Complete Guide to Obtaining the Certificate for Returned Overseas Students | 留学回国证明办理完整指南

📚 Complete Guide to Obtaining the Certificate for Returned Overseas Students | 留学回国证明办理完整指南

For many years, the Certificate for Returned Overseas Students (also known as the ‘Pink Paper’) was a crucial document for Chinese students returning from abroad. It served as proof of overseas study experience and was required for accessing benefits such as household registration, tax-free car purchases, and business incentives. This guide provides a thorough overview of the historical background, the 2020 cancellation, and the current alternative: the overseas academic degree and diploma verification by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). We will cover every essential step, from eligibility to application, ensuring that returning students can navigate the process smoothly and understand how to confirm their qualifications today.

多年来，《留学回国人员证明》（俗称“粉纸”）一直是中国留学生回国后的重要凭证，用于证明留学经历，并在办理落户、购买免税车、申请创业扶持等环节中不可或缺。本指南将全面梳理该证明的历史背景、2020年的取消政策，以及当前的替代方案——由教育部留学服务中心出具的《国（境）外学历学位认证书》。我们将逐一介绍从申请资格到办理流程的每个关键步骤，帮助回国留学生顺利衔接，清楚如何确认自己的学历资格。

1. Historical Background of the Certificate | 留学回国人员证明的历史背景

The Certificate for Returned Overseas Students was introduced in the early 2000s by Chinese embassies and consulates worldwide. It was designed to verify the identity of Chinese students who had studied abroad and returned to China. The certificate contained details such as the student’s name, passport number, the institution attended, degree obtained, and the duration of study. It was printed on distinctive pink paper, earning it the nickname ‘Pink Paper’ among students. Possessing this certificate was mandatory for claiming a wide range of preferential policies, including the waiver of purchase tax for one domestically produced vehicle, priority in settling in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, and access to start-up funding and entrepreneurship parks. Without it, returning students often faced bureaucratic dead ends.

《留学回国人员证明》于21世纪初由中国驻各国使领馆推出，旨在核实中国留学生海外学习后回国的身份。证明上记载了学生姓名、护照号、就读院校、所获学位和留学期限等信息。因其独特的粉红色纸张而被留学生们俗称为“粉纸”。持有该证明是享受一系列优惠政策的前提，包括免征一辆国产汽车的购置税、在北京上海等城市优先落户，以及获得创业资金和入驻创业园区的资格。没有这份证明，回国留学生往往会遇到行政手续上的死胡同。

2. The 2020 Cancellation and Its Reasons | 2020年取消政策及其原因

On 17 September 2020, the Ministry of Education of China announced the official cancellation of the Certificate for Returned Overseas Students. Effective from 1 November 2020, Chinese embassies and consulates ceased to issue the certificate. The decision was part of a broader government initiative to streamline administrative processes, reduce bureaucratic overhead, and embrace digital transformation. It was recognized that the original certificate had overlapping functions with the academic qualification verification service already provided by the CSCSE. Additionally, the verification process became more efficient and reliable with the establishment of a unified, online database of foreign qualifications. Students were no longer required to physically visit consulates to apply for the pink paper, saving time and travel costs.

2020年9月17日，中国教育部宣布正式取消《留学回国人员证明》。自2020年11月1日起，中国驻外使领馆不再受理该证明的开具。这一决定是政府简化行政流程、减少官样手续、推动数字化转型的举措之一。相关部门认识到，原有的证明功能与教育部留学服务中心已提供的学历学位认证服务有所重叠。此外，随着统一的境外学历在线数据库的建立，认证流程更加高效可靠。留学生不再需要亲自前往使领馆申办粉纸，节省了时间和交通成本。

3. The Current Alternative: CSCSE Degree Verification | 当前替代方案：教育部留学服务中心学历认证

Since the cancellation, the official document that has replaced the Certificate for Returned Overseas Students is the Foreign Academic Degree and Diploma Verification (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Verification Certificate’) issued by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), a public institution under the Ministry of Education. This digital certificate confirms the equivalency of an overseas degree to the corresponding level in China’s education system. It is now the standard document required by employers, local talent bureaus, and financial authorities for tax exemption applications. The verification is entirely online, and the resulting certificate can be downloaded and printed, featuring a QR code that allows instant authenticity checks by third parties. The transition has been widely welcomed for its convenience and transparency.

取消之后，替代《留学回国人员证明》的官方文件是由教育部直属事业单位——教育部留学服务中心（简称“留服中心”）出具的《国（境）外学历学位认证书》（下称“认证书”）。这份电子证书确认了海外学位与中国教育体系下相应层次的等效性。如今，它是用人单位、地方人才部门和税务机关在办理免税申请时要求的标准文件。认证全程在线办理，最终获取的认证书可下载打印，并附有二维码，方便第三方即时核验真伪。这一转变因其便利性和透明度而广受好评。

4. Eligibility for the Verification Certificate | 办理学历认证的申请资格

To apply for the Verification Certificate through the CSCSE, an applicant must have studied at a foreign institution that is recognized by the relevant education authorities in its home country and, ideally, listed in the CSCSE’s reference database. The program must have been completed in accordance with the institution’s regulations, and the applicant must have obtained the final degree or diploma. For those who studied at overseas branch campuses or via joint programs, additional scrutiny is applied to ensure the program’s legitimacy and duration. Short-term language courses, pre-sessional programs, and non-degree vocational training are generally not eligible for degree verification. Applicants must also provide truthful personal information and study history; any discrepancies may lead to rejection or a ‘verification failure’ notation, which could affect future applications.

要通过留服中心申请学历认证，申请人就读的海外院校必须经所在国有关教育主管部门认可，且通常需被列入留服中心参考数据库。学习项目须按该校规定完成，申请人必须已获得最终学位或文凭。对于在海外分校或通过联合项目学习的申请人，会有额外审核，以确保项目的合法性和学习时长。短期语言课程、预科课程和非学位职业培训一般不符合学位认证的资格。申请人还必须提供真实的个人信息和学习经历；任何不一致之处都可能导致拒认或被标注“认证失败”，影响后续申请。

5. Required Documents and Preparation | 所需材料与前期准备

The application process requires several key documents, all of which should be prepared as clear colour scans. The primary documents are: (1) a recent passport-style photograph in electronic format; (2) the degree certificate or diploma awarded by the foreign institution; (3) a valid passport personal information page and all visa or residence permit pages used during the study period; (4) an authorisation letter for the CSCSE to verify the degree directly with the institution (a template is provided online); and (5) complete academic transcripts. If documents are not in Chinese or English, a translation by a certified translation company is needed. Additionally, for students in some countries, proof of entry and exit records, such as border stamps or electronic travel records, must be uploaded. All image files must be under 1 MB, legible, and without any modifications or watermarks.

申请过程需要准备若干关键文件，所有文件都应准备成清晰的彩色扫描件。主要材料包括：（1）近期电子版证件照；（2）国外院校颁发的学位证书或文凭；（3）有效护照个人信息页以及留学期间使用的所有签证或居留许可页；（4）授权留服中心向院校直接核实学位的声明书（在线模板提供）；（5）完整的官方成绩单。如果文件非中英文版本，需由认证翻译公司提供翻译件。此外，对于部分国家的留学生，还需要上传出入境记录证明，如边检章或电子旅行记录。所有图片文件须小于1MB，清晰可读，且不得有任何涂改或水印。

6. Step-by-Step Online Application Procedure | 线上申请操作流程详解

The entire verification process is conducted at the CSCSE’s official service portal (zwfw.cscse.edu.cn). After registering a personal account and completing real-name verification, the applicant selects ‘Foreign Academic Degree Verification’ and fills out the online form with personal information, institution details, degree type, major, and study period. Then, the required documents are uploaded. Once the application is submitted, a service fee is paid online (currently 360 RMB). The processing time typically takes 10 to 20 working days, though it may be longer during peak seasons or if the institution takes time to verify. Applicants can track the progress in real time. When approved, the electronic verification certificate is issued and can be downloaded. In cases where the centre cannot verify the degree from the institution’s records or requires supplementary materials, the applicant will be notified via SMS and email, and will need to respond within the given deadline.

整个认证流程在留服中心的官方服务门户网站（zwfw.cscse.edu.cn）进行。注册个人账户并完成实名认证后，申请人选择“国外学历学位认证”，填写在线表格，提交个人信息、院校信息、学位类型、专业和学习期限。随后上传所需材料。提交申请后，需在线支付服务费（目前为360元人民币）。办理时间通常为10至20个工作日，高峰期或院校核实延迟时可能更长。申请人可实时跟踪进度。审核通过后，电子认证书签发并可下载。若中心无法从院校记录中核实学位或要求补充材料，将通过短信和电子邮件通知申请人，申请人需在规定期限内回应。

7. Equivalent Domestic Degree System | 国内同等学位体系对应解读

The Verification Certificate explicitly states the Chinese degree equivalent. For instance, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from the UK corresponds to a Bachelor’s degree (学士学位) in China; a Master of Arts (MA) corresponds to a Master’s degree (硕士学位); and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) corresponds to a Doctoral degree (博士学位). The verification also notes the field of study, such as ‘Literature’ or ‘Engineering’. For professional qualifications or certificate programs that do not lead to a traditional degree, a different type of certificate of study may be issued, but it will not confer degree equivalency. It is important to check the CSCSE’s official list of recognised institutions before enrolment to ensure that the degree will be verifiable. Some courses with non-standard titles or interdisciplinary subjects may require a special review, but the outcome is clearly communicated.

认证书会明确注示对应的国内学位。例如，英国的理学学士对应于中国的学士学位；文学硕士对应于硕士学位；哲学博士对应于博士学位。认证书还会注明学科领域，如“文学”或“工学”。对于不授予传统学位的职业资格或证书项目，可能出具学习证明类的证书，但不会给予学位等效认证。在入学前核查留服中心官方认可院校名单，确保学位能够通过认证，这一点至关重要。一些非标准名称或跨学科课程可能需要特别审定，但结果会明确告知。

8. Using the Verification Certificate for Benefits | 认证书在优惠政策中的应用

With the Verification Certificate, returning students can now access the same preferential policies previously tied to the old pink paper. For household registration in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, the certificate must be submitted alongside employment records and social insurance contributions to the local human resources bureau. For the purchase of a tax-free car, the certificate, passport, and a customs declaration form are required when placing an order with the authorised dealer. The QR code on the digital certificate makes it easy for authorities to verify authenticity instantly. Some local governments also have exclusive entrepreneurship grants and rental subsidies for returned talents; the verification certificate is the basic eligibility document. It is advisable to keep both a printed copy and a secured digital copy of the certificate, as it will be needed repeatedly in the first year after return.

凭借认证书，回国留学生现在可以享受与过去粉纸挂钩的同等待遇。在北京、上海、深圳等城市办理落户，需要将认证书连同就业记录和社会保险缴纳证明提交给当地人力资源和社会保障局。购买免税车时，在授权经销商处下单需提供认证书、护照和海关申报表。电子认证书上的二维码方便当局即时核实真伪。一些地方政府还设有专门面向海归人才的创业基金和租房补贴；认证书是基本资格文件。建议同时保留认证书的打印版和安全的电子版，因为回国第一年将反复用到它。

9. Tax-Free Car Purchase Procedure Update | 免税车购买流程更新

For many, the tax-free car benefit is a primary motivation for obtaining the certificate. The process remains largely the same, but the Verification Certificate has replaced the pink paper as the proof of study abroad. The applicant must return to China within one year of graduation and apply through an authorised car agent. Necessary documents are: the Verification Certificate, the original degree certificate from the overseas institution, passport, ID card, and a non-employment certificate from the service centre (if applicable). The car must be a domestic brand or a joint-venture model produced in China. The purchase tax exemption and parts-and-components tariff waiver can save a significant amount, typically between 10% and 20% of the car’s guide price. The entire process from ordering to registration takes about 6 to 8 weeks, so planning ahead is essential.

对许多人来说，购买免税车的优惠是办理证明的主要动力。流程基本保持不变，只是认证书取代粉纸成为了留学证明。申请人必须在毕业后一年内回国，并通过授权的汽车代理公司申请。必要文件有：认证书、海外院校学位证书原件、护照、身份证，以及（如适用）来自服务中心的非就业证明。车辆必须是国产或合资品牌在中国生产的车型。免征购置税和进口零部件关税可节省一笔可观的费用，通常相当于车辆指导价的10%至20%。从下单到上牌的整个过程大约需要6至8周，因此提前规划至关重要。

10. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them | 常见误区与规避方法

One common pitfall is misreading the eligibility criteria: the requirement is to have studied at an institution ‘recognized by the education authorities of the host country’, not merely any registered school. Many private language schools and unaccredited colleges do not qualify, leading to an automatic ‘verification not granted’ result. Another issue is inconsistent information; for example, the name on the degree certificate must exactly match the name in the passport and CSCSE account, including middle names or initials. If the document is in a language other than English, failure to provide an official translation is a frequent cause of delay. Lastly, some applicants mistakenly attempt to apply for the old pink paper through embassies after the cancellation date, which is no longer possible. Carefully reviewing the CSCSE’s official guide and using the self-service pre-check function can prevent most rejections.

一个常见误区是误读资格标准：条件是就读“所在国教育主管部门认可的”院校，而不仅仅是任何注册学校。许多私立语言学校和无资质学院不符合要求，将导致直接“不予认证”。另一个问题是信息不一致；例如，学位证书上的姓名必须与护照和留服中心账户中的姓名完全匹配，包括中间名或缩写。如果文件语言非英语，未提供官方翻译件也是导致延误的常见原因。最后，一些申请人在取消日期之后仍试图通过使领馆申办旧的粉纸，这已不再可能。仔细阅读留服中心的官方指南并使用自助预检功能，可以预防大部分不予认证的情形。

11. Digital Verification and Future Developments | 数字化认证与未来发展

The shift to a fully digital verification certificate aligns with global trends in credentialing through blockchain and secure digital wallets. The CSCSE is continuously expanding its direct verification cooperation with foreign universities, which allows many applications to be processed in under five working days if the institution’s data is directly accessible. Future developments may include integration with the National Government Service Platform, enabling one-click sharing of the verification certificate with various authorities, eliminating the need for applicants to submit it manually. There are also pilot programs exploring the use of digital badging and electronic diplomas, which could further streamline the process. For now, returning students are advised to keep their login credentials safe and always use the official website to avoid phishing scams that imitate the CSCSE portal.

转为完全数字化的认证证书，符合通过区块链和安全数字钱包进行资质认证的全球趋势。留服中心在不断扩大与外国大学的直接核查合作，对于可直接调取数据的高校，许多申请的办理时间可缩短至五个工作日以内。未来发展可能包括与国家政务服务平台整合，实现认证书与各主管部门的一键共享，无需申请人手动提交。还有一些试点项目正在探索使用数字徽章和电子文凭，这有望进一步简化流程。就目前而言，建议回国留学生安全保管账户凭证，并始终使用官方网站，以避免模仿留服中心门户的钓鱼诈骗。

12. Summary and Final Advice | 总结与最终建议

Obtaining the necessary documentation to prove your overseas qualification is now more straightforward than ever, despite the initial confusion caused by the 2020 cancellation. The key is to act promptly after graduation, prepare all scans to the required specifications, and apply through the official CSCSE online portal. The Verification Certificate is all you need to unlock the same benefits once attached to the pink paper. If you encounter difficulties, the CSCSE operates a helpline and email support; many alumni networks also offer peer guidance. Remember that early preparation prevents last-minute panic, especially if your degree requires extra verification or your travel records have missing stamps. Your overseas education is a valuable asset, and this certificate is the formal recognition that opens doors to your next chapter.

尽管2020年的取消政策最初造成了一些困惑，但获取证明海外学历的必要文件如今比以往任何时候都更容易。关键是在毕业后尽快行动，按标准准备好所有扫描件，并通过官方留服中心在线门户提交申请。有了认证书，您就掌握了开启原粉纸所关联各项优惠政策的钥匙。如果遇到困难，留服中心设有服务热线和邮件支持；许多校友网络也提供同行指导。请记住，提前准备可以避免最后关头的慌乱，尤其是当你的学位需要额外核实或旅行记录有缺失盖章时。你的海外教育是一项宝贵资产，而这份认证书正是为你开启新篇章的正式认可。

Published by TutorHao | General Education Guidance Series | aleveler.com

更多咨询请联系16621398022（同微信）