The number of schools under “enhanced scrutiny” for certification keeps rising; paying to buy a degree is no longer an option

Cost: No cost at all. Before enrolling, simply search the school’s name in the announcements posted by the China Scholarship Council (CSC).

In plain terms: The CSC regularly publishes lists of foreign institutions subject to enhanced scrutiny for degree certification, and at times it temporarily halts certification applications for certain schools. These are precisely the schools advertised as offering “no language requirements, no need to leave the country, and a master’s degree in just a few months.” Searching for a school’s name beforehand saves you from having to file appeals later on.

Benefit: The China Scholarship Council consistently issues notices about tightening certification checks for degrees awarded by specific foreign institutions — essentially adding an extra layer of verification for their diplomas. The most recent notice is No. 9, dated October 28, 2025. The CSC has also announced temporary suspensions of certification applications for certain overseas schools and issued warnings about fraudsters exploiting the degree certification process to defraud applicants.

Evidence grade: A

Notes: “Enhanced scrutiny” does not automatically mean a degree cannot be certified, but it does require submission of additional documentation and takes considerably longer. Any agency promising “guaranteed certification” or “expedited processing via internal channels” is running a scam; the CSC has issued explicit anti-fraud advisories on this matter. Engaging overseas services to write papers or attend classes on your behalf risks not only degree revocation but also negative consequences for your visa status if discovered.

Sources:中国（教育部）留学服务中心. 关于对部分国外院校学历学位认证加强认证审查的公告（九）（2025-10-28）. https://www.cscse.edu.cn/cscse/sy/tzgg/2025102809225023345/index.html；中国（教育部）留学服务中心. https://www.cscse.edu.cn/