This is one of the most frequently asked questions in CSC applicant groups: “Do I need to contact a professor before applying?” The answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on your degree level, application channel, and field of study.
When contacting a professor is strongly recommended
PhD applicants: Yes. For doctoral programs, having a professor who agrees to supervise you is one of the strongest signals in your application. Some universities will not process your CSC application without a professor’s endorsement.
A professor who has reviewed your research proposal and sent a pre-admission letter tells the CSC review committee: “This student has been vetted by a specialist in the field.”
Research-focused Master’s programs: Helpful. If you are applying for a thesis-based Master’s program in STEM, having a potential supervisor identified (even if not formally committed) strengthens your application.
When you can apply without professor contact
Bachelor’s applicants: No professor contact needed. Bachelor’s programs do not involve research supervision.
Coursework Master’s programs: Not required. Programs that are primarily coursework-based (like many MBA or education programs) do not require a specific supervisor.
Type A (embassy route) applicants: You can apply without professor contact. The embassy route focuses on your overall application package. However, including a pre-admission letter still gives you an edge.
Chinese language programs: No professor contact needed.
What happens if you apply without professor contact?
Your application is still processed. CSC does not reject applicants solely because they did not contact a professor. But here is what changes:
For PhD applications without professor contact:
- Your application relies entirely on your written materials (study plan, research proposal, transcripts, letters)
- CSC may place you with a university and professor after acceptance, sometimes with a supervisor you never spoke to
- Your research direction might shift significantly based on whatever supervisor is available
- Some universities automatically reject PhD applicants without professor agreements
For Master’s applications without professor contact:
- Minimal impact for coursework programs
- Some impact for thesis-based programs, but not disqualifying
The practical challenge
Many applicants do not contact professors because:
- No response. Professors at top Chinese universities receive dozens of emails from CSC applicants every season. Response rates can be low.
- Language barrier. Some professors prefer communication in Chinese.
- Uncertainty. Applicants do not know what to write or how to approach the process.
- Fear of rejection. Getting no response feels like rejection.
Our guide on cold-emailing Chinese professors addresses all of these challenges with specific templates and strategies.
What to do if professors do not respond
If you have emailed 5-10 professors and received no responses:
Expand your search. Look beyond the top 10 universities. Professors at mid-ranked universities are more likely to respond and often have more CSC slots available.
Try different channels. Some professors are more responsive on:
- Their university email (check the university’s faculty page)
- ResearchGate
- WeChat (if you can find their ID through academic contacts)
Ask for introductions. If you know anyone studying in China, current CSC scholars, or alumni from your target university, ask them to introduce you to professors.
Apply through Type A anyway. If the embassy route (Type A) is available in your country, you can submit a complete application without professor contact and still be competitive if your other documents are strong.
Try reaching the department, not just individual professors. Some departments have a graduate admissions coordinator who can match you with available supervisors.
Timing matters
If you plan to contact professors, start early:
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| September-October | Research professors and their publications |
| October-November | Send initial emails |
| November-December | Follow up, send additional materials |
| December-January | Secure pre-admission letter |
| January-March | Include letter in CSC application |
Starting in February for a March deadline is too late. Professors need time to review your materials and discuss with their department.
The bottom line
Contacting a professor is not technically required for CSC, but it is one of the most effective things you can do to strengthen your application, especially at the PhD level. Even for Master’s applicants, it shows initiative and research readiness.
If you cannot get a response despite genuine effort, do not let that stop you from applying. A strong application without professor contact can still succeed. Just know that applicants who do have professor support generally have an advantage.
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