Overview
The China Scholarship Council (CSC) administers the Chinese Government Scholarship, one of the most accessible fully funded scholarships globally. CSC funds over 60,000 international students annually across Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and Chinese language programs at 280+ designated Chinese universities.
🎓 What's Covered (Type A — Full Scholarship)
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation — on-campus housing (or housing allowance)
- Monthly stipend — ¥2,500 (Bachelor), ¥3,000 (Master), ¥3,500 (PhD)
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Chinese language training — 1–2 years before degree (if needed)
Application Routes
| Route | Applied Through | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Embassy Route | Chinese Embassy in your country | Embassy nominates candidates. Most common route. |
| University Direct | Directly to a Chinese university | University recommends you to CSC. Get professor acceptance first. |
| Bilateral Agreement | Your country's education ministry | Government-to-government exchange programs. |
Eligibility
- Non-Chinese citizen in good health
- Under 25 for Bachelor's, under 35 for Master's, under 40 for PhD
- Bachelor's degree for Master's, Master's for PhD
- No other Chinese government scholarship at the same time
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for English-taught programs, or HSK for Chinese-taught
Application Process
Find University & Professor
Browse CSC-designated universities. For PhD/Master's, contact professors directly via email with your CV and research proposal. Get a pre-acceptance letter.
Apply Online via CSC Portal
Create an account on campuschina.org. Complete the application form, upload documents, and submit before the deadline (usually January–April).
Apply Through Embassy/University
Simultaneously submit your application through the Chinese Embassy or the target university. Both channels can nominate you — university route often has a higher success rate.
Wait for Results
CSC reviews nominations. Results announced June–July. If selected, you receive an admission notice and visa form (JW201/JW202).
Required Documents
- CSC online application form (printed and signed)
- Highest degree certificate + transcripts (notarized copies)
- Study/research plan (800+ words for Master's, 1500+ for PhD)
- Two recommendation letters from professors/employers
- Language certificate — IELTS/TOEFL or HSK
- Physical examination form (Foreigner Physical Examination Form)
- No criminal record certificate
- Professor acceptance letter (highly recommended for PhD)
Country-Specific Tips
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the largest CSC beneficiary countries due to CPEC ties. Apply through Chinese Embassy in Islamabad. HEC also coordinates bilateral CSC scholarships. Engineering, economics, and Chinese language programs popular.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
Growing number of CSC scholars from Bangladesh. Chinese Embassy in Dhaka and University Grants Commission coordinate. Engineering and agriculture programs well-represented.
🇮🇳 India
India has a smaller CSC program. Apply through Chinese Embassy in New Delhi. University direct route often more accessible for Indian applicants.
🇳🇵 Nepal
Strong Nepal-China educational ties. Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Good acceptance rates for Nepalese students, especially in engineering and medical fields.
🇳🇬 Nigeria
Large African CSC cohort. Chinese Embassy in Abuja. Bilateral programs through Nigeria's Federal Scholarship Board. Engineering, medicine, and economics popular fields.