Degree authentication (hereinafter referred to as "credential verification") is crucial for international students—whether for job hunting, civil service exams, government institution recruitment, household registration, or receiving overseas student subsidies, it is indispensable.
So, many would dare say that without credential verification, studying abroad is practically pointless.
However, cases of "credential verification failure" do indeed occur; discussions about it on social media alone amount to over 10,000 posts.
Source: Xiaohongshu
You might think it's just some "slackers" from diploma mills making excuses, but the reality is that it even affects genuine master's students from Hong Kong,
Source: Xiaohongshu
as well as students from Singapore's top two universities who suffer the same problem.
Source: Xiaohongshu
Many students may ask, what is going on?
Artificially Extended Holidays May Backfire
Almost every notification of failure states: the learning experience involves distance learning, or "did not study entirely overseas", or "the overseas study duration is less than the program requires" — in simple terms, you didn't spend enough time abroad.
Taking leave to return home early, asking for leave to attend job fairs in mainland China, or not completing your thesis and exams abroad will all be reflected in your entry and exit records.
When applying for credential verification, you must submit your passport used during your studies (including all visa records and entry/exit stamps). If you spend an extended period (10 days or more) in mainland China during non-holiday periods, the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (hereinafter referred to as "CSCSE") has the right to deny certification.
If this happens, can you appeal to the CSCSE?
If you have valid reasons, it is possible. You can submit the following materials to CSCSE for reconsideration:
· Statement of Explanation: Reasons for returning to mainland China during non-holiday periods, such as attending recruitment interviews/exams, commuting between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, or thesis related to domestic projects
· Official Course Schedule: Usually required for the appeal
· Email Proof: Correspondence with professors abroad, screenshots of authorization, e.g., permission for partial distance learning
· Leave Approval: Evidence that the school approved your leave of absence
Latest Update on Credential Verification
Enhanced Verification for Credentials from Certain Foreign Institutions
In July this year, CSCSE issued the "Announcement on Strengthening Credential Verification for Certain Foreign Institutions (No. 5)", deciding to initiate enhanced review procedures for master's and doctoral degree certifications from 13 institutions in the Philippines, India, and Mongolia.
Source: CSCSE Official Website
Enhanced verification means intensifying the review of credential applications from six aspects: prior education, language proficiency, program duration requirements, knowledge base, teaching mode, and graduation requirements.
It is important to note that CSCSE specifically states that if a student receives a "Notice of Rejection" after submitting the credential application, there is no opportunity to supplement materials for review. It is recommended that graduates from the aforementioned institutions submit as complete a set of materials as possible at the time of application.
Detailed Classification of Certification Results
√ Certification Passed: Receive a certificate indicating that the degree is recognized by the Chinese government
● Temporary Failure: Receive a "Temporary Non-Certification Notice"; you can supplement materials or request a review based on the notice content.
× Certification Failed: Receive a "Non-Certification Notice"; you can no longer submit supplementary materials or apply for review, and must reapply for certification.
CSCSE has also specified 11 specific reasons for certification failure:
Source: CSCSE Official Website
Specific Process for Credential Verification
The detailed process for degree certification is as follows:
· Step 1: Prepare the required materials for application (Note: All materials should be electronic; no need to mail.)
1. Foreign diploma to be certified (Upload format: PDF, no larger than 5MB.)
(1) The diploma to be certified is generally in the official language of the host country/region. If a diploma is issued in two languages, the original language version must be uploaded; other language versions are optional.
(2) If both sides of the diploma contain text or images, please provide scans of both sides.
(3) If the applicant cannot provide the diploma obtained, the Center is generally unable to provide certification services.
2. Passport (or travel document) and visa (or endorsement) used during study abroad (Upload format: JPG, each file no larger than 1MB.)
3. A recent 2-inch ID photo (Upload format: JPG, no larger than 1MB.)
A recent standard ID photo of the applicant; background color is not restricted.
4. Authorization statement for verification of foreign diploma, filled out and signed according to CSCSE requirements (Upload format: PDF, no larger than 1MB.)
In accordance with the requirements of institutions in various countries, CSCSE needs written authorization from the certificate holder to verify the authenticity of the diploma.
This statement can be downloaded from the official website: http://zwfw.cscse.edu.cn/cscse/xlxwrz/391584/392299/393445/index.html
5. Other relevant materials (Upload format: JPG, each file no larger than 1MB.)
(1) Applicants whose study duration at the overseas institution does not meet program requirements must provide complete transcripts or research proof during the study period.
(2) Applicants with study experience in multiple countries or institutions, or who studied in a second country and obtained a diploma from a third country, must submit complete transcripts and all entry/exit stamps from the passport for the country of study.
(3) To accurately determine the applicant's field of study, it is recommended to submit complete transcripts.
(4) Due to differences in education systems in a few countries, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the Philippines, Pakistan, Malaysia, Italy, Spain, France, Hungary, Ireland, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine may require additional application materials (click on the country name for details).
(5) Other relevant materials requested by CSCSE to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the certification (subject to a supplementary materials notice).
· Step 2: Log in to http://zwfw.cscse.edu.cn (the online service hall of CSCSE) and register a new account.
· Step 3: Fill in the certification application information
First, complete the "real-name authentication" to obtain entry and exit records.
Next, select the "Application Type" and "Application Information"; these steps are very easy, basically filling in details such as the school attended and degree earned.
After filling in this information, it's time to upload materials! Simply scan the prepared documents and upload them to your computer. You can scan using a mobile app or note-taking function.
· Step 4: Pay the fee online
After completing all the above steps, patiently wait for the certification body to review your application materials. If everything is in order, evaluation and review usually take about 10-20 working days, and you can check the progress.
After certification is completed, you can log in to obtain the results, verify online, and apply for an invoice.
The CSCSE website also provides a flowchart; following the steps makes it very easy.
Additionally, if you have any doubts or questions about the certification process, you can call the CSCSE helpline at 010-62677800.
Frequently Asked Questions about Credential Verification
1. What if I cannot provide the visa for my study period? What if my residence permit used during study expired and was taken back, so I can't submit it?
If you cannot provide the visa/residence permit covering the entire study period, you need to note this when uploading materials. Staff may notify the applicant during the process to provide supplementary documentation.
2. If there are foreign language documents in the application materials, do they need to be translated into Chinese?
No.
3. If my degree certificate is lost, can I still apply for certification?
If the certificate is lost, you can apply to the issuing institution for a replacement before submitting the certification application. If the institution cannot reissue the certificate, you should provide a certificate copy or an official proof of degree conferral (usually issued by the student registration or academic affairs department). Additionally, applicants must submit a "Declaration of Inability to Submit the Overseas Degree Certificate" and official transcripts.
4. How can I contact CSCSE to inquire about certification issues?
Applicants can find answers in the "FAQ" section on the CSCSE online service hall, or contact online customer service at the bottom of the website. If the question is not resolved, you can call the helpline at 010-62677800, or send an email to the certification mailbox after reading the "Email Consultation Instructions".
Although the certification process is getting stricter, students don't need to worry too much! As long as you meet the requirements, certification generally won't fail.
Finally, I wish all international students smooth graduation, successful certification, and continued pursuit of your dreams!
For more admission cases and questions about studying abroad and graduate school applications, you can also add the contact information of CheersYou（清柚教育） advisors below for details.
