by the country, or there is a shortage of talents. If there is no recommendation from an employer or industry, it will be more difficult to apply by yourself.