Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2026/2027 | Fully Funded, Apply Now 🇨🇳

You want a fully funded degree in one of the world’s fastest growing education hubs. The Chinese Government Scholarship gives you that chance. Tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend are all covered, with programs available in English or Chinese across 280+ top universities.

Applications for the 2026/2027 cycle are open to all nationalities. Whether you are targeting a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, the CSC scholarship removes the biggest financial barriers so you can focus on your studies and research. Most deadlines fall between January and April 2027, so this is the time to prepare and apply.

Why this scholarship stands out

• Fully Funded: Tuition waived, on-campus housing covered, medical insurance provided, plus a monthly stipend.
• All levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD options at 280+ Chinese universities.
• Global access: Open to applicants from all countries. Foreigners welcome.
• Wide program choice: Engineering, IT, Business, Medicine, Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts, and more. Programs taught in English or Chinese.
• Strong career edge: China’s research ecosystem and industry links boost employability and international exposure.

What the CSC covers

• Tuition: Full tuition fee waiver for the entire scholarship period.
• Accommodation: Free on-campus dormitory or accommodation subsidy as per the host university’s policy.
• Medical insurance: Comprehensive health insurance for international students.
• Monthly stipend: Paid for 12 months each academic year, subject to satisfactory progress and attendance.

Monthly stipend breakdown

Study Level	Monthly Stipend
Bachelor’s	CNY 2,500
Master’s	CNY 3,000
PhD	CNY 3,500

Who can apply

Criterion	Summary
Nationality	Non-Chinese citizens. Applicants must be in good health and eligible to study in China.
Academic background	Bachelor’s applicants: completed high school or equivalent. Master’s applicants: Bachelor’s degree. PhD applicants: Master’s degree.
Age limits	Typical CSC guidance: under 25 for Bachelor’s, under 35 for Master’s, under 40 for PhD. Some universities may have different limits, so always verify on the target university page.
Language	Chinese-taught programs: HSK as required by the university. English-taught programs: IELTS or TOEFL or official letter of English proficiency if accepted by the university.
Other requirements	Good academic record, no criminal record, valid passport, medical examination report, and no concurrent funding that conflicts with CSC rules.

Three application routes

Type A: Embassy or Consulate route

Apply through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country under the Bilateral Program. You will use the embassy’s Agency Number on the CSC system and then follow the embassy’s submission steps. This route can be highly competitive and may allow you to indicate preferred universities and majors as guided by the embassy notice.

Type B: University route

Apply directly to a Chinese university that is approved to host CSC scholars. You will use the university’s Agency Number in the CSC portal and usually complete a separate university application. Some universities request a pre-admission notice or a supervisor’s acceptance letter, especially for PhD programs.

Type C: Other programs

Apply through designated Chinese provincial authorities or specific international programs recognized by CSC. This path is less common and follows instructions issued by the relevant organization or provincial department.

Required documents

• Completed CSC online application form (download and sign after submission)
• Passport copy with validity covering your intended study period
• Highest diploma and degree certificates (notarized). Final-year students can upload an expected graduation certificate
• Academic transcripts for all years of study
• Study plan or research proposal:
  • Bachelor’s: typically 200 to 800 words
  • Master’s and PhD: typically 800 to 1500 words outlining research interests, methods, and objectives
• Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors
• Language certificates:
  • HSK for Chinese-taught programs as required by the university
  • IELTS, TOEFL, or official English proficiency letter if accepted for English-taught programs
• Supervisor acceptance letter if required by the university (often for PhD)
• Foreigner Physical Examination Form and related lab reports as specified
• Non-criminal record certificate
• CV or resume, publications, awards, and portfolio for arts or architecture if relevant
• Any additional forms requested by the embassy or university portal

Application timeline for 2026/2027

• Calls for applications are announced in 2026 by many embassies and universities.
• Deadlines are mostly set in 2027, typically between January and April.
• Admission results and scholarship confirmations are issued in 2027, followed by visa processing and registration for the 2027 intake.

How to apply step by step

1. Choose your degree and major. Decide your level, major, and whether you want English-taught or Chinese-taught study.
2. Shortlist eligible universities. Confirm that your target universities are authorized to host CSC scholars and check their specific requirements.
3. Select your application route. Embassy route (Type A), University route (Type B), or Other programs (Type C). Obtain the correct Agency Number from the embassy or university notice.
4. Create your CSC account. Register and complete the online form on the official portal. Save your form number and keep your login details safe.
   • CSC portal: studyinchina.csc.edu.cn
   • Official info hub: campuschina.org
5. Prepare and notarize documents. Follow the embassy or university file naming, translation, and notarization rules. Many institutions require a Chinese or English translation of all documents.
6. Submit your applications.
   • Type A: Submit on the CSC system and then follow your embassy’s instructions for additional submission.
   • Type B: Submit on the CSC system and on the university portal if required. Some universities charge an application fee for the university portal.
   • Type C: Follow the instructions in the program notice.
7. Track your status. Log in regularly to check updates. Monitor your email for requests to supplement materials or to attend interviews if required.
8. Receive admission package. If selected, you will receive an admission notice and visa-related forms from your university. Use these to apply for your student visa at the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
9. Arrange your travel and registration. Follow the university’s arrival instructions and register on campus as required for the 2027 intake.

Selection tips that boost your chances

• Be program specific. Align your study plan or research proposal with the university’s strengths and faculty interests.
• Contact supervisors early. For research degrees, engage potential supervisors and secure an informal nod or a formal acceptance letter where possible.
• Show language readiness. A solid HSK level for Chinese-taught programs or strong IELTS or TOEFL scores for English-taught programs set you apart.
• Demonstrate impact. Highlight publications, internships, awards, or community projects that prove your potential.
• Meet every requirement. Upload clear scans, use correct templates, notarize where needed, and respect file size and format rules.

Deadline

Most CSC deadlines for the 2026/2027 intake fall between January and April 2027. Always check the official embassy or university page for the exact closing date. If you do not see a current call, visit the official website for the latest deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply to multiple universities under CSC?

Yes. You can submit multiple applications according to the rules of your chosen route. For Type A and Type B, follow the specific guidance on how many programs or universities you can list. Duplicating identical submissions is not recommended. Tailor each application to the institution.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs?

Many universities accept IELTS or TOEFL. Some may accept an official English proficiency letter from your previous university if the medium of instruction was English. Always confirm on the target university’s admission page.

Is a supervisor acceptance letter required?

It is often encouraged for PhD and some Master’s by research. Not all programs require it, but having a supervisor’s acceptance or email support can strengthen your application.

Can I apply if I already study in China?

Yes, many current students are eligible to apply for the next level of study if they meet CSC and university conditions. Ensure you are not holding another conflicting scholarship and that you have strong academic standing.

Is there any application fee?

The CSC online application does not charge a fee. Some universities may charge a separate application fee for their own portal. Embassy submissions typically follow government instructions and may not require a fee.

Final call

This is your moment to secure a Fully Funded spot in China for 2026/2027. Shortlist your programs, line up your documents, and apply before the January to April 2027 deadlines. Take action now on the CSC portal and give yourself a powerful head start for your international study journey.