Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2027

Applications have opened for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2027, offering international students opportunities to pursue higher education at universities across China with comprehensive financial support.

The scholarship is established by the Chinese government and administered by the China Scholarship Council to promote international educational cooperation, academic exchange and research development.

The programme supports eligible international applicants pursuing bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, as well as certain non-degree academic and research programmes.

Students can explore a wide range of academic disciplines, including engineering, computer science, medicine, agriculture, economics, management, environmental sciences, education and other fields offered by participating universities.

Chinese Government Scholarship Categories

Type A – Bilateral Programme

The Bilateral Programme operates through agreements between the Chinese government and governments or designated institutions in other countries.

Applicants generally submit applications through the authorised dispatching authority in their home country, such as a government education department or Chinese embassy.

Depending on the country, this category may support undergraduate, postgraduate and scholar programmes.

Type B – Chinese University Programme

The University Programme enables designated Chinese universities to select and recommend qualified international applicants for CSC scholarships.

Applicants normally complete the CSC online application and follow the admission process established by their chosen university.

The available degree levels depend on the university. Many 2027 Type B programmes focus on master's and doctoral study.

Other Scholarship Categories

CSC also administers designated scholarship programmes established through cooperation with international organisations and institutions, as well as certain academic exchange arrangements.

Applicants must meet the general CSC requirements and any additional conditions established by their selected scholarship route or university.

• Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of countries other than China.
• Health: Applicants must meet the programme's physical and mental health requirements.
• Undergraduate Degree: Applicants generally must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and be under 25 years old.
• Master's Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent and be under 35 years old.
• PhD Degree: Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent and be under 40 years old.
• General Scholar Programme: Applicants must hold at least a high school diploma and be under 45 years old.
• Senior Scholar Programme: Applicants must hold a master's degree or be an associate professor or above and be under 50 years old.
• Academic Requirements: Applicants must satisfy the academic qualifications and admission conditions of their chosen institution.
• Language Requirements: Applicants must meet the language proficiency requirements of their selected programme.
• Undergraduate Assessment: Bachelor's applicants must complete the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) and submit a valid score report.
• Chinese-Taught Programmes: Applicants must satisfy the applicable HSK requirements.
• English-Taught Programmes: Applicants must provide the English-language evidence required by their university.

IELTS and English Language Requirements

There is no single IELTS requirement for every CSC scholarship.

For example, Tianjin University's 2027 Type B scholarship requires IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 for most English-taught programmes but accepts a certificate confirming previous English-medium education instead for eligible applicants.

Native English speakers are also exempted under the university's published conditions.

The English-taught MBA at Tianjin University has separate, higher requirements.

Other universities may accept different language certificates or apply their own exemptions.

Full Chinese Government Scholarships generally provide the following benefits:

• Full Tuition Coverage: Tuition-fee exemption for the approved study programme.
• Accommodation: Free university accommodation or an accommodation subsidy.
• Monthly Living Stipend: Financial support according to academic level.
• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance under the scholarship programme.
• Academic Opportunities: Access to degree programmes and research activities at participating Chinese universities.
• Research Development: Opportunities to study and undertake academic research within eligible programmes.

Monthly Scholarship Stipend

Bachelor's Students: RMB 2,500 per month

Master's Students: RMB 3,000 per month

PhD Students: RMB 3,500 per month

General Scholars: RMB 3,000 per month

Senior Scholars: RMB 3,500 per month

The standard scholarship insurance coverage is valued at RMB 800 per person annually for eligible programmes lasting at least six months.

Application documents vary by scholarship category and university.

Common requirements include:

• CSC Application Form: Completed through the official Chinese Government Scholarship online system.
• Valid Passport: Scanned copy of the passport information page.
• Academic Certificates: Highest completed degree certificate or expected graduation certificate.
• Academic Transcripts: Official academic records for the relevant educational qualifications.
• Study or Research Plan: Written statement describing academic objectives and intended study or research in China.
• Language Proficiency Evidence: HSK, IELTS, TOEFL or alternative evidence accepted by the university.
• Pre-Admission Documents: University pre-admission letter, admission notice or supervisor invitation where required.
• Recommendation Letters: Generally two academic references for master's, PhD and advanced scholar applications.
• CSCA Score Report: Required for bachelor's degree applicants.
• Physical Examination Form: Required for applicable long-term study applications.
• Non-Criminal Record Certificate: Valid police clearance documentation where required.
• Research Portfolio: Published papers, research achievements or professional work where requested.

Additional University Requirements

Some institutions require additional documents.

For example, Tianjin University requests a study or research plan of at least 1,000 words for its 2027 Type B programme. Its doctoral applicants must also provide published papers or formal acceptance notifications.

Scholarship selection is competitive and depends on the university and programme.

Official university announcements identify the following considerations:

• Academic performance and educational background
• Relevant knowledge and professional capabilities
• Research potential and academic development
• Suitability for the selected degree programme
• Quality of the study or research proposal
• Language proficiency and university admission requirements
• Performance in entrance examinations or interviews where required
• Institutional recommendation and subsequent CSC expert review

For example, Tianjin University follows a process involving individual applications, institutional recommendations, expert review and merit-based admission.

• International Academic Experience: Study in China while gaining exposure to a different educational and cultural environment.
• Access to Universities: Explore academic programmes offered by participating Chinese institutions.
• Research Opportunities: Develop knowledge and research experience in eligible disciplines.
• International Networking: Connect with students, academics and researchers from different countries.
• Career Development: Build academic and professional capabilities relevant to future opportunities.
• Cultural Exchange: Experience Chinese culture, language and society during your studies.