The China Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) updated its recognized-institutions database and removed 270 overseas institutions, a change that directly affects diploma verification used for civil service eligibility, hukou procedures, professional licensing, and some employment checks.
This update followed a routine quality review focused on accreditation, curriculum standards, teaching quality, and institutional compliance.
Immediate actions for affected graduates
Verify and document
- Check the CSCSE list to confirm whether your institution is among the 270 removed.
- Gather official documents: degree certificate, transcripts, accreditation letters covering your enrollment period, and any program descriptions or syllabi.
Contact points and appeals
- Contact your issuing university for formal letters confirming accreditation during your study period.
- Reach out to CSCSE via its official channels to ask about the reason for removal and whether an individual verification or appeal is possible.
- Consult local HR or talent bureaus (municipal lists can differ from national lists) for region-specific alternatives or temporary measures.
How verification normally works and alternatives
The CSCSE is the primary body for overseas degree verification in China.
Applications are submitted by graduates and processed case-by-case, and some local governments maintain parallel lists and procedures.
If CSCSE verification is unavailable, local authorities or licensing boards may accept supplementary evidence or require domestic bridging qualifications.
Fast checklist for next 30 days
| Step | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check CSCSE removed list | Confirms if you’re affected |
| 2 | Collect transcripts and accreditation proof | Required for appeals or alternative checks |
| 3 | Contact issuing university | Obtain formal letters and clarifications |
| 4 | Contact CSCSE and local HR bureau | Learn appeal options and local rules |
| 5 | Prepare contingency plan | Apply for jobs/study that don’t require CSCSE verification |
Practical scenarios and employer guidance
- Civil service applicants: Many regions require CSCSE verification for exam eligibility; lack of verification can block applications.
- Professional licensing: Licensing boards often require recognized foreign credentials; if delisted, applicants may need domestic exams or supplementary qualifications.
- Employers: HR teams should request additional documentation and allow time for appeals or alternative verification.
Further reading and resources
- CSCSE list of the 270 universities: https://zwfw.cscse.edu.cn/cscse/lxfwzxwsfwdt2020/xlxwrz32/qtxx/580296/index.html
- Background on tightened scrutiny of overseas degrees and quality concerns by the South China Morning Post.
- Practical guide to overseas degree authentication in China (detailed walkthrough): https://ikkyinchina.com/2023/11/28/overseas-degree-authentication-in-china-the-complete-guide/ (useful for step‑by‑step authentication procedures).
Final recommendations
- Act quickly: confirm your status, collect documentation, and contact both your university and CSCSE.
- Be transparent with employers and licensing bodies and prepare alternative plans if verification cannot be restored. If you believe an error occurred, pursue administrative review and keep detailed records of all correspondence.
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