The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC Scholarship) is one of the world’s most prestigious and competitive international scholarship programs, established by the Government of China to support outstanding students, researchers, and scholars from across the globe in pursuing higher education and advanced research at leading Chinese universities. Administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) under the Ministry of Education of China, the scholarship reflects China’s strong commitment to international academic cooperation, cultural exchange, scientific innovation, and global talent development. Through comprehensive financial support for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and research programs, the CSC Scholarship provides exceptional opportunities for talented individuals to access high quality education, engage in cutting edge research, experience China’s rich cultural heritage, and build international networks that contribute to mutual understanding and global academic collaboration.

Scholarship Categories and types of scholarships offered by the China Scholarship Council.

I.  Bilateral Scholarship Program (CSC Type A)

This scholarship program is awarded to the applicants in accordance with the cooperation and exchange agreements between the Chinese government and the governments and institutions of other nations. It is open to undergraduate, master, PhD, general and senior scholars. The applicant should ile an application to the Chinese Embassy and the designated government bodies in their home country.

II.  University Scholarship Program (CSC Type B)

This scholarship program is designed to enroll high level talented international students in China that are directly nominated by the designated Chinese universities. The type of program, and requirements varies depending on the host university. The applicant needs to ile an application to the Chinese universities undertaking this program.

• Chinese Government Scholarship – CSC High Talent Program

• Chinese Government Scholarship – CSC Silk Road / Belt and Road Program

• Chinese Government Scholarship – CSC Marine Scholarship of China

• Chinese Government Scholarship – CSC Atomic Energy Scholarship Program

• Chinese Government Scholarship – CSC Joint Program with provincial or municipal government.

III. Designated Scholarship Programs (CSC Type A)

This scholarship program is designed as per the cooperation agreements between China and the international organizations and institutions.

• Chinese Government Scholarship – CSC Great Wall Program

• Chinese Government Scholarship – CSC EU Program

• Chinese Government Scholarship – CSC AUN Program

• Chinese Government Scholarship – CSC WMO Program

• Chinese Government Scholarship – CSC PIF Program

IV. Student Exchange Scholarship Program (CSC Type C)

This scholarship program in set up as per the exchange and cooperation agreements between Chinese universities and foreign partners which usually support training and research session for general and senior scholars for maximum up to 12 months.

SCHOLARSHIP COVERAGE

The CSC Scholarship generally provides comprehensive financial support for international students.

1. Tuition Fee Coverage

    The scholarship covers full tuition fee for the duration of study.

2. Accommodation

    Students usually receive:

•  Free on campus university accommodation, or
•  Accommodation subsidy in some universities

3. Stipend (Monthly Living Allowance)

    Scholarship recipients receive monthly stipends that vary by academic level.

• Undergraduate students: CNY 2,500 per month
• Master’s students/ General scholars: CNY 3,000 per month
• PhD/Doctoral students/ Senior scholars: CNY 3,500 per month

4. Medical Insurance

   The scholarship includes comprehensive medical insurance for international students studying in China.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Although requirements vary by university and program, applicants generally must meet the following requirements.

   1. Be a citizen of a country other than the People Republic of China and in good health both mentally and physically as well as no any criminal record.

   2. Applicants must have a strong academic background and scientific & innovative abilities.

   3. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the university of preference in terms of academic ability, research competency, and among others.

   4. Fulfill language requirements for English taught or Chinese taught programs.

• Applicants for Chinese-taught programs must submit valid HSK reports in accordance with the corresponding Chinese proficiency requirements.
• Applicants for English-taught programs shall provide English language proficiency certificates according to the universities’ requirements, like IELTS or TOFEL report.
• Those who meet one of the following conditions are exempt from proving their linguistic competence:

          a) Applicants whose first language or the official language of the country is Chinese or English.

          b) Applicants who have taken a degree program taught in Chinese or English (most of the universities)

5. Typical age limits include:

• Undergraduate applicants: under 25 years
• Master’s applicants: under 35 years
• PhD applicants: under 40 years

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR MASTER & PHD APPLICATION (CSC UNIVERSITY PROGRAM)

1. Application Form for preferred university and Chinese government scholarship.

2. Passport Copy: Applicants are required to submit a clear scanned copy of the information page of their ordinary passports. If the validity period of the currently held passport is less than 12 months (calculated from the expected start date of study), please renew the passport and use it to complete the scholarship application. An applicant who fails to apply for a passport due to objective reasons may submit valid documentation or documentary evidence that carries information about the full English name, gender, nationality and date of birth of the applicant upon the approval of the application receiving agency.

3. Recently take digital passport size photo.

4. Academic Certificates: Degree Certificate (from the undergraduate program onwards). If the applicant is a final year student of the current degree period, please provide the pre-graduate certificate. Doctoral applicants must submit both bachelor's and master's certificates. Text in languages other than Chinese and English must be attached with notarized Chinese or English translations.

5. Academic transcripts (from the undergraduate program onwards). Copies of academic records from the first to last semester during the undergraduate, graduate (if any), and doctoral programs (if any) shall be provided.These transcripts shall be issued and sealed by the attending university's academic affairs office, graduate school, or student management department. They can be in Chinese or English, but must be attached with notarized English translations if they are in foreign languages other than English.

6. Study and Research Plan or Research Proposal: A study plan written in Chinese or English shall contain more than 2,000 characters or words. Please specify the previous research background, research achievements, prospective research field, research plan, etc. The proposal of a doctoral student shall be signed by the applicant's potential supervisor.

7. Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors. (The content shall describe the applicant's study objectives, comprehensive abilities, and evaluation of future development).

8. Physical Examination Record for Foreigners (valid within six months). The physical examination must cover all the items listed in the examination form. Incomplete records or those without the attending physician's signature, the hospital's official stamp, or a sealed photograph of the applicant are invalid.

9. Non-criminal record report. An applicant shall submit a valid Certificate of Non-Criminal Record (or Police Clearance Certificate) issued by the local public security (such as the police station), usually issued within six months prior to the submission date of the application.

10. Language qualification certificates. Applicants for master's, doctoral, general scholar, and senior scholar programs taught in Chinese must submit a valid HSK score report that meets the corresponding Chinese language proficiency requirements. Applicants for programs taught in other languages are required to provide relevant language proficiency certificates, such as IELTS or TOFEL score reports, in accordance with the requirements of each university 

11. Supervisor Acceptance Letter (from potential supervisor at your preferred university, Mandatory for PhD applicants)

12. Pre-Admission Letter: Pre-Admission Documents. All applicants must provide a pre-admission document issued by the universities applying. Pre-admission documents include pre-admission notice issued by the international students’ admission department or invitation letter from the schools or professors, etc.

13. Complete Curricular Vitae – CV

14. Other supporting materials (Published papers, Rewards, certificates, etc.)

15. An applicant for the arts or design program shall provide his/her own works (such as videos and paintings).

APPLICATION PROCESS (CSC UNIVERSITY PROGRAM)

1. An applicant shall learn about designated Chinese universities by visiting university official websites and identify the preferred scholarship program, major they offer, and the requirement for the application.

2. Professor findings and research alignment: An applicant shall find the suitable supervisor as per the research interest. Students are highly recommended to get the supervisor approval letter before submitting an application. Applicants for PhD shall sign the research plan or research proposal by the prospective supervisor.

3. An applicant shall attend the interview and the research presentation organized by the professor (if required).

4. An applicant shall fulfill the admission requirement of the designated university and shall fil in and submit an application along with the supervisor approval letter.

5. An applicant shall fill in and submit the Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship online via the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System (http://www.campuschina.org).

6. An applicant must participate in the comprehensive interview or research presentation organized by the department or the designated university.

7. After the designated university finalize the nominated candidates, an applicant shall upload the Conditional Acceptance Letter (Pre-Admission Letter) and re-submit the application via Chinese Government Scholarship Information System (http://www.campuschina.org).

8. The application receiving agency (designated university) will submit the nominated candidates list and their application documents to the China Scholarship Council.

9. The China Scholarship Council (CSC) will organize comprehensive expert review on applicants’ eligibility and academic performance before finalizing the short-list candidates;

10. The China Scholarship Council (CSC) will notify the admission results to the application receiving agency (designated university) that will subsequently have the applicant informed through the official admission notice and JW201.

OFFICIAL SITE: https://campuschina.org/content/details3_74776.html